A Summer of Discovery, Confidence, and Community
How the NCRA Helped Star Lab Create an Unforgettable Experience for Local Youth
For many families, summer camp can feel financially out of reach. Thanks to support from the Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency Mini Grant Program, Star Lab was able to change that story last summer by bringing back its free camp program for the second time, and its first year including free field trips.
Led by Founder and Head of School Alison Rini, Star Lab welcomed 20 students from kindergarten through third grade into a summer filled with exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
“The NCRA’s support allows us to deliver on our twin promises of both learning and joy for all children,” Rini shared during a recent NCRA board meeting, adding, “The mini grant really helped us level up our program in a major way.”
“The NCRA’s support allows us to deliver on our twin promises of both learning and joy for all children.”
Alison Rini, Star Lab Founder & Head of School
Each week brought a new adventure. Students explored the community through six field trips that introduced them to new experiences and opportunities for connection. From bowling outings and splash pad adventures at Bayfront Park to visits to the beach and Big Cat Habitat, campers spent the summer learning far beyond the classroom walls.
One especially meaningful experience included planting a butterfly garden at the Leonard Reid House, giving students an opportunity to contribute something lasting to the community while learning about nature and environmental stewardship.
The camp also partnered with teaching artists for an immersive musical theater experience where children learned songs, built confidence, and performed for their parents at the end of the program. Alongside the arts, students dove into STEM-focused activities through interactive lessons designed to make science exciting and approachable. Children explored dinosaurs through “Jurassic World”-inspired lessons, created their own rocket launches, and even built models of human body systems through hands-on projects.
Beyond enrichment, the grant funding helped Star Lab strengthen its foundation as a growing organization. Funding allowed the program to retain and compensate teachers, improving both program quality and long-term sustainability.
Community Impact
20 students from kindergarten through 3rd grade attended free summer camp!
6 field trips taken where campers applied STEM principles & enjoyed community activities!
100% improved flourishing and well-being scores, as measured by the Mood Meter survey!
“We can’t thank you enough for believing in us when we were brand new,” Rini said. “Your support affirmed that Star Lab has an important role in Newtown.”
The impact of the program was clear. According to Star Lab’s Mood Meter survey results, 100% of youth participants demonstrated improved flourishing and well-being scores. Parent satisfaction also reached 100%, underscoring the meaningful difference the program made for local families. Star Lab is excited to bring the summer camp back for 2026, now expanding to welcome students through fifth grade.
Through experiences that combined education, creativity, mentorship, and joy, Star Lab’s summer camp became more than just a place for children to spend their summer. It became a space where curiosity grew, confidence blossomed, and community connections deepened, exactly the kind of impact the NCRA Mini Grant Program was created to support.
