Suffield, CT
Suffield's state-of-the-art indoor swimming center features a 25-meter, six-lane pool with a timing system and matrix display, two one-meter diving boards, boys' and girls' locker rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows, all delivering a high standard for swim training and competition.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Campers stay in modern, dorm-style housing, not traditional open cabins. Each dorm room is shared by just 2 campers, creating a comfortable, quiet, and personal living space. Dorm buildings are only 2 stories high, with approximately 12–14 campers per floor and a shared bathroom with private shower stalls that are professionally cleaned every day. Each floor is supervised by at least 2 Academy Camps Dorm Coaches who live on the floor and provide daily guidance, structure, and mentorship. This structure allows campers to build independence while still having consistent adult support close by at all times.
Luis hasn't stopped talking about camp and all he did there. He's thrilled with the experience, not only sports wise, but from a friendship perspective. We thank you very much and appreciate the care for Luis. — Luis, age 10
Had an absolutely amazing time in sports sessions and electives! They were the best part of the day! Tons of energy and fun all around. — Serge
Our elective program provides opportunities for holistic development — physically, mentally, socially, and creatively. It also focuses on reducing the risk of injury and making space for our athletes to just have fun. Elective options include Free Swim, Rock Climbing, Ropes Course, Strength & Conditioning, Yoga, Arts & Crafts, Golf and Pickleball.
Bridge Weekends allow athletes to connect multiple sessions while building in intentional recovery. Think sleep-in mornings, extra electives, extended pool time, and a signature off-site adventure like Six Flags, ziplining, and water parks. It's a chance to reset physically, reconnect with friends, and return to training refreshed and ready to go again.
Academy Camps is located on the campus of Suffield Academy in northern Connecticut, 2 hours from Boston and New York City, 10 minutes from Bradley Airport. The 368-acre campus delivers a collegiate-level environment with 2 Turf Fields, 7 Natural Grass Fields, 8 Tennis Courts, a 30,000 Square Foot Field House, Basketball Gymnasium, Fitness Center, Wall Climbing & High Ropes Course, Health & Wellness Center, Baseball & Softball Field, Indoor Swimming Pool, and 8 Squash Courts.
Athletes gain exposure to additional sports and activities throughout their daily schedule. Multi-sport athletes avoid burnout and overuse injuries over time. In addition to our daily athletic training, each session includes evening events, special programs, and traditional camp activities. Athletes never have to choose between skill development and the full overnight camp experience.
Our version of color war, The AC Cup, breaks up our entire camp into two teams - Maize and Blue. Facing off almost every night across a variety of games, our campers will test their athleticism, teamwork and character. It blends boys and girls from each of our core sports and age groups. Sportsmanship, spirit, integrity, tradition, community and the art of winning gracefully and remaining positive in defeat are pillars of this special event.
Gayle is the Assistant Director of Academy Camps and oversees AC Staffing, Administration and Operations year-round. She holds her LMSW, CCLS and has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit camp sector. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, she began her career working with children with cancer and blood disorders at The Hole in the Wall Gang camp in Connecticut. After pursuing her Masters in Social Work, Gayle spent 8 years working for Experience Camps where she helped manage clinical enrollment and national camp programming for over 1600 grieving children.
Tim is the Director of Academy Camps, overseeing AC's year-round operation. His career in summer camp began in college as a counselor at a camp in Maine, where he went on to spend 10 years as a full-time camp professional. From teaching elementary math and science to helping scale a nonprofit afterschool program, Tim has spent his entire career in youth development and has a deep passion for youth sports and their impact on young people.
From wake-up to wind-down, each day at Academy Camps is designed to fuel both physical and mental growth. Campers start with an energizing morning routine, then move through a full day of focused training, recovery, and team-building. All crafted to help them grow as athletes and as people. The day runs from 7:45 AM wake-up through two Academy Sport sessions, AM and PM electives, Athlete's Choice free time, an evening program, and Athlete's Lounge before lights out at 9:45–10:15 PM.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗A powerful part of the Academy Camps experience is the bonding that occurs among campers and staff. Evenings aren't simply comprised of "chalk talk" and hyper-focused training. We do that during the day. Evening programs include Trivia Nights, Athletes Lounge, Evening Social Time, Campfires, Movie Nights, and Dance Parties.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗At Academy Camps, we believe if a young athlete is excited to train, grow, and improve in a sport they love they should have the chance to be part of Team AC. Our camp community is made up of families from many different backgrounds, and each year we invest in our Tuition Assistance Program to help make that possible. If your family could use financial support, please contact tim@academycamps.com.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗We understand the commonality and incredible danger that food allergies pose to many members of our community, both in and out of camp. Our dining facility can handle all common food allergies and provides dairy-free, gluten-free (including those that suffer from celiac disorder), and vegan food options at every meal.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗We know that nutrition, along with proper sleep and quality rest & recovery, is critical for success, both at Academy Camps and as an athlete. We encourage all campers to eat like athletes and take advantage of the wide variety of choices available in our dining halls. We are fastidious in our ability to offer healthy carbs, proteins, limited saturated fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of choices for calcium at every meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives are also provided. Allergens are always accommodated.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Outside of minor medical matters (cuts/scrapes/tummy aches, etc.), a Nurse or Administrator will always contact you if your child has to spend the night in the health center, go to the ER, require an x-ray or be treated for any other serious medical matter. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