By Russo Millien
Just like backyard BBQs and trips to the beach, it wouldn’t be summer on Long Island without children’s summer camp adventures. From traditional day camps and sleepaway camps to genre-specific camps for kids interested in sports, science or the arts, there is no shortage of fun to choose from. What follows is a guide to summer camps on Long Island!
TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS
Benner’s Farm
Give your child an unforgettable experience as the life of a farmer at this week-long camp on a real-working farm, with weeks to choose from between June and August. Kids ages 5 to 14 may register for half-day or full-day sessions, or regular summer camp learning about animals, plants, history and science while enjoying all the fun and games. The farm also offers Kinder Camp, a hands-on program for kids ages 3 to 6. That’s in addition to the Explorers and Senior Campers programs for children ages 7 to 11 and 12 to 14. Fun, fun, fun! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Rd., East Setauket. bennersfarm.com 631-689-8172.
Beth Sholom Day Camp
From athletics and swimming to creative and performing arts, children get a well-rounded experience at this camp, which offers full-day and half-day sessions. The camp has four age divisions. The youngest is Junior Camp, for 3- and 4-year-olds, which is based in the Early Childhood Center. Next is Lower Camp, for elementary school students in grades 1 through 4. Then comes Upper Camp for kids in grades 5 through 8. The oldest group, the Counselors in Training, or CIT for short, for students in grades 9 and 10, assist counselors and undergo training to lead a camp group. Beth Sholom Day Camp, 401 Roslyn Rd., Roslyn Heights. bethsholomdaycamp.com 516-621-9257.
Buckley Day Camp
The American Camp Association-certified folks at Buckley Day Camp can’t wait for summer, and they are just counting down the days! The camp, which offers half and full days, accepts five age groups of campers with a wide range of activities such as swimming, go-carting, gymnastics, painting and yoga. Junior Camp is geared toward nursery school and Kindergarten-aged children. Intermediate Camp is for elementary school students in grades 1 through 4. Teen Camp is for students in grades 3 through 9. Senior Camp is a customized camp, with combined group experiences, and the CIT program is for the teens who are counselors-in-training. Parents can also join their kids at camp with Buckley’s Parent & Child program, which runs twice a week for six weeks. Buckley Day Camp, 2 IU Willets Rd., Roslyn. buckleycamp.com 516-365-7760.
Camp Harbor
This camp has it all, including swimming, music, sports, arts and crafts, group challenges, plus juggling, archery, nature and more! Full and half days are offered for all age groups. The groups are separated into Preschool and Kindergarten, 1st through 3rd Grade, 4th and 5th Grade, and 6th through 8th grade. 17 Three Sisters Rd., Saint James. hcdsny.org 631-584-5555.
Camp Jacobson
A program of the Sid Jacobson JCC, this camp offers a wide range of activities, such as swimming, go karts, arts, dance, drama, music, cooking and more. Parents can select a schedule that works best for them, including full-day and half-day sessions that run between two and eight months. The camp offers an Early Childhood program for toddlers ages 3 and 4, Lower Camp for Kindergartners and first graders, Upper Camp for elementary school students in grades 2 through 4, Travel Camp for students in grades 5 through 9, as well as a Teen Leadership counselor-in-training program for those entering the 10th grade. Camp Jacobson, 340 Wheatley Rd., Old Westbury. campjacobson.com 516-626-1094.
Camps ‘R’ Us
This camp has locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Syosset, Valley Stream and West Islip. It offers sessions up to eight weeks. Programs include Tiny Tots for kids ages 3 and 4, KinderKamp for children ages 5 and 6, as well as groups for grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, grades 5 and 6, and grades 7 and 8. The C2 program transitions participants from camper to counselor. The Voyager Program is a teen travel group. Camps ‘R’ Us, multiple locations. campsrus.org 516-935-2267.
