New York Family's Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps 2014 by New York Family

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FAMILY VACATION AT MOUNT SNOW. page 6

Spring/Summer 2014 | newyorkfamily.com

2 14 ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE

SUMMER CAMP PREPARING A FIRST-TIMER 10 QUESTIONS FOR CAMP DIRECTORS

What’s So Awesome About Camp

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Whether it’s learning new skills, competing on the field or just having fun and making friends, this camp gets kids looking forward to each day of summer! There’s sailing, kayaking, fishing, and motor boating -- plus swimming lessons and water games at the aquatic center. Along with extensive recreational facilities. Located in Throgs, NY on the beautiful, 55-acre Maritime College campus, camp is easy to reach from Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Westchester. TransportaTransporta tion is available.

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INSIDE FEATURES

Summer Days Camp 2014 at 74th St.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

GIVEAWAYS

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK A CAMP DIRECTOR

WHAT’S SO AWESOME

THE COST OF CAMP: PRICELESS?

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

GETTING READY

CAMP CHIC

PACK LIKE A PRO

TIME TO UNPLUG

THE GIVERS

A CAMP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS IS A SPECIAL CAMP INDEED

And Then There Were None Three Big Camp Giveaway Opportunities What You Really Need To Know To Identify The Right Camp For Your Child The Coolest Things About Summer Camp Money-Saving Suggestions For Affording Camp Dr. Madeline Levine Explains The Value Of Camp Experience Preparing Your First-Time Camper For Camp Great Gear Makes For Happy Campers The Scoop On What Should Make It Into Your Camper’s Bag Camp Provides Kids With A Chance To Disconnect From Technology For Many Camps, Community Service Is An Essential Part Of Growing Up

For Children With Special Needs, There’s Been A Wonderful Bloom Of Camps—General And Specialized—That Can Help Them With Their Challenges While Enjoying The Full Camp Experience

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE KIDS

NOW AND THEN

There Are Plenty Of Ways For Parents To Have A Positive Camp Experience Too Camp Directors Share Their Favorite Anecdotes From The Recent Past And From When They Were Campers

Summer Days Camp for children 2.5 - 6 years old begins June 2nd. Week-long theme based adventures filled with fun activities and plenty of outdoor play. Only a 2 week minimum required... Half day and full day options available. Under the red canopy at 510 East 74th St. (off York Avenue) New York www.74magic.com 2 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

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For sales information about New York Family, The Ultimate Guide To Summer Camp, the Camp Fairs, The Right Camp and other Manhattan Media products and events, contact New York Family Publisher John Hurley at jhurley@manhattanmedia.com.

STAFF Editor: Eric Messinger Senior Editor: Bridget Moriarity; Associate Editor: Mia Weber Contributing Editors: Jess Michaels and Emily Murphy Designer: George W. Widmer Sales: John Hurley, Mary Ann Oklesson, Alex Schweitzer Advertising Production: Rachael Tucker ©2014 Manhattan Media, LLC | 72 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016 T: 212.268.8600 | F: 212.268.0577 | www.manhattanmedia.com

N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 3

Remember when every summer was an adventure?

C o ed t h o v e r n i gay and d Cam p

cape cod since 1957

TWO DOWN

y daughter, who will be 14 in May, is almost four years older than my son. One of the always-interesting aspects of parenting them is seeing how my son’s reaction to a new experience compares to my daughter’s when she was his age. For example, when he was a toddler, I eagerly looked forward to reading him the bedtime classic, Guess How Much I Love You, because my daughter and I read it all the time (and each time was just right). “But Adam, it’s . . . wonderful.” “I don’t like it.” A child’s taste in board books is one thing, however, how he feels about summer camp is much more impactful. For a few years now my wife and I have been speculating on whether he’d take to sleepaway camp—and Camp Crane Lake in particular—with the passion and joy that Elena did. Adam was the child who kept up regular visits to our bed at night well into grade school, and we thought that he might not even want to try sleepaway at the same age Elena did (the summer after third grade). But to our surprise early last year he declared his intent to go even before we raised the subject. I must tell you, once he said it, I realized that I kind of didn’t really want to let go, but I did. The result? Apparently, he had his homesick bouts like most first-timers,

Ed it No or ’s te

but, lo and behold, within three weeks Crane Lake had worked its magic and had another convert. I share this because I want you to know that, as a parent, I’ve shuffled my kids through a variety of day camps in the city, day camps out of the city, and now sleepaway camp. I don’t view that sequence, however common, as a natural or necessary progression, but I do think that camp can be one of the great gifts a parent can give a child. And the mission of our annual camp guide is simply to help parents identify camps that are good matches for their children, whether you’re looking for day, sleepaway, or a summer of both. To do that, we offer articles on researching camps as well as articles on what makes the camp experience special. As you read the issue with your own goals in mind, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy the most personal story in the issue: our roundup of camp directors reminiscing about some of their favorite camp moments from past and present. Good camp directors are everyday heroes—you can hear it in their words. Let their passion inspire you to find the right camp for your child. Happy Camping, Eric Messinger, Editor

SEARCHING FOR CAMP: Two Great Resources

The way summer is supposed to be At Camp Wingate * Kirkland, children are inspired and empowered with a choice of daily activities. Campers feel supported and confident in this close knit community that fosters respect for everyone. Families love our “unplugged” philosophy. D a i ly t o u r s o f f e r e D y e a r r o u n D

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THE AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, New York & New Jersey: Don’t let their name fool you. While they’re here for local parents, they help families discover the best camp for their children anywhere they want to go, whether it’s to a nearby day camp or a summer camp in Maine. A good starting point is to visit their website (aca-nynj.org) and use ACA’S camp search directory known as the Camp Wizard. Likewise, they have a camp placement specialist, Renee Flax, who is available for free one-onone consultations. Contact her at 212-391-5208, 800-777-CAMP, or at renee@aca-nynj.org. CAMP FAIRS: What’s wonderful about the joint Camp Fair series between New York Family and the American Camp Association, New York & New Jersey is that it gives parents (and children) a free and convenient way to meet the representatives (and often the camp directors themselves) of 40-50 day and sleepaway camps. At the very least, a Camp Fair will broaden your sense of the possibilities out there. Better yet, you may discover the camp of your child’s dreams. For more info about the Camp Fairs, with dates and locations, visit newyorkfamilycamps.com.

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N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 5

THREE BIG

CAMP GIVEAWAYS To help celebrate our 2014 Ultimate Guide To Summer Camp, we have three giveaways that go above and beyond! To qualify to win one of them, you must both pre-register and attend one of New York Family’s Camp Fairs happening in February, March, or April in New York City. Produced with the American Camp Association, New York & New Jersey, our Camp Fairs are free, childfriendly, and just a very convenient and helpful way to research camps and meet camp directors from both day and sleepaway camps. For Camp Fair dates and details, and to pre-register for a chance to win one of our three big prizes, visit newyorkfamilycamps.com.

1. Win A Week-Long Family Vacation At Mount Snow Yes, the famed Mount Snow in Dover, Vermont, is offering Camp Fairgoers a free week of family camp next summer. The winning family will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, volley ball, boating, and other activities. Your family can be as adventurous or as low-key as you’d like during the day and return to your modern accommodations every night. What a great way to unplug! mountsnow.com/family-camp 2. For Mom’s Only: Win A Three-Day Respite At Camp Empowerment (And Bring A Friend) It’s no secret that many moms lead lives that are as stressful and

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overwhelming, as they are varied and interesting. Enter Campowerment—a three day weekend escape incorporating the spirit and routines of sleepaway camp—the fun and the joy, the friendship and the bonding— to encourage women, many of whom are moms, to rest and relax and re-connect (with themselves and others)! We are giving away a free Campowerment weekend getaway at the Woodland Retreat in the Poconos from May 8-11—and the winning mom can also bring a friend for free! campowerment.com 3. Win An iPad from Digital Media Academy With cross-country locations, as well as local ones at NYU and

Mount Snow Family Camp

Marymount Manhattan College, Digital Media Academy is one of the largest computer, technology, and art camps in the world, featuring hands-on learning, latest technology, low student-to-staff ratio, and outdoor fun—and they’re giving an iPad to one lucky Camp Fair-goer! digitalmediaacademy.org

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New York YMCA

10 QUESTIONS TO

ASK A CAMP DIRECTOR What You Really Need To Know To Identify The Right Camp For Your Child By Jess Michaels

continued on page 10

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continued from page 8

hen researching a summer camp for your child, there are certain pieces of information you should know in order to make an informed decision. Whether you speak to the camp director in person or by phone, the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey (ACA, NY and NJ) recommends asking these ten questions to help you get started. 1. What is the camp’s mission and philosophy? Each camp is unique in its programming and approaches, so it’s important that the director can easily explain what they’re all about. Ask the director about the type of child that is typically successful. Renee Flax, director of camper placement for the ACA, NY and NJ says: “Knowing your child’s personality and learning style, along with carefully considering whether or not the camp’s philosophy matches your own philosophy, is valuable in selecting the right camp.” 2. What does the camp’s programming involve? Think about if you are looking for a wellrounded camp experience or a specialty program, like martial arts or theater. What activities are must-haves for your child? How long is each activity? How many electives do the campers get and what kind of guidance do they receive in choosing them? 3. What type of training and education does the director have? The ACA recommends that directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience. Camp Cody

continued on page 12

VISITING SUMMER CAMPS If you’re considering day or sleepaway camp for your child next summer, a good way to get a feel for a certain program is to tour it this summer. Scheduling tours a year earlier gives the future camper and the entire family a chance to see camp as it really is—and there’s no better way to understand the camp’s culture and offerings. “Touring a camp is a very helpful component in selecting the right camp for your child,” says Sam Borek, owner and director of Woodmont Day Camp, a day camp in New City, NY. “You can really get a feel for the director, philosophy of the camp, and the program. I wouldn’t get caught up in the facilities or ‘look’ of the camp, but rather your gut feel for the camp that is the perfect fit for your child.” During camp tours, families can observe children taking part in all of the camp’s fun activities, see the bunks, and get a layout of the campgrounds. Tours also give parents a chance to ask the camp director key questions and see if they have a good feeling about the person running the program. “We’ve heard parents comment that ‘all camps are alike,’ but camp is about more than the basketball courts, baseball fields, swimming pools, and other facilities,” says Justin Mayer, director of Timber Lake West, a coed fourweek resident camp in Roscoe, NY. “Choosing the right camp for your child is about the feeling you get when you’re touring it. Do you see your child fitting in here?

Do you feel the warmth, spirit, and traditions? Do you feel comfortable with the directors and staff who will be taking care of your most prized possession—your child? This is why touring is so important for families.” Deb Dictrow, the parent of three daughters, says, “We were looking for a good rapport with the camp director. Don’t make a camp decision based on a nice building. You want to get a good, warm feeling from the camp director and feel like he or she cares.” If you can’t tour a camp that you’re interested in during the summer, consider scheduling a tour in the off season if possible, so you can see the facilities and still get a feel for the camp environment. There are many summer camps to choose from and visiting can help families narrow down the options while also giving a child the feeling that he or she is part of the process of choosing the camp. The more involved a child feels in the decision making, the more successful the camp experience is likely to be. Understandably, most parents consider tours of sleepaway camps to be more essential than tours of day camps. But even if your child is staying local, a tour can really help the family feel confident in your choice. Lee Ann Stern toured numerous day camps to find the right day camp for her sons. “Since we live in the city, it was important for me to find a camp that was suburban in feeling, spread out, protected, and self-

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contained,” says Stern. “My son goes to a large school, so I was also looking for a smaller, nurturing environment, and since I work full-time, I also wanted a camp that was going to make my life easier by providing towels, snacks, and lunch. Given that we were new to evaluating which camp would be best for our children, seeing the camps in person really helped concretize which camp would be best for our sons.” An alternative to the camp tour are Rookie Days or Rookie Weekends. Camps call these days or groups of days various names; however, they’re similarly intended to give future campers a chance to experience the camp in session. During Rookie Days, future campers take part in the camp activities and sometimes stay overnight in a bunk. While children are enjoying the activities, parents can take a tour of the campgrounds. This experience helps kids get a real feel for a day in the life of a camper and can be a great way for children and parents to get a sense of what the camp is like to determine if it’s the right fit for them. “Each camp is different and has its own feel and culture,” says Renee Flax, director of camper placement for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. “Touring during the summer allows families to observe a camp in action and get a good sense of whether the camp is the right fit for their child.”

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CAMP FAIRS ARE A GREAT PLACE TO START

organization which establishes uniform standards for reviewing camps.

Finding the right summer camp for your child is one of the most special gifts that you as a parent can give them. With all the options out there—day or sleepaway, city or countryside, single sex or coed, specialty or general, two, four, or eight weeks—a great way to begin your search and better understand your options is by visiting one of New York Family’s upcoming Camp Fairs, which we sponsor with the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. In February, we’ll have one fair on the Upper East Side (2/8) and in Park Slope (2/9). At each fair, parents can connect with more than 40 camps from 12-3pm. To learn more about all of our camp fairs in the winter and spring and to secure your spot, check out newyorkfamilycamps.com.

4. What are the enrollment options? What is the length of the program offered? Is there flexibility? You should also inquire about available transportation. 5. What is the staff like? It’s important to know who will be caring for your child. Ask about the age make-up, pre-season and on-going staff trainings, the camper-to-staff ratio and cabin supervision. “Parents should not only ask the camp about how many hours or types of training the staff has, but more importantly, the overarching philosophy and message being delivered to the staff,” says Paul Isserles, director of Buckley Country Day Camp in Roslyn, NY. At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate

staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision. 6. What percentage of the campers return each year? A large number of returning campers usually indicates a high level of satisfaction with the camp’s programming and operation. 7. What are the safety procedures? Ask about the safety measures that are in place. These can include medical personnel on property, emergency plans, staff screening procedures, and instructor qualifications. 8. Is the camp accredited? Find out if the program follows a nationally known accreditation process and if it’s inspected each summer by the Department of Health. The ACA is the only national

9. Can the camp accommodate special needs? If your child has special requirements, such as food allergies, religious obligations, or a learning disability, ask how the camp proceeds.

“Knowing your child’s personality and learning style, along with carefully considering whether or not the camp’s philosophy matches your own philosophy, is valuable in selecting the right camp.” 10. Can the camp provide references? This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp’s reputation and service record. Ask other parents about the experiences of their children at the camp and whether their child is returning or attending for the first time. “Parents can provide you with an ‘inside’ perspective on how camp impacted their children directly,” says Sam Borek, owner and director of Woodmont Day Camp in New City, NY.

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THE FIRST SUMMER PROGRAM AT AVENUES Innovative curriculum opportunities designed for all age groups from pre-K to 12 take place at Avenues’ flagship Chelsea campus overlooking the High Line. Customized programs include language immersion, art and design, interactive science, math and design workshops and even a program focused on social entrepreneurship. Classes take place June 23 – August 8. Start exploring at avenuesnyc.org/summercamp. ONE-WEEK DAY CAMP For rising pre-K – grade 5 students June 23 – June 27, 2014 IMMERSION CAMPS (SPANISH OR MANDARIN) Three two-week immersion cycles for students entering pre-K through grade 12 Session 1: June 30 – July 11, 2014 Session 2: July 14 – July 25, 2014 Session 3: July 28 – August 8, 2014 PHOTOGRAPHY, DIGITAL ANIMATION, SCIENCE EXPLORATION AND MORE For students entering grades 1 - 12 Take advantage of city life in the summer, indoors and out. Choose from science labs, art and photography classes, design thinking programs, problem-based mathematics and much more. MAKERSTATE INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS For students entering grades 5 - 12 Avenues is pleased to premiere the award-winning MakerState program this summer. MakerState kids learn by creating, designing, experimenting, building and programming. Summer participants will collaborate with their peers to think outside the box in this unique STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning lab. Workshops will be offered in social robotics, video game design, human-centered design and digital music.

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE For more information and to register, visit www.avenuesnyc.org/summercamp

259 Tenth Avenue New York, New York www.avenues.org

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S ’ T S A O H W The Coolest Things About SummerCamp By Jess Michaels

Co rb in

s C ru s a d

92 Y

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amp can provide children with an amazing summertime, making it difficult to narrow down the reasons why it is just so great. Here’s our list of stand-out qualities about summer camp. Your child will likely be able to come up with dozens of more ways that their camp experience rocks! Learn New Activities: Whether your child goes to day or sleepaway camp, he or she will participate in a variety of activities including swimming, waterskiing, tennis, boating, ropes

course and so much more. Your child will try new activities that he or she may never have had a chance to attempt before. Gain Life Skills: The skills needed to be a successful leader in the 21st century include communication, creativity, leadership, responsibility and collaboration. At camp, children develop these skills needed to become secure, contributing, and successful adults. Build Self-Esteem: Self-esteembuilding happens easily at camp. Children acquire new skills at

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camp, and they watch themselves improve each day throughout the summer. Furthermore, the summer camp community is supportive and encouraging. Unplug From Technology: According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey of young people, children spend seven-and-a-half hours a day engaged in electronic media, including cell phones, computers, TV, and video games. Instead of engaging in human interactions, children are staring at screens throughout the year. “Today’s children are growing up in a technological world,” says Ben

Esposito, director of Camp Alvernia, a coed day camp in Suffolk County, Long Island. “Now, more than ever, children need the face-to-face social interactions that camp provides. Camp focuses on participation and relationships, rather than passive entertainment.” The majority of summer camps have a no-technology rule, which will allow your child to take a much-needed break from media and focus on building relationships and participating in activities. Cultivate Self-Reliance: Today’s children are in constant contact with their parents through texting and cell

AWESOME

Camp

Inca rnat ion Cam p

phone calls. Camp gives children a healthy separation from their parents, fostering independence. Michael Baer, owner and director of Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake Camp, both coed resident camps in the Catskill Mountains, says: “Becoming more independent is the cornerstone of life at camp. Without mom and dad at their side, campers are forced to take on a more independent role at camp. We are constantly reminding our campers to speak up for themselves and once they are met with a positive response, they quickly take to this newfound power.”

Celebrate Traditions: Many camps celebrate special traditions and rituals each summer. Children partake in these rituals, such as color war, candles on the lake, and singing songs. These activities connect children to the generation of campers who came before them and to the history of the camp. Inspire Reinvention: At home, children have gone to school with the same children for years, and children may be labeled as the shy or the athletic child. At camp, your child can reinvent himself. Camp is

an accepting community, and a child can be themselves at camp. Have Fun: At camp, children are allowed to play in a safe and nurturing environment and are allowed to just be kids. Play is a powerful form of learning that contributes mightily to a child’s healthy physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. According to an American Academy of Pediatrics report, creative play protects a child’s emotional development and reduces a child’s risk of stress, anxiety, and depression.

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Live Communally: Sleepaway camps give children a chance to live communally. “Most of our campers have never had to share a room before,” Baer says. “Suddenly at camp they are in a bunk with up to ten others and learning to navigate and work as a team.” Meet New People: Camp fosters deep friendships and allows children to meet children from different communities, as well as from around the world. Children also have the opportunity to relate to people of all ages at camp.

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THE COST OF CAMP:

PRICELESS?

