Awaken from your long winter’s nap and start making your summer camp plans soon.
Awaken from your long winter’s nap and start making your summer camp plans soon. You needn’t travel far to ensure a wonderful experience for your children. Here are just some of the local opportunities.
Rye Nature Center
Take part in an adventurous and educational program set on 47 acres of forest and trails. The enthusiastic and active atmosphere allows children to explore a variety of ecosystems and become connected to nature. Guided by some of Westchester’s best naturalists, participants can begin the journey to become lifelong envi ronmental stewards.
The Explorers Program (grades Pre-K and Kindergarten) is grounded in early childhood educational values and promotes exploration and inquiry of nature. Each day is structured to keep campers confident and comfort- able, while they discover the nature center’s forests, animals, trails, ponds, and gardens. Hours are 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The cost is $265 per week.
At Discoverers (grades K-5) participants, grouped according to their ages, enjoy a variety of nature and science activities. Friendships and alliances form during science lab experiments, gardening, hiking, natural history lessons, and art/media projects. Games are played daily, including time to get wet on the slip and slide and embark on the camp’s famous hide and seek game, Deer and Wolf. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $390 per week.
Grades 6-8 can enjoy the freedoms and responsibilities of becoming Naturalists in Training (NITs). A typical day includes planned activities, as well as time to pursue individual interests and develop outdoor life skills. Every Thursday, the NITs stay for a cookout dinner, campfire, and twilight exploration. Bat hikes, stargazing, and watching out- door movies are just a few of the nighttime activities. Hours are 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Cost is $455 per week. Camps run from June 24 through August 9. For more information, call 967-5150.
Rye Historical Society
Travel back in time at Hands-on-History Summer Colonial Camp. Girls and boys, ages 7-12, will spend three fun-filled weeks immersed in colonial history at the Square House. Experience what life was like more than two centuries ago through hands-on activities, including painting portraits and landscapes, learning about colonial gardens and food, and playing old-fashioned games.
Camp runs from July 9-26 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. The cost per child is $400 for members, $450 for non- members. For more information, call 967-7588.
Rye YMCA
Kids can let loose with a variety of camps including: Kinder (ages 3-6), Discovery (ages 4-13), Sports (ages 5-11), Gymnastics (ages 6- 14), Lego (ages 5-11), Fine Arts (ages 8-12), All Aboard (ages 7- 12), Teen Adventure (completed grades 6-9), Teen Fitness (ages 12- 15), and Counselor in Training (ages 14-15; membership required).
Session fees range from $365- $595. For complete descriptions, prices, and to register, visit ryeycamp.org or call 967-6363.
Rye Recreation
Kiddy Camp (ages 3-5) is a 6- week, half-day, classroom-based program. Every day, children participate in free play, story time, songs, out- door play, art, sports, and more. Special events are held weekly. Campers cannot be entering kindergarten. Six-week cost is $685 for residents, $1450 non-residents. Registration is ongoing.
Going into 7th or 8th grade and looking for an adventure this summer? Join Camp 78, which combines the best of sports, activities, and cool trips. Have fun with your old friends and make new ones while participating in daily games and activities, as well as enjoying trips to places such as Madison Square Garden Tour, Bronx Zoo, Yankee and Mets Games, Big Bear Zip Line, Medieval Times, Great Adventure, Madame Tussaud’s, and more. For Rye residents only. Cost is $220 per week. Registration is ongoing.
Lower and Upper Camp registration begins March 4 at 6:30 p.m. Lower Camp (grades K-2) offers half- and full-day camps where kids can enjoy sports, group games, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, field trips, and special theme days. Upper Camp (grades 3-6) provides campers the opportunity to participate in a variety of trips and programs including sports, games, arts and crafts, chosen electives, and special events and trips. Full-day cost for residents is $515 for 2 weeks, $745 for 6 weeks; non-residents $1510 for 6 weeks, $790 for 2 weeks. Half-day Lower Camp cost for residents is $585 for 6 weeks, $340 for 2 weeks; non-residents $995 for 6 weeks, $580 for 2 weeks.
Teens entering grades 9 and 10, who are interested in gaining practical experience working with children for community service, can apply for Junior Counselor positions. Apply by March 31; visit www.ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm.
Non-resident registration begins May 9 at 9 a.m. For additional camps, prices, and details, call 967-2535 or visit ryeny.gov/campmain.cfm.
Rye Arts Center
Let your creative juices flow this summer. Offerings for ages 8-12 include Morning Ceramics, Drawing & Painting, Digital Photography, Photoshop/Digital Arts, Manga Club, Creative Building, Make a Film Week, Stop Motion Animation, Afternoon Ceramics (ages 5-7), Instrumental and Vocal Lessons (ages 5 and up), and more. Teens can take part in Acrylic & Oil Painting, Drawing Fundamentals, Abstract Painting, Studio Art, Portrait Painting, and more.
At Creative Arts Program, ages 4-12 can explore their creative potential while being exposed to a true educational experience. This program includes classes in drawing, painting, mixed media, creative movement, storytelling, music, and more. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.
Writing workshops for ages 9-12 include: Total Fiction, Sonnets & Shakespeare, Advertising and Commercials, and What Would Dr. Seuss Do?
“Pippin” is the selection for the Musical Theatre Workshop, directed by Michael Awusie. Ages 8-12 learn to put on a show and perform it for family and friends at week’s end. The camp runs the weeks of August 12, 19, and 26 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is ongoing, visit ryeartscenter.org or call 967-0700.
Jay Heritage Center
Get ready to dig! The historic Jay Estate and Heritage Center has a history dating back to the time of the Paleo-Indians. At Archaeology Camp, learn the fundamentals alongside a professional archaeologist. Gain an introduction to terms and techniques, set up a grid, and dig through layers of earth to scientifically and methodically document artifacts hidden beneath the surface. Last year’s campers uncovered shards of pottery, animal bones, buttons, pieces of pipe, and other exciting objects.
Learn the techniques used for washing and categorizing finds, as well as the ways these bits of tangible history help to interpret important landmark sites like the Jay. Activities such as pottery making and a time capsule are all part of the fun.
Session I is for ages 7-10. Session II is for ages 11-13 years old, as well as campers who attended last year. Camp runs June 24-28 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The fee is $125. To register, call 698- 9275 or email jayhc@earthlink.net.
Mr. Reilly’s Sculpture Boot Camp
Sculpture Boot Camp is back for its second season at Wainwright. Grades 2-7 will stretch their imaginations and explore the endless possibilities of bringing three-dimensional art to life. Daily water activities ramp up the excitement on hot summer days.
In addition, Midland art teacher Bret Reilly is introducing Boot Camp To Go, bringing the camp experience to children who are undergoing cancer treatment and living at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City.
Five one-week sessions are offered starting June 24. Per week cost is $300. Enjoy a 10 percent discount for additional weeks and siblings. For more information, visit sculpturebootcamp.com.
Soundview Sports
Great facilities and super instruction are the hallmarks of the Soundview camps, which are held on the Manhattanville College campus.
At Sports Skills Camp, boys and girls ages 5-14 will enjoy facilities that include large multi-purpose fields for soccer, baseball, golf, field hockey, floor hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and flag football, numerous mini playing fields for small group instruction, two full-size gymnasiums for basketball and volleyball, an Olympic size six-lane pool, nine tournament quality tennis courts, and outdoor batting cages.
Ages 3 1⁄2 – 5 can take part in age appropriate sports and activities, including swim instruction, at Mini Day Camp.
For dates, pricing, and to register, visit soundviewsports.com.
Summit Soccer Camps
At Kinderkickers ages 4-6 develop a love for the game while improving their skills. Cost is $210 per week.
Ages 7-14 can take part in the action in half- or full-day sessions. In addition to individual skills, demonstrations of team- work and tactics are taught to ensure that every phase of the game is covered. Per-week cost ranges from $210-$325.
For additional details and programs, visit summitsoccer.net.
Future Stars
Participate in wonderful specialty day camps this summer at Purchase College. Among the offerings: Tennis (ages 6-16), Multi-Sports (ages 5-15), Soccer (ages 6-16), Academic Enrichment (ages 8-16), Baseball (boys ages 6- 16), Basketball (ages 6-16), Circus Arts (ages 7-16), Cheer- leading (girls ages 7-16), Diving (ages 6-16), Football (boys ages 8-16), Field Hockey (girls ages 10-16), Lacrosse (ages 7-16), Little Stars (ages 31⁄2-5), Magic & Illusion (ages 8-16), Softball (girls ages 8-16), and Volleyball (girls ages 10-17).
Session costs range from $525- $725. For more information, visit fscamps.com.
Challenge Camps
Designed to stimulate imagination and creativity, Challenge Camps, now in its 33rd year, offers gifted and talented students, ages 4-15, a unique learning opportunity. This summer, their program is coming to School of the Holy Child.
Campers select from over 50 morning academic courses and 40 afternoon enrichment classes and sports clinics. Lunch (kosher option) is included and transportation is available.
Session I runs from June 24- July 19; Session II runs from July 22–August 9. Contact Carole B. Berman, Director (carole@challengecamps.com) for a course catalogue.
Clay Arts Center
Ages 6-14 are invited to unearth their creativity this summer at the Port Chester center. Choose from a variety of half-day camps, with the option of combining morning and afternoon camps for a full-day experience, working in the transformational medium of clay. Classes include Wheel Throwing Boot Camp, Week at the Zoo Clay Camp, Tales in Clay, Around the World in 5 Days, Bedazzled, and more.
High school and college students interested in volunteering in the summer program should email leigh@clayartcenter.org.
Camp runs June 24-August 23. To register, visit clayartcenter.org.
Greenwich Historical Society
At History and Art Camp, each two-week session begins with a week focusing on Colonial history, followed by a week devoted to visual art. The interactive experience is designed to utilize the art and original artifacts in Bush-Holley House. A field trip and a Friday Parents’ Day are part of each week’s schedule. Re-enactors, working artists, musicians and guest teachers make up the leadership team. Activities include weaving, baking, candle making, and acting. Art instruction encompasses painting, pastels, sculpture, origami, and photography. Art shows and performances cap off each session.
Session A (grades 4-6) runs from July 8-19, and Session B (grades 1-4) from July 22-August 2. Registration begins March 1 for members, March 29 for non-members. Cost is $550 for two-week session, $350 for single week. For more information, visit greenwichhistory.org.
