Looking ahead to summer
Do a little research to find the camp that’s right for your family
The last day of school is still weeks away, but it’s already time to start thinking about summer camps for your child. There are a number of choices available, including some for children with special needs.
It helps to plan ahead if you want to find the right camp for your child.
First, you need to decide whether to send your child to a day camp or a traditional camp with overnight stays. Younger children may not be ready to spend all day and night away from home.
You must also figure out what type of camp you’re looking for. Some camps teach new skills, while others focus on the development of special interests. Ask yourself what you want your child to take away from the camp experience?
Cost is another consideration. Traditional camps typically cost more than day camps. Town camps often offer the best value, and scout camps frequently offer discounts to troop members.
After you have narrowed down your camp choices, arrange to visit one or two so you can talk with the people responsible for the camp. What kind of facilities does the camp offer? What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? What kind of training does the staff receive? What kind of instruction do the campers receive? What arrangements are made to ensure campers’ safety in an emergency (medical or dangerous weather)? For overnight camps, are trial stays available for a day or two? What are the sleeping arrangements like? What kind of food is served? Ask for references and don’t be afraid to check them out.
The Capital District Parent Pages camp listing on the opposite page has plenty of variety for every camper’s interest. With all of those options, you are bound to find the perfect fit for your child.
AFRIM’S Summer Camps
Summer Action and Summer Soccer camps for ages 3-14. Full and half day options.
636 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
Call (518) 438-3131 or visit
Albany Academy
Customized summer programs for students entering grades 3-8. Sports, arts, science and more.
135 Academy Road, Albany
Call (518) 429-2300 or visit
Albany Berkshire Ballet
Summer dance camps and intensives for ages 4 to adult, beginner to professional.
25 Monroe St., Albany
Call (518) 426-0660 or visit
Albany JCC Summer Camp
Experience summer fun for ages 3-15 with water sports, the arts, science, specialty camps and more.
340 Whitehall Road, Albany
Call (518) 438-6651 or visit
Capital District YMCA
Nine convenient locations. From day camps to overnight camps to specialty camps, field trips and weekly themes, there is something for everyone.
Call (518) 869-3500 or visit
Circle of Friends Preschool
Summer camp for ages 3-5 with locations in Delmar and Ravena.
Delmar: (518) 478-0722
Ravena: (518) 756-3124 or visit
Drama Kids International
Weekly full and half-day summer camps for ages 4-11.
Call (518) 458-1313 or visit
Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Kids on Campus
Summer program with athletics, technology, Circus Theatricks, theater, summer academy and more. Visit
Merritt Dance Center
Summer dance camp from July 27 to Aug. 6 for dancers, acrobats and gymnasts.
1360 Albany St., Schenectady
Call (518) 372-5282 or visit
Ohav Shalom Nursery School
Summer weekly themed camp for preschoolers ages 18 months to 5 years. Full or part-time availability.
113 New Krumkill Road, Albany
Call Sheryl at (518) 489-4894 or visit
www.OhavShalom.com/Early-Childhood
Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center: Summer Fun at RPI
For kids entering kindergarten through age 12 with swimming, arts and crafts, sports, drama, field trips and more. Full or part-time availability.
Located on the campus of RPI.
Call Deirdre or Kristina at (518) 271-3748 or visit
www.SPHP.com/childrens-day-care-sam
Sylvan Summer Robotics Camp
For grades 2-6. Create and animate robots using Lego bricks and WeDo software.
Albany, (518) 869-6005: July 6-9 or Aug. 3-6
Clifton Park, (518) 373-7995: July 20-23 or Aug. 17-20
Temple Israