best 13 programs in Westport, CT

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

At Suzuki Music Schools, we are dedicated to inspiring young minds to experience the joy of music. Our two Connecticut locations in Westport and Orange are 501(c)3 community music schools that prioritize a high standard of musical education. We use the Suzuki method, a method that not only promotes excellence in music but also develops respect, discipline, personal confidence, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. All of this is done in a nurturing environment that also enriches family bonds. Our mission is to provide a high standard of musical education using the philosophy and methodology of Dr. Shin’ichi Suzuki. We believe in offering a nurturing environment to develop excellent musical skills and to guide all our students towards a lifelong love and understanding of music. We encourage our students to share their gifts with others within the wider community. At Suzuki Music Schools, we strive to make music accessible to everyone. We believe it is important to provide an educational environment that is both nurturing and challenging, so that our students can reach their full potential. Our goal is to help create a lifelong appreciation for music, while instilling the values of respect, discipline, personal confidence, teamwork, and a strong work ethic in our students. We believe in fostering strong family bonds through music, and we strive to help our students share their gifts with others in the community.

For decades, SDSS has been the go-to for martial arts in the Northeast. Our system is unique, combining self-defense, self-discipline, fitness, and fun. Kids love our high-energy classes, which start with basics and animal-based exercises, and move into action-packed drills to develop their skills. Our instructors are the best in the industry and provide personalized attention to all our students. With multiple dojos across the region, you’re sure to find an SDSS studio near you. Come experience the fun, fitness, and self-defense benefits of SDSS today!

Paula Gallo is an experienced and passionate vocal and piano instructor. She has been immersed in music for more than two decades, beginning with piano lessons at the age of 8. She then studied with renowned pianist Ruth Harvey Manning of Westport, CT, and minored in piano at Syracuse University. When she’s not designing graphics, Paula teaches Music Together in Fairfield County, a program that encourages toddlers and infants to explore their musicality. She also teaches piano and voice at the School of Rock in Fairfield, CT, which uses performance-based learning techniques. With Paula’s unique and proven method, she guarantees her students will see noticeable improvement in six weeks or less.

At the Westport Weston Family YMCA, we’re committed to helping our community reach its highest potential. We know that our community can only be as strong as our youth, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why we focus our efforts on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We believe that the only way to bring about real, lasting change is to be focused and accountable. That’s why we measure our success by how well we engage our community in these three areas. We hope to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the health and well-being of our neighbors, and give back to our community. At the Westport Weston Family YMCA, we’re proud to be able to make a positive difference in our community. We strive to ensure that our youth, our health, and our neighbors have the resources and support they need to reach their highest potential.

It’s a great way to get together with friends, enjoy some wine and snacks, and have a few laughs while creating a masterpiece. Plus, you’ll be making a difference in your community and helping to support the causes you care about most. Painting with a Twist is the perfect way to have fun with friends, while giving back to a local charity. Our studios host painting events each month, where participants get the chance to create a masterpiece, while enjoying wine, snacks, and laughs. It’s an enjoyable way to connect with friends and support the causes you love. Plus, you don’t have to be an artist or have any painting experience – anyone can join in the fun. So, invite your friends and family and come to your local Painting with a Twist studio for a night of creativity, connection, and charity.

Are your kids ready to take their tennis game to the next level? Westport Tennis Club (WTC) is here to help! We offer several junior tennis teams that are perfect for experienced players looking to play matches or for those who are just starting out. Our USTA Team program gives players the opportunity to compete in tournaments and play on a travel team. Plus, we have qualified staff members to run all team practices. New players must be evaluated by a coach or program director before joining the team. So what are you waiting for? Join us at Westport Tennis Club to give your kids the chance to reach their full potential on the court. With our comprehensive program, your kids will have the chance to take their game to the next level and have some fun while doing it!

Legacy Martial Arts offers a unique experience that sets us apart from other Martial Arts schools. We are passionate about our philosophy and strive to ensure our students have a rewarding experience that leads to a healthier and happier lifestyle. We want to be everything our students need and look for in a Martial Arts experience and we are dedicated to providing that. Our teaching methods are tailored to each student, allowing them to understand and retain the material. Our goal is to help our students develop positive character traits such as compassion, loyalty, humility, self-control and discipline. We have a duty to positively influence our students and help them become contributing members of society. At Legacy Martial Arts, we are not just teaching our students physical skills, but we are also teaching them life skills and helping them to become more than a Martial Artist – we are helping them to become well-rounded individuals who can make a difference in the world.

At Earthplace, we believe that everyone deserves access to the natural world, regardless of age, ability, religion, gender, or race. We are committed to inspiring teaching and learning, encouraging active community engagement and collaboration, and providing scientific discovery opportunities. With the generous support of our donors, we are working to create a more sustainable future for our community. At Earthplace, we strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural world. From providing educational resources to hosting outdoor activities, we are committed to creating a space for all people to explore and learn. We also partner with local organizations to ensure that our resources are accessible to all. Earthplace is a unique space where people can discover, engage, and collaborate with each other. We provide a variety of activities, classes, and events that foster understanding and appreciation for the natural world. We also provide employment and volunteer opportunities, making Earthplace a great place to work, visit, and volunteer. With your help, we can continue to make a positive impact on our community and environment.

At Earthplace, we believe in fostering a connection with nature for everyone, regardless of age, ability, religion, gender, or race. Our organization is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to build passion and respect for the natural world. We are dedicated to making an impact through science and discovery, engaging in active community collaboration, and inspiring teaching and learning. We also strive to be a great place to work, visit and volunteer. Join us in our mission to create a more sustainable future for our community.