Money-Saving Suggestions For Affording Camp By Jess Michaels

ummer camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn life lessons like leadership, independence, and self-confidence, as well as to try new activities like sailing, ropes courses, and waterskiing. It’s hard to put a price tag on your child’s learning and growth experiences, but parents should know that with a little planning and research there are a number of ways—some perhaps obvious, some less so—to help make summer camp more affordable. “With careful planning, parents can find a camp that works within their families means,” says Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey (ACA, NY and NJ). “When you think about how much it costs to have a child home all summer—with child care and activities—you realize you can be paying a very small premium for a very rich experience.” Look for a camp early: It isn’t too early to look for a camp for the summer of 2015, or even 2016. Plan to tour places this coming summer while the camp is in action. Some programs offer early bird specials, so you can register soon after the tour for savings. Getting a head start also

gives families a longer time to plan financially. Think of it as a gift: Camp can be given to children as part of birthday or holiday gifts, and parents can budget for these presents throughout the year. Likewise, members of the extended family, like grandparents, may also want to contribute to a gift like camp. Search camps by cost: There is a camp for every budget. Families can

view it as part of their mission to accept a certain percentage of kids from families of modest means. Get a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account: A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account allows parents to be reimbursed on a pre-tax basis for child care or adult dependent care expenses that are necessary to allow parents to work, look for work, or attend school full-time while they are caring for qualified dependents. In

“When you think about how much it costs to have a child home all summer—with child care and activities—you realize you can be paying a very small premium for a very rich experience.” search the ACA, NY and NJ’s camp website (searchforacamp.org) and search by cost, as well as by day or sleepaway, location, activities, single-sex or coed, and brother-sister camps (therightcamp.com also has a good camp search engine). Likewise, families can also contact the ACA, NY and NJ camper placement specialist for free one-on-one advice on finding the right camp at the right price for your family. Keep in mind that some YMCA camps in particular

certain circumstances, day camp expenses, including transportation by a care provider, may be considered dependent care services. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website (irs.gov) for more information. Use Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: The IRS allows an income tax credit of up to $6,000 of dependent care expenses if you have two or more dependents (up to $3,000

for one dependent). The amount of the credit is based on your adjusted gross income and applies only to your federal taxes. This applies to qualifying day camp expenses as well. Visit the FSA Feds website (fsafeds.com) for more information. Talk to the camp director: Parents should talk to the camp director at the camp they are interested in sending their child to. Some camps offer sibling discounts and payment plans—and that’s just the official policy. If you have your heart set on a camp but can’t afford it, you can talk to the director to see if he or she would consider a sliding scale rate in your case. Hold a fundraiser: I know this might seem like an overly self-serving solicitation, but if you do it in a way that shows spunk and creativity—and your child helps take the lead on it—you’d be surprised how friends and neighbors might be charmed by the idea of an effort to raise money for camp. Even something as old-fashioned as a lemonade stand with good signage explaining where the money is going might be an attention-getter and profitmaker. But use real lemons. People appreciate authenticity. continued on page 18

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OUR LE$$ER PARENTING COLUMNIST HILLARY CHURA WEIGHS IN WITH A FEW TIPS OF HER OWN Send the children to relatives living in more economical environs: Once they hit first grade or so, many kids relish time away with the grandparents or cousins. It’s a bonus when those relatives happen to live in less expensive zip codes. Last July, both our sons went to a full-week, half-day LEGO camp outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Total cost for both: $360. A few years earlier, our older son, Andy, flew by himself to North Carolina to participate in both a horseback riding camp ($300 for the week) and two weeks of halfday LEGO camp ($180 per week). Even with the cost of camps and airfare—including the $50 unattended minor surcharge and $20 of junk food to sustain Andy on the 90-minute flight—we ultimately spent less than had he camped locally. If you’re not fortunate enough to have both sets of grandparents living in close proximity to each other and willing to share child-minding duties, you’ll likely be able to hire a babysitter anywhere else for about half the price of a New York caregiver. Depending on where the kids go, they’ll be exposed to regional camps—like NASCAR racing down South, rappelling out West, and boating along the water—and likely for less than you’d pay here, assuming you could even find those activities locally. Send the kids abroad: For older children learning another language, consider sending them farther. Cultural organizations like the China Institute offer in-country immersion programs for a month or longer, with airfare, housing, meals, and schooling included.

Look for camp discounts on flash-sale sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Plum District: In addition to standards like Oasis summer camp in Central Park and elsewhere in the vicinity, you’re likely to find unusual week-long offerings like fencing, martial arts, and sailing. From now right up through summer, you can find good deals and coupons on programs, though one can expect offerings to ramp up as the weather gets warmer. Pay attention to school auction booklets: Most public and private schools (as well as other charities) host annual auctions that fund projects they couldn’t otherwise afford. Some items up for grabs are posted on biddingforgood.com, but others are kept for live- or silent-bidding the night of the event. If you’re not invited to an auction with offers you’d like to buy, ask a friend in attendance to bid for you. Patch together a summer of camp, one week at a time: You’ll feel like an Army general juggling logistics, but if you can spare the time to coordinate 10 weeks of various activities, you’ll likely see significant savings. Plus, your advanced planning will provide your child with a much greater variety of activities. Say your 10-year-old can’t decide whether she wants to be a historian, scientist, squash pro, veterinarian, or diplomat. You probably won’t find one camp that

1 8 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

covers it all. Rather than forcing her to pick one avocation for the entire summer, consider enrolling her in a few different camps. For example, the Mount Vernon Hotel for colonial exposure, the American Museum of Natural History for handson time with hominoids, and intensive Mandarin at the China Institute. Some camps will be Manhattan-priced, but others will make you wonder if prices got stuck in a time warp and never caught up. Get rewards for the expense: Lastly, try to put your camp bill on a credit card that rewards spending, like an airline Visa card, American Express Hilton Honors card, or cash-back credit card. If you’re going to spend the money anyway, you may as well get something back for it. Hillary Chura writes our Le$$er Parenting column where she helps New Yorkers parent for less. She lives in Manhattan with her sons and husband.

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N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 1 9

A BREATH

OF FRESH AIR Dr. Madeline Levine Explains The Value Of Camp Experience Berkshire Hills Emanuel Camps

est-selling author and psychologist Dr. Madeline Levine boasts nearly 30 years of experience as a clinician, consultant, and educator. Levine has shared insights on youth development and success on the national stage; she has appeared on television shows, such as “The Early Show” and “The Today Show,” as well as on local and national radio stations, including NPR’s “The Diane Rhem Show” and “Forum.” She is a former camper and the mother of three sons who all attended camp. Recently, Levine spoke with the American Camp Association about how camps can work with families, train staff, and build environments to support the success of all children. In your book, Teach Your Children Well, you write about the seven essential coping skills (resourcefulness, enthusiasm, creativity, a good work ethic, self-control, self-esteem, and selfefficacy). Which of those do you think a child gains the most from a camp experience? Actually, I think camps help children master all the critical coping skills. This is another way of saying it fosters resilience, which allows us to deal with life’s inevitable changes and losses. We all develop coping

skills by being in situations that push us out of our comfort zones. That’s what camp does for kids: every day, it presents them with a whole new set of challenges, some of which are easily accomplished, others which take persistence, grit, and learning new skills. Resourcefulness probably comes to mind first. You’re in a new situation, you’re meeting new people, you’re trying activities you’ve never tried before. Mom’s not there with you, and there’s nowhere to hide. You have to figure out how to meet social challenges, how to solve problems, how to pack your backpack or saddle your own horse. In the process, you stretch and grow in meaningful ways. Enthusiasm gets bolstered as well. Camp is a place where, often, kids with specific interests that are not always rewarded during the academic year get a lot of recognition. At camp, for example, kids who are great with their hands may get to tie knots or build a cool fort. Instead of feeling bored or frustrated, they get to be excited and engaged. This may be a new feeling for many of them. Camp supports self-esteem. There’s a constant line of new tasks to learn, which are fun and usually doable. I like to remind parents that self-esteem is not bestowed,

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it’s earned. Camp gives kids the opportunity to earn competence in something new—whether it’s in archery or lanyards or swimming— and that leads to confidence. It is competence and confidence that promote self-esteem in kids, not ribbons and trophies for incidentals or just showing up. Oh, and one more skill: selfcontrol. You’ve got to follow the safety rules at camp or you get in trouble and have to sit out while the other kids swim. You can’t cry constantly over being homesick, or you’ll be labeled a crybaby. You can’t leave your shoes and clothes all over the bunkhouse, because you’re sharing a space with other kids. In general, camp provides a great opportunity for kids to test themselves outside the home and see that they are capable, they can connect with other kids, they can solve problems and collaborate. How can camps best partner with families to help their campers develop social and emotional skills? I think camps might benefit from setting aside some educational time with parents to explain, for example, why sewing a cell phone into the back of a teddy bear to get around the no-cell-phone rules at camp is a

really bad idea! By the way, I don’t think you do that kind of thing because you’re a terrible parent. You’re worried because you’ve never been out of touch with your children. It’s a scary feeling. So in a sense, camp is just as much of a growth experience for parents as it is for kids. Parents need to understand that they will have some anxiety to manage. When they get anxious, they’ll need the same coping skills that hopefully they’re teaching their kids: take deep breaths, take a walk, and talk to their counselor. No matter what, there will always be the occasional parent who interferes and gets in the way of a kid who is having a problem with a bunkmate, for example. Still, from the beginning, let all parents know why it’s so much more beneficial for their children to figure out how to deal with that bunkmate. Educate them in a gentle yet firm way and you might trigger a “lightbulb moment” that impacts their parenting style—not just during camp but also in the future. At camp, kids learn the value of relying on adults other than their parents. My three boys each had a “go-to” person out in the world when continued on page 22

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continued from page 20

they were growing up. Those three people were incredibly important in their lives, and I was grateful to have them. But a lot of parents worry that no one else will do as good of a job with their kids, or else they feel threatened in some vague way. They don’t realize that reliance on other capable adults is a positive thing. Imagine how much better off a child who is comfortable with other role models will be when she is at college. She will feel comfortable talking to a counselor or resident advisor instead of handling problems in a more destructive way. Why did you send your sons to camp instead of having them take extra classes, go to summer school, or one of the other many options available today for a child’s summer? It never crossed my mind to do summer school instead! Kids deserve a break, just like adults do. And I don’t mean that in a trivial sense. School is great for some things, but it can’t teach everything. Kids need the space and the downtime to learn critical skill sets that will serve them well in the future. I live near Silicon Valley, and I hear all the time that collaboration, creativity, outside-the-box thinking, and other socio-emotional skills are in demand now and surely will be in the future. Camp is about learning to get along with people from diverse backgrounds, to resolve conflict, and to just have fun and play, which kids don’t have nearly enough time for during Dwight Summer Camp the school year. It’s also a time for reflection. This is something else kids miss out on, and it also with them. They need to know what the limits happens to be one of my big areas of interest. are. They need support. Every kid needs all of When every minute is scheduled with highthese things and camp professionals can certainly pressure classes and activities, how do you develop provide them. a sense of self, figure out who you are, and not be completely derailed by life’s inevitable challenges? What’s the best way counselors can teach You don’t. You can’t. campers empathy? There’s no better place for crafting those Research shows that kids and youth learn empathy skills than camp—for many reasons — but by watching people around them. Again, camp mainly because you’re in a safe, low-pressure offers such an opportunity. Is empathy taught in environment. Camp is where I learned to swim, and school? Not really. There may be a banner in the I eventually became a lifeguard and made some gym saying “be kind” or “don’t bully,” but we don’t money that way. At camp, I had the pleasure of learn values from banners. Camp is a place where learning something new—not with a test hanging kids can learn it in real time, where it is meaningful. over my head or with constant criticism directed at Let’s say a kid in the group is being bullied. my performance, but just for the pleasure of it. And That’s the opportunity for the counselor to call a to this day, I still swim. meeting, talk about what’s going on, and be really Learning for pleasure is really how we’d like our clear about the values of kindness, empathy, and kids to acquire skills and knowledge. Engagement integrity. Over the course of a camp day, there are with learning is the best predictor of academic probably a dozen opportunities for counselors success. You want kids who care, who are to point out the benefits of being collaborative interested, who have fun, and who look forward to and kind. Kids will be watching. And because learning. I think camp is the ideal environment for the counselors don’t identify with the child like a allowing that engagement to unfold. parent does, they can afford to model their values in a way that’s not demanding to the child. I think Are there any strategies for camp professionals this is an easy way to pick up values. You watch that would differ in working with children who people you admire. are from under-resourced communities and those Another factor is competence. There’s a really who aren’t? interesting study on what makes a child feel cared Overall, kids need the same stuff. They need to for in the classroom. We know that what we call feel cared about; they need to know somebody’s a “climate of care” is one of the most important got their back. They need to be able to manage factors in academic achievement. Most of the themselves within a circle that is safe for them yet studies say, basically, “A caring teacher is super that doesn’t have someone constantly interfering

important.” But a recent study, which is being looked at very carefully but so far seems to be very good, says: “Yes, that’s true—as long as the teacher is competent, as well.” So it’s not enough to just be a warm counselor. You have to be a good counselor, too.

“Kids deserve a break, just like adults do. And I don’t mean that in a trivial sense. School is great for some things, but it can’t teach everything. Kids need the space and the downtime to learn critical skill sets that will serve them well in the future.” Do you have “Dos” and “Don’ts” for camp counselors in dealing with teenage campers? A good counselor for teenagers is one who listens. People assume that a good camp counselor will teach kids all kinds of stuff and tell them what to do—how to be a good person, what to do and what not to do, how to be a good swimmer or archer or whatever. But teenagers get enough “teaching” and “telling” already. What they don’t get is a lot of listening. Adults don’t listen to teenagers anywhere near enough. Camp is the perfect place for kids to get away from all the pressure and talk to someone who will just listen. How do you feel about a tech-free environment at camp? It depends. I think it can make for a great camp experience. But do I think it’s necessary? No. That is, I don’t view technology as an evil. What I think about is: “What’s technology replacing in a child’s life?” If it’s replacing relationships and hobbies and family and stuff like that, then it’s harmful. If it has become a crutch, it’s harmful. But if it’s an hour of downtime a day, I couldn’t care less. Or if a kid spends three hours on the computer every once in a while because they love filmmaking and editing and photography or anything like that, that’s okay, too. Technology is just a tool—like the saw in the garage. I think it depends on the kid and how he’s using it, and on the expectation. At camp, if you really want the kid outdoors running around, learning how to get along with other kids in front of him—and not on Facebook—then I think a techfree environment is probably best. Remove the temptation and the kid will have to focus on all the wonderful things camp has to offer. And he’ll probably find it to be a richer, more rewarding experience. This article originally appeared in the American Camp Association’s January/February 2013 issue of Camping Magazine. It is reprinted with their permission.

TO FIND A CAMP FAIR NEAR YOU, GO TO NEWYORKFAMILYCAMPS.COM 22 • NEW YORK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

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chinqueka.com N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 23

GETTING READY Preparing Your FirstTime Camper For Camp By Jess Michaels

You’ve made the exciting decision to send your child to camp this summer. This is an important milestone in a child’s life and you want to make sure you prepare your child for the experience before the first day of camp arrives. Preparing will help make a child’s camp time more successful. The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey recommends the following tips for getting your first-time camper ready and excited for camp. Expectations: Learn about the camp program and discuss it with your child so he or she knows what to expect. Talking about camp in the months leading up to the summer will build your child’s enthusiasm. Positive Messages: It’s important for parents to share positive messages about summer camp. It’s common for a child to have some apprehension as the first day of camp approaches— encourage your child to talk about these feelings. “The number one question from new camper parents is always concerning transition and homesickness,” says Mark Transport, owner and director of Camp Taconic in Hinsdale, MA and Crestwood Country Day Camp in Melville, NY. “As a camp owner for over 20 years, I try to simplify the process. I explain that 90 percent of the solution lies in being comfortable and confident as parents about the camp experience in the first place.”

child to sleepaway camp, your child probably has had positive overnight experiences away from home with friends and relatives. If not, make sure you schedule some sleepovers for your child before camp. You want to make sure these overnights are successful and that your child is mature enough to go away for an extended period of time. Bus Preparation For Day Camp: For many children going to day camp for the first time, this will also be the first time they take a bus. Talk about what the bus ride will be like and what your child can expect on the bus to and from camp. “Taking the time to assess what your child’s individual needs are prior to getting on the bus the first day of camp can be crucial to a successful first day of camp. Parents should create a checklist of events, rituals, and comforts that will help their child get on the bus without fear for the first time,” says Josh Male, owner and director of Gate Hill Day Camp in Stony Point, NY. “These can include pre-camp events and orientations, meeting the bus counselor, bringing a toy or comfort item from home, activities and icebreakers the camp provides during the bus ride and inquiring about who your child will sit with during their ride and possibly setting

up a play-date prior to the first day of camp.” Prior to the start of camp, ask the camp director if any of these events or activities are possible and see if you are comfortable with the camp’s process for managing the transition to commuting to camp. Packing: If your child is going to sleepaway camp, discuss what items will be needed for camp and pack together. Your child will feel more secure if they know what they are bringing to camp, and you can use the time packing together to talk with your child about how much fun camp is going to be. Make sure to look at the camp packing list and respect the items the camp asks you to leave at home, such as cell phones and iPads. “Whether your child is going to day or sleepaway camp for the first time, encourage your child to pack something from home that will make them feel better if they miss home,” says Renee Flax, camper placement specialist at the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. “A stuffed animal, photo of the family, or some memento may give them some comfort while they are away from home.” Watch The Camp Video And Visit Website: Most likely, you watched the camp video with your child when choosing the camp. As summer approaches, this is a good time to watch it again. This will be a good reminder to your child about all he or she has to look forward to. Visit the camp’s website together and look at the activity list, photos, and the camp map to give your child a feel for what camp will be like.

New Camper Get-Togethers: Many camps host a pre-camp event for first time campers. This is a good way for children to meet other children going to the camp for the first time. It also gives campers a chance to get to know the camp director and for the director to get to know you and your child. Successful Overnights For Sleepaway: If you’re sending your

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Don’t Make Pick Up Deals: While discussing camp, don’t make plans to pick your child up from camp if he or she doesn’t like it. You are giving your child the message that you don’t believe he will be successful at camp. “It is important to understand that children will have some adjustment issues when going off to camp,” Transport says. “Successful camps are all well versed in making their first-time campers adjust quickly and directors don’t get thrown by the separation anxiety some campers will feel.” Before camp begins, let your child know you are confident in his or her ability to have a wonderful summer camp experience. Questions: Ask your child if he or she has any questions about camp. Keeping an open dialogue about what camp will be like will help your child feel comfortable about going to camp for the first time. Call The Camp Director: If you sense your child is nervous about camp, you can always call the camp director and ask for their advice. The camp director has a lot of experience with first time campers and will be able to offer you some ways which you can help your child get over any worries about the first day of camp. Day Camp Spring Festivals: Many day camps host spring festivals at camp, opening their doors to current families and prospective families. Attending a spring festival is a good opportunity for your child to see the camp a few months before summer begins and build that excitement up.

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CAMP

CHIC

Great Gear Makes For Happy Campers By Mia Weber

8 9

6 10

11 4

he Boy Scouts said it first: “Be prepared!” There’s no better time to take that time-tested idiom to heart than when gearing your little one up for a fabulous summer at camp. Our favorite camp-worthy items are equal parts fun and functional, and will surely have your kiddo earning a merit badge in high style by summer’s end.

