Unique 'Summer Camp' Is Free, Virtual, And Educational

United Way of Connecticut

GREATER HARTFORD, CT — Area nonprofits have announced a unique, virtual and free "summer camp" opportunity that aims to help the youngest children engage their minds over the summer.

Sparkler Learning, the state Office of Early Childhood, United Way of Connecticut’s 211 Child Development Program, and the Hartford Public Library said "Camp Sparkler," a free, eight-week, virtual summer camp for families with children ages 5 and under, starts this week.

Starting Monday, July 7, families will find a weekly lineup of activities and songs throughout the summer in their Sparkler mobile app.

Those activities are designed to promote social and emotional learning all summer long.

Each week of Camp, the host of Sparkler’s Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, Todd Loyd, will introduce a new theme related to the heart, from “We Belong” to “Calming Down.”

Families will find original songs/music videos and play prompts related to the theme.

They can access Camp Sparkler via Sparkler’s free mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets and accessible in English, Spanish, simplified Chinese, French, and Arabic.

Families will receive digital badges and certificates for participation.

The in-person launch of the virtual program will take place at a story time hosted by Hartford Public Library at Bushnell Park (99 Trinity St., Hartford).

“Welcome to opening day of Camp Sparkler 2025,” said state OEC Commissioner Beth Bye. “Sparkler is an innovative tool to spark early learning and curiosity among young children and their families, and this summer is going to be a tremendous time of growth and learning for young children across our state.”

“We are excited to offer this free, virtual summer learning opportunity to children and families,” said Dana Stewart, director of education at Sparkler Learning.

“Sparkler gives parents, grandparents, and all caregivers in Connecticut an easy way to better understand and celebrate a young child's development and tap into resources, if needed, in one place,” added Lisa Tepper Bates, president and CEO of the United Way of Connecticut.

“United Way of Connecticut/211 Child Development is pleased to partner with Sparkler to serve as a resource to parents for information and answers about their child's healthy development. Parents can connect with us via Sparkler, or directly by calling 2-1-1.”

“Our families are excited to play, read, and learn throughout the summer,” said Nichole Hawkins, Hartford Public Library’s early literacy program coordinator, who will host the launch event.

Camp Sparkler runs for eight weeks.

Throughout the summer, families will explore important topics related to children’s social and emotional development:

● Week 1: July 7-13 — We Belong
● Week 2: July 14-20 — Let’s Work Together!
● Week 3: July 21-27 — Calming Down
● Week 4: July 28-Aug 3 — Feeling Grateful
● Week 5: Aug 4-10 — Let’s Imagine!
● Week 6: Aug 11-17 — Helping Others
● Week 7: Aug 18-24 — We Feel
● Week 8: Aug 25-31 — Hopes and Dreams

To participate, families need to download the free Sparkler app from the Google Play Store or
Apple App Store and register with a local Connecticut program code or the access code CT.

Any Connecticut family with a child 5 and under will be automatically enrolled and able to participate as much as they want.

Families can start anytime throughout the summer.

Families who sign up for Camp Sparkler are welcome to access all of Sparkler.

Families who have questions or concerns about their children’s development can use the app to connect with their programs and/or with care coordinators at 211 Child Development.

Learn more about Camp Sparkler and to sign up, click on this link.