ANDOVER, Conn. -- Gov. Jodi Rell visited the Channel 3 Kids Camp on Tuesday, and announced a major grant that will be used to fix the camp's septic system.

"On the bond agenda next week, next Friday, we will put $500,000 down for the Kids Camp, the Channel 3 Kids Camp," the governor said.

The bulk of the money will be used to upgrade the water and septic systems, which have been in need of repairs.

"The water is the original well that was dug … it's been overtaxed for many years," said the camp's executive director Denise Hornbecker.

The camp serves 700 children in its summer program and about 3,000 children year-round, including students who go to the camp with their teachers.

"They get to come out into the woods and learn leadership skills," state Rep. Pam Sawyer said. "It's nature's classroom in the wintertime."

Channel 3's support of the camp goes back more than 30 years.

"It wasn't a hard decision," Rell said. "Because this camp benefits the state as well, if we can help children have an experience that they wouldn't have had otherwise, it helps us in grooming those children for life's experiences."

The camp dates back to 1910 and will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary.

More Information:

Link: Channel 3 Kids Camp