3. All Smiles: Part of letting your kiddo go off to sleepaway camp is trusting them to keep up the good habits you’ve instilled in them— including regular dental care! Izola’s Numerals Toothbrush set makes for a fab camp gift because, with four bamboo and nylon bristle brushes, there’s always a spare in case your camper misplaces or damages one. $12.50, izola.com

1. Tee-rific: Giving a playful nod to the wildlife your child may encounter (more like feisty raccoons than ferocious mountain lions), this long-sleeved kids’ graphic PJ top from GAP Kids is great as sleep- or day-wear and is super-comfy. $16.95, gap.com

4. The Write Stuff: Give kids a reason to take a break from camp fun to write home to dear old mom and dad. Love, Laura Gifts carries adorable stationery sets in a variety of different patterns and sizes. We love the preppy Tennis print, which simply screams “summer fun!” Flat note, $35; note pads, $18; labels, $18 per sheet; lovelauragifts.com

2. Slumber Party: Every camper needs a snuggly sleeping bag. Designed especially to fit young children (as tall as 5 feet) and keep them snug, the Wolverine sleeping bag by Big Agnes comes complete with an integrated pad sleeve, a pillow pocket, and hollowcore synthetic insulation. $109.95, bigagnes.com

5. Sweet Dreams: Help your sweetie settle in at summer camp with a cool new pillow that looks good enough to eat! This micro-bead donut pillow, available from Love, Laura Gifts, is soft and squishy and is sure to make your camper’s bunk stand out in delicious style. $24, lovelauragifts.com

7 6. Hydration Station: One of the keys to nonstop summer fun is staying healthy and hydrated. Arm your child with Klean Kanteen’s 12 oz. Kid Kanteen Sport water bottle. BPA-free and made from recycled materials, this stainless steel bottle with a soft silicone spout is crafted especially for active kids. $16.95, kleankanteen.com 7. Splashy Specs: Think swim time couldn’t possibly be any more fun? Try getting a goggle upgrade with Bling2O goggles, available at Lester’s. With a variety of colors, shapes, and bling options, there’s a pair for every personality—plus, they’re as fun as they are flashy! $20-25, lesters.com 8. Hat Trick: Beat the heat and stay cool with a classic cap from Life is Good. The Flag Tattered Chill Cap—with an Americana-inspired Old Glory graphic—is 100 percent cotton and comes complete with an adjustable back closure, making it the perfect way to top off any camp ensemble. $16, lifeisgood.com

9. Hair Care: Make packing—and shower time—a breeze with the Haircare Starter Kit with Detangler from Cozy’s Cuts for Kids. The kit comes with 2 oz. bottles of So Cozy detangler, conditioner, two-in-one conditioning shampoo, swimmer’s shampoo, and tear-free shampoo— all in a handy travel pouch. $30, cozyscutsforkids.com 10. Sun-sational: Designed with adventurous kids in mind, Babiators’ Limelight Lime Sunglasses are both eye-catching and high-quality. The durable and flexible rubber frames are sure to withstand the wear-andtear of summer camp, while the lenses are guaranteed to protect again UVA and UVB rays. The best part? Babiators will replace lost or broken sunglasses up to one year after purchase. $20, babiators.com 11. Bag Swag: The answer to just how is all of your camper’s fab gear going to make it to camp? In L.L. Bean’s medium Adventure Duffle, of course! This duffle, which measures 11” x 23” x 11”, is sure to stand the test of time and comes in a number of colors and patterns (with a monogram option available as well). $44.95, llbean.com

TO FIND A CAMP FAIR NEAR YOU, GO TO NEWYORKFAMILYCAMPS.COM 26 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

Fieldston outdoors

@ ethiCal Culture Fieldston sChool

Coed day Camp ages 5-12 Full session: June 30-August 8 session 1: June 30-July 18 session 2: July 21-August 8

Offering a unique focus on nature and the Hudson River through songs, folklore, crafts and trips including overnight camping options. Also offering a full range of traditional camp activities with an elective format. Activities include cooking, physical education, swimming, yoga, gardening and music. Full/per session rates and financial aid are available. Door to door bus service to and from Manhattan is available for an additional cost. For Further inFo, please ContaCt: david smelin, direCtor 718-329-7352 Fieldstonoutdoors@eCFs.org Fieldston outdoors ethiCal Culture Fieldston sChool 3901 Fieldston road, Bronx, ny 10471-3997

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PACK LIKE

A PRO

The Scoop On What Should Make It Into Your Camper’s Bag By Jess Michaels

onfused about what to pack for camp? When parents need to consider every weather scenario, as well as which camp activities their child might be engaged in, packing for camp can be rather daunting. For sure, the camp you decide on will provide a detailed list of what to bring and (just as important) what not to bring. It’s best to respect the “what not to bring” category. When parents try to sneak in an object that campers are not supposed to have—like a cell phone—it not only sends the wrong signal to their child and all the other children in the bunk, it defies the spirit of trust and community that are the underpinnings of a good camp. If you want to get a jump on camp essentials, or compare your camp’s list to a menu of standard camp essentials, here’s what to keep in mind to ensure that your kid arrives at camp with the items he or she will need to have a wonderful summer camp experience.

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Headgear: Parents should consider packing items to protect a camper from the sun. Don’t forget baseball caps, bandannas, sunhats, as well as needed eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming goggles.

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Clothing: Include t-shirts, a swimsuit, and shorts for hot days; a jacket, sweatshirt, and jeans for cool or cold days; and a raincoat or poncho for rainy days. In addition, long pants will protect a camper from poison ivy, bugs, and thorns during hikes. Check with the camp to see if dress clothes are required. Footwear: Appropriate footwear is one of the most important items to pack for camp, especially for

hiking and running. Families should consider packing boots, tennis shoes, sandals, and plenty of socks, as well as dress shoes if the camp requires them. Remember that shoes should be broken in prior to the start of camp. Bed And Bath Needs: For children attending a resident camp, parents should remember to pack the home basics: towels, a blanket, a pillow, pillowcases, sheets, a sleeping bag, a laundry bag, and a mattress pad. Bathroom kits are also essential. Parents should pack a brush and comb, shampoo, soap, and a soap container, a toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, feminine products, sun block, shaving gear, and lip balm that contains sun block. Additional Items: Other items that will be helpful for kids include magazines, flashlights and batteries, a water bottle, writing materials, and Frisbees or other toys. When considering electronics, musical instruments, and other special gear, make sure to check with the camp first, as they may have specific policies about what is allowed. The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey (ACA, NY and NJ), also recommends that parents and children pack together to address any uneasiness children may feel about leaving home. “Packing with your child will make your child feel more secure if they know what they are bringing to camp,” ACA, NY and NJ executive director Susie Lupert points out. “You can also use the time packing together to talk with your child about what to expect at camp and how much fun camp is going to be.”

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• Arts & Crafs • Zipline & Ropes Course • Soccer • Woodworking • Sailing • Culinary Arts • Swimming • Ceramics • Tennis • Roller Hockey • Farm • Sports

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TIME TO UNPLUG Camp Provides Kids With A Chance To Disconnect From Technology By Jess Michaels

or generations, summer camp has been a place where children can connect with nature and with each other. But in today’s technological world, it can be a real change of mindset for both children and parents, to forgo technology for the weeks that children are at camp. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages 8-18 spend an average of seven hours and 30 minutes a day using technology, more than 53 hours a week. Now more than ever, children need camp to disconnect from media and engage in interpersonal connections. Summer camp is one of the last unplugged environments. For a few weeks at a time, children are unplugged from their computers, smart phones and iPads and are able to enjoy the outdoors and actually talk—not text—with their friends. “Camp is a great place to disconnect from the world of electronics and enjoy human relationships, the environment, and lots of great new activities,” says Adam Weinstein, Director of Berkshire Hills Emanuel Camps, a coed Jewish sleepaway camp in the southern Berkshire Mountains of New York. “Most of us have had times in our lives when we lived without these kinds of electronics. Camp may well be the opportunity in our children’s lives to experience living without these devices.” Each camp has their own

electronics policies, and, with the increasing number of new electronics being introduced each year, camps are constantly altering their policies. Parents should respect the camp’s decision on what is and isn’t allowed and not try to circumvent the policy. Most camps don’t allow devices that contain WiFi, video, gaming content, apps, messaging, or phone call capabilities such as iPads, gaming systems, cell phones, and smartphones. Since reading devices such as the Nook and Kindle can connect to the internet, some camps don’t allow them. Although others do, since many campers use them to read their books. Music is an important part of camp for many camps so the majority of camps will allow for MP3 players that play music, such as the iPod classic, iPod nano and the iPod shuffle. If the MP3 has video capabilities, camps ask that the videos and games are erased before camp. If a device has that content on it, many camps will confiscate it. As for digital cameras, taking pictures has always been a part of the camp experience. While many camps will allow campers to have them, a lot of camps are implementing a “no pictures in the bunk” policy. “Without the use of electronics, campers are communicating faceto-face and not through electronics,” says Adam Baker, owner and director of Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge, brother-sister resident camps in

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Bank Street

Equinunk, PA. “We believe children are inundated with these devices when they are at home and we want them to learn how to do without them, and enjoy downtime without a device in their hands.” Baker said he received numerous positive emails and phone calls from parents after he sent out a revised electronics policy this past November which will ban devices with WiFi from camp. One parent said: “Best decision ever. Camp isn’t for electronics. It’s for swimming, sports, friends, talking, and just simple fun. Most importantly, it’s

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD AT CAMP Each camp has their own communication policies, so it is important for parents to find out what their child’s camp policy is before summer begins. ONE-WAY EMAILS Many summer camps subscribe to services that allows parents to send one-way emails to their campers, and the emails are printed out and given to campers with the mail. Most camps don’t allow email correspondence back, but campers can write their parents letters in response. One-way email is a quick and efficient way for parents to correspond with their children. CELL PHONES The majority of summer camps have a no-cell-phone policy. ONLINE PHOTOS/VIDEOS Many camps post daily or weekly pictures

about learning how to interact with your friends, not with video games, Instagram, and Facebook!” Renee Flax, camper placement specialist at the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey adds, “It is important for parents to read, understand, and honor their child’s camp electronics policy. While parents are accustomed to texting their child when they want, and children are used to playing games on their iPads, camp is a place for children to disconnect from all the technology and focus on face-toface interactions.”

of campers enjoying activities on a password-controlled website. Through these services, parents are able to email their favorite pictures to friends and family, download pictures, and purchase the photos. Camps also post pictures and video on their camp’s Facebook page. PHONE CALLS Some camps allow scheduled phone calls once a week, some a few times a session, others once a session, and others not at all. If your child has a birthday during the camp session, a phone call is almost always allowed for that special day. LETTERS Letter writing between campers and parents has always been the traditional way to communicate while a child is at resident camp. Many camps have a scheduled number of letters that campers must write their parents during the summer, and camps encourage parents to write letters to their campers. Preaddressing envelopes can also be helpful for the youngest campers.

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 3 1

THE

GIVERS Genna Singer

For Many Camps, Community Service Is An Essential Part Of Growing Up By Jess Michaels

The JCC in Manhattan

eyond all the exciting activities that summer camp is known for—from swimming to ropes course to arts and crafts—many day and resident camps include another kind of activity in the mix that’s more about doing good than having a good time (though that’s often a part of it too). At camp, volunteering and other altruistic activities usually come under the rubric of community service. They include activities and events like swim-a-thons, performing for local senior centers, volunteering in local soup kitchens, painting old buildings, making crafts for sick children in the hospital, and sending letters to soldiers stationed in war zones. The projects are quite common. The American Camp Association surveys have found that 48

percent of responding camps offer community service programs, with 16 percent of responding camps indicating that they had added new service learning or community service programs in the past two years. “Many of our camps have been doing community service projects for years, with many more camps adding them each summer,” says Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. “We have over 40 day and sleepaway camps in the northeast participating in swima-thons or carnival fundraisers each summer that benefit Morry’s Camp, a nonprofit youth development camp for inner-city children. These fundraisers, as well as other community service projects at camp, teach children the importance of

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giving back to others.” Often community service projects come up when the camp leaders hear about a local need, but sometimes there’s a precipitating incident in the news. “We have been doing community service projects for 15 years, but it really picked up after 9/11,” says Jay Toporoff, director of Camp Danbee, an all-girls sleepaway camp in the Berkshire Mountains. “We were all giving blood after 9/11 and wanted to do whatever we could to help. It dawned on us that we could offer one week of camp for children who lost a parent or sibling as a result of the terrorist attacks on 9/11.” Toporoff, along with two other camp directors, started America’s Camp, hosted at Camp Danbee, where children who lost a loved one could go to camp for a week and

heal through music, activities, and a supportive community with other children going through the same experience. “Over the years, the Danbee campers helped us to get ready for America’s Camp by making welcome signs and writing letters,” he adds. These days, Camp Danbee has even made community service an official part of the camp’s program, where campers sign up to participate in activities of their choice. “I start off each summer at the opening campfire talking to the girls about how lucky and blessed they are to be able to go to camp and that we should pay it forward,” Toporoff says. Camp Danbee often picks projects that are personal to their continued on page 34

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Camp Danbee

camp community. When one camper got leukemia, they designed a mural for her hospital room made of small tiles that replicate the lake, to let her know the camp community loves her. Other projects have included projects called Hearts For Heros, and Hearts For Hope, in which the kids painted clay hearts and sent them with letters of encouragement to soldiers and to children in hospitals. They once had a counselor whose husband was stationed in Iraq during the war, so they packaged up gifts, and shirts for him to give to kids in Iraq as he built relationships. Danbee kids have participated in dance recitals at local senior homes and created painted shirts for children who lost everything in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. “The staff had connected with an organization in Haiti, and they took our shirts with them. The shirts were given to them from the kids from our America’s Camp. These kids who experienced loss are now helping these kids experience loss,” Toporoff explains. “Campers get a real joy out of doing something for others. They also bond during the projects, which builds the camp community. Children gain soccer and swim skills as a result of camp—why not have community service be one of the things they take away with them?” he adds, reflecting on why community service is such an integral part of a positive camp experience. Resident camps aren’t the only ones doing community service, of course. In fact, Genna Singer, director of JCC Camps including the Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan, says one of their goals is to inspire their city campers to more fully appreciate

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their neighbors—both in their immediate community and around the city—whose life circumstances may not be as fortunate as theirs. “The campers come to understand that community doesn’t mean just people you interact with, but people in your whole neighborhood and beyond,” Singer explains. One of the ways the camp facilitates this is by partnering with the West End Residences, a nonprofit organization on the Upper West Side that provides transitional and permanent housing and services for the homeless and formerly homeless youth, families, and older adults. The campers put together art kits for the children at West End Residences. They come up with the art project idea and also write out the directions. The campers at Day Camp @ JCC also do similar art kits for sick children at Mt. Sinai hospital (“allowing them to have a break from feeling like they live in a hospital”), sing songs for elderly adults at a local senior center, and prepare meals for local homeless shelters. “The bottom line is that the kids come to understand the deepest concept of community, that sometimes you can give, but sometimes you are the person in need. This is something our community feels strongly about— our families, counselors, kids,” Singer says. “We are centered in the middle of our neighborhood, and we are a community center to all different people who walk in every day. Even with 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, it’s important they understand the needs of others, how you can have an impact on someone’s daily needs.”

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A CAMP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS IS A SPECIAL CAMP INDEED For Children With Special Needs, There’s Been A Wonderful Bloom Of Camps—General And Specialized—That Can Help Them With Their Challenges While Enjoying The Full Camp Experience By Jess Michaels

ummer camp provides children with the opportunity to develop new skills, build self confidence, and learn to work with others as a team. There are many factors you need to consider when looking for a camp for your child, including a camp’s philosophy, program emphasis, and what type of child is successful at the camp in question. And a parent of a child with special needs is going to have even more considerations that go beyond the usual camp search. Not every summer camp is equipped to address the specific needs of every child with special needs. However, if parents do their research, they are certain to find a summer camp that will provide their child with a successful summer camp experience. First, it’s important for you to consider what you want your child to take away from the camp experience and what your child wants too. Do you want your child

to gain independence and learn daily living skills without your assistance? Improve social interactions? Make new friends? Decide what your must-haves are and what’s on your wish-list. When speaking to camp directors, make sure the camp has the must-haves—this will help you narrow down your camp choices. Next, you want to talk to the camp director at the camp you’re interested in sending your child to, ask questions about their program, and tell the director about your child. “Parents really want to dig down and understand what population the camp services and who the camp is really trained to work with,” says Eric Sasson, director at Camp Akeela, a resident camp for children with Asperger’s Syndrome and non-verbal learning disabilities in Thetford Center, VT. “When speaking to a camp director, parents want to describe their child and the challenges he or she has and you continued on page 38

A List Of Camps To Consider: Camp Akeela, Thetford Center, VT campakeela.com Resident camp for children with Asperger’s Syndrome and non-verbal learning differences; coed; ages 9-17.

Camp Nejeda, Stillwater, NJ campnejeda.org Resident camp for children with diabetes; coed; ages 7-15. Camp Northwood, Remsen, NY nwood.com Focuses on a providing a great camp experience to a coed population of immature, learning challenged children in need of structure and individualized attention. continued on page 38

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Camp Oakhurst, Oakhurst, NJ campoakhurst.com Resident camp for children with physical disabilities; coed; ages 8 to adult. Clearpool (a Program of Green Chimneys), Carmel, NY clearpool.org With a focus on academic and social support, this residential camp welcomes children with special needs who are experiencing, emotional, behavioral, social, and/or learning challenges; coed; ages 10-18. Easter Seals Camp Merry Heart, Hackettstown, NJ nj.easterseals.com Resident camp for children with Attention Deficit Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, diabetes, mental retardation, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida; coed; ages mixed. Happiness is Camping, Hardwich, NJ happinessiscamping.org Resident camp for children with cancer; coed; ages 6-15. Frost Valley YMCA Camps and YAI, Claryville, NY frostvalley.org; yai.org Resident camp through Frost Valley YMCA and YAI, the National Institute for People with Disabilities. Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) is

designed to serve children with developmental disabilities and to promote inclusion into the broader camp community. Ramapo for Children, Rhinebeck, NY ramapoforchildren.org Resident camp for children with special needs with a wide range of emotional, social, and developmental challenge; coed; ages 6-16. Round Lake Camp, Lakewood, PA roundlakecamp.org Resident camp for children with Asperger’s, PDD/NOS, High Functioning Autism, ADD/ADHD; coed; ages 7-19. Southampton Fresh Air Home, Southampton, NY sfah.org Resident camp for physically challenged campers with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, and other physical disabilities; coed; ages 8-18. Summit Camp & Travel, Honesdale, PA summitcamp.com Resident camp for children with attention issues including ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, awkward social skills, verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities, and/or mild social or emotional concerns. Some campers also have Tourette’s Syndrome, OCD and/or mild mood issues; ages 7-17. Summit Travel also works with older children with similar issues; coed; ages 15-19.

want to ask if the camp has had kids like this in the past. If so, ask the director to tell you about those kids. If [these kids] had meltdowns at camp because they don’t do well with transitions, how did the staff handle it? Parents want to know that a camp director and staff are going to be able to handle these challenges and behaviors when they aren’t there.” It’s important for parents to have honest conversations continued on page 40

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with the camp director about their child and share specifics, whether you are looking into a mainstream camp or a special needs camp. Tell the camp director about your child’s most challenging days. You want to be assured that the camp you are choosing can handle the issues that may come up during the summer. Families are also encouraged to choose a summer camp where the director is interested in meeting your child and family. Families want to know that the camp isn’t just taking your child but that the camp has determined that the camp is right for your child. “After speaking with a family, we meet with the parents and the child to make another level of determination if this will be a good fit,” says Lisa Tobin, director of Round Lake, a resident camp for children with learning differences and social communication disorders in Lakewood, PA. “It gives us insight into the child’s family life to see if we have the services that can provide the right camp experience for this child.” Families should feel that the camp is doing as much questioning about your child as you are doing to them. When deciding between a mainstream camp and a special needs camp, you also have to consider what will work best for your child. Many mainstream camps can often accommodate children with special needs, but it’s important to have honest conversations with the camp director about your child and find out whether the camp is equipped to handle the challenges that your child may have. They may or may not have the extra supervision your child may need or the experience in dealing with your child’s needs. Special needs camps focus on the specific challenges your child may have and structure their program around those needs with extra staffing, shorter, and more structured activity periods, and can be better prepared to handle issues that may arise. “Parents need to consider if their child can travel with a group. Do they tend to wander off? Do they get distracted? Do they need extra attention? If so, a mainstream camp may not be able to give your child the attention he or she needs,” Tobin says. “Also, at a typical camp, children are in sports and challenging activities that may be difficult for your child to keep up with. It may be better to be with kids at the same level with the same challenges.” Parents should also consider what is going to be the best experience for him or her and where they are going to fit in.