Camp W
This day camp’s motto is “Where Friendships Are Made.” It offers a range of activities, including athletics, swimming, creative arts, computers, rocketry, game room and more for four-week, six-week or eight-week enrollment. Children in the youngest group (4-years-old to 1st grade), Kiddie Camp, are called Wallabies. Middle Camp is for elementary school students in grades 2 and 3; Upper Camp is for those in grades 4 through 8, and the Apprentice Program is for those in grade 9. Camp W, 121 Wolf Hill Rd., Huntington Station. campwdaycamp.com 631-692-6222.
Carousel Day School
Among the many activities offered at this summer camp are arts and crafts, sports, dance, Zumba, games, zip lines and much more. Four-, six- or eight-week sessions are offered for kids who can attend from three to five days per week. The Puddles program is a half-day session for 2-year-olds. The Tiny Tots program is for toddlers ages 3 and 4. There’s another program for Kindergartners and 1st graders. Traditional Day Camp is for elementary school students in grades 2 through 5; the Tween Travel program is for campers going into grades 6 and 7; and the Super Seniors is for those in grades 8 through 10. Carousel Day School, 9 West Ave., Hicksville. carouseldayschool.com 516-938-1137.
Catalina Beach Club
This seven-week camp is all about the swimming, but camp goers also have an opportunity to get involved in arts and crafts, music and drama, plus cooking and science for children ages 3 to 7. Catalina Beach Club, 2045 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. catalinabeachclub.com 516-239-2150.
Crestwood Country Day School
Crestwood campers know how to have fun. There’s water tag, a carousel, robotics, a Ferris wheel, game shows, mini golf, train rides and yoga in addition to swimming, sports, arts and adventure. They offer four-, six- and eight-week sessions, as well as half and full days. Their programs are broken up for children ages 2 to 4, 5-year-olds, 6- and 7-year-olds, 8- and 9-year-olds, and 10- to 12-year-olds. They also offer the Endeavor Program for campers with unique needs, a five-day sleep-away week for campers in grades 3 to 6, a Teen Travel program for kids in grades 6 to 11, a Leadership training program for those in grades 8 to 10, and a once-a-week Parent and Child program, which runs six weeks. Crestwood Country Day School, 313 Round Swamp Rd., Melville. crestwoodcountryday.com 631-692-6361.
Driftwood Day Camp
Boasting 11 acres of campground replete with state-of-the-art recreation equipment and one-of-a-kind programs, Driftwood Day Camp is a truly special place to be! Campers can enroll in a variety of weekly sessions depending on grade level. Their groups include Pre-K and Kindergarten, grades 1 through 5, the Pre-Teen Travel group in grades 6 and 7, the Teen Travel group in grades 8 and 9, and Junior Counselors aged 15. Driftwood Day Camp, 331 Mt. Misery Rd., Melville. driftwooddaycamp.calls.net 631‑317‑116.
Friends Academy Summer Camp
This camp, located on a 65-acre private school campus, has more than 30 programs. Options include General Camp for kids aged 3 to 5, Intermediate Camp for ages 6 and 7, The Academy for children ages 8 through 13, and the LIT/CIT (leaders and counselors in training) is for teens aged 14 and 15. Session length options vary depending upon the camper’s age. Friends Academy, 270 Duck Pond Rd., Locust Valley. fa.org 516-676-0393.
Future Stars Summer Camps
This camp offers a wide array of educational and recreational opportunities at four Long Island locations, including SUNY Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, St. Joseph’s College and the Southampton Town Recreation Center. Campers can enroll in programs focused on sports, including horseback riding, dance and cheer leading, plus magic, multimedia, circus arts, drama and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Sessions range from one to eight weeks. fscamps.com 914-273-8500.
Greentrees Country Day Camp
This camp, which offers sessions of up to eight weeks, is broken into two groups: one for 2-year-olds and the other for children 3- to 6-years-old. Activities include water play, music and dance, arts and crafts, science and nature, field trips and special events. Greentrees Country Day Camp, 247 Jackson Ave., Syosset greentreesli.com 516-921-4949.
