Camp W, a children’s day camp in Melville, N.Y., is now offering robotics and coding classes and a new field trip program specifically for older children. The computer classes are part of a collaboration between the camp and Sylvan Learning Center. They start on June 25, the first day of camp. Instructors, all from Sylvan, will teach children in grades four to eight basic computer coding languages and show children in kindergarten through second grade how to create simple yet functional robots using specific robotics programs and step-by-step directions.
A strong demand from the campers led Evan Wofsy, camp owner and director, to start offering fun, engaging and popular computer classes this year.
“I want the camp to be what kids want it to be, they mold the camp. I have to gear it towards what interests them,” says Wofsy. “I’ve had a lot of kids say to me, ‘can we do robotics, can we do coding?’”
Although Wofsy recognizes the importance of children learning computer programs at a young age and how much technology has become a recreational activity, cell phones, tablets and iPods are not permitted at camp. He has a zero tolerance policy on the matter.
“Parents like that about us. I don’t allow any electronics in camp. I don’t even allow my staff to keep cell phones,” Wofsy says.
Parents can still check in on their children by calling or emailing the camp directly.
“Write a note, we’ll get back to you. I’ll call you myself,” Wofsy says. “We’re not one of those big monster camp with 800 kids. We have a couple hundred kids here, so we can really personalize everything. We’re able to call a mom or dad. Those little personal touches are important.”
The camp’s other new feature, the field trip program, will bring campers in grades six to eight off campus every Wednesday to local activity centers, including Bounce in Syosset, Laser Kingdom in Farmingdale, and Island Rock in Plainview. Campers of all ages will be treated to several trips throughout the last week of camp, starting August 13.
Camp W is for children in kindergarten through ninth grade and runs for eight weeks. Parents can register their children for the full camp season or choose the weeks they want. The camp has seven acres of playing fields, a gymnasium, cafeteria, and classroom space for indoor activities.
Registration is now open. More information is on Camp W’s website.
Image: A strong demand from the campers led Evan Wofsy, camp owner and director, to start offering computer classes this year.
Courtesy Camp W
