Camp is a time for kids to continually develop their social/emotional learning, boost their self-esteem, and tap into their creativity.
Camp season is quickly approaching. As your child is getting excited about a summer of fun and new adventures, as a parent, it is also exciting to have them have the opportunity to foster new skills. Camp is a time for kids to continually develop their social/emotional learning, boost their self-esteem, and tap into their creativity. And while many of us think of camps as roasting smores and water games, which is on point -summer camps also off programs such as art, dance, music, STEM/STEAM programs, and sports. These subjects help kids tap into new topics and freely explore!
Below, we are sharing examples of the many benefits of specialty programs at camp and how they will help your child soar this summer - and beyond!
Art Programs at Camp
Art programs at camp offer an incredible way for your child to express themselves and unleash their creativity. Alicia Skovera, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ noted, “Art is often one of children’s favorite school subjects, but it usually only happens once a week.”
At camp, kids can explore art through a variety of modalities. Alicia stated, “Art is offered daily with beading, jewelry making, painting, tie dying, ceramics, and more.” These multiple disciplines allow children to explore forms of art that they might not have access to at school or from supplemental programs. They will have the opportunity to test out new forms of expression and discover new ways to showcase their creative side.
Other artistic forms of expression your camper might enjoy at traditional or specialty camps are dance, theater, and music. Dance allows kids to express themselves through movement; theater helps kids engage and communicate with others; music can help with memory, focus, and group communication.
Alicia stated, “Campers can explore their creativity, express themselves through the arts, and discover a new favorite interest.”
STEM/STEAM at Camp
There has been an enormous concentration on STEM/STEAM programming over the past few years. STEM focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math, while STEAM focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts.
These programs help foster a child’s creativity, encourage experimentation, develop their problem-solving skills, and help to develop their critical thinking skills as they engage in fun, educational, and interactive activities.
Alicia shared, “From science experiments to building challenges to rocketry, children can engage in experiential learning at camp without grades or homework!”
Some camps include STEAM/STEM activities such as coding, game making, animation, YouTube production, digital arts, video game design, 3D printing, and more. These modalities can help make learning fun and exciting and lay the foundation for the school year ahead and help enhance their passion/interest in these subjects.
“These hands-on activities foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking engagingly and interactively, allowing children to learn something new daily,” Alicia added.
Sports at Camp
Sports are a huge part of summer camp where kids can try out new activities, move their bodies, and work as a team. Kids will also be able to exert independence, develop confidence, learn new skills, utilize strategic thinking, help with mental clarity, and further develop their communication skills.
Alicia stated, “Camp is the perfect environment for children to try new sports. Not only do sports at camp give children a chance to try out a new sport in a non-competitive environment, but sports also foster teamwork and keep kids moving. Many times, children go home from camp wanting to play a new sport at home after discovering it at camp!”
This includes the opportunity to enjoy a range of modalities such as swimming, basketball, soccer, climbing, tennis, running, baseball, gymnastics, horseback riding, and much more.
Summer camp will create a lifetime of memories and bring joy to your child’s life. A huge component is the many specialty programs that can help boost your child’s confidence, promotes their growth, and encourage them to try new things as they have fun.
Rockland Camps
Bright Beginnings Preschool of Pearl River
60 E. Madison Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965
914-420-5785
A fun, affordable summer program for children 3-7 years old. We offer half and full day programs. Our air conditioned Facility has a large outdoor area and is also connected to Cedar Grove Park. This program includes; academic curriculum, water table and sprinkler play, physical education, cooking classes, arts and crafts, weekly themes, and daily special events. NYS Licensed facility. All staff CPR/First Aid Certified. Call to set up a tour today.
Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare
6 Charles St., New City
2 Mountainview Court, Pomona
914-420-5785
A fun, affordable summer program for children 6 months-school age. We offer half and full day programs. Private cul-de-sac location with an acre of property for outdoor play. The program includes academic curriculum, nutritious meals, water table and sprinkler play, cooking classes, arts and crafts, physical education, weekly themes and daily special activities. NYS-licensed accredited facility. Staff are CPR- and first aid certified. Call to set up a tour today.