Camps Are Also Addressing Special Food Needs Many day and resident camps cater to special dietary requirements and restrictions, taking care to respect Kosher and Halal diets, lactose and gluten intolerances, and vegetarianism and veganism, as well as staying vigilant about food allergies and gastric disorders (like Celiac disease). Over the years, camp owners and directors have been educating themselves about children’s special dietary needs, allergies, and food sensitivities, and are happy to accommodate such requirements. Families shouldn’t assume that just because their child has food sensitivities or restrictions that they can’t go to day or sleepaway camp—there are plenty of yummy options on the table. Though it is a two-way street when it comes to matters of the stomach and plate—most camps are happy to accommodate, but parents need to be forthcoming about their kids’ needs. “It is important for parents to be honest with the camp director about their child’s dietary needs,” says Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. “Families should make sure the camp director understands their child’s needs and can accommodate them.”

NUT ALLERGIES With an increase in the prevalence of food allergy diagnoses among children, many traditional day and sleepaway camps are accommodating campers with a variety of food-related restrictions, including peanut and tree nut allergies (which are almost always lifethreatening). Additionally, staff members are trained in how to handle children with allergies, how to read food labels and packages, and how to administer EpiPens, while food service directors make sure that ordered food items do not contain

continued on page 42

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nut ingredients. “Several years ago, Brant Lake Camp in the Adirondacks found that the welldocumented increase in the incidence of peanut and other food allergies was clearly reflected in our camper population,” says Dave Cramoy, a director at Brant Lake Camp. “Taking a proactive approach, we moved to make camp a safer environment for affected children. We eliminated all nuts and nut-containing products campwide, encompassing dining room meals, candy and canteen offerings, cookies and items sent to campers or brought into camp by staff, visitors, and campers. No staff member or camper is allowed to bring nuts or nut ingredient products back into camp from trips or time off. The importance of hand washing before returning to camp is also underscored as an additional precaution.” To prepare families, letters and emails are sent before camp and prior to visiting day reminding parents that no nut products are allowed onto campgrounds and that any packages sent cannot contain nut products. Many resident camps will allow families to send pre-packaged food for their child to make sure there is no unintentional cross contamination with other food products. Parents of day campers can pack nut-free lunches if the camp isn’t peanut- and tree nut-free and camps will make sure there is no cross contamination with the other food. Other food allergies are dealt with on an individual case basis, so parents should talk to the camp director about their child’s specific needs.

GLUTEN-FREE Increasingly, there are both day and sleepaway camps that accommodate the needs of children who are gluten (the protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye)-free (whether due to gluten-intolerance, Celiac disease, or personal choice). To comply, camp kitchens and staff will make changes to the types of food they order and serve in an effort to make the menu gluten-free, or at least include a variety of glutenfree options. Camps are also diligent about ensuring that there is no unintentional cross-contamination with foods that contain gluten. Many camps, besides serving gluten-free meals for these campers, will allow parents to send their own gluten-free meals to camp for their children. Last summer, the New Jersey Y camps partnered with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center to create a Gluten-Free Kitchen program.

“We’ve had children with Celiac disease, where parents would send glutenfree food to camp each summer and we would supplement it. But last summer was the first [time] we had this level of programming,” Len Robinson, director of the New Jersey Y (NJY) resident camps in Milford, PA, says. “A child with Celiac disease can’t have one crumb of gluten without getting sick. We made a decision [that] we were going to do it the right way.” Along with the Gluten-Free Kitchen program, NJY camps also wanted to actively change the camp culture. “Whenever we do inter-camp trips for sports, we make sure there’s glutenfree ice cream. And all meals served at camp are matched up so children who eat gluten-free foods are eating exactly the same food as [the rest of the] children,” Robinson says.

VEGETARIANISM AND VEGANISM Most camps will happily accommodate campers’ special dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan diets. The majority of summer camps offer a vegetarian option for each meal, as well as an elaborate salad bar at lunch and dinner, which usually includes a variety of vegetables in addition to tofu, hummus, beans, pasta, and more.

KOSHER AND HALAL Most camps are more than happy to respect the dietary needs associated with various religions. If your child requires meals that are Kosher or Halal—or any other religionbased dietary request—simply inquire with the camp director about the measures their kitchen staff can take to ensure these needs are met.

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Key Questions and Considerations Look beyond the website and don’t wait until the last minute to choose a summer camp. One of the best determinations when choosing a camp can be to tour the camp the summer before. See the camp in action so you can get a good feel for the camp program. Talk to other parents of children with special needs. Ask the camp director if there is a family you can talk to with a child similar to your child. Ask the parent how their child did at camp and how the camp handles issues. Parents shouldn’t let their own anxieties get in the way of sending their child to sleepaway camp. Independence is good for your child’s development. However, parents should consider how their child handles various daily scenarios at home. Do they need time to veg out when they get home from school? Do they sleep well and regularly? Can they share a room at home? Are they more irritable at night? Some kids have difficulty with a change in routine. so when they are in camp environment, certain problems can manifest. Talk to the camp director about your child’s habits to see if your child is the right fit for their program. Ask about the staff-to-camper ratio. What does that ratio mean? How much staff is walking around with your child activity to activity? What does it look like in the bunk at night? Ratios can mean something different at each camp so you want the director to spell it out for you. What activities will your child be participating in? Ask how your child will be encouraged to try new things if he or she is showing resistance. Get the details on lines of communication. Be sure to ask how the camp and director will communicate with you about your child during the camp session.

“For children who have mainstreaming in the rest of their life, a special needs camp community can understand and specialize in their needs,” Sasson explains. “Often times, children with special needs have to work so hard to fit in at public school. But for our kids, camp is an amazing sense of relief that they are around children just like them. They make friends and go back to school feeling good about themselves. It’s nice for them to be the best athlete at camp.” Remember, no matter what your child’s special needs are,

there is a day or resident camp program that will provide your child with a memorable summer. For assistance in finding a summer camp for your child, contact the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey’s camper placement specialist or register for a free, personalized list of camps that meet your child’s needs at searchforacamp.org. Another good resource in finding a camp for your child with special needs is Resources for Children with Special Needs (resourcesnyc.org).

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N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 43

BHE Camps

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE KIDS There Are Plenty Of Ways For Parents To Have A Positive Camp Experience Too By Jess Michaels

amp is just a few months away and, by now, your children are most likely counting down the days until it begins. But as the beginning of summer approaches, you may be feeling a bit anxious about your child going to camp for a few weeks. Many parents experience “kidsickness” (a phrase coined by child, adolescent, and family therapist Bob Ditter), when they have trouble separating from their children as they go to camp. Keep in mind these are natural feelings to have. Here are a few ways parents can help themselves cope with separation and ensure that their children have a wonderful time at camp. Focus On The Positive, Not The Negative: Sure, you’re going to

miss your child when he or she goes to camp, but remember the reason you chose to send your child to camp. You want to give your child the opportunity to build character, gain independence, and have fun in a caring environment. It is important for parents to share positive messages about summer camp. If your child senses that you are uneasy about him going to camp, it may influence how he feels about going. “What kids look for is the look in their parents’ eyes,” Ditter explains. “Are they afraid, worried, upset? They interpret the look in one or two ways. There is something unsafe or scary in the world, and I can’t go out and feel confident. Or, my leaving is too hard on my parents, so I need to stay and take care of them. Parents need to be aware of that and to be

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clear about the gift they are giving their kids: not camp, but that they will be ok in the world.”

about the possibility of homesickness and that it was a normal feeling to experience while away.”

Adjusting To Camp: Remember that kids adjust to a new experience and a new environment before parents get used to the next stage of development. Before your child leaves for camp, don’t make pick-up deals and offer to rescue your child from camp. Instead, offer positive encouragement that you know he or she will have a successful summer. “Although I was nervous about my son going to camp, I was very conscious to keep things upbeat and positive before he left,” says Jill Smith, parent of a 9-year-old firsttime camper. “We talked about what I had loved about camp as a child, and my husband spoke with him

Limit Calls To The Camp Office: While your child is at camp, try to abstain from calling the camp director with every thought or worry you may have about your child. When your child is at camp, allow him or her to solve their own problems or ask a counselor for help. “If a parent is getting a mommy or daddy funny feeling in the pit of their stomach, then by all means feel free to give the camp a call,” says Jeff Grabow, owner and director of Camp Echo, a coed sleepaway camp in Burlingham, NY. “Any camp worth their weight should be happy to look continued on page 48

Summer Camp ExpErIENCES experienCeS Like no other

When school’s out let the summer fun begin! eSF provides your camper with amazing experiences they’ll take with them forever.

Day, Sport, and Specialty Camps for boys & girls ages 4-15

At RiveRDAle CountRy SChool new york City, ny

718-432-1013 www.esfcamps.com/Riverdale

Day Camp (Age 4-8)

Led by an experienced staff, a wide variety of hands-on activities creating a well-rounded summer camp experience and pure fun!

SENIor Camp

SportS Camp

(Age 9-15)

(Age 6-14)

Four age divisions offering top-notch instruction and game play for all skill levels across 10 sports.

major CampS

(Age 8-15)

Specialty camps for varied ages and interests. Handson, real world experiences, unique paths to choose.

Multi-level programs and True Life Adventures designed to broaden the horizons of our older campers.

tENNIS Camp

(Age 6-14)

Individual and group instruction with match play. Continuous improvement for all skill levels.

N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 4 5

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CAMP VISITING DAY DO’S AND DON’TS FOR PARENTS By Jess Michaels Parents have waited all summer for visiting day. The date has been circled on the calendar, since the kids boarded the bus. And while this is an exciting moment for families, parents should keep in mind that each camp has their own guidelines, which they should be sure to read. Here, the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey offers families some general tips for having a successful experience. Do: Arrive on time. Do: Read your camp’s policies on bringing outside food to camp. Some camps have campers with severe food allergies and don’t allow outside food on camp grounds. Do: Limit the amount of food you bring to camp on visiting day if your camp allows it. Many camps will only allow your child to keep the food until the end of the day or only one day after visiting day, so excess food is wasteful. Do: Participate in activities that the camp has arranged for the day. Adam Weinstein, director of Berkshire Hills Emanuel Camps, a coed residential summer camp in the southern Berkshire Mountains of New York, says: “Camp will nurture your child’s independence. Keep that momentum going on visiting day. While at camp, be a true visitor. Let your child be the host throughout the day and participate in the activities the camp has planned.” Do: Respect the no tipping staff policy if the camp has one. Do: Follow the camp’s policy on bunk gifts. If your camp doesn’t allow them, respect the rule. Don’t: Take your child off camp grounds if the policy is to stay at camp. Don’t: Tell your child about all the things they are missing at home while they are at camp. This can make a child feel homesick after you leave. Don’t: Bring banned items, which can include cell phones, iPads, Game Boys, and cameras that record video. Don’t: Make pick-up deals with your child. Put the camp timeframe in perspective for your child if you sense he or she is missing home. Let them know you are confident that staying at camp will be a great experience. Don’t: Bring numerous people to camp. The purpose of visiting day is to spend time with your child and to see your child in the camp environment. Don’t: Bring very young infants or toddlers if you think the day will be too long for them. Don’t: Bring pets if that is the camp policy. Don’t: Overstay your welcome. “While visiting day should be a great day for everyone, it’s not uncommon for some campers to begin to feel homesick as the day comes to a close,” says Josh Corpuel, director of Camp Wayne for Boys, a resident camp in Preston Park, PA. “This is a very normal feeling and parents’ prompt departure at the end of the day will enable campers to make a smooth transition back into the camp program. Parting may be difficult, but in almost every instance, campers who are upset adjust within minutes after parents depart.”

into your concerns. It’s important that the parent asks themselves if the feeling is concern for their child, or just missing their little person. If the staff in the office knows you by the sound of your ‘hello,’ you might be calling a bit too much.” Keep in mind that camp directors have your child’s best interests in mind and the skill to guide your child towards an appropriate level of independence, self-confidence, and success. Online Photos: Many camps post hundreds of daily camp photos online to give parents a window into a camper’s life at camp. These pictures can be a great way to see all the activities your campers are

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doing. “I will admit, I checked the photos every day, once or twice a day,” says Akta Menon, whose daughter was at sleepaway camp for her second year this past summer. “My daughter’s letters were always very brief, so, if not for the pictures, I would have no idea what she was up to.” But these photos can also exacerbate any worries a parent may be having. “While camp photos are a wonderful way for parents to get a peek into a child’s summer activities, it is not uncommon for parents to scrutinize these pictures,” Grabow says. “The key is not to focus too much on an individual picture. No child walks around with a perma-grin, so don’t panic if they are not smiling

Gate Hill Day Camp

in a picture.” Doug Katz, owner and director of Camp Lakota, a coed sleepaway camp in Wurtsboro, NY adds: “My advice to parents is to please take the pictures with a grain of salt and always know that the camp staff is watching over your child 24/7. If anything is truly wrong, you will be contacted right away.” You’ve Taught Them Well: Feel confident that you have taught your child well and everything you instilled in him or her will stay intact while at camp. Separation from you will give your child confidence and the ability to problem-solve without your help. Long Distance Communication: Many sleepaway camps allow for scheduled phone calls during the summer. “Phone calls can be great, however, the sound of a family member’s voice can throw even the best and most successful camper into a temporary tailspin,” Grabow says. “Keep the conversation light and tell the child how proud you are of them for being a camper. It is ok to miss your child, just try to avoid letting your child know how desperately you miss them or what a great time you are having at home.” If you receive a discouraging phone call or a letter from your child, remember that, like any new experience, adjusting to camp may take a few days and that severe homesickness is rare. Camp Gives Parents A Break: Camp is also a chance for parents to have a break from the playdates, cooking

and homework help. It’s also a great time to take a vacation, spend more time with your spouse and friends, or have some one-on-one time with a child still at home. “I have one child at sleepaway camp, and a younger one still at home. We were able to focus on doing activities our younger daughter loved to do for a few weeks.” Menon says. Ditter adds that it’s important for parents to have a life outside of their children. “Kids need to know that their parents have their own separate, successful life without the kids or then why would they need to grow up? It’s good for them to see their parents with their own friends, going to the club, going to dinner, and playing tennis. As a kid, they want to know that if their parents are helping them to grow up, that there is something happy at the end of growing up,” he says. As difficult as it may be for you to let your child go to camp, you are giving your child an opportunity to build confidence, gain resiliency, grow more independent, and try new activities. Try to keep this in mind if you become anxious at the thought of your child leaving for camp or while your child is there. “When my son went to camp for a month, I missed our sweet family of four,” Smith adds. “But our son had the time of his life and asked to go back the day we brought him home. He came home a different child—mature, responsible, empathetic, and confident. He also appreciated us more. His hugs have been more frequent and tighter, his room is a little neater, and his friendships are deeper.”

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 49

NOW&

NOW

THEN Camp Directors Share Their Favorite Anecdotes From The Recent Past And From When They Were Campers

JESSICA STARKMAN DWIGHT SUMMER DAY CAMP dwightsummercamp.org While I’m sorry to see campers leave, dismissal is my favorite time of day. That’s when countless campers approach me—usually at a full-speed run—just to show me or tell me something exciting about what they did that day. Most stories are about an accomplishment, like scoring the winning basket or learning to juggle “three whole times in a row!” But the best stories come from happy campers who come running with a friend in tow. They want to introduce me to their new friend.

PETER CORBIN CORBIN’S CRUSADERS corbinscrusaders.com This past summer, a camper tried to conquer one of our ropes course elements called the “screaming leap.” The leap requires campers to scale a 15-foot pole and then leap off, swinging down eventually to the ground. Campers are, of course, wearing a harness and helmet, and they are connected to one of

our ropes staff. But the challenge is difficult for many campers and staff. One afternoon this past summer, one of our 9-year-old girls attempted the leap and spent about 20 minutes on the top before all of the staff and campers in her group encouraged her to make the leap. The incredible outpouring of support and the fear conquered and the pure joy that resulted was unmatched. Most importantly, this camper did it multiple times that summer. I love to watch children grow in any capacity, but this was glorious.

STAN FRIEDMANN MOUNT TOM DAY CAMP mounttomdaycamp.com A few years ago, the 11-year-old boys group was playing touch football. There was one boy who sat under a tree watching. I asked him why he was not in the game. He just shrugged. I asked him if he knew how to throw or catch a ball. Again, he said “no.” I offered to give him a few pointers if he wanted to learn. Two weeks went by, we saw each other every day, and he never spoke about it. Then one day he continued on page 52

SPORTIME RANDALL’S ISLAND

2014 SUMMER CAMPS Offered Weekly: June 9th - August 8th

With transportation available in Manhattan, SPORTIME Randall’s Island Summer Camps feature tennis pros from the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and caring counselors who deliver an unforgettable experience to every camper! The 2012 EXCEL Summer Camp, for tennis players ages 7-16, features four hours of intensive coaching from McEnroe Academy professionals and two hours of fitness and cross-training. The SPORTIME 2012 Tennis & Sports Camp, for kids 5-15, provides two hours of tennis and four hours of other sports, including basketball, softball, and soccer; plus an activity tent, slip ‘n slide and more! For more information email Camp Director and Master Tennis Professional Greg Evans at CampsRI@SportimeNY.com, call 212-427-6150, or log onto www.SPORTIMENY.com/Manhattan

212/427-6150

SportimeNY.com/Manhattan If you’re traveling east, check out the summer camp offerings at SPORTIME clubs in the Hamptons: SPORTIME Amagansett, 320 Abrahams Path, 631.267.3460, SportimeNY.com/Amagansett SPORTIME Quogue, Route 104, 631.653.6767, SportimeNY.com/Quogue

5 0 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

summertime at Gymtime...