Hofstra Summer Camps
Hofstra University offers a wide variety for perspective campers. Parents can enroll their children in a number of programs, including the Learning Institute, Specialty Camp, Sports Academy, BOCES and more. Rates vary depending on the length of the session, which typically runs from two to six weeks. Hofstra’s summer camp programs are extensive, with the Specialty Program including athletics, arts and overnight camp. Taken together, there’s 70 camps available in STEM/STEAM, arts, sports, aviation, engineering, graphic design, and more! Hofstra Summer Camps, 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead. www.hofstra.edu/academics/ce/summer-camp 516-463-CAMP.
Kenwal Day Camp
Located on a 20-acre plot, this camp has an inflatable water park, mini golf, arts and crafts, sports, theater, dance, swimming, zip lines, go karts, rope rappelling, karate and more. The youngest campers can enroll in half- or full-day sessions for three to five days per week. Campers can also sign up for as little as three and as many as eight weeks. Groups are divided into the Pre-School/Kindergarten Program, grades 1-4, the Super Seniors Program for those in grades 5 and 6, the Teen Program for kids in grades 7 and 8, and the counselor-in-training program. Kenwal Day Camp, 100 Drexel Ave., Melville. kenwaldaycamp.com 631-694-3399.
Kids Country Day Camp
This lively 10-acre camp has programs dedicated to sports, adventure, water fun, arts and special events. Kids Country Day Camp, 37B Crystal Brook Hollow Rd., Mt. Sinai. kidscountrydaycamp.com 631-331-5351.
Knox Summer Adventures
Kids at this camp enjoy swimming, sports, arts and other activities. Groups include the Tadpoles for those entering Kindergarten, Minnows for elementary school students in grades 1and 2, Sailfish for those in grades 3 and 4, and Dolphins for grades 5 and 6. Knox Summer Adventures, 541 Long Beach Rd., Saint James. knoxschool.org 631-686-1640.
The Laurel Hill School Summer Camp
From aquatics, athletics and adventure to arts and special events, The Laurel Hill School Summer Camp has something for everyone. Programs include groups for infants from six weeks to 24 months, toddlers from 2- to 3-years-old, preschool for kids 3- to 5-year-olds and Discovery Camp for kindergartners through fifth grade. Laurel Hill also offer sports camp for those in grades 2 to 6, theater camp for grades 2 to 9, coding camp for grades 2 to 8, invention camp for grades 1 to 6, robotics camp for grades 2 to 6, and teen camp for grades 6 to 8. The Laurel Hill School Summer Camp, 201 Old Town Rd., East Setauket. laurelhillschool.org 631-751-1154.
Long Island Voyagers Day Camp
Among the many activities kids can enjoy at this camp are paddle boating, bowling, swimming, sports games, chocolate factories, zoos, museums and beaches. Campers can pick from two- to eight-week sessions. Children from 4-years-old through 14 are welcome. They are divided by age and/or gender. Long Island Voyagers Day Camp, Wantagh Park, Cantiague Park. livoyagersdaycamp.com 516-238-4586.
LuHi Summer Camp
This camp offers three two-week sessions for school-aged kids from grades 4 to 9. They provide a wide range of programs, including sports, computers, dance, digital arts, equestrian training, fencing, fishing, nature exploration, robotics, sailing, theater, visual arts, video game design and more. LuHi Summer Camp, 131 Brookville Rd., Brookville. luhisummercamps.org 516-626-1100.
North Shore Day Camp
Located on a 14-acre property, this traditional summer camp provides a blend of activities, from aquatics and athletics to adventure and arts, offered in increments of three and eight weeks. The Stepping Stone program is for nursery school and kindergartners, Upper Camp is for elementary school students in grades 1 to 6, and the Voyager Travel Program is for those in grades 7 to 9. North Shore Day Camp, 85 Crescent Beach Rd., Glen Cove. northshoredaycamp.com 516-676-0904.
Oasis Day Camp
Children as young as 3 and as old as 15 can participate in sports, swimming, creative and performing arts, outdoor adventures, field trips and more. Early Start Imagination Camp is for children between 3- and 5-years-old, Day Camp is for elementary school students in grades 1 to 6, and the Teen Travel program is for those in grades 7 through 9. LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. oasischildren.com 516-299-4004/ 516-299-2000.
