We love these traditional summer day camps that offer a little bit of everything — literally under the sun. At these camps, your kid will spend the summer outdoors participating in sports, arts and crafts, swimming, archery, theater - you name it. So, max out their summer fun here!
Local:
Fountain Ridge Day Camp at Fountain Fitness Center Fountain Ridge Day Camp takes advantage of the 65,000 square foot Fountain Fitness Center facility as its home base, along with 5 acres of outdoor space. Swimming, gaga, arts & crafts, soccer, STEM activities and gaming are just some of the indoor and outdoor fun each day. Weekly themes including Hawaiian Luau, Circus and Magic, and everyone's favorite — Color War – to keep each week new and exciting. (1150 NJ-17, Ramsey, 201-282-5225, [email protected], camp runs from June 24-August 16)
Ridgewood YMCA Summer Day Camp The biggest responsibility your child will have at the Ridgewood YMCA camp this summer? Having fun, trying new experiences, and socializing with new and old friends. Camp Woods, Ridgewood YMCA's summer day camp, has offerings for ages 3 to 14, along with age-appropriate specialty camps during specific weeks. In addition to their traditional camps, kids of various ages can sign up for specialty camps like Creative Cooks, Summer Spanish, Crafty Artists, and Ultimate Sports & Games. (112 Oak St., Ridgewood, 201-444-5600, camp runs from June 24-August 16, specialty camps offered on specific weeks)
Neil Klatskin Summer Camps at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades This much-loved community camp program offers children ages 2 to 10 a summer of adventure and non-stop fun. Located on a beautiful 21+ acre campus, this all-inclusive camp offers age-appropriate programming including sports, Red Cross instructional and recreational swim, yoga, drama, Tae Kwon Do, music, ropes course with zip line, fun theme days and so much more. Plus, all campers will get hot lunches and towel service, making it easy on the parents. Also available are their specialty camps including STEAM camp, sports camp, dance camp, drama camp, leadership in training camp, and more to engage your child's passions. (411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly, 201-567-8963, [email protected], camp runs from June 24–August 16, available in 4 session dates)
Lindgren During the summer, the three-and-a-half-acre school grounds, "a bit of the country right in Closter," are transformed into an inviting, multi-activity program. Activities include art, yoga, stitchery and beading, woodworking, music, sports, and so much more. Campers also love the nature centers plus instructional and recreational swim lessons in their pool. Parents love the warm, nurturing staff who are veteran teachers and the separate 1-acre camp for the littlest campers. (211 Irving Ave., Closter; 201-768-3550, camp runs from June 24 - August 1, with two 3-week sessions available)
Palisades Country Day Camp This wonderland of a camp offers tons of bells-and-whistles fun for campers from toddlers to 9 years old. Campers will have the opportunity to swim in one of the six heated pools, splash through the water parks and find a daily schedule full of engaging activities. During the summer kids will also enjoy special events such as snow day, superhero day, and their annual boat regatta. Enrichments, which change every two weeks, are offered to campers ages 5 and older to immerse them in a variety of enriching programs throughout the summer. Your kids may never want to leave. (212 Herbert Ave., Closter, 201-784-7600 ext 3, camp runs from late June to mid-August, please see website for more information)
YWCA Northern New Jersey If you’re seeking a wide range of activities for ages 5-12, the YWCamps provide an exciting and rewarding summer experience in their Mahwah and Dumont locations. Directed by professionally trained and dedicated staff, campers will make good friends and have fun while participating in daily activities including American Red Cross swim lesson, music, drama, arts & crafts and nature. YWCamp also offers an LIT (Leaders-in-Training) program for teens ages 13 and up and Girls Empowerment camp for ages 9 to 12. With exciting special events and theme weeks such as Camp Carnival, your child will never want summer to end. (YWCamp@Mahwah, held at Camp Glen Gray, 200 Midvale Mountain Rd., Mahwah, YWCamp@Dumont, held at Grant Elementary School, 100 Grant Ave., Dumont, camp dates vary by location from June 24-August 23 (Mahwah) and June 24-July 26 (Dumont)
Champions Summer Break Sign up for up to 12 weeks during the summer, Champions is an easy and local solutions to help meet the needs of busy parents and busy kids. Fun themes are woven throughout the summer to keep kids engaged and having fun, including Innovation Week, Creativity Week, and Friendship Week, plus field trips to take the fun on the road. The ultimate goal is to allow kids to be kids, make new friends and learn new things. (Champions at Brookside, 20 Lake Drive, Westwood; Champions at Memorial Elementary, 203 East Midland Ave., Paramus
Meadowlands YMCA Summer Camps Whether you’re looking for a more traditional summer camp or want a more academic approach, Meadowlands YMCA is ready for a fun and engaging summer for your child. “Retro-style” Camp Meadowlands and Jr Camp Meadowlands, for ages 5 to 11, is reminiscent of the camps of our day. Campers stay busy with sports, music and STEM projects, plus special events such as petting zoos, bubble shows and carnivals. If you’re looking for more of an educational twist to the summer, Meadowlands YMCA offers Brainiac Academy for grades 1 to 3. Kids can take field trips to places such as the Liberty Science Center with the Travel Camp, learn about dinos at Camp Rex, and Teens can have fun too at the travel-based Teen Camp. Littlest Campers ages 3-5 can enjoy socializing at the Summer Seedlings Camp. (390 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, 201-955-5300, camp runs from June 17-August 23)
By Bus:
Woodmont Day Camp Kindness, confidence and respect are the core values woven throughout Woodmont’s summer experience, which encourages positive growth in its campers during all of the day’s activities. Swimming, sports, archery, arts and crafts, innovation and more are just some of the numerous activities for kids to enjoy. Spirited morning rallies with minute to win-it challenges and camper celebrations start the day. Combined with various themes and special events throughout the summer, such as Carnival Day, Woodlympics and Gold Rush, every day at Woodmont is new and exciting.
