Camp Totokett (c/o First Congregational Church Branford)

Camp Totokett is a weeklong non-disclosure summer camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS. In

2017, the program expanded to include children from recently resettled refugee families.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, Camp Totokett provides a nurturing and supportive environment

that offers children much-needed respite from often challenging home lives with fun, games,

arts and crafts, swimming, fishing, and a variety of stimulating programs. Children ages 5-12 are paired one-on-one with teenage counselors with whom they develop meaningful friendships.

Camp Totokett was founded in 1996 by members of The First Congregational Church of

Branford and it has been hosted annually with the help of many of the same volunteers for the

past 23 years. Each year, camp is held at Killam’s Point in Branford, CT.

Approximately 50 5-12 year-olds referred from local social service agencies in New Haven

attend camp each year. Campers are partnered with 50 high school mentors, and supported by

nearly 40 adult staff.

The camp program offers support, stability, and fun to children coping with the multiplicity of

issues associated with HIV/AIDS, such as the death of a loved one. In spite of these challenging

factors, the camp community allows each child to feel special and its program foster confidence, optimism, and friendship.