Park Shore Day Camp
Besides the usual activities, this summer camp has special events, such as a carnival, pool disco, cake-decorating contests, talent shows, scavenger hunts, character lunches, theme weeks and more. The camp is for a full day, but half-day sessions are offered for the youngest groups. Toddler Day Camp is for ages 2 and 3, the Preschool Division is for ages 3 to 5, Junior Division is for ages 6 and 7, and the Senior Division is for ages 8 through 10. Park Shore Day Camp 450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. parkshoredaycamp.com 631-449-8580.
Rolling River Day Camp
This nautical-themed full- or half-day camp separates campers into four age groups and gives parents a choice of enrolling kids from four to eight weeks. Activities include swimming, arts, sports, field trips to theme parks, and boating. The Skippers program is for kids aged 2 to 5, the Mariners program is for elementary school students in grades 1 to 4, the Navigators program is for students in grades 5 to 8, and the counselors-in-training program is for those in grades 9 and 10. Rolling River Day Camp, 477 Ocean Ave., East Rockaway. rollingriver.com 516-593-CAMP.
The Waldorf School of Garden City
This private school offers a summer camp with full- and half-day programs, with enrollment ranging from 23 days to six weeks for children aged 3 to 13, and a counselor-in-training program for teens aged 14 to 16. The Waldorf School of Garden City, 225 Cambridge Ave., Garden City. waldorfgarden.org 516-742-3434.
YMCA Summer Day Camp
This camp offers four three-week sessions at six locations, including Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington and Patchogue. YMCA of Long Island, Multiple locations. ymcali.org 855-296-2254.
Young People’s Day Camps
With nine locations across the New York Metro area, this camp has facilities in Nassau and Suffolk that offer sessions ranging from two to eight weeks for kids aged 4 to 14. Activities include swimming, sports, arts, talent shows and field trips. Young People’s Day Camps, multiple locations. ypdc.com 1-800-DAY-CAMP/ 631-476-3330.
SPORTS CAMPS
Thomas School Summer Day Camp & Riding Academy
250 Round Swamp Rd., Melville. tshcamp.com 631-692-6840.
Shark & Fishing Camp
Star Island Road, Montauk. oseasfdn.org 914-226-8149.
Gymnastics & Bounce Adventure Summer Camp
1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead. thesafariadventure.com 631-727-4386.
SportsPro Camps
1001 Crooked Hill Rd., Suffolk Community College: Michael J. Grant Campus, Brentwood. sportsprocamps.com 631-223-8030.
NorthSport Athletic Facility
469 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport northsportny.com 631-757-BALL/ 631-757-2255.
LI Junior Ducks Baseball Camp
41 Saxon Ave., Bay Shore. ducksbaseball.org 631-665-CAMP.
STEM CAMPS
CulturePlay
Choose from game design, coding, robotics and Minecraft. CulturePlay, 220 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. cultureplay.org 516-222-0031.
STEM & Space Summer Camp
Cradle of Innovation STEM & Space Summer Camp, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City. cradleofaviation.org 516-572-4111.
Mad Science
More than a dozen locations across Long Island. longisland.madscience.org 516-620-6768.
Extreme STEM Science Kids
450 Deer Park Rd., Dix Hills. extremesteamcamp.com 631-499-8580.
iD Tech
Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., Garden City. liu.edu 888-709-8324.
Lavner Camp
NYIT, Northern Blvd., Old Westbury. lavnercampsandprograms.com 646-308-1555.
Center for Science Teaching & Learning
1 Tanglewood Rd., Rockville Centre. cstl.org 516-764-0045.
ART SUMMER CAMPS
Abrakadoodle
With creative art themes like The Big Abrakadoodle Circus, Art Rocks and Pirate Island, your kid won’t want to come back home after each day of excitement! Abrakadoodle, multiple locations. abrakadoodle.com 516-686-6900.
Art League of Long Island
600 South Service Rd., Chestnut Hill Elementary School, Dix Hills. artleagueli.net 631-462-5400.
IncrediFlix
Various locations. incrediflix.com 201-331-3306.
Long Island Academy of Fine Art
Traditional painting will be studied as well as paper arts and other fine arts mediums. Long Island Academy of Fine Art, 14A Glen St., Glen Cove. liafa.com 516-590-4324.
Picasso Kidz
Children will learn art history and draw portrait art during their time here. Picasso Kidz, 72 Broadway, Greenlawn. picassokidz.com 631-261-5500.
Summer Art Adventure
Children will engage creatively with many mediums like oil paint, watercolors and sculpting. Art League of Long Island Summer Art Adventure, 107 East Deer Park Rd., Dix Hills. artleagueliregistration.org 631-462-5400.
USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts
Children can major in animation, art adventure, gaming design and minor in comic drawing and so much more. USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts, 185 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights. usdan.org 631-643-7900.
MUSIC AND THEATER CAMPS
Back to Rock, 1015 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington. portwashington.b2rmusic.com 877-227-8558.
BroadHollow Theatre Company
Children will engage in improv and other awesome activities like stage fighting and vocal class. BroadHollow Theatre Company, 265 East Main St., East Islip. dreammakersli.com 631-581-2700.
From Stage to Screen
Half of the day will be spent rehearsing for the big musical! From Stage to Screen, 589 West Jericho Tpke., Huntington. fromstage2screen.com 631-423-4440.
Madison Theatre Day Camp
1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre. madisontheatreny.org 516-323-4448.
Professional Youth Theatre
160 W. Park Ave., Long Beach. professionalyouththeatre.com 516-808-5770.
USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts
USDAN also offers two outdoor theaters, rehearsal studios and costume and prop shops. USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts, 185 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights. usdan.org 631-643-7900.
SLEEPAWAY CAMPS
4-H Camp
Children aged 8 to 16 can get the classic sleep-away-from-home experience at Dorothy P. Flint’s 4-H Camp, which is ACA-accredited. Campers will cook, ride horseback, and have fun as they get to know their fellow campers. Dorothy P. Flint Nassau County 4-H Camp, 3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead. ccenassau.org 516-832-2591 ext. 109
Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp
During eight one-week-long sleep-away sessions, campers can enjoy the Long Island Sound waterfront while they do sports, arts and outdoor activities. Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp, 6375 Sound View Ave., Southold. ccesuffolk.org 631-727-7850.
Blue Bay Girl Scouts Sleepaway Camp
Campers need not be Girl Scouts to sign up for one- or two-week sessions to sleep in a cabin or a tent overlooking Gardiners Bay after a day of fun. Camp Blue Bay, 103 Flaggy Hole Rd., East Hampton. gsnc.org 516-741-2550.
Camp DeWolfe Sleepaway Camp
This Christian sleep-away camp offers sessions ranging from one to six weeks for children ages 7 to 17. Camp DeWolfe Sleepaway Camp, 408 North Side Rd., Wading River. campdewolfe.org 631- 929-4325.
Camp Quinipet
This beachfront Christian sleep-away camp allows campers to request up to two of their own bunkmates. Campers aged 7 to 17 stay in a cabin as they experience the classic pleasures of summer camp near a beautiful dock. Camp Quinipet, 99 Shore Rd., Shelter Island. quinipet.org 631-749-0430.
North Shore Holiday House
Established in 1914 by a local group of women to serve and empower girls coming from low-income families, this all-girls sleep-away camp strives to expose children to diversity. North Shore Holiday House, 74 Huntington Rd., Huntington. nshh.org 631-427-7630.
On The Go Teen Travel Camp
Campers aged 11 to 15 can broaden their experience as they see new sights over the summer with day trips and overnight stays. Action Park and Brownstone Adventure Park are two known destinations, and more are coming. On The Go Teen Travel Camp, 445 Broadhollow Rd. #25, Melville. onthego.camp 551-800-2267.
Mid-Island Y JCC
Campers are encouraged to speak Hebrew as much as possible at this camp, which offers day camp, sports camp, theater camp, travel camp and special needs camp in addition to sleep-away camp. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview. miyjccsummercamp.org 516-822-3535.
