In the tiny, charming state of Connecticut, nestled between bustling New York and historic Massachusetts, an extraordinary league of children wield their swords in a dance of precision and grace. No, these aren't medieval knights preparing for battle, but rather, the brave and bold kids of the Connecticut Fencing Association! These kids wiggle into their puffy white suits, like marshmallows transforming into snowmen, and snap on their masks with a sense of purpose that would make a superhero blush. Armed with their "epees," a funny word that means sword, they leap, lunge, and parry with the agility of a leaping lemur! Their imaginary mentor, Sir Prickles the Porcupine, watches from the sidelines with a twinkling eye. Sir Prickles, clad in his own personalized fencing suit, complete with specially made holes for his quills, teaches them about courage, discipline, and most importantly, having fun. He's a hilarious character, known to make the children burst into giggles by claiming he once dueled a squirrel for an acorn. Each child, under Sir Prickles' watchful eye, learns more than just moves and strategies. They learn about respect, perseverance, and teamwork. They find out that even if you're small, like Connecticut, or prickly, like a porcupine, you can still make a big impact. So, if you happen to pass through Connecticut and see a bunch of little marshmallows jumping around with their epees, remember, you're witnessing the next generation of the Connecticut Fencing Association, guided by the inimitable Sir Prickles, the dueling porcupine!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

At Chinqueka, we believe that it is our responsibility to foster campers’ development and growth. Our experienced staff and camp administration dedicate their attention to each individual camper, providing an informal and friendly atmosphere. We focus on developing our core values of sisterhood, empowerment, kindness and growth in each one of our campers. We understand that safety is a top priority and strive to create a respectful environment that encourages personal growth and allows our campers to create unforgettable memories. Our 30+ activities are designed to build each camper’s confidence and challenge her to try new things. Each program area is specialized to ensure campers are learning new skills while having fun.