Gymnastics camp June 9 - August 15 / Ages 5 - 6.11 & 7+ sports camp June 9 - August 15 / Ages 5 - 6.11 summer breeze day camp June 23 - August 15 / Ages 2.6 - 4.11 mini camp June 9 - June 20 / Ages 3 - 4.11 summer classes April 28 - August 15 / Ages 7 months - 12 years

1520 York Avenue, New York, NY 10028 • 212.861.7732 For more information visit: gymtime.net

@GymtimeNYC

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N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 5 1

continued from page 50

walked over to me holding a ball in his hands. For the next few days we met for a few minutes and went over the fundamentals of throwing and catching. It was a great breakthrough for him. Although I don’t think he will make a career out of the game, it did allow him to join the group and feel good about himself in a new way.

LAUREN WEXLER 92Y CAMP YOMI 92y.org/yomi

Adam Weinstein of Berkshire Hills Emanuel Camps, with a young camper

One of our weekly “Wacky Wednesdays” every year at Camp Yomi is a big, camp-wide lip sync contest. We know it’s a great way to promote self confidence and teamwork in our campers—while having a blast. Last summer, we decided that the camp’s leadership team (myself included!) would put together our own lip sync/dance number. The rehearsals took us back to the fun of being campers, but we also bonded as a team, laughed a lot, and tapped into each other’s strengths to create a dance that all the campers would enjoy. After eight summers of watching the kids on stage, I experienced this from the inside out. I felt that self confidence and sense of belonging that we try to instill in the kids, and that gave

me new insight into the elation that campers feel when they do a great routine and how that resonates beyond the day of the show.

ROBERTA KATZ DEER MOUNTAIN DAY CAMP deermountaindaycamp.com Recently, I ran into a parent of one of my campers. When I approached her to say hello, she burst into a smile and started to talk. “My daughter just loves Deer Mountain,” she said. “She can’t wait for next summer. She’s a different kid…Thank you!” I smiled as I recalled her sitting on the couch in my office, two years prior, telling me about her daughter for the first time. “My daughter is a great kid, but she’s definitely on the shy side. It’s really important for her to be with her friend, because she’s very resistant to coming even though we think it would be a good idea,” she said. “She doesn’t really like to spend a lot of time away from our family, even during the school year.” As I checked in on her throughout the season, she was spending time with all of the girls in her group, not just her school friend. I saw smiles, laughter and conversations, which left me feeling continued on page 54

Parents pick us because of our experience

kids love us because of theirs With 25 acres, a natural lake, 6 pools, 7 tennis courts, a 7,000 sq ft dining hall, 1,000 sq ft newly renovated performing arts center and numerous courts, fields and cabins for sports and fine arts, Deer Mountain Day Camp offers the attributes of a large camp with a small camp feel. Smart, authentic leadership and an experienced staff create an environment where kids feel safe and comfortable to be who they are. Expert activity instructors create engaging, high quality programs so kids develop real skills.

www.deermountaindaycamp.com 845.354.2727 52 • NEW YORK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

Launch Full Page Parent 10by11 with marks.pdf

1/17/14

2:35 PM

CMY

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great. I love what I do. I love what I get to see at camp everyday each summer. What chokes me up the most, however, is seeing and hearing about how a child has flourished at Deer Mountain, becoming more confident and comfortable being exactly who they are supposed to be.

THEN ADAM WEINSTEIN BERKSHIRE HILLS EMANUEL CAMPS bhecamps.com I still remember my first overnight at camp. I was 11. We hiked out to a great spot in the woods, built a fire, cooked hamburgers, and stayed up talking until midnight. We slept in tents, and our counselor made us an amazing breakfast in the morning. My camp friends and I still talk about that overnight and that was over 30 years ago. It brought our group together.

SAM BOREK WOODMONT DAY CAMP woodmontdaycamp.com At Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa, the biggest special event was the “Grey Cup.” I was a chubby kid and was not

Josh Male of Gate Hill Day Camp, at right

very athletic. During try-outs I asked to play quarterback and was met with laughter and was sent with the offensive lineman. I threw five perfect passes and was told that the coaches had seen enough. The next day one of the coaches pulled me aside at lunch and said: “You are not the best quarterback, but you’re mine. Be ready tomorrow.” Our first practice was a disaster. I couldn’t handle the snap cleanly, forgot the plays, and ended up leaving the field in tears. I got better and more comfortable with each practice and felt ready for the game. The game was a backand-forth affair with our team down by four with a few minutes left. We moved the ball down the field and had it at the two yard line with less than a minute to go. Somehow I stumbled into the end zone for the winning touchdown! I was named the best offensive player from that game and gained confidence that I never knew I had.

GENNA SINGER JCC MANHATTAN jccmanhattan.org I was lucky enough to go to Camp Timber Tops in the Pocono continued on page 56

p m a c my ! s d n frie

fers f o y e p Buckl ional cam dit ed a tra am focus r prog ndividual ges on i a r o th f gh grow hs throu nt 18 mo years! 15 5 4 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

Located ONLY 19 miles from NYC! Traditional Camp & Individual Choice = p One-of-a-kind Cam onths Experience for 18 m to 15 years 516-365-7760 om www.buckleycamp.c

R ISTE REG INE ONL OR AY F TOD IRD LY B R A E S! RATE

New Country Day Camp A summer in the country, so close to the city!

Come join us and explore nature, stories, independence and community in a fun, outdoor, kid-charged environment! Flexible summer sessions for Brooklyn and Manhattan kids entering K-6th on 75 beautiful acres of the Staten Island Green Belt.

Full Summer: Session 1: Session 2: Session 3:

6/30 - 8/22 6/30 - 7/18 7/21 - 8/1 8/4 - 8/22

Meet us in person: 2/27, 3/27 – call or email to reserve your spot! newcountrydaycamp.org newcountry@14streety.org 646-395-4357

Use registration code: UGSC for a free gift

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COOKIE SHAPIRO BANK STREET SUMMER CAMP bankstreet.edu/summer-camp

Deer Mountain Day Camp’s Roberta Katz, far right

Mountains for nearly all of my formative summers. It is literally the happiest place on earth. One summer, my aunt, with whom I was very close, passed away after a terrible battle with cancer. My parents came to camp to tell me and take me and my sister home for the funeral. It was a painful and terrible day. We drove back to camp the next

morning, and I realized that I could not have been going back to a better place. My bunkmates and counselors were exceptionally supportive, the unit heads and directors checked in on me, and I was able to find comfort in the place that made me happy and cared for. There is no question that the support and love in camp were the best things for me.

My first camp experience was not positive. I went to Camp Gilowat for only two weeks, and I didn’t know anybody. I couldn’t swim. Most of the children my age swam in the “C Section” of the pool. The “C Section” was at the deep end. I was originally in the shallow “Crib” section, but the staff felt bad for me so they put me in the “A Section.” It was really embarrassing, and I found every reason under the sun not to go into the pool after that. When I was 14 I became a counselor in training at Gilawat. I had a camper named Martha Schwartz who was an incredible athlete, especially when it came to swimming. One day, when I was 16 and she was 10, she asked me why I didn’t swim in the deep end. I replied that it was because I didn’t know how to swim. Her response was: “I’ll teach you.” And this 10-year-old camper taught me how to swim. At Bank Street, I was the aquatics director for five years, and I’m now in my sixteenth year as the camp director. Bank Street is a camp where counselors work with campers to help build and improve upon their skills no matter what their comfort or skill level is.

NOW & THEN JOSH MALE GATE HILL DAY CAMP gatehilldaycamp.com I want to share a small story that happens to capture why I love being a camp director, and a special memory I have from being a camper all at the same time. As a child I grew up at Elmwood Day Camp and Camp Echo Lake. Both Jeff Ackerman and Morry Stein, the respective directors of those camps, were huge influences on my life and on the lives of many others. Recently in an email conversation with Jeff, he mentioned a quick memory to me. “I recall Morry telling me, back in 1993, that you were the real deal,” he said. “Seeing what you have brought to your camp and to the camp community he would be proud.” To me this is it. This note sums up all the things that camp did for me growing up. It helped shape my perspective on how to be a friend and support others, how to take risks and be independent, and, most importantly, how to believe in myself. Each summer, I have the opportunity to do the same thing for Gate Hill’s campers and staff—the opportunity to plant a seed in someone’s mind that they too are the real deal.

Summer Clubhouse Camp summer.hewittschool.org

Open to Grades K-5; $700/week Early registration incentives

Coed Day Camp June and August weeks

Early and Extended programs

Field Trips • Swimming & Swim Lessons • Chess • Science • Athletic Games • Creative Arts • Indoor & Outdoor Play To find out more about our programs and to register, visit our website: or contact The Hewitt School, Auxiliary Programs 212-994-2596 5 6 • NEW YORK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

summer.hewittschool.org

Kamp Kierson Now Enrolling GIVE YOUR CHILD A WEEK IN HORSE COUNTRY

Kierson Farm is home to New Jersey’s Largest and most respected riding lesson program. Let Kamp Kierson bring your childs love of horses to life! 1 week Sleep- away Kamp for kids wanting to “ live the life”. Day Kamp for beginner riders. Advanced Horsemanship Kamps for Horse Crazy kids that want All Horses all Day.

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107 W WESTWOODS CHURCH RD FLEMINGTON, NJ (908) 528-3307 • HORSECRAZY123.COM • EMAIL: kiersonfarm@me.com N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 57

74TH ST. Magic

92Y

Summer Days Camp is a treasure for the younger set, 2.5 – 6 years old, extending the preschool experience. Each week is dedicated to a theme and all the activities…arts and crafts, science, cooking, story time…tie in with that theme. In addition there is plenty of outdoor play on MAGIC’s private rooftop playground as well as gymnastics in MAGIC’s state-ofthe-art gym. The program is super flexible… MAGIC only requires two weeks and they don’t need to be consecutive. There are also half-day/full-day options…3 or 5 days per week. Camp runs from June 2 – August 15.

Summer fun from the people who know kids best: 92nd Street Y’s day camps for ages 5-14, in a beautiful country setting just 20 minutes from the GW bridge, with convenient pick-ups from multiple Manhattan locations. Programs include sports, arts, film, jewelry, martial arts, swimming, cooking, music, drama and much more, all designed and lead by the childhood development experts at 92Y. Young campers (3-5 years old) attend in Manhattan. With special needs camps, camps for teens and two-week sleep away camps, 92Y Camps are dedicated to providing the best summer experience for kids of all ages and stages.

510 East 74th Street New York 212.737.2989 www.74magic.com

1395 Lexington Avenue 212.415.5573 www.92Y.org/Camps

A.C.T.

ADVANTAGE SEA & SPORTS CAMP

A.C.T. is “Where the Action Is” this summer for your child on the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine campus.

The Advantage Sea & Sports Camp is unique in the NY Metro area. We hold camp at the beautiful 55-acre campus of the Maritime College in Throgs Neck, NY -- conveniently located to Manhattan, Queens and lower Westchester. The award-winning waterfront program offers Advantage campers ages 6 – 17 the opportunity to sail, kayak and motor boat their way to fun! An aquatic center and extensive recreational facilities encourage swimming, soccer, basketball and more. Advantage Sea & Sports Camp even includes a tennis program at The New York Tennis Club, only 2 minutes from the Maritime College. Staffed with tennis professionals, the Club includes a QuickStart and tournament training program at a beautiful country-like setting.

A.C.T’s Summer Country Day Camp in the City has been providing campers with fun-filled summer activities in our spacious indoor and outdoor facilities on our 11- acre campus at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine since 1971. There is something here for every child ages 4 – 14 in July and August. Campers have the versatility to participate in arts, sports and specialized camps, and explore New York City sites, embark on scavenger hunt challenges, and take exciting field trips in our Adventure Camps.

www.actprograms.org

Paul Fontana, Camp Director pfontana@advantagetennisclubs.com 718-239-7919 advantagecamps.net

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (518) 494-2406 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BRANTLAKESPORTSACADEMY.COM OFFICE@BRANTLAKE.COM 5 8 • NEW YORK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 59

AMERICAN MUSEUM oF NATURAL HISTORY

Give your child a hands-on science experience with camps designed for curious minds at the American Museum of Natural History! This summer, children can explore topics ranging from robot design and astrophysics to human evolution and extreme mammals. The Adventures in Science program offers three-day and weeklong camps for ages 4 to 12, guided by experienced, knowledgable educators. Where better for your child to discover science than at one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions? Visit amnh.org/camps to learn more.

Central Park West, New York, NY 212.769.5100 www.amnh.org/Camps

ARSENAL SUMMER FUEL

ASPHALT GREEN

Summer 2014 will see many New York area soccer players learning how to play the Arsenal way! For the first time ever, Arsenal FC, the 13-time English league champions, are offering soccer schools here in New York. The week long day camps will be held at Randall’s Island the weeks of June 16th and June 30th before moving on to other locations in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The camps are a unique opportunity for boys and girls ages 8 - 17 to improve all aspects of their game and have fun. All coaching, drills and scrimmages are led by official Arsenal coaches from England and are based on the very same methodology and training used by Arsenal FC.

Registration for Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp 2014 is open! We offer two fun camp locations: Upper East Side and Battery Park City, for kids ages 4-13. Campers experience fun, active-filled days, including swimming, basketball, baseball, crafts, field trips and more. Once a week camps take a recreational and/or educational trip within the tri-state area. These trips are both fun and active, and planned with the various age-appropriate divisions in mind. Join us from June 30th through August 22nd because it will be THE BEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE.

playthearsenalwayusa.com

www.asphaltgreen.org/camp

6 0 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

ATLANTIC ACTING School

This summer, Atlantic Acting School is pleased to offer four exciting programs. The Summer Youth Arts Program for ages 5-8 runs Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, in seven one-week sessions from June 16-August 8. Summer Young Creators Workshop for ages 9-11 (Session 1: July 7-July 18; Session 2: July 21-August 1, Session 3: August 4-August 15) introduces young creators to an actor’s physical and vocal warm-up, improv and theater games. Summer Young Actors Workshop for ages 11-14 (Session 1: June 23-June 27; Session 2: July 14-July 25; Session 3: July 28-August 15) Through three focused workshops: On-Camera Studio, Actors Craft and Summer Stock Theater young actors engage their creative abilities through monologue and scene work. The Four-Week Summer Teen Ensemble for ages 15-18 (July 7-August 1) is perfect for those interested in learning the Atlantic Technique. The program integrates acting classes with rigorous physical training in voice, speech and movement.

646.216.1171 www.atlanticactingschool.org

SUMMER

MULTI

SPORT

CAMP

A weekly all-day camp for children ages 4 to 16 – Only $450/week!

Camp

Join us at the sports fields and courts in Riverside Park between 96th and 110th Streets

Basketball (ages 8-14)

Baseball (ages 6-14)

Soccer

(ages 4-14)

runs

12 WE EKS JUNE 9 – AUG 2 9 Tennis

(ages 4-16)

For more information: riversideparknyc.org N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 61

AViATOR SPORTS

SUMMER @ AVENUES

Summer@Avenues will offer a full slate of exciting programs in 2014. We will again offer our signature summer immersion camps in both Spanish and Chinese for students entering pre-K through 12th grade, grouped according to age and ability. New courses for multiple ages in art, science, robotics, math, digital animation and video game design move inside and outside the classroom, enabling students to take advantage of both our location on the High Line and our technologically rich building. Students will have a truly enjoyable and engaging experience while gaining lifelong skills and expertise that will enrich their academic lives.

http://www.avenues.org/

Summer camp is a place for building new relationships, making new memories, having great experiences and days filled with smiles and laughter. Campers will be separated into groups by age, for days filled with everything our 175 square foot facility has to offer. Our low counselor to camper ratios ensure your child is safe and smiling all day. Whether your child attends Aviator for 1 week or 9 weeks, spending the summer with us will be a summer your child never forgets! Multiweek bundle and sibling discounts as well as transportation, early drop off and late pickup options are available.

3159 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 718.758.7500 www.aviatorsports.com

BANK STREET SUMMER CAMP

Like the School for Children, The Bank Street Summer Camp fosters emotional, physical and ethical growth within campers, by using educational professionals to help them develop their own personalities and individual voices through love of play, creativity and collaboration. Through experiential education, we seek to strengthen not only individuals, but the community, and the larger population, in which adults and children, in all their diversity, interact and learn. Camp celebrates the individual child, creating a positive camp culture and zest for living that encourages exploration and problem solving. We see in Camp the opportunity to educate and build a better society.

bankstreet.edu/summer-camp/

BASKETBALL STARS Of new york

Basketball Stars is a comprehensive youth basketball organization made up of the most accomplished and experienced staff in all of youth sports. Offering Summer Basketball Camps, Travel / AAU Basketball Teams, Weekend and After School Programs along with Private and Group Instruction for kids ages 3-17. From beginner to advanced skills, Basketball Stars had the right option for your child.

646.543.9004 www.basketballstars.com

2014 5-Week Academic Enrichment Program on 220-acres in beautiful Litchfield County, Connecticut Grades 7–12, Boarding and Day, Co-ed Yes, learning and summer fun can coexist! Whether the goal is to test drive boarding school, get a jump start on a math class, review a science course, learn about organic farming, practice a foreign language, or prepare for those all-important SATs, there is bound to be something exciting and relevant in our course catalog! Arts, daily athletics, extracurricular activities, and weekend trips round out the experience.

SUMMER SCHOOL June 30–August 2

110 Woodbury Road, Watertown, CT 06795 6 2 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

af t. perience at T e x e le ib d e r c orld and th n had an in “Our childre nds from all over the w the school year. frie t on They made at head star lways treasure.” e r g a m e th classes gave n experience they will a a It was truly

~ 860-945-7961 ~ www.TaftSchool.org/Summer

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 63

BOOK NOOK

Experience the excitement and wonder of traveling to six different countries right in the heart of the Upper West Side! Book Nook’s second annual Summer Journey Around the World will feature trips to Brazil, Greece, Thailand, India, Ireland, and Israel. Each week children will be introduced to foreign language, read native stories, dabble in art, learn traditional music, and taste food from various cultures. Book Nook will provide each child with their very own passport journal, suitcase, and cultural props to take home. Come join us for our sold-out summer program and give your children an unforgettable international summer adventure!

167 W 81st St, New York, NY 212.873.2665 booknooknyc.com

BRANT LAKE SPORTS ACADEMY

Buckley day camp

Brant Lake Sports Academy for Girls: In the Adirondack Mountains of NY July 13 - August 15

Buckley Day Camp offers families a connection-focused program where each camper ends his/her time at camp feeling more connected to one another, our staff and the overall camp community. Our program is one aspect that makes Buckley unique. Our elective based program allows campers to choose what they experience at camp. From sports to arts to sciences, we offer options that fulfill the interests of all campers. Located in Roslyn, NY in Nassau County (just 19 miles from New York City!), Buckley is committed to enriching the lives of children through our three guiding principles of Knowledge, Friendship and Fun.

BLSA is a professionally run 2-week resident summer program for motivated, sportsloving girls, 11 to 16 years old. BLSA is owned and operated by Brant Lake Camp - one of the finest boys camps in the USA, with over 95 years of one family. With this same experienced leadership, our program addresses the strong growth of athletics and competitive sports among girls. On it’s own girls campus. For more information about the experience and dedicated leadership at BLSA see details below.

www.brantlakesportsacademy.com email: Office@brantlake.com

1 I U Willets Rd, Roslyn, NY 11576 516.365.7760 buckleycamp.com

NON - C OM PET I T I V E

•

CAEDMON SCHOOL DISCOVERY CAMP

June 30 - August 8 Ages: 2.8–12 The Caedmon School Discovery Camp is located right in the middle of the greatest city in the world, and we take full advantage of the many attractions available to entice, engage, and expand the horizons of naturally curious children! Our groups will participate in age-appropriate trips and activities, guided by experienced Caedmon School teachers and other talented specialists. We offer a program that is built around Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Exploration into every activity. A typical day at camp will include instructional and free swim time, arts & crafts, music, movement, tennis, sports and games, Broadway, yoga, and so much more!

416 East 80th, NY, NY 10075 212-879-2297 caedmondiscoverycamp.org

NAT U R E - OR I E N T E D

The Nature Place offers campers ages 4-16 a safe summer where they can be themselves, be challenged, have fun, connect with others and the earth, develop new skills, and be supported throughout the day by a caring and competent staff. 2 85 HUNGRY HOLLO W R OAD, CHESTNUT RIDGE, NE W YORK 10 977

thenatureplace.com | e-mail: camp @ thenatureplace.com TELEPHONE : 845.356.6 477 6 4 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 65

CAMP BIRCH HILL

CAMP CHINQUEKA

CAMP LÉMAN

OSTI

CAMP AWOSTING

Camp Awosting is a traditional sleep away camp for Boys age 6-16 located on Bantam lake in Connecticut run by the Ebner Family for over 60 years. We offer 2,4, 6 and 8 week sessions. Come experience Watersports, Team Sports, Extreme Activities, Go-Karts, Motocross, 1000 ft Zip Line, Teen Trips, Tennis, Golf, Performing Arts and more! Check out the virtual tour on our web site awosting. com. (800) 66-CAMPS. Bus transportation available to and from camp. Be sure to check out are sister camp for girls as well, Camp Chinqueka.

800.66.CAMPS awosting.com

Your Home Away From Home. Camp Birch Hill is a family owned, traditional summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-16. Our elective program allows campers choose from 50 activities to create a personalized schedule throughout their 2, 4, or 6 week stay. Birch Hill is nestled on over 100 private acres in the beautiful lakes region of of NH. With a focus on fun, Birch Hill specializes on skill development and discovering new interests while making friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Let’s have a great summer!

CAMPBIRCHHILL.com

66 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

Camp Chinqueka is a traditional sleep away camp for Girls age 6-16 located on Mt. Tom Pond in Litchfield, Connecticut run by the Ebner Family for over 60 years. We offer 2,4, 6 and 8 week sessions. Come experience Watersports, Team Sports, Drama Gymnastics, Music, Dance Ceramics, Arts and Crafts, Go Karts, Climbing Tower, ZIp Lines and more! Check out the virtual tour on our web site chinqueka.com. (800) 66-CAMPS. Bus transportation available to and from camp. Be sure to check out are brother camp for boys as well. Camp Awosting.

800.66.CAMPS chinqueka.com

Camp Léman For 3 Years Old – Entering 3rd Grade Children enjoy daily swim, cooking, music, martial arts, tennis, drawing, painting, silly science, woodworking and much, much more. Our amazing staff and incredible facilities combine to create the perfect summer for our campers. June 23- August 1 Léman Summer Workshops For Entering 4th – 9th Grade Campers will hone their skills in week-long camps with high-level instruction by expert faculty in each field of interest. Workshops include: basketball, culinary arts, film, art, and music. Each week includes unique excursions and concludes with an event for family and friends. June 23 - August 1

Enrol now 212.232.0266 ext 254 lemanmanhattan.org/summercamp

Camp Birch Hill

Located In Lakes Region Of New Hampshire

your home away from home

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CAMP KINDER RING

Camp Kinder Ring, filled with Friendship, Love and Spirit, has been welcoming children for almost 90 years. Nestled in the Hudson Valley, in Hopewell Junction, New York on more than 100 acres of pristine property and overlooking beautiful Sylvan Lake, Camp Kinder Ring boasts tremendous facilities, programming and staff. It offers the Pinnacle in Sleep-Away Camp Experience for boys and girls aged 7-16. Camp Kinder Ring is proud of the variety of programming offered to expose children to a wide array of activities – from an impressive Athletic Program, to a magnificent Waterfront including a huge swimming pool and exciting lake activities, to Arts and Crafts, Drama, Adventure Center and Ropes Course, Jewish Culture program, and several travel programs to just name a few.

845.221.2771 campkr.com

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP

CAMP NORTHWOOD

Established 1976. Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Instructional summer sleep away camp for socially immature, learning challenged and high functioning autistic spectrum campers, (co-ed, ages 8-18). 2:1 camper/counselor ratio. Campers have a wealth of opportunities to succeed while enjoying the time of their lives! The 40acre campus is situated on the edge of a beautiful 9-mile lake in the Adirondacks (NYS). Over 30 structured, non-competitive activities promoting independence, selfesteem and mastery. The Northwood Center, a division of Camp Northwood, Inc. provides summer programming for young adults, (ages 1621) as they learn and practice independent living, practical and social skills in a simulated apartment setting.

Gordon & Donna Felt, Directors 315-831-3621 www.nwood.com

6 8 • NEW YORK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

CAMP RAMAQUOIS

CAMP SCHODACK

Camp Ramaquois, “formerly a sleepaway camp - now a day camp as complete as sleep-away”, situated on 44 acres in nearby Rockland County. Only 30 minutes from the George Washington Bridge, via the Palisades Parkway. From adventurous activities to creative arts to athletic activities, boys & girls, ages 3-15 experience a traditional day camp program filled with a variety of stimulating activities. Facilities include group bunks, a 5-acre crystalline lake, 8 heated swimming pools, a splash park, tennis, basketball & volleyball courts, hockey rinks, ball fields, soccer fields, a petting zoo, special events & much more. Optional Trail Blazers Trip Program for grades 3-10. 10th Grade Leadership Program. Many air-conditioned buildings.

Under the same Krouner-family ownership for four generations, Camp Schodack is one of New York’s premier camps, located in the foothills of the Berkshires. Our enrollment of 135 boys and 135 girls, ages 7-16, is large enough to offer a diverse program yet small enough to foster the warm, friendly, family-like atmosphere that allows everyone to know each other.

845-354-1600 ramaquois.com

schodack.com

The friendliness of our campers and staff – most of whom grew up at Schodack - and the supportive, non-pressured atmosphere, along with the emphasis on sportsmanship and fun on the playing fields promotes a community of kindness and life-changing friendships. Join us for a fun-filled summer!

WHO SAID SCIENTISTS DON’T HAVE FUN? OUR KIDS HAVE A BLAST AT

SCITECH KIDS

Live the language! Vivez la langue !

SUMMER CAMP

BUDDING SCIENTISTS ENJOY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING: • Composing • Launching Rockets • Hydroponics Summer is a great time for kids to explore the wonders of science. SciTech Kids sparks a child’s innate curiosity and creativity about science through rich, hands-on, captivating experiences. Whether an Explorer (4-5) Adventurer (ages 6-8) or Investigator (ages 9-12) SciTech Kids inspires kids to think like scientists. Mornings are spent in Central Park and afternoons are filled with science and non-science activities.

• How the Body Works • Robotics • Bird watching • Botany • Designing Houses • Model Boat Sailing • Exploring Ecosystems • Building Weather Stations • Amazing Field Trips AND MORE

To register call (212) 804-7055 or www.sci-techkids.com

international language Camps is a French camp for children and teens from 7 to 17 years old from around the world. we offer holidays and vacations with a multitude of activities and a complete language teaching program, all in the heart of the French Alps. Our language programs not only offer an opportunity to learn a foreign language but also encourage campers to discover new cultures, to make new friends, to value different activities, to learn to live and work with others, to get involved with an international community and, most importantly, to blossom with this success.

SUMMER 2014: JUNE 9 TO AUGUST 8

6, Avenue de Calas - 1206 Genève SwitzerlAnd tél. +41 (0)22 346 14 42

ENROLL for 1 to 9 WEEKS

tél. Megève : +33 (0)4 50 90 23 61 - tél. Skype : +41 (0)22 548 01 05 internationallanguagecamps.com - info@iscmegeve.ch

Ages 4 – 12 9 AM to 3 PM 130 East 80th St.

N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 69

CAMP WINGATE*KIRKLAND

CAMP YOMAWHA

CAMPUS KIDS

CHELSEA PIERS

Chelsea Piers, Manhattan’s premier destination for youth sports, is home to 16 specialty sports camps. Sports Academy (soccer, basketball, baseball & more), Elite Soccer, Basketball, Gymnastics, Golf, Performance Golf, Bowling, Ice Hockey, Acceleration Hockey, Urban Adventure (rock climbing, sailing, kayaking & more) for teens; Junior Gymnastics, Ice Hockey and Ice Skating camps; Preschool Gymnastics and Ice Skating camps are available. Depending on sport, camps run June 16 through August 29, 2014, for ages 3 – 17 years, in 1-week to 11-week options. Download brochure & registration forms online by visiting www.chelseapiers.com/camps. For more information, call 212.336.6846 or email Camps@chelseapiers.com.

Camp W * K is a nurturing, coed, day (ages 4 - 11) and overnight camp (ages 7 15) where children are empowered with a choice of daily activities; indeed a traditional camp in many ways, staying true to old fashioned values. And like it was 55 years ago – W * K is not a “plugged in” camp. Children feel supported and confident to step out of their comfort-zone and try new things without the fear of failure. Camper safety, having fun, and developing life skills are our priorities. We are food allergy friendly and completely nut free!

Camp Yomawha is available for children who have completed Kindergarten through Tenth grades and includes an inclusive special needs component. We are located in Rockland County, NY at the picturesque Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. At Camp Yomawha, young people build a sense of community, realize new passions and skills and foster identities rich in Jewish values, confidence, and collaboration. Our campers absolutely flourish in our outdoor setting. From exploring the natural beauty that surrounds us, to swimming, sports and the arts, Camp Yomawha delivers an exceptional program that you and your kids will love for years to come.

Monday through Friday at camp and home with the family on weekends. Transportation from NYC included! CAMPUS KIDS is the perfect introduction to sleep-away camp, as well as a great camp/family lifestyle choice. 2, 4, 6 and 8-week options. Every camper chooses his/ her own activities every day. Sports, fine arts, performing arts . . . including squash, tennis, golf, skateboarding, gymnastics, ceramics, ultimate Frisbee, theatre, drums, guitar, crafts, painting, photography, yoga, fitness, swimming, softball, soccer, lacrosse and lots more. un, active, involved staff that puts safety first. ACA-Accredited. Private tours given on weekends.

campwk.com

www.ywashhts.org/summer-camp /camp-yomawha-day-camp

800-633-7350 www.campuskids.com

70 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

23rd Street & Hudson River Park NYC (212)336-6846 camps@chelseapiers.com www.chelseapiers.com/camps

Summer at Hawthorne Valley

Notre Dame School of Manhattan

Kinder Camp Ages • 4 – 6

Discover the magic of summertime at Hawthorne Valley! Your child will delight in the daily, seasonal rhythm of songs, stories, snack, nature crafts, and play. This day camp, for children ages 4 to 6, is from 9:00 to 1:00 Monday through Friday with an extended day option to 2:30.

Meadowlark Adventure Camp • Ages 7 – 9 Adventures through the fields, forests, meadows, streams, and ponds. This day camp, for children ages 7 to 9, is from 9:00 to 2:30 Monday through Friday. For more information, please call Amy Flaum, 518-672-4465 x 111.

Notre Dame Summer Camp Program

30 June – 24 July 2014

Kinder Camp and Meadowlark Adventure Camp sessions begin June 23 and run through August 8.

Kids! Can! Cook! Ages • 8 – 13 Kids really can cook... and cooking opens doors to healthier lifestyles — connecting children to the wonder and beauty of nature while learning about nutrition, food, farming, and traditional crafts. Cooking, gardening, animal care, carding, spinning, weaving, clay modeling, and woodworking are all part of Kids! Can! Cook! day camp. Time is also made each day for fun and play in field and stream! Kids! Can! Cook! is offered for children ages 8 to 13 in three 2-week sessions and runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 2:30. For more information, please call Caroline Smialek at 518-672-7500 x 232. Session 1: June 30 – July 11 | Session 2: July 21 – August 1 Session 3: August 11 – August 22

Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp • Ages 8 – 15 During this on-farm residential camp, children live, play, and work on our active biodynamic farm while strengthening their bond to nature and to one another. House Campers, ages 8 to 11, feed the animals, collect eggs, garden, and ride horses. Nature projects, hikes, cook-outs, and swimming too! 1-Week Sessions: July 13 – July 18 and July 21 – July 26 2-Week Sessions: June 29 – July 11 and July 28 – August 9 3-Week Session: July 21 – August 9

Morning Courses: 9am to 12pm With a choice of 3 classes:

Field Campers, ages 12 to 15, experience the farm while working alongside the farmers and other professionals who grow, process, and cook healthy food. Campers are challenged to become “junior apprentices” and work with all branches of the farm including the bakery, dairy, and camp kitchen.

Sports and Nutrition English (Language Arts &Composition) Math Web Design

1-Week Session: July 13 – July 18 | 2-Week Session: June 29 – July 11 3-Week Sessions: June 29 – July 18 and July 21 – August 9

*All classes are 1 hour. ND reserves the right to cancel a class for insufficient registration.

Residential House & Field Camps include all vegetarian meals made with organic ingredients. For more information, call Helen Enright, 518-672-4790.

Afternoon Course: 12 to 3pm

Hawthorne Valley is a diverse nonprofit set on 400 acres of fields, forests, and rolling farmland in central Columbia County, NY. For more than 40 years, Hawthorne Valley has been educating children and adults, practicing and promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting the arts.

NYC Experience Students take part in unique community service activities, explore NYC’s museums, and have fun participating in activities such as bowling. Students will not only improve their community, but they will also discover personal strengths and interests. Program fee includes admission fees to different venues. *Trip schedule will be emailed in the beginning of June.

For more information & apply online at: 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | www.hawthornevalleyassociation.org Promoting social and cultural renewal through the integration of education, agriculture and the arts

www.cheznous.org (click on ‘Summer Camp’ tab) N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 7 1

CORBIN’S CRUSADERS

DEER MOUNTAIN DAY CAMP

SUMMER SCIENCE AT CORLEARS

DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY SM

Corbin’s Crusaders Day Camp, located on 10 beautiful acres in New City, NY is a state-of-the-art multi-sports facility. Only 25 minutes by bus from Manhattan, our camp offers traditional sports such as baseball, soccer, and tennis. In addition, we have archery, gaga, dodgeball, and more. We even have a 52-foot climbing tower, zip-line and go-carts! We schedule a swim lesson and open swim in our 3 pools every day. Our experienced staff and coaches offer the opportunity to play different sports, or to specialize. Corbin’s will insure your child is fulfilled all summer long!

Summer Science at Corlears is a program based on the understanding that children find delight in the opportunity to explore the natural world within their city and neighborhood. Mornings are spent in science explorations both inside and outside, while afternoons focus on other activities. The 3/4s will enjoy activities such as water play in the yard, movement /music and art projects. Children 5 and up will spend the afternoons engaging in sports, arts, swim, technology and digital photography. All of our campers will take part in hands-on exploration. Our older campers go on trips throughout the city.

25 Mountainside Acres • Natural Lake • 6 pools • 7 Tennis Courts • 7,000 sq ft Dining Hall • 1,000 sq ft newly renovated Performing Arts Center • Numerous Courts, Fields and Cabins for Sports & Fine Arts Deer Mountain Day Camp offers the attributes of a large camp with a small camp feel. Smart, authentic leadership and an experienced staff create an environment where kids feel safe and comfortable to be who they are. Expert activity instructors create engaging, high quality programs so kids develop real skills. Parents pick Deer Mountain because of their experience; kids love it because of theirs.

Enroll your 4-14 year old for 1-9 weeks, June 16 - August 15!

corbinscrusaders.com

corlearsschool.org

845.354.2727 deermountaindaycamp.com

Held at NYU, Marymount Manhattan & Concordia College and over 20 universities in the U.S. And Canada Founded at Stanford University by Stanford Tech Experts, Digital Media Academy offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camps for kids (ages 6-11) and Teens (ages 12-17). Campers get handson instruction from industry professionals and tech educators, gaining real-world experience and building and develops STEM skills. Learn video game design, iPhone and iPad App development, Google Android app development, robotics, Minecraft modding, computer programming using Java or C+++, digital filmmaking, surfing & filmmaking, website design, 3D modeling, animation and more.

DigitalMediaAcademy.org

Learn to Play the Arsenal Way For the first time ever, Arsenal Soccer Schools travel to the United States!

United States Summer 2014 New York

New Jersey

Connecticut

Boston

PlaytheArsenalWayUSA.com Limited spaces available! Register now at

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DOWNTOWN DAY CAMPS

The Downtown Day Camps have been setting the standard in New York City for more than 20 years. Our exceptional staff of recreation and education professionals offer the largest variety of activities available in day camping. Come join us for an incredible summer of fun! Offering day and sleep away camp options, our famous Junior and Senior Divisions have it all: Swimming in Our Private Pool, Field Sports, Pier 25, Gym Classes, Karate, Tennis, Arts and Crafts, Movement/Dance, Drumming, Story Pirates Creative Drama, Family Song Shows, Field Trips and More. Camp runs with varying sessions from June 30 - August 15th

info@downtowndaycamps.com 212.766.1104 ext 250 downtowndaycamps.com

DWIGHT SCHOOL SUMMER DAY CAMP

With customized programs for children ages 4-13, Dwight offers an extensive range of fun and challenging activities to “ignite the spark of genius in every camper”swimming, basketball, fencing, martial arts, soccer, tennis, video game design, 2- and 3-D art, music, dance, yoga, circus arts, day/overnight trips, theme days, color wars, and much more! Based on age/ preference, campers can customize their day. Choose from two, four, and eightweek sessions. Headquartered on the Upper East Side, we provide chaperoned stop-to-stop bus transportation throughout Manhattan, as well as pre- and after-camp activities, for additional fees, to extend the day for your child.

917.551.6430 dwightsummercamp.org

ESF SUMMER CAMPS

ESF Camps (Education, Sports and Fun) is an award-winning, family-owned and operated camp since 1982. ESF features exciting programs offering over 60 activities, a wide variety of sports and new adventures for boys and girls ages 4 to 15. Day Camp(ages 4-8), Sports Camp (ages 6-14), Senior Camp (ages 9-15) and Tennis Camp (ages 6-15). 2-8 week options. Extended day available. Bus transportation from New York City and Westchester County. Please call 1-800-529-CAMP (2267) or visit our website at www.esfcamps.com/Riverdale. Please ask about upcoming Open Houses and/or tour dates.

5250 Fieldston Road Riverdale, NY 1800.529.CAMP (2267) esfcamps.com/Riverdale

FIELDSTON OUTDOORS

Fieldston Outdoors, a program of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, is a sixweek Co-ed day camp for ages 5-12 yrs. The program offers a full range of activities, including art, physical education, swimming, dance/movement, nature study, gardening and music. Fieldston Outdoors offers a special focus on the environment, nature and the Hudson River, which campers learn about through songs, stories, folklore and crafts presented by staff specialists and visiting artists. We are committed to the philosophy of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, which emphasizes the unique value and dignity of the individual, encourages the potential growth in every child and values the importance of sharing experiences in a diverse community. Financial aid is available on request.

3901 Fieldston Rd. Bronx, NY 10471 718 329-7352 fieldstonoutdoors@ecfs.org www.ecfs.org/summer.aspx

Explore, Build, Play Summer Science at Corlears Summer fun in the city! Become a science detective and discover the everyday magic of the world around us. Campers spend their mornings exploring Nature in the City and their afternoons in a range of art, sports, swimming, theater, and technology activities. Join the Corlears community where friendship, exploration and challenge are waiting at every turn.

Day Camp for Girls & Boys ages 3-10 One & Two week sessions from: June 23rd – August 11th M-F 9am – 3:30pm half day option, extended day available 324 West 15th Street Manhattan, New York

For more information and registration please go to: www.corlearsschool.org or call 212-741-2800 ext 258

N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 73

FRENCH INSTITUTE ALLIANCE FRANçAISE

Dive into French this summer at FIAF! Each summer, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) offers a wide range of fun and creative day programs and classes for ages 1 to 17 led by experienced, native French-speaking teachers and artists. With rolling registration and both one and twoweek sessions offered throughout the summer, you can easily fit some fun in French into your family’s summer plans. Allday packages, multiple-session discounts, and sibling discounts are available.

FUSION ACADEMY

Fusion Academy & Learning Center is an alternative, college-prep private school for grades 6-12. For Fusion students, summer is about proactive learning and exciting choices...without long-term contracts. Catching up in a subject, taking a class for credit to get ahead, or mixing and matching interesting electives like art, yoga, and music allows students to make the most of summer. Each class is taught with just one teacher and one student per classroom - and completely, from the time of day it’s scheduled to the way it’s taught. Contact us to learn about our summer offerings and events!

22 East 60th Street, New York, NY fiaf.org/summer

fusionsummer.com

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FUTURE STARS SUMMER CAMPs

Weekly day camp sessions for ages 4-16, June 23-August 22. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 18 individualized specialty programs: tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, football, field hockey, multi sports, cheerleading, volleyball, circus arts, magic, softball, diving, rising stars, and academic. New to Summer 2014 will be Horseback Riding camp and Swim Camp! Our staff is a highly trained team of professionals, and limited enrollment ensures that they get to know each camper’s individual needs. Supervised swimming included. Lunch option, door to door transportation for Manhattan residents also available.

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase NY 914-273-8500 fscamps.com

GATE HILL DAY CAMP

Connecting friends in Rockland, Westchester, Manhattan, Bergen & Orange Counties... Discover the ultimate day camp experience for campers ages 3-15! Family owned and operated for two generations by Josh, Bob, and Jennifer Male, our unique, state of the art facility offers 33 acres of outdoor adventure, authentic athletic fields, creative & performing art activities, wet & wacky fun at the Splash Park, and a heated, 4 pool complex that is home to our proven learn-to-swim program. Lets start the conversation… Call to schedule your own private tour, meet the Directors, see the facility, and learn more about the Gate Hill experience! Private tours scheduled 7 days per week.

750 Gate Hill Rd, Stony Point, NY 845.947.3223 gatehilldaycamp.com

GYMTIME

HAMPTON COUNTRY DAY CAMP

HARRY’s SHOES

HAWTHORNE VALLEY FARM

Gymtime Rhythm and Glues Summertime at Gymtime offers something for everyone: Sports Camp for the energetic athlete, Gymnastics Camp for the spirited gymnast and Summer Breeze Day Camp for your preschooler. Gymtimes full list of renowned classes are also offered including mommy and me, art, cooking, music, gymnastics, sports and tae kwon do. Summer programs are for children ages 7-months to 12-years and are led by Gymtimes experienced staff, coaches and early childhood educators. Sign-up for a fun-filled summer at Gymtime Rhythm and Glues.

What Day Camp Was Always Meant To Be! Tucked away in the heart of East Hampton, Hampton Country Day Camp offers an unmatched summer experience for children ages 3-10 on our state-ofthe-art facility. Our program provides a unique blend of athletics, aquatics, creative arts, and performing arts in a safe, warm, nurturing and FUN environment. Led by a team of top-quality specialists that are all committed to building our campers selfesteem and self-confidence, HCDC hopes to provide the best summer experience for all children.

Harry’s Shoes for Kids is New York’s premier children’s footwear retailer, featuring the most extensive collection of brands and styles for children of all ages. If your child is headed for camp, outfit him or her feet first at Harry’s! We’ve got the Teva, Keen, Merrell, New Balance, Geox, Hunter, North Face, and many more brands, plus socks and more, that every kid needs and wants for their camp experience. Stop by soon to get the best selection for 2014!

For more than 35 years, Hawthorne Valley has been educating children and adults, practicing and promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting the arts. We offer a variety of residential and day camping experiences for children ages 4-15. Our camps seek to build reverence for life and community awareness through living, playing and working together. Campers care for farm animals, spend time in our gardens, turn farm-fresh produce into delicious vegetarian meals, and explore the fields, forests, and streams on our beautiful 400-acre farm in central Columbia County.

hamptoncountrydaycamp.com

1520 York Avenue, New York, NY 212.861.7732 gymtime.net

2299 Broadway, between 83rd and 84th Street, New York Open 7 Days 212.874.2034

327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 518-672-4790 helen@hawthornevalleyfarm.org hawthornevalleyassociation.org/ summer-camps-hawthorne-valley

JOIN THE COOL KIDS! LET’S LEARN MANDARIN! JUNE 16 - AUGUST 15, 2014 MOMMY-ME GROUP CLASSES

FULL DAY IMMERSION WEEK LONG CAMP

(Baby, 1s, 2s)

(4-12 yrs old)

HALF DAY PRESCHOOL ALTERNATIVES

THEME: QIN DYNASTY AND MODERN NEW YORK

(2.5-4 yrs old)

Major projects: Build Great Wall and Terra Cota Warriors, raise silk worms, make paper plus music and movement, arts and crafts, calligraphy, cooking, ping-pong, Karate and Friday Theatre.

PlanetHanChinese.com

401 West End Ave at 79th Street New York NY 10024

CAMP PLANET HAN Planet Han weeklong immersion camps where your child will learn to speak Mandarin with confidence and learn about Qin Dynasty and modern New York in an interactive and fun way! Major projects: build Great Wall and Terra Cota Warriors, raise silk worms, make paper plus cooking, art and crafts, calligraphy, Karate, Friday movies, grocery shopping and plenty of outdoor Tai Chi and game time!

212.724.2421

info@PlanetHanChinese.com

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 75

HEWITT SUMMER CLUB HOUSE

Summer Clubhouse Camp, a coed day camp for campers entering Kindergarten through Grade 5. $700 per week; June 23-27; August 4-8, August 11-15, 2014 Discover new talents, create great projects, and score that winning goal! Our daily schedule offers many opportunities for campers to express their interests, show off talents, build new skills and socialize through cooperative play. Every day we enjoy the great outdoors via our play roof and Central Park in addition to a variety of indoor activities, which include chess, music, art, science and more! Swimming is twice a week. We have an entire pool to ourselves for supervised swimming and swim with SwimJim. Thursdays are field trip days and we have exciting adventures each week.

INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CAMPS

International Language Camps is a French camp for children and teens from 7 to 17 years old from around the world. We offer holidays and vacations with a multitude of activities and a complete language teaching program, all in the heart of the French Alps. Our language programs not only offer an opportunity to learn a foreign language but also encourage campers to discover new cultures, to make new friends, to value different activities, to learn to live and work with others, to get involved with an international community and, most importantly, to blossom with this success.

6 Avenue de Calas - 1206 Genève +41 (0) 22.346.1442

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JCC DAY CAMP

Friendship, sports, fun... in the great outdoors! The JCC Day Camp @ Pearl River offers campers 5-12 years old an exceptional summer experience on our beautiful, lush campground just 35 minutes away. It’s everything you’ve come to expect from the JCC-great programming, dedicated staff, and serious fun! We are excited to offer new specialties in 2014, including sports intensives, digital photography, graffiti art, camp band and songwriting and more.

646.505.4430 jccmanhattan.org/pearlriver

KIERSON FARM

Kierson Farm invites you to “Come Ride With Us!” It doesn’t matter if you are 4 or 94 we have the perfect horse for you! We offer private, semi-private, and group lessons 7 days a week on farm owned school horses to meet any age and ability level. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a total beginner we have the perfect horse and lesson for you. Kierson Farm offers 11 weeks of Kamp Kierson during the summer for all ages and ability levels. Our passionate and knowledgeable staff will help to give your child a fabulous week of Kamp! Kamp Kierson is jam packed with horse activities, riding, crafts, and games making it a week like no other! Call or email today to get more information and sign your child up for the Kamp of a life time!

107 W Woodschurch Rd, Flemington, NJ 908.391.5348 kiersonridinglessonsnj.com

EXPERIENCE MARINE SCIENCE AND WHALE RESEARCH

The at

WHALE CAMP the

Fundy Marine Science Institute Face-to-face with whales, porpoises, puffins and lots of marine life

$40,000 College Scholarships Available HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND BETWEEN MAINE AND NOVA SCOTIA

Free Brochure & Info:

www.whalecamp.com Ask About: STEM Projects • College Accredited Courses Family Programs Mention Keycode WC★NYF for $50/week Discount N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 7 7

LAUNCH MATH & SCIENCE CENTERS

Real-life rocket scientist, Scott Heifetz, founded Launch with one mission in mind: Inspire children to love and learn math and science! Launch provides Pre-K through 8th grade kids with inspiring math instruction and science-based camps and workshops. Launch summer day camps are week-long sessions packed with creative hands-on projects that campers get to keep. Multiple camps are offered every week for three different age groups. Whether creating air-powered rockets, building robots, experimenting with chemical reactions, designing video games, tinkering with electronics, or playing in Central Park, kids will be having too much fun to notice that they are learning!

173 W. 81st St., Lower Level 212.600.1010 info@launchmath.com launchmath.com

LAWRENCE WOODMERE

Come choose your own summer adventure at Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Day. Located conveniently in western Long Island, just 20 miles from Manhattan, LWASD offers a unique program customizing the summer experience for children ages 2-15 and an extraordinary CIT program for children entering 8th-10th grades. Our program is all-inclusive with daily bus transportation to and from Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Hamptons transportation is also available Friday afternoons and Monday mornings. Families can choose the program most appropriate for their child from our traditional day camp with an incredible breadth of experiences to a full-immersion arts camp, a full-immersion sports camp, sports clinics, academic enrichment, trips & 1-week specialty camps including Chess Camp, Culinary Camp, Sailing Camp, British Soccer Camp, Fencing Camp, Trapeze Camp, Archery Camp, Lego Camp and more. Experience the LWA difference!

MAMARONECK BEACH & YACHT CLUB

MARKS JCH SUMMER DAY CAMP

A uniquely warm and intimate program of “big camp” experiences specially tailored for younger campers!

Coed Day Camp

Daily certified swim instruction Small Group Sizes Tennis instruction Extraordinary arts program Kayaking - Field Sports - Music -Science and more! Not a current member? Please join us at our Open House or call us to learn about pricing that includes membership fees for your camper.

mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com

Marks JCH Day Camp is a community of children, teens and adults that fosters positive relationships, encourages exploration and promotes acceptance. It is where positive developmental experiences are fun and playing is learning. It is where Jewish values are reflected in everyday activities and where all are welcome. Or in the words of a camper “It is the funnest, most caring environment I’ve ever been in.” Established in 1928

718.943.6345 jchcamp.com

90 square feet x 5

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Dive into French this summer at FIAF!

Just 17 Miles from Midtown

Fun French Summer Day Programs For Toddlers, Kids & Teens Ages 1–17 Start June–August Register now! fiaf.org/summer

All Groups led by Professional Educators All Activities On-Site: Swim, Team & Individual Sports, Cultural & Performing Arts, Outdoor Adventure Course, Special Events and more...

(914) 636-8130

www.mounttomdaycamp.com

New Rochelle, N Y

N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 79

MARYMONT SUMMER CAMP

FAMILY CAMP AT MOUNT SNOW

MOUNT TOM DAY CAMP

THE NATURE PLACE

FAMILY CAMP at

Mount Snow Vermont

Marymount Summer Camp offers specialty day campsfor children ages 3.5-15 in the heart of New York City. All camps include outdoor sports, weekly swim instruction and field trips. The World Cultures DayCamp (ages 3.5-5) includes indoor and outdoor activities featuring music, dance, sports, water play, and nature study. The DramaCamp (ages 5-13) is a creative acting, singing and dance program culminating in the performance of a full musical production. In Science and Technology Camp,(ages 5-13) campers discover the world of natural science and technology through laboratory experiments, multimedia activies and field study. In Our Innovation & Design Camp (ages 13-15) Campers study computer programming, digital media and technological design. Hours are 8:30am-2:30pm(ages 3.5-6) and 8:30am - 3:00pm (ages 7-15). After Camp available (ages 7-14) until 5:00pm.

Nowadays, everything is moving so fast. More than ever, taking the time to slow down so we can enjoy the company of our family in the beauty of nature can be challenging – but nothing is more important. The Family Camp at Mount Snow is where you and your family can reconnect, catch up and make memories that will last a lifetime. Fully customizable week long camps with great food, activities and adventures are just a short drive away in southern Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, but instead of cabins your accommodations are modern condominium units with all the comforts of home.

Summercamp@marymountnyc.org marymountsummer.org

8 0 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

Serving Westchester and NYC families since 1955, Mount Tom provides a safe and supportive environment for children ages 3-14 to learn, grow and have fun. The Mount Tom Difference is its proven staff model featuring experienced educators spending the entire camp day working directly with campers. As a result, campers are better able to learn life skills such as building and maintaining friendships, taking healthy risks, overcoming fears, teamwork, self-confidence and determination. Children participate in a well-rounded schedule of activities including daily Red Cross swim instruction, team and individual sports, cultural and performing arts, nature, outdoor adventure (rock climbing, ropes course, zip line), electives and wonderful special events. Along with a short, safe commute on supervised, air-conditioned vehicles; healthy and delicious hot lunch and snacks are offered to campers. Call for more information or to schedule a tour.

The Nature Place is a non-competitive, nature-oriented day camp for children ages 4-16, located on 200 acres in Chestnut Ridge, NY. We truly love what we’ve been doing for over 25 years: providing campers with a safe summer in which they can be themselves, be challenged, have fun, connect with others and the earth, develop new skills, and be supported throughout. At The Nature Place campers discover hands-on, pressure-free programming and an exceptionally well-trained staff. They do not find competitive sports, awards, TV or video games. Instead, campers go outside, explore, create and play.

thenatureplace.com/

NEiL KLATSKIN DAY CAMP

NEW COUNTRY DAY CAMP

NEW YORK YMCA DAY CAMP

NEW YORK YMCA SLEEPAWAY CAMP

Children Ages 3-11 June 23 - August 15, 9 am - 4 pm

New Country Day Camp, a program of the 14th Street Y, is a fun-filled, completely outdoor adventure for kids K-6th! Campers from Brooklyn and Manhattan explore friendship, nature, aquatics, and new ideas on our beautiful campgrounds on Staten Island, in a safe, nurturing and kid-charged environment. Every week, campers chose a program unit in which to specialize. The program units are: Sports, Science and Technology, Arts and Crafts, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Performing Arts, Photojournalism, and Cooking, Camping and Pioneering. After trying out our different program units, campers are supported in making educated decisions about where to focus their time, helping them to become confident and independent people. Campers also swim twice a day, with both instructional and recreational periods.

In 1885 the YMCA helped to invent summer camp to provide children with positive and fun experiences that build confidence and new friendships. YMCA camp staff have served as positive role models for generations of campers and helped build future leaders.

Have an unforgettable summer at New York YMCA Camp! Our camp is for boys and girls ages 6 to 16 from all over the world. There are two villages, McAlister (ages 6 to 12) and Talcott (ages 12 to 15), which are located on our 1,150 acre property. Just a sample of activities that we offer are swimming lessons, a wide variety of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor living skills, media program, canoeing, Wibit, and our ropes courses. We also offer specialty programs that include water skiing, horseback riding, and rafting trips for a small additional fee.

Located in NJ 5 minutes from the GWB, NKDC offers a summer of adventure and nonstop fun! Our 21-acre Tenafly and 600acre Alpine campuses provide the perfect backdrop for camper to enjoy outdoors, learn new skills, make new friends and explore personal interests. Activities include Sports, swim, art, music, Judaics, fun theme days and much more. Campers are sure to have a summer to remember. Our Tikvah program meets the needs of children ages 5-15 with mild special needs. We offer four, six, seven or eightweek options. Extended care and transportation available.

411 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 201.567.8963 nkdc@jccotp.org www.jccotp.org/nkdc

The centerpiece of YMCA day camp is activities that will excite and engage your child and give them a summer of adventures. Whether learning a new sport, exploring arts and culture or exploring New York City, YMCA Day Camps offer an opportunity to build lifelong memories and a feeling of community that will last beyond the summer. Each of our camps is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and staff go through rigorous training to ensure the safety and positive experience of each child.

www.ymcanyc.org/camps

Centrall Located! y 25 Miles Only fro the GWB m !

N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 8 1

NORTH SHORE DAY CAMP

North Shore Day Camp’s full-day, flexible week sessions, for children ages 3 to 15 offer outstanding athletics, electives, golf academy, adventure program of high ropes, zip-line, rock climbing walls, go-carts and mountain biking, tennis, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, fine arts, performing arts, computers, cooking, woodworking, ceramics, Red Cross swim instruction in four heated pools and teen travel programs. North Shore is committed to small groups having exceptional supervision. Pre-schoolers are nestled in our state-of-the-art village on their own part of our campus. Air-conditioned buses bring campers to our 14-acre Gold Coast estate overlooking Long Island Sound. North Shore Day Camp – Designed for success – Engineered for Fun!

NOTRE DAME SUMMER PROGRAM

Notre Dame School of Manhattan’s Summer Program is a four week academic and excursion camp. The day is broken into two separate sessions. For the morning session students can enroll in Mathematics, English, Computer, and Health and Nutrition courses. The afternoon session, called the “New York Experience,” has students visit many of the most fascinating sites of the City, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madame Tussaud’s, the Central Park Zoo and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum. Located in the Chelsea area of lower Manhattan, Notre Dame is easily accessible by the A, C, E, and L trains.

Contact: Paula Rothman 516.676.0904 info@northshoredaycamp.com

OASIS DAY CAMP

Amazing Summers, Lifelong friends Give your child a summer full of fun with Oasis Summer Camp! With nine locations in NYC, Westchester, and on Long Island your child can have an exceptional camp experience close to home. At Oasis we give campers the opportunity to be active, think creatively and discover new friendships. We offer three different summer experiences: Early Start Imagination Camp for pre-K kids ages 3-5, our traditional Day Camp for kids ages 5-11, and Teen Travel designed for young adventurers ages 12-14. At Oasis we truly have something for everyone! Daily camp activities focus on sports & games, creative & performing arts, outdoor adventure, and swim instruction & recreation. With our exciting and varied programming and our frequent special events Oasis campers have a new and exciting adventure waiting for them every week!

Fun. Friends. New Experiences.

www.jchcamp.com 718.331.6800 x 145 or camp@jchb.org 7802 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11214 8 2 • NEW YO RK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA MP S 2 01 4

Located in coastal Connecticut, on over 700 wooded acres surrounding a milelong private lake, Pequot, Sherwood and Pioneer Village are the country’s oldest co-ed camps. Since 1886, we have provided a fun-filled, traditional camp with experiential learning and group living in the outdoors. Pequot, Sherwood, and Pioneer Village all guide campers through well- rounded and adventurous programs that develop an appreciation for nature and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Campers and staff are a diverse group of people coming from all over the U.S. and all around the world.

incarnationcamp.org NYC | Westchester | Long Island 800.317.1392 oasischildren.com

Marks JCH Day Camp Ages 2-15

PEQuot, SHERWOOD & PIONEER VILLAGE

robofun

Starts June 16 Program for Kindergartners LEGO® Pre-Robotics 9AM - 12PM or 1PM - 4PM

Programs for Grades 1-3 LEGO® Robotics 9AM - 12PM Scratch Video Game Design 1PM - 4PM

Programs for Grades 4-6 LEGO® Robotics 9AM - 12PM Scratch Video Game Design 1PM - 4PM Stop Motion Animation 1PM - 4PM online registration at robofun.org 2672 Broadway, Loft A &102nd, NYC | 212.245.0444 N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 8 3

CAMP PLANET HAN

Planet Han weeklong immersion camps where your child will learn to speak Mandarin with confidence and learn about Qin Dynasty and modern New York in an interactive and fun way! Major projects: build Great Wall and Terra Cota Warriors, raise silk worms, make paper plus cooking, art and crafts, calligraphy, Karate, Friday movies, grocery shopping and plenty of outdoor Tai Chi and game time!

RESOURCE FURNITURE

As families grow, space inside our homes can feel like it is shrinking. Fortunately, Resource Furniture has curated a line of stylish and multifunctional solutions that are designed to maximize space and reinvent your home. Whether it’s time to make room in the home office for a little one on the way, provide extra beds for inevitable sleepovers or reconfigure your entire apartment, transforming furniture makes it all possible. Offering a range of top-selling, luxury transforming European furniture, Resource Furniture is dedicated to redefining the use of space.

401 West End Ave at 79th Street, NY 212-724-2421 info@PlanetHanChinese.com PlanetHanChinese.com

RIVERSIDE PARK CONSERVANCY

ROBOFUN

Riverside Park Conservancy partnered with long-time camp providers to launch its first-ever multi-sport summer camp in Riverside Park — a weekly low-cost, high-quality sports camp experience for children ages 4 to 14. Over 1,000 children participated in 2013. Proceeds from the camp cover the cost of instruction and program incidentals and in addition fund the care and improvement of the active recreation areas being used throughout the park. Riverside Park Conservancy and the camp providers dedicate 20% of the camp’s revenues to scholarships.

This summer send your child to RoboFun! Your junior engineer will build and design their own LEGO® robots (Grades K-6), video games (Grades 1-6) and stop motion animation films (Grades 4-6). Children work in groups of 10 – 14, with 2 teachers. Our trained staff love children and work hard to make sure each of our campers has a fun time learning and building their own projects. Camps run in different locations throughout the city. Half day and full day options are available.

Basketball (ages 8-14) Baseball (ages 6-14) Soccer (ages 4-14) Tennis (ages 4-14) Multi-sport option

resourcefurniture.com

riversideparknyc.org

A Summer Camp Experience Creating lifelong memories each and every day

The Ultimate Sleepaway Camp for Boys and Girls 7-16! Located in the beautiful Hudson Valley on Sylvan Lake, we offer 3, 4 or 7 week sessions with a wide variety of programming: A full athletic program; A&C; Drama; Ropes/Adventure Center; Full waterfront with pool and lake; An innovative Jewish Cultural program.

KRJR Program – A special 4 day Mini Camp for 6-9 year olds

Call for an Open House near you or to schedule a personal tour.

Not just a camp, but a Family! office@campkr.com, www.campkr.com

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CAMP FAIR SERIES Presented by

Plan a summer of fun in one day!

Free Admission

For more information go to: newyorkfamilycamps.com

FAMILY CAMP Sponsored by:

Mount Snow Ver mont

NewYorkFamily

@NewYorkFamily

www. NewYorkFamily.com pms 425 pms 369 pms 368 (uncoated only)

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RODEPH SHOLOM SCHOOL CAMP

Come play with us! RSS Camp offers summer fun in a safe and stimulating learning environment. Certified teachers provide instruction and support during music, arts and crafts, sports, and yoga, special events and field trips. Children play in our air-conditioned gym and classrooms, on our rooftop playground, and in our heated pools. June 23-August 8, 2014 Campers must be entering a three’s, prekindergarten or kindergarten program in fall 2014. Register for the full 7 weeks or on a weekly basis, for full- or half-days.

SCITECH KIDS

Summer is a great time for kids to explore the world of nature and natural phenomena. At SciTech Kids, we spark a child’s innate curiosity and creativity through rich, handson, captivating experiences. Our science camp is geared for kids ages 4-13 and gives them an enriched camp experience that shows how science relates to everyday life. Central Park is your child’s laboratory. Mornings are spent in the park, gaining a full, sensory experience while studying our urban ecosystem. The afternoons are filled with a range of science and non-science activities including sports, music, games and arts & crafts.

*Bring a friend–everyone’s welcome!

Allison Varrone 646-438-8688 avarrone@rssnyc.org rodephsholomschool.org/Page/ Programs/Summer-Camp

30 East 60th Street, Suite 905, NYC Summer camp: NY Junior League, NYC sci-techkids.com

Classes for Kids: Indoor Playspace:

SOUTHAMPTON RACQUET CLUB & CAMP

Our Southampton Racquet Club & Camp campus features a beautiful 17acre wooded landscape in the middle of Southampton, just 1.5 miles north of Route 27. We offer the perfect summer program for every camper with our tennis camp program filled with a unique blend of age appropriate activities including aquatics, athletics & creative arts. SRCC offers airconditioned bus transportation, included in tuition, from Westhampton-Bridgehampton, flexible enrollment options, including full & mini-day, and is also committed to small groups with extensive staffing. Qualified teachers, coaches & activity specialists ensure that all campers have the best summer possible building self-esteem, selfconfidence and resilience.

southamptonrcc.com

SPORTIME

SPORTIME`s Summer Camps offer young athletes, ages 5-12, the very best tennis and sports instruction, beautiful facilities, and exciting special events. Our staff is comprised of professional tennis instructors and sports coaches, early education and specialists and caring counselors who make every SPORTIME camper`s experience unforgettable! SPORTIME`s state-of-the-art facilities in Manhattan and the Hamptons provide campers with indoor and outdoor tennis, team sports including soccer, softball, basketball and floor hockey, as well as swim instruction and special events. Each SPORTIME summer camp also offers our patented EXCEL tennis program to bring young tennis players to the next level.

For more information, visit us online at www.sportimeNY.com

MUSIC, DRAMA, ART Infant – 5 Years

MONDAY – SATURDAY Infant – 5 Years

Birthday Parties:

CUSTOM MUSIC & PLAY

266 East 78th St. 212 744 0404

tlbmusic.com

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1 – 5 Years

SPRING LAKE day camp

Just 25 miles from the GWB, Spring Lake Day Camp of Ringwood, NJ is the place to be. Our 30 acre campus is a kid’s paradise offering a well balanced swim, sports and arts program. Our unique day camp experience offers a 5 acre lake for boating and fishing, heated pools with water slides, awesome athletic fields, adventure ropes, shade and plenty of indoor facilities for rainy day events. Catered lunch, door to door air-conditioned minibus transportation, and uniform shirts included. We are the perfect choice for Manhattan campers. SLDC is single family owned & operated since 1989 by Mitchell & Michelle Kessler. We are proud to be celebrating our 26th Anniversary! Every Child deserves a SLDC Summer.

springlakedaycamp.com

SUMMER TREVOR DAY CAMP

Summerday Camp: For 3-6 year olds. Dates: June 23rd-July 25th We provide children with the space, materials, and activities with which to be challenged, to be excited and to enjoy themselves. The program includes field trips, cooking, arts and crafts, story telling, science experiments, free play, movement, swimming lessons for the 4, 5 and 6 year olds, and much more. Water is an important part of camp! We also have kiddy pools on our roof. This is a favorite of all the children.

Contact: Lisa Goldberg, Camp Director 212-426-3307 For registration: www.trevor.org & click on summer programs.

TAFT SUMMER SCHOOL

TENNIS INNOVATORS

June 29 – August 2, 2014

Tennis Innovators Summer Camp delivers a real camp experience, not only do we provide quality tennis instruction, we provide love, energy and innovation. Our amazing Camp Director and Tennis Professionals keep each camp day fun and fresh for our campers.

Established in 1982, the Taft Summer School offers 150 motivated students in grades 7 – 12 the opportunity for intensive study in a 5-week residential, independent school environment. Arts, daily athletics, weekend trips and activities round out the experience. Located in beautiful Litchfield County, Connecticut, Taft’s 220acre campus includes state-of-the-art academic, dining, and athletic facilities. Students depart from the summer session proud of what they have accomplished, excited by what they have learned, and invigorated by new friendships. Visit the website for more information or to request a brochure.

860.945.7961 TaftSchool.org/summer

Join us this Summer for a daily dose of tennis lessons, fun tennis games, multi sports and during those HOT summer days some fun pool time to cool off. Tennis Innovators main focus is ensuring your child enjoys improving and learning tennis. Join us this summer for a fun memorable experience. Groups are kept small to ensure quality & fun!

330 E. 38th Street 19G New York, NY 646.476.5811

Summer Program 2014 June 27 - July 25, 2014

Morning Academic Program Monday - Friday, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Small class sizes Daily skill development in literature, history, science, and math Gym, art, and music classes daily Students from 4th to 12th grades July Focus Program Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm One-on-One Instruction Targeted skill development 45-minute or 90-minute sessions

Winston Preparatory School education for the individual

126 West17th Street, New York, NY 10011 646-638-2705 ext. 688 | summer@winstonprep.edu

After-school Activities Monday - Thursday, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm One-on-one classes and independent study program also available during August. Applications available online at www.winstonprep.edu N E W YO RK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 87

THE ART FARM

TIMBER LAKE WEST camp

All the Fun in Half the time! Timber Lake West Camp offers a unique four-week program where all campers come and leave at the same time (each of the two summer sessions provides a full camp experience in half the time). Campers ages 7-16, can look forward to a traditional camp program which provides a unique blend of athletics, aquatics, creative arts, as well as fun extras like go-karts and a skate park and performing arts in a safe, warm, nurturing and FUN environment. First Session runs: June 29th - July 25th. Second Session runs: July 27th - August 20th.

76 Timberlake Rd, Roscoe, NY 12776 516.656.4210 timberlakewest.com

THE PAVILION

The Art Farm offers programs for children to interact with live animals and connect with them through hands on experience. The original Art Farm camp located in Bridgehampton was founded in 1995. The Art Farm in the City was added on New York’s Upper East Side in 2001. The space is eco friendly and children are taught how to care for the planet, animals, create art, cook and have swimming and soccer as part of the Summer Camp in the City. The Bridgehampton location has endless opportunities for 6mos through age 13 years. Children participate in outdoor country experiences like horseback riding, water sports, swiming, caring for a variety of animals, skateboarding as well as cooking, art, and sports camp. Both city and country programs revolve around monthly themes and flexible by week registration

NYC Ph. 212.410.3260 www.theartfarms.org

Located at 500 East 77th St., The Pavilion offers the best of luxury rental living. The Pavilion’s one-, two- and three-bedroom homes are built with growing families in mind, boasting Glenwood’s signature finishes, generous proportions and timeless sophistication. Just steps from John Jay Park and the City’s finest schools, the property is located in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Residents of The Pavilion also benefit from Glenwood’s full-service amenities including landscaped rooftop sundecks, available valet and maid service and on-site shopping. Additionally, the property offers a 24-hour attended onsite parking.

212.535.0500 glenwoodnyc.com

UNIS SUMMER CAMP

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL June 23 - July 25, 2014 UNIS Summer Camp provides an array of activities for students, 4 to 14, in a friendly and supportive environment that fosters friendship, develops sportsmanship and nurtures the spirit. Division 1 (4 to 7) offers a structured program including: Chess, Tennis, Swimming, Theatre Games, Music & Songs, Arts & Crafts and a variety of Sports. Division 2 (8 to 14) offers: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, Softball, MiniMusical, Photography, Dances, World Music, Guitar, Drumming, Robotics, Animation, Chess, Arts & Crafts, Yoga, Cooking …

212.584.3084 or 3083 www.unis.org (see Activities)

DOWNTOWN DAY CAMPS: GRADES K-8 Memories That Last a Lifetime

OPEN HOUSE DATES Wednesday, February 26th 6:00pm-7:30pm Wednesday, March 26th 6:00pm-7:30pm RSVP suggested but not required: info@downtowndaycamps.com

SENIOR DIVISON: GRADES 4-8

JUNIOR DIVISON: GRADES K-3

Private Pool • Field Sports • Pier 25 • Karate • Tennis • Arts & Crafts • Music & Drumming Movement • Story Pirates • Song Shows • Weekly Field Trips • Choice Time For Senior Division Campers

 BUSING AVAILABLE www.downtowndaycamps.com | 212.766.1104 x 250 | Tribeca | Battery Park City | Lower Manhattan 8 8 • NEW YORK FAM ILY ULTIM ATE GUID E TO CA M P S 2 01 4

1/2 Page Camp Ad: Ny Family Size: 10 x 5.541 inches Color: Full Color

Come play with us this summer! Register now for

RSS SUMMER CAMP June 23–August 8, 2014 RSS Camp offers summer fun in the safe and stimulating learning environment of Rodeph Sholom School. Open to all children entering a threes, pre-kindergarten or kindergarten program in the fall.*

KIDS MAKE FRIENDS

FOR LIFE! We have a wonderful camp community and friendly atmosphere, which kids love. 90% of our children come back every year and that’s why we’re expanding.

• Heated Pools • Air Conditioned Gym and Classrooms • Rooftop Playground • • Certified Teachers • Swim Instruction • Music • Arts and Crafts • Sports • Yoga • Field Trips

SPORTS - MUSIC -PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX BOATING - HIKING - COOKING

• Special Events •

AND REQUEST A BROCHURE TODAY AND EXPERIENCE THE ENRICHMENT ALTERNATIVE. WWW.UNIVERSALCAMPING.COM

Register for our Programs at www.rodephsholomschool.org or contact Allison Varrone avarrone@rssnyc.org 7 West 83rd Sreet, NYC 646.438-8688

SUMMER (607)588-7169 WINTER (718)551-4340 universalcamping@gmail.com • dealy@bayridgeprep.org N E W YORK FAM I LY ULT I M AT E GUI D E TO CA M P S 201 4 • 89

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UNIVERSAL CAMPING

Invigorating camping experience in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, with concentrations in Sports, Fine arts, education, and emotional intelligence, with an extensive private campus as well as many off site trips and events. Request a brochure today! Experience the Enrichment alternative.

UPPER VALLEY dAY CAMP

Get back to grassroots with Upper Valley Day Camp! Our state of the art Green Facility is a perfect backdrop to your child’s summer experience. We offer summer programs in July & August for children ages 2-6. Our children learn through active play and exploration in a collaborative community setting. Come join the fun and enjoy activities like field trips to museums, learning how to ride a tricycle, puppet shows and a climbing wall! We are also accepting applications for our year round private preschool for ages 3 months to 5 years. For more info, please visit our website.

WHALE CAMP

WOODMONT DAY CAMP

Experience Marine Science with Whale Research. No other summer program offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins,porpoises, seals and puffins in their natural habitat. Board our 65 footsailboat for unmatched examinations of marine life. Help collect data todocument whale distribution, feeding patterns and behaviors. Through directobservation, scientific data collection and hands-on experience with marinescience equipment, The Whale Camp is the place where exploration &inspiration abound. Here on stunninglybeautiful Grand Manan Island the learning is a fun, hands-on adventure.

At Woodmont Day Camp each camper feels the warmth and comfort of home. The Woodmont experience provides a dynamic program in an environment which fosters growth and independence for every child. The relationships that children form with each other and with our staff provide the foundation for the Woodmont experience. It is through these relationships that our campers can learn about themselves and others. Sending a child to camp is a tremendous act of faith by parents. At Woodmont, we take that responsibility very seriously and maintain an environment that encourages both safety and health and reinforces a positive self-image of Knowledge, Friendship and Fun.

Checkout the exciting video’s and photo’s on our new website.

Fridays:

MDealy@bayridgeprep.org

New York

www.uppervalleypreschool.org

Wednesdays:

Thursdays:

Weekly Weekend

Scoop Planner

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www.whalecamp.com

420 Phillips Hill Rd, New City, NY 845.638.0700 woodmontdaycamp.com

THE AMERICAN

CAMP ASSOCIATION

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY Your trusted source for finding the right day or sleepaway camp for your child It’s not too early to think about summer camp. For over 15 years, Renee Flax at the American Camp Association, NY and NJ has been providing free, one-on-one guidance in helping families find the right ACA Accredited camps in the Northeast. ACA accreditation is a parent’s best evidence of a camp’s commitment to safety and program quality.

Email Renee Flax at renee@aca-nynj.org or call 212.391.5208 You can also visit our database of Accredited camps at searchforacamp.org

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Would like to thank the sponsors of the

CAMP FAIR SERIES SM

FAMILY CAMP at

Mount Snow Vermo nt

pms 425 pms 369 pms 368 (uncoated only)

NewYorkFamily

NewYorkFamily.com

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@NewYorkFamily

Curriculum ic m a n y D ction • ert Instru p x E • s ie ss Facilit World-Cla Curriculum ic m a n y D ction • ert Instru p x E • s ie ss Facilit World-Cla

The City’s Best Summer Day Camps for Tots to Teens. Summer Sports Camps at

Camps run June 16 – August 29 • Ages 3 to 17 Years Since 1996, campers have enjoyed world-class athletic facilities, expert and caring instructors, and the most exciting sports curriculum - without ever leaving the city!

23rd Street & Hudson River Park 212.336.6846 chelseapiers.com/camps

16 Camps to Choose from: Golf • Performance Golf • Ice Hockey • Ice Skating • Bowling Preschool Gymnastics • Preschool Ice Skating • Gymnastics Junior Gymnastics • Junior Ice Skating • NEW Junior Ice Hockey Elite Soccer • Basketball • Urban Adventure for Teens Sports Academy • Acceleration Hockey

EARLY BIRD PRICING

Enroll for 1, 2 or more weeks • Easy Online Enrollment Lunch Provided • Transportation & After Care Available

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YMCA CAMP. WHERE KIDS GO TO GROW. Summer is growing season at YMCA Camp. Kids develop core values, learn new skills, make new friends, and have loads of fun in the process. Register for YMCA Day or Sleepaway Camp today. It’s where kids grow as much on the inside as they’re growing on the outside.

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO REGISTER, BUT HURRY, SPACE IS FILLING FAST!

10%

EARLY BIRD AND SIBLING REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YMCA SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS AT OUR OPEN HOUSES: SAT. MAR. 1 | SAT. APR. 26 HEALTHY KIDS DAY | SAT. MAY 17 | 10AM – 3PM CALL 855-NYC-YMCA OR VISIT YMCANYC.ORG FOR DETAILS *Financial assistance is available