When school is out for summer, camps are definitely in!

Summer camp is a place where children and teens can come together to experience new adventures, learn new skills and most importantly, learn more about themselves. Camp provides children with a sense of community—of peers and caring adults who are there to support and guide.

Here in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, summer camps and programs abound.

Our 2012 Camp Guide includes directories and tips for making successful summer program choices. 

In its listings, you will find comprehensive (but by no means all inclusive) listings of camps designed for every kind of ability, interest and schedule. Others can be found at the American Camping Association’s website, through your local churches and temples, schools and town government. 

Happy camping!

DIRECTORIES

Westchester County Day Camps–Southern and Central

Northern Westchester/Putnam Day Camps and Programs

Rockland County Day Programs and Camps

Sleep Away Camps in New York State

Specialty Camps (special interests)

CHOOSING A CAMP

Regardless of the age of your child, it is important that the ultimate selection of a camp accommodate all or some of the needs, interests, goals, and expectations of both parent and child. The parent must make an effort to understand what the child wants and why. Consider these questions:

1. Type of camp: Day or sleep away?

2. Costs? Is there financial aid available?

3. Is it coed, all boys, all girls, or brother/sister?

4. What do you and your child want to gain from the camp experience ? Learn new skills, develop more self confidence, improving proficiency in certain areas, become more independent?

5. Does your child have special interests he or she wants to explore?

6. What sorts of programs and activities does the camp specialize in?

7. Are there any physical, intellectual, or social limitations that should be considered?

8. In what kind of environment does your child do best? For example: Is a lot of structure desirable, is social interaction with members of the opposite sex important, or does your child need a place where he or she is encouraged to develop at their own pace?

9. Is transportation available?

Find more tips at our Hudson Valley Camp Guide 2012 topics page or by clicking on any of the tags below.