Start Planning Your Summer with Park Slope Reader’s Summer Camp Guide
Traditional camps, which have been around since at least the late 19th century, have continued to be a summer staple for kids from all corners. Classic summer camps tend to offer a range of diverse activities, usually have a heavy focus on the outdoors, and promote a warm camp culture that fosters deep friendships. But in recent years, there has been a consistent rise of specialty camps. Camps that focus on activities in one area are beneficial to kids who want to explore an interest in more depth or for those who don’t feel like they fit the mold of a “standard” camper.
Traditional camps, which have been around since at least the late 19th century, have continued to be a summer staple for kids from all corners. Classic summer camps tend to offer a range of diverse activities, usually have a heavy focus on the outdoors, and promote a warm camp culture that fosters deep friendships. But in recent years, there has been a consistent rise of specialty camps. Camps that focus on activities in one area are beneficial to kids who want to explore an interest in more depth or for those who don’t feel like they fit the mold of a “standard” camper.
However, in today’s tech-heavy society, the consequences of kids missing out on the free-spirited outdoor environment of traditional camps could be more dramatic. On another note, with the interminable pressure parents feel to make sure their kids are utilizing every opportunity to get a “leg-up” at an early age, it’s worth it be circumspect when considering how your children are going to spend their summer.
Balancing these two types of camps has led to a new camp trend: creating patchwork summers that combine traditional with one or several specialties.
“Parents are opting out of the conventional route of one camp for the whole summer,” says Charlotte Brown, former Camp enrollment manager at the 92nd Street Y. “Instead they’re choosing to diversify their kids’ experience by sending them to a traditional camp for one half of the summer, and several specialty camps for the other.”
This way, kids get the benefit of exploring individual passions and discovering new interests, without sacrificing the physical and emotional benefits that come from “green exercise.”
And camps are responding to this by doing things like providing flexible schedules for campers, offering shorter sessions, and creating partnerships. In the list of selected camps below— a mix of traditional and specialty— we highlight the booking options for each one to make it easier for you if you decide to send your child to several smaller programs instead of one camp for the entirety of the summer.
Piper Theatre Camp
Now in its 20th year, Piper Theatre Summer Youth Programs run throughout the month of July and offer one week, two week, and four week workshops. The workshops are catered to theater enthusiasts from age 6-16. The educators/directors are experienced professionals who guide and support the young actors in performing plays and ensemble work with an emphasis on physical theater. They’ve been known to put on a range of shows from original full length plays, shakespearean works, and creative play workshops for younger age groups.
Booking: One week workshops (four sessions total) for ages 5-9 are available starting June 29, July 6, July 13, and July 20.
- Two week workshops (two sessions total) are available for ages 8-11, starting June 29 and July 13, ages 8-11.
- Two week workshops (two sessions total) are available for ages 10-16, starting June 29 and July 13,
- Four week session for ages 10-16 runs from June 29-July 25.
- The Peper Musicans for ages 11-15 runs from June 29-July 25.
Location: Old Stone House of Brooklyn, 336 3rd St.
Kim’s Kids Summer Camp
Living in a metropolitan area like New York City makes it more of a challenge to seek out nature. That’s where Kim’s Kids comes in. Operating as a traditional camp, Kim’s Kids incorporate activities for the that revolve around explore the outdoors, like hiking and climbing. But they are constantly switching it up, so that no two days are the same. The enthusiastic counselors take their campers, ages 4 ½ to 12, on a trip every day to different areas of the city, giving campers the opportunity to explore a variety of adventures and attractions, including swimming pools, bowling, zoos, museums, amusement parks, historic landmarks, and more.
More info on their website. https://kimskidscamp.com/
Booking: Kim’s Kids emphasizes their flexibility when it comes to schedules. They offer everything from two-week sessions to six-week sessions, with the additional option of three, four, or five days a week.
Location: PS 321 on 7th Ave & 1st St.
Cirque d’Été
It’s more than just clowning around. Cirque d’Été (Circus of the Summer), is a specialty program within the Park Slope Day Camp. This performance camp offers two-week sessions, with each session concentrating on a different set of skills. The experienced staff members introduce acrobatics, circus skills, costumes, music, and yes, clown-comedy. Campers are encouraged to practice discipline in order to excel at the skills they’re taught, but the atmosphere remains fun and non-competitive. At the end of each session parents and friends are invited to watch their children perform a GALA Performance.
Booking Options: There are three sessions total and campers can choose to sign up for one, two, or all.
Campers can also supplement weeks of Park Slope Day Camp’s Traditional Camp with Cirque d’Été sessions.
Sessions dates: July 6 – 17, July 20 – 31, August 3 – 14
Location: Carrol Gardens, Hannah Senesh Community Day School 342 Smith Street, between 1st Place and 2nd Place*
* Express bus services provided to and from the other Park Slope Day Camp locations.
Dancewave
Dance can be a powerful and creative way for children to express their emotions. Dancewave’s summer programs gives young dancers the opportunity to do this, while simultaneously improving on their skills. With a range of intensity levels and styles of dance, there’s something for everyone. Students age 4-18 can explore Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Choreography, and African, and compositional techniques. Part of Dancewave’s mission is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. The members of Dancewave aim to build a positive overall culture by implementing the social science of restorative practices, which is all about increasing social capital and improving relationships.
Booking: Ages 4-6 can register for a one week session of half days.
- Ages 6-11 are offered full day options for one, two, or three weeks. Also an extended day option that includes non-dance related games and crafts.
- Intensive and Advanced Intensives are offered to older students, contingent on auditions. (Audition dates listed on website.)
- Programs run from July 6 – August 16
Location:182 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
SkateYogi
No need to be a skating pro to enjoy this camp— SkateYogi offers an All Levels camp for ages 6-13, and an Intermediate + version for ages 9-15. Within in each camp, students are grouped based on their specific skill level. So no need to worry if your child is a complete beginner, there’s a place for everyone. Likewise, more advanced skaters don’t have to worry about getting bored, as they are taught new tricks and techniques. Plus, all levels will get to experience more of the city with regular field trips to skateparks in all different areas.
Booking: Sessions are weekly, but anyone is welcome to register for multiple weeks, with discounts available to those who register for two or more weeks.
All Levels run from June 16-September 4. Intermediate+ (Urban Shredders) run from July 6-September 4
Locations: All Levels, SKATEYOGI, 140 Empire Blvd – Intermediate+, Golconda Skate Park, Downtown Brooklyn (near the B/Q Dekalb Ave stop)
Mill Basin Day Camp
Offer day camps for children ages 3 – 14, Mill Basin places a special emphasis on choosing the right counselors to make sure your campers are in the best hands for a fun and interactive summer. Also counselors are certified in CPR and First Aid, undergo reference and background checks, and attend mandatory training sessions before camp begins. The staff is also trained in methods to integrate new campers into the routine, making them feel comfortable and at home right away. Campers follow a pre-structured schedule made up of a wide variety of activities. Sports, fashion design, legos, magic, computers, swimming, and more. So campers can enjoy their favorite activities and pick up new ones along the way.
Booking: The sessions range from four weeks to eight weeks, with the option for three day, four day, or five day weeks.
Location: 5945 Strickland Ave
Trail Blazers Camps
A well established camp, with a strong focus on the environment and the outdoors. Campers enjoy exploring and appreciating nature. It’s a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), teaching campers life skills on working through challenges. They also take campers on trips around other areas of the city. Overnight options are available too.
Location: Park Slope, 394 Rogers Ave
Spoke the Hub
Looking for a multi-arts summer program? Spoke the Hub gives interested campers the chance to advance their skills in theater, dance, fashion, film-making, and circus. Field trips are part of the curriculum as well. Ages 5-15.
Booking: Full day and half day options available
Locations: Gowanus Arts, 295 Douglass Street (between Third and Fourth Avenues) — 748 Union St. (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
Sweetly Brooklyn
This small batch Brooklyn bakery that specializes in custom cakes and puts on private events and parties will be offering a baking and decorating camp for the first time this summer. They are still working out the dates, but it’s sure to be a sweet time.
Location: 447 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Biocitizen’s Our Place Summer School
First opening ten years ago in Western Massachusetts, Biocitizen when on to open a location in Los Angelos, before opening additional locations in Chile and New York. Biocitizen’s Our Place Summer School is for “6-12 year olds who like to walk & want to know how the(ir) world work.” With a mission of preparing the youth for climate change, this summer program combines adventure learning, fun, and education. Our Place’s sessions are five day-long each with a 5 to 1 staff to student ratios. During each session the teachers, who are all are certified first responders and carry medical kits, lead students on Field Environmental Philosophy walks around New York City, visiting places like waterways, transportation systems, landmark parks, and cultural and architectural nodes. To give a frame point for each adventure, teachers pose a question at the start of the day. Give your child the experience of being an active part in their community.
Booking: Each session runs M-F, 9am-3pm, Starting the week of June 29 until the week of August 25
Location: Drop off and pick-up at the Brooklyn Public Library
Sleepaway recommendation
Farm and Wilderness Camp
For something a bit different, the Farm and Wilderness summer camp, located in Vermont, offers family camp and overnight camp options and is a quaker based camp, founded in social justice. On 4,800 acres of land, Campers learn how to contribute to and be a part of a community while participating in activities that center on living off the grid, like backpacking and building shelters. They also offer activities like guitar playing, skit performances, and blueberry picking.
Campers range from age 4-17, with different programs divided by age group. As a gender inclusive camp, Farm & Wilderness offers choices for boys, girls, and gender non-binary campers, to ensure your child feels supported in their environment.
Location: Farm & Wilderness Foundation Inc. 401 Farm and Wilderness Road Plymouth, VT 05056
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