New York Family Camp Fairs Are A Great Place To Start

Selecting the right camp for your child sets the stage for life-long memories, friends, and a summer brimming with enjoyment! Summer always seems to creep up on us fast here in NYC, so it’s time to start prepping your camp plans.

New York Family’s 2024 Camp Fairs – Free to RSVP!

Brooklyn Family Camp Fair – Saturday, 3/2, 12-3pm at Brooklyn Public Central Library

Long Island Family Camp Fair – Sunday, 3/3 Camp Fair at Cradle of Aviation

Staten Island Parent Camp & Summer Program Fair – Sunday, 4/7, 12-3pm at the College of Staten Island Sports and Recreation Center

Instead of facing these decisions alone, head over to New York Family’s Camp Fairs, where you’ll learn about all the many camp options for your kiddos. This year, there will even be promotions, games, raffles, art & crafts, face paintings, and more—all for free.

Before we dive into the Camp Fair specifics, let’s go over what to look for so you can find the best camp for your kids.

Types of camps

Sleep away camps

Considering a sleep away camp this summer? These camps are great for boosting your kid’s independence and confidence. They’ll learn how to do things on their own, returning back in August as self-sufficient campers! Sleep away camps also improve social skills, helping your little ones form friendships outside of school. While you might be nervous to send your kids away for the summer, asking the right questions at the Camp Fairs can help! Read on for a handy checklist.

Day camps

You’re probably already familiar with the classic day camp. These are great for keeping your kids entertained (and active!) during the day. If your kids are hoping to do a little bit of everything– sports, arts & crafts, games– then a general day camp may be the way to go. They often have a “choose your own adventure” structure, where kids can choose what they want to do.

Special interest camps

Does your child have a unique interest or skill they can’t stop talking about? Help your child nurture this passion through special interest camps. These might include dance, arts & crafts, STEM, sports and theater. Your kids will be surrounded by other campers who are also excited about that interest, and specialized camp directors who are experts in their fields!

Camp Fair checklist for parents

Ready to attend a Camp Fair? Here are some of the questions to ask directors and counselors so you can find the perfect camp:

Can you walk me through a typical day for my child?
What time is drop off/pick up? Do you offer aftercare?
What background or experience do the camp counselors have? (Especially important for special interest camps!)
What kind of safety procedures or systems do you have in place in case of emergency? (Especially important for sleepaway camps!)
What will my kids learn this summer?
What makes this camp special? Can you share the camp mission or values?
Does the camp offer financial aid or scholarship support?

Ready to learn more about when and where these Camp Fairs are taking place this year? Read on for the details!

Beth Sholom Day Camp

Beth Sholom Day Camp, located in Roslyn Heights, NY is a Summer Camp for children aged 3-15 years old, serving Nassau &amp; Queens. Their program encourages children to try new activities, build friendships and develop skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Activities include music, dance, drama, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports, an adventure park, and pedal go-karts.&nbsp; American Red Cross swim instruction is offered in their three heated pools. This summer, camp will be 8 weeks long with a scheduled start date of June 28th through August 22nd. A minimum of 4 weeks is required. For summer 2023, their program includes a hot Glatt Kosher lunch, an afternoon snack, door to door, air-conditioned bus transportation and New for 2023 - Towel Service! &nbsp; BSDC offers full- and mini-day nursery programs. Fifth-eighth graders participate in a camp and trip program. They also have a C.I.T. program for 9th and 10th graders. Their camp staff implements an engaging curriculum, with intentional games as well as age-appropriate activities. Beth Sholom Day Camp pride themselves in their ability to know each child as an individual and facilitate positive relationships through team building and group activities. They are proud to offer a dynamic summer experience where children can play, learn, and grow.

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park &amp; Children&rsquo;s Zoo presents programming for children and families of all ages, animal encounters, zookeeper experiences, VIP tours, season memberships, and much more! Camp Zoo introduces and immerses children in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities.&nbsp; In partnership with their nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the game farm also offers culture, education, and wellness programs to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment.&nbsp; A critical aspect of the game farm is serving as a sanctuary to animals that&nbsp;have been rescued, rehabilitated, or re-homed, including Sicilian miniature donkeys, alpacas, African Sulcatta tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, goats, sheep,&nbsp;alligators, and our beloved Gomez, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo, and Nala, an African Serval cat!&nbsp; &nbsp;

Summer Stage Performing Arts Camp at The Riverdale Y

Riverdale&rsquo;s Premier Theater Arts Intensive Camp allows young artists to develop creatively and perform in a full-scale musical theater production.