Hartford's Camp Courant began with an editorial in The Hartford Daily Courant that invited contributions from the public to invest in outings for city children. The first steamboat excursion took nearly 1,500 parents and children across the Long Island Sound and offered food and music. Volunteers supervised the day long outing, which was provided free of charge for Hartford families.

The Courant Free Excursion Fund, initiated with a $50 contribution from Courant employees, continued through the year 1910, providing fresh air and fun for Hartford children.

A formal campsite was first established in West Hartford near the Trout Brook. By the 1920’s Hartford’s Camp Courant was an all-day adventure, beginning and ending with memorable trolley rides.

The camp was relocated to property owned by the city of Hartford, across from Batterson Park in Farmington.

When Times Mirror purchased The Hartford Courant, Camp Courant and The Hartford Courant Foundation separated into separate organizations with their own mission and goals.

Camp Courant is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that accepts donations and in-kind gifts from individuals and organizations. Camp Courant is the largest free day camp in the nation.