Coupé Theatre Studio - Junior & Triple Threat Camps
430 Market Street, Nanuet, NY
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845-623-2808
Junior Camp 1st & 2nd Grade & Triple Threat Camp 3rd grade and up.
Camps include classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern Dance, Musical Theatre, Pre-Pointe and Pointe* if applicable, Acro Dance, Acting, Vocal Training, Theatre Dance, Stretch and Conditioning and more. Mondays through Fridays,10:00am-4pm includes participation in Aladdin the musical. Mornings-Only Option: 10am-1pm, Mondays through Fridays. Small class sizes, professional teaching staff, nurturing environment. June 26 – July 21, 2023 *Bonus 5th week available.
Coupe’ Theatre Studio- Cuties Summer Program
430 Market Street, Nanuet, NY
845-623-2808
The Coupé Cuties Summer Program, designed for children 3 years and up, includes classes in Music, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Crafts, Singing, and Acting. All Coupé teachers are experienced and proficient in the instruction of young children. Daily program is in session from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Small class sizes in a nurturing environment. Choose 1, 2 or 3 weeks: 3 days per week. Starts Tuesday June 27th, 2023.
Coupe’ Theatre Studio - Advanced Dancer Summer Intensive
430 Market Street, Nanuet, NY
845-623-2808
Coupé’s Advanced Dancer Intensive is designed for advanced students,aged 13 and up, to strengthen and develop a deeper understanding of various dance techniques.. Program includes classes in Ballet, Pointe, Conditioning, Variations, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Theatre Dance and more! Mondays through Fridays, June 26-July 21st, 10am-4pm Includes Showcase or the musical production Aladdin. * Mornings-Only Option: 10am-1:00pm. Acceptance into this program is by teacher recommendation. Please call for placement evaluation.
Mosholu Day Camp
261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975
845-243-0751
For 80 years, Mosholu Day Camp has been providing affordable quality camping to children ages 5-15 from all over the area. Sitting on beautiful Lake Cohasset at Harriman State Park, we offer children a place to develop, experience, and enjoy nature, while taking part in unforgettable summer activities like swimming, boating, sports, music, arts, and everything else you’d come to expect from an awesome summer day camp! Buses with A/C, full 8-week summer, multi-week options.
Rockland County YMCA Summer Camps
35 South Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
Krucker’s Picnic Grove
81 Call Hollow Road, Pomona,NY 10970
845-643-3072
Rockland YMCA Summer Camps located at Krucker’s Picnic Grove and their Nyack Facility offer activities including swimming, swim lessons, arts and crafts, and sports for ages 5-14. The Suffern location offers indoor and outdoor activities which include arts & crafts, water play and outdoor play on two playgrounds for children ages 2-5. June 26th through August 18th, 8am-6pm. For more information contact Camp Director John Dillon at 845-643-3072.
Rockland Farm Alliance – Junior Farmers Camp
220 South Little Tor Road, New City, NY
845-634-3167
Junior Farmers’ Camp introduces children to sustainable agriculture, healthy living, and environmental stewardship through discovery, play, and plenty of time getting their hands dirty farming in the Children’s Garden. Their expert staff will lead children through gardening workshops, science experiments, bug hunts, cooking, foraging, and nature crafts. Camp will be held June 26th-August 18th, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. After-care program available. Ideal for kids ages 5-12.
Sophia’s Sandcastle Daycare
24 Tennyson Drive, Nanuet, NY 10954
845-627-0709
Sophia’s Sandcastle Daycare, licensed in-home daycare facility offers childcare, before and after care and age-appropriate educational experiences for children during the school year and over the summer. Now also offering special, flexible weekend daycare programs. The in-home setting and home cooked meals and snacks ensures your child a “home away from home” experience and the beautiful fenced in yard with multiple playsets allows for lots of safe, outdoor fun. English & Spanish speaking.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Summer STEAM Camps
125 Route 340, Sparkill, NY
845-398-4150
Looking for the perfect summer camp for your child? STEAM camps at St. Thomas Aquinas College aim to develop in students the 21st-century version of problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, and communication by making classroom work engaging. Camps are particularly suited for middle school students entering grades 5-9 and will be held in person starting, Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 28, 2023. There is something for everyone in Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics. Camps are filling up fast so sign up today!
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