(420 Phillips Hill Rd, New City, NY 845-638-0700, [email protected], camp runs from June 27-August 22)
Deerkill Day Camp A third generation family-owned camp celebrating its 67th year, Deerkill is
located on 15 beautiful acres and offers a smaller community feel for campers ages 3 to 15. The diverse program features superb swim instruction in heated pools, an array of athletics, creative arts, performing arts, nature/science, and an adventure course. There is also a complimentary weekend pool club. Deerkill offers daily transportation on air-conditioned mini buses.
(54 Wilder Rd, Suffern, NY, 845-354-1466, [email protected], camp runs from July 1 - August 23)
Spring Lake Day Camp This family-owned camp provides campers, ages 3–15, with an authentic summer day camp experience with the look and feel of a sleepaway camp. Boasting over 30 acres, Spring Lake offers Red Cross instructional and recreational swim in their 40,000 sq. ft. heated pool complex (with water slides!), age-appropriate athletic fields to play every sport you can imagine, plus arts and adventure programs galore. The camp has over 35 specialty areas that include aerial tree tops courses, 5 zip-lines, lego robotics, horseback riding, boating, fishing and so much more – keeping your child entertained all day long. (234 Conklintown Rd., Ringwood, 973-831-9000, [email protected], camp runs June 24 –August 15)
Ramaquois Day Camp With 9 heated pools and an expansive lake that holds bumper boats, surf bikes and an obstacle course, your child’s love of water will be fostered at Ramaquois. Special events that boost camp spirit include the Rama-games and theme days, plus performances by magicians and costumed characters. New activities are added each year, so whether your camper is an athlete or leans toward the creative side, there are plenty of activities for all interests. (30 Mountain Rd., Pomona, 845-354-1600, [email protected], camp runs from June 27-August 21)
Camp Veritans Day Camp Kids are encouraged to challenge themselves and try new things, building confidence and self-esteem at Camp Veritans. Campers tackle the ropes and challenge course, located within the camp’s wooded pine tree forest, race on the go-karts, learn archery, build and launch rockets in the STEM program, participate in color war and more. Veritans camp was founded on Jewish tradition, so campers will also learn about Jewish and Israeli culture through food, art, music and dance. (225 Pompton Rd., Haledon, 973-956-1220, camp runs from June 24-August 15)
Ramapo Country Day Camp From the moment campers step off the bus at Ramapo, they’re met with a new adventure that each day will bring. Spanning 35 acres, Ramapo’s programs and activities help develop a camper’s social, mental and physical needs. Swimming, sports competitions, creative and fine arts, outdoor adventure and interactive play make for an active day, while special events such as water day, Olympics and even a snow day in summer make each day a new adventure. (600 Saddle River Rd., Airmont, 845-356-6440, [email protected], camp runs from June 24-August 16)
Deer Mountain Day Camp Dear Mountain is all about encouraging kids to embrace their true, unique selves through friendship and confidence-building activities. Swimming, fine arts, music, sports and discovery & pure fun are just some of the daily activities available. Their outdoor amphitheater provides a space for musical performances put on by campers, while sports enthusiasts can develop their skills by joining a “mini-camp” where teams train with a coach and play in a league. (63 Call Hollow Rd., Pomona, 845-354-2727, [email protected], camp runs from June 27-August 22)
Camp Kipanga This social skills summer camp is perhaps more necessary than ever during what has been an isolating year for so many. Kids ages 5 to 21 who struggle with relationships, impulse control, coping with emotions and fitting in get the support they need in the fun summer camp environment they deserve with peers. In the Junior program for ages 5 to 13, kids can enjoy swimming, science, tennis, music, engineering and more, plus special fun days. In the teen program, campers try activities such as drama and sports, and gain work experience through the entrepreneurial program. (450 West Nyack Rd., Ste. 2, West Nyack, 845-354-2121 ext 141, [email protected], camp runs June 27-August 9)
Day Camp in the Park Located on Lake Tiorati, this traditional summer camp has a beautiful, wooded setting plus plenty of fun. Kids make lifelong friends enjoy sports, swimming, nature, skateboarding, arts and crafts and more. Campers can take advantage of the open lake setting with water activities such as paddle boating, kayaking and fishing at their choosing. Plus, each day brings a special activity from Water World Hawaii Day to Archery Tournament Day for non-stop excitement. (556 Tiorati Brook Rd., Southfields, 845-638-2515, [email protected], camp runs from July 1-August 23)
Gate Hill Day Camp Outdoor adventure awaits at Gate Hill Day Camp. Artsy campers will love their creative arts electives, cooking classes and four-week musical productions, while the most adventurous of campers will find exhilaration on the 300 foot zipline, climbing tower and go-carts. Expect plenty of special events woven throughout the summer, such as the weeks-long scavenger hunt, Halloween in July and crazy costume days. (750 Gate Hill Rd., Stony Point, 845-947-3223, camp runs from June 27-August 22)
