By Ali Robertson
The summer months are just around the corner. As the weather heats up, so does the search for the perfect summer camp that will fit a child’s needs, wants and interests. Here are a few that offer something for everyone, from academics to adventure – and everything in between.
At Buckley Country Day Camp, the motto is “Knowledge, Friendship and Fun.” Counselors aim to achieve all of these aspects through activities that promote creative, mental and physical development. Kids ages 3 to 15 are split into five different age groups. Junior campers have predetermined schedules with music, art, yoga and playground time. Campers entering second grade or higher have the opportunity to personalize their own schedules. Buckley’s 25-acre campus features a trampoline, zipline, ropes course, tennis courts, pools, a woodworking shop and more. It also offers classrooms and laboratories for the camp’s reading and math academic program. Other programs include a two-year counselor-in-training program for campers in grades 9 and 10, and a swim program. Four-week, six-week and eight-week sessions are available, all beginning on July 2. Buckley Country Day Camp is on I.U. Willets Road in Nassau County.
Sunday, March 25th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm & Saturday, April 21st, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Camp Arrowhead at the YMCA of Greater Rochester provides a traditional camp experience 60 years in the making. Located in Pittsford, the camp’s 55-acre facility promotes group learning through archery, swimming, creek hikes, fort building, soccer and more. The camp also features drama and music-related activities. Weeklong sessions for ages 3 to 5 begin June 11. Sessions for kindergarten to grade 9 begin June 25. Specialized programs include the trip and travel camp with activities such as kayaking and sailing, a specialty skills camp for grades 5 to 8 and a service-based teen leadership programming camp for grades 7 to 9. Extended care, which allows 7 a.m. drop-off and 6 p.m. pick-up, is included in tuition. Busing is available at an additional fee. Camp Arrowhead also offers a sibling discount of $15 off a full-day session, or $10 off a half day. Visit the website for a complete listing of open houses.
The New York Military Academy offers a variety of experiences for teens through four programs. From July 8 to Aug. 10, campers in grades 9 to 11 can take courses in English, physics, SAT and ACT preparation and more through the Academic Program. Afternoon activities include paintball and baseball, bowling and trips to the movie theater. The two and four-week sessions of the Summer Adventure Program let campers ages 13 to 17 take part in obstacle courses, navigation courses, marksmanship, wilderness survival, canoeing and other exciting military-related activities. Camp begins July 8. The New Traditions Jazz Program is designed for experienced middle school musicians and all levels of high school instrumentalists. Campers participate in small group playing, concerts with faculty and guest artists, private lessons and music courses. The two-week music workshop concludes with a performance. The Girls Equestrian Program for ages 12 to 17 aims to build self-esteem and confidence with horseback riding. During weeklong sessions that begin July 2, campers bond through tennis, dance, bonfires, movie nights and off-site trips.
