Shopping: Into The Woods

PLEASE NOTE: The city’s biggest Camp Fairs are coming up on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, in Manhattan. For families with children ages 3 to teen, the Camp Fairs are free, child-friendly, and feature both Day Camps (in and around the city) and Sleepaway Camps (all over the Northeast). CLICK HERE for details and to register.

Whether your little camper is heading to day camp in the urban jungle or preparing to pitch a tent in the great outdoors, the right gear and supplies are sure to make all the difference. Our top 10 picks for summer 2015 are not only practical, but also 100 percent fun!

Hello Hydration
In Hello Kitty’s latest collaboration with the tokidoki brand, the eye-catching Kimono 500-ML Aluminum Bottle—featuring favorite tokidoki characters alongside a kimono-clad Kitty—is the perfect pick for making daily water-guzzling more of an adventure than a chore. Plus, the spout is leak-proof and the lid is totally BPA-free. $11.50, shop.tokidoki.it
Tick-Tac-Donut
Available from NYC kids’ clothing and gear staple Lester’s, this sweet-looking pillow by iscream is two fun camp picks in one. Of course, it’s a comfy pillow, but it also turns into a game of tick-tac-toe! The front of the pillow serves as a game board while the back features a fleece pocket full of 10 game markers. $34, lesters.com
Soap Style
Get in the rugged spirit and eschew boring old toiletries for your child! Not only does Izola’s Scout Soap Set come complete with three eco-friendly (think domestically-sourced raw materials and an all-vegetable base) triple-milled oatmeal soap bars, but it also features old-fashioned campy graphics. $19, izola.com
Bye Bye, Bugs
Obviously, no parent wants their child to fall victim to mosquito bites at camp, but so many repellants these days are packed with harmful chemicals. Enter Kaufmann Mercantile’s Natural Mosquito Repellant. Handmade in the USA, this blend of citronella, catnip, and calendula offers a pleasant-smelling and -feeling alternative to traditional bug sprays. $14.95, kaufmann-mercantile.com
Sleep Tight
Sleekly designed just for kids ages 10-14, REI’s three-season Lumen Sleeping Bag is durable, compressible, and snugly insulated. Plus, the contoured hood and relaxed fit make it uber-comfy. $119, rei.com
Top Towel
Infuse shower or pool time with the spirit of the American West with Pendleton’s Jacquard Hooded Towel. With a cool Western design inspired by Pendleton’s iconic blanket patterns, this 100 percent cotton towel (available this spring) is sure to become a bathroom staple long after the last day of camp. $49.50, pendleton-usa.com
Glasses Half Full
Let your camper see summer through cool-colored glasses! Jonas Paul’s Albert Sunglasses offer up a classic aviator look just for kids and include shatterproof prescription lenses, a polycarbonate frame, and 100 percent UV protection. Plus, for every pair sold, Jonas Paul gives support to CBM International to give glasses or corrective surgery to a person in need. $99, jonaspauleyewear.com
Write On
Entice your campers to write you (their loving parent) oodles of letters with a stationery set from Love, Laura Gifts (a camp gear staple for NYC fams). While Love, Laura offers a variety of fun and customizable patterns, this year we’re all about the very hip Sneaker set. Note pad, $24; notecards, $35; postcards, $15; keep-in-touch cards, $50; lovelauragifts.com
Sun Safety
Avoiding harmful sunburns is a key component of a successful camp experience—and a great lifetime health habit. Make it easy and fun for your child to ‘screen up with Hang Ten’s SPF 30 Classic Sport Spray. The brightly colored bottle makes it appealing to kids, while the maximum water-resistance, paraben-free formula, and easy-to-use spray bottle offer peace of mind to parents. $12.99, hangtensunscreen.com
The Wheel Deal
And just where is your kiddo going to pack all of their fab camp gear? In their new Alcatraz II Backpack by Kipling, of course! This wheeled backpack sports an outdoorsy distressed dragonfly print and a signature Kipling monkey key chain, and is airplane carry-on approved. Plus, built-in laptop protection lets it transition to back-to-school when the summer ends. $239, kipling-usa.com

Snapology

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Get ready for the best summer ever! Snapology uses LEGO&reg; bricks, K&rsquo;Nex, and technology to teach children about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &amp; Math (STEAM) - . Your kids can participate in camps and activities designed to build confidence and make learning fun.&nbsp; While the kids are having fun with familiar themes, toys, laptops and iPads, we sneak in the learning!&nbsp;</span></div> </blockquote> <div> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">WHAT MAKES OUR CAMP UNIQUE?</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Build Confidence with Hands-On Learning</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Snapology offers a variety of programs designed to reinforce core competencies and curricula being taught at each grade level. Our programs can be customized based on the # of children, age of children, time allotment and/or other special requirements. We adapt to your goals and objectives.</span></div> </blockquote> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Social Skill Development</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Snapology&rsquo;s flexible curriculum allows teachers to adapt to the needs of each unique group of students while allowing children to progress and explore at their own pace. The curriculum is designed to benefit all students - gifted, traditional, and non-typical learners.</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Certified Educators</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">All Snapology Teachers hold current Teaching Certifications and promote the creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while educating students on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &amp; Math).</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Small Groups</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">1:6 teacher to student ratio. Smaller intentional camps for more engagement and personalized experiences&nbsp;</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Updates via Class Dojo</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">During camp days, Class Dojo is used to update caregivers on how their child is adapting throughout the day. Message the camp leaders directly and request updates, photos, and videos, accordingly!</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Demand for small format camps is high and capacity is limited so don't delay. Enroll your child today!</span></div> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote>

Ghostlight Theater Camp

<p>Ghostlight Theater Camp is a summer theater camp for campers ages 9-17. Providing 10-day, 3-week, and 6-week programs that combine high-caliber theater training with a traditional summer camp experience.&nbsp;</p> <p>Working with Broadway artists both in classes and in productions, campers will have access to skill development, mentorships, and lifelong connections that will follow them beyond camp. Ghostlight focuses on ensemble theatre values and practicies that support individuality and self-expression in the context of community. This means that no camper at Ghostlight is in the back row or sitting on the side. Each day brings multiple opportunities to perform and create with fellow campers in an environment filled with support.&nbsp;</p> <p>When not making theater, campers can enjoy the benefits of a summer camp in Maine that no other theater camp offers. Stargazing in a hammock, walks in the woods, downtime by the pool, and quiet time reading in the Gazebos with the sound of wind all around are some of highlights of a summer unplugged and away from screens.&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally, the most meaningful and lasting gift of a summer at Ghostlight is the friendships made that last a lifetime. Though the love of theater brings us together, and the work we do stands out from other experiences, the community focus of Ghostlight Theater Camp is why we hear, year after year, that campers cannot wait to return.&nbsp;</p>

Take Two Film Academy

<p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; background-color: #ffffff;">Take Two Film Academy&rsquo;s camps (both in-person and remote) give campers the room to explore their creativity through screenwriting, directing, acting, and so much more! We offer individual week-long sessions M-F from 9am -4pm that focus on different themes from: Classic Film Camp, Summer Blockbusters, Advanced Camera Work, Lighting and Film Noir, 3D Movies, Special Effects, Animation, Advanced Editing, Music and Soundtracks and SNL Junior. Each week we walk campers through pre-production, production and post and help them craft their ideas into final films.</span></p> <p>Contact us today!&nbsp;</p> <p>Phone: 917.546.6816</p> <p>Email: [email protected]</p>