Shopping For Summer Camp

As children begin to close their schoolbooks and start thinking about summer camp, parents may want to start preparing a packing list. With all sorts of supplies—both necessities and fun accessories—it’s difficult to choose what to pack in your child’s camp bag. Here are a few items we recommend for a summer of style and fun. —

For good little communicators:
Keeping in touch can help both parents and kids feel better about being distant during summer camp. For a personalized, penned note, check out Polka Dot Design postcards. With this Happy Camper motif, your child will be more than happy to send off aletter.

From $26.40, polkadotdesign.com

For wannabe mermaids:
Suit your little girl up with a cute Hibiscus pink one-piece. The sporty UPF 50 swimsuit is chlorine-resistant and will keep shape through those long days at the lake. Choose from three colors.

$29.95, llbean.com

For free-walkers:
Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids offers a sandal that lets boys’ toes breathe but with the stability of a sneaker. Sporting straps around the heel and upper foot, the brown or black sandal secures feet for hiking, running and just about any other camping experience.

$55.00, zappos.com

For rain-dodgers:
In case of a sunshower, pack a slicker like this Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket, which comes in a variety of colors for both girls and boys. A polyurethane coating offers waterproofing, while the compact design makes it easy to bring along as a just-in-caser.

$65.00, rei.com

For thirsty hikers:
Thermos offers safe, durable water bottles with fun designs for the artsy child. Once filled with icy water, artwork pops into view. Designs suitable for virtually every taste will keep your kid wanting to hydrate all summer long.

$15.00, thermos.com

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!&nbsp;&nbsp;Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day&rsquo;s robot in their own &ldquo;workshop&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundry&rsquo;s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!&nbsp;

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you&rsquo;ll never hear &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored,&rdquo; when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world&rsquo;s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.