Day Camps In New York: What You Need To Know

what constitutes a day camp in new york

Day camps in New York City are regulated by the city, with permits awarded to camps that meet the required standards. Day camps are primarily for children under 16 and are usually scheduled between June and September. Camps are geared towards different age groups, with activities including swimming, sports, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and nature-based activities. Day camps are a great way for children to socialise, learn, and have fun during the summer holidays, with options available to cater to different interests.

Characteristics Values
Number of children 10 or more
Age of children Under 16
Schedule Between June 1 and September 15
Purpose Indoor or outdoor organized group activities
Location Property owned, leased or operated by a municipal corporation, school district or public board
Staff Camp Director, Health Director, Aquatics Director
Staff requirements Qualifications, certifications and training
On-site files Staff and child information, medical records, safety plan
Inspection At least once during the operating season by a Public Health Sanitarian
Additional requirements If 20% or more campers have a developmental disability, the program must adhere to additional regulatory requirements
Permit Issued for one camp season, yearly renewal application required
Camp hours Vary by location
Camp duration Two-week sessions or whole summer
Camp activities Swimming, sports, scavenger hunts, martial arts, robotics, rock wall climbing, cooking, arts, athletics, nature, aquatics, enrichment activities

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Day camp types and activities

Day camps in New York can be municipal, summer, or travelling. Municipal camps are usually located at a property owned, leased, or operated by a municipal corporation, school district, or public board. Summer camps are for children under 16 years of age, while travelling summer camps are for children under 16 who are transported to a facility for organised group activities.

Day camps offer a variety of activities for children of all ages and interests. These activities are both educational and entertaining, allowing children to create fun memories.

Some examples of activities include:

  • Water games, such as water balloon dodgeball and water balloon fights, are perfect for hot summer days.
  • Scavenger hunts, where children explore nature and search for items like leaves, rocks, plants, or birds.
  • Crafts, such as making friendship bracelets or creating artwork for a camp memory wall project.
  • Drama and themed costume days, like Pirate Day or Superhero Day, where children can dress up and participate in themed games.
  • Indoor and outdoor games, such as "Telephone", "Two Truths and a Lie", and "Name that Tune".

Camps usually run for two-week sessions or the whole summer, with prices and hours varying by location.

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Location and price

There is no shortage of day camps for kids in the New York City area, with options to suit all interests and ages. Camps are located all over the city, with some in each of the five boroughs.

Municipal summer day camps are usually located at a property owned, leased, or operated by a municipal corporation, school district, or public board. Camps are also often located in areas that are convenient for parents and secluded enough for kids to escape the city.

The YMCA, for example, has branches in all five boroughs of New York City, offering a variety of camps for all interests and ages. The Northeast Bronx YMCA, for instance, offers swimming and sports programs. The Rockland County campgrounds, located six miles from the Bronx, offer horseback riding, martial arts, robotics, rock-wall climbing, filmmaking, and cooking.

The cost of day camps varies depending on the location and the activities offered. For example, Asphalt Green's summer day camp, with locations on the Upper East Side and Battery Park City, costs $6,900+, whereas 92 Y's Rockland County camp costs $3,450+. The Oasis Day Camp, with multiple locations, offers a range of activities, including tennis, scavenger hunts, and swimming, and prices vary. Marymount Manhattan summer camp, located on Fifth Avenue, also offers a range of activities with prices that vary.

Some camps offer financial assistance and scholarships, such as the YMCA, which states that no family will be turned away because of an inability to pay.

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Staff requirements

Staff Qualifications and Training

Day camps in New York must ensure that all staff members are at least 16 years of age. Additionally, staff members should undergo thorough screening, including criminal background checks and reference checks, to ensure the safety of the campers.

Staff members should also receive comprehensive training

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Registration and permits

In New York, a children's program qualifies as a camp when it caters to ten or more children under 16 years of age, on a schedule between June 1 and September 15, primarily for the purpose of indoor or outdoor organised group activities. Camps in New York must have a permit to operate legally and must operate in compliance with the requirements in Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code.

The registration process for camps in New York involves submitting the required documentation and obtaining the necessary permits from the local health department. The camp must submit an application for a permit to operate, along with other required documents, to the permit-issuing official at the local health department. This should be done at least 60 days before children and staff are due to arrive, and the local health department will review the submissions and arrange a pre-season inspection of the camp.

The specific requirements for obtaining a permit may vary, but generally include:

  • Written safety plans
  • Minimum staff requirements
  • Required forms and documentation
  • Compliance with health and safety regulations, including safe and sanitary conditions, and wholesome meals
  • Compliance with staff qualifications and staff-to-camper ratios
  • Screening of camp directors' backgrounds to ensure they pose no risk to campers

In addition to the permit requirements, camps must also comply with regulations related to staff qualifications and training. For example, counselors must have experience in camping and supervision of children or have completed an acceptable training course. There are also specific staff requirements for activities such as swimming, archery, riflery, and equestrian activities.

Some camps may also need to comply with additional regulations, such as those related to the supervision of campers with developmental disabilities.

To register a child for camp in New York, families typically need to set up an online account and complete the required forms and waivers before registration opens. Payment is usually made online, and some camps may require additional documentation, such as a copy of the child's health insurance card. It is recommended to register early as space is often limited.

Camps in New York must also comply with regulations related to inspection and reporting. Regulated camps are inspected twice yearly, including at least once before opening and once during the camp's operation. Camps are required to notify parents or guardians of the inspections and provide access to the inspection reports and required plans. In the case of serious incidents, injuries, illnesses, or allegations of abuse, the camp must investigate and report these to the appropriate authorities.

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Benefits for children and parents

Day camps in New York offer a plethora of benefits for both children and their parents. Firstly, they provide a safe and supervised environment for children to socialize and make friends with peers from diverse backgrounds. This fosters a sense of community and helps children develop essential social skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Additionally, day camps offer a wide range of activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. From traditional sports and outdoor adventures to specialty classes like science, cooking, art, and even app building, these camps cater to various interests. This variety not only keeps children engaged but also allows them to discover and explore their passions.

For parents, day camps offer peace of mind and a supportive community. Knowing that their children are in a safe, structured, and enriching environment, parents can focus on their daily responsibilities without worry. Many camps also provide flexible options, such as early drop-off and aftercare, accommodating the varying needs of working parents.

Furthermore, day camps promote children's independence and autonomy. Away from their parents, children learn to navigate new experiences, make their own decisions, and solve problems independently. This fosters resilience and adaptability, equipping them with valuable life skills. Camps also provide a space for children to develop their unique interests and talents, building confidence and a sense of self-worth.

Lastly, day camps offer a fun and educational experience for children during school breaks, ensuring that they create lasting memories and form meaningful connections with their peers and mentors.

Frequently asked questions

A summer day camp in New York is a program for ten or more children under 16 years of age, which usually runs between June 1 and September 15. Day camps are primarily for indoor or outdoor organised group activities, and they can be a great experience for children and a useful resource for parents.

There are municipal summer day camps, which are located on properties owned, leased, or operated by municipal corporations, school districts, or public boards. There are also travelling summer day camps, which involve transporting children to a facility for organised group activities.

There are plenty of summer day camps in New York, including the YMCA, which has branches in all five boroughs, and Deerkill Day Camp in Rockland County. Other options include Marymount Manhattan summer camp, Oasis Day Camp, and Asphalt Green’s summer day camps.

Summer day camps offer a wide range of activities, including sports, swimming, art, scavenger hunts, nature activities, and academic subjects like STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Some camps also offer specialised activities like horseback riding, martial arts, robotics, rock climbing, and filmmaking.

The cost of summer day camps in New York varies depending on the camp. Some camps charge tuition fees that include activities, field trips, meals, and snacks, with prices ranging from $3,450 to $6,900 or more. Other camps may offer financial assistance or scholarships to ensure that their programs are accessible to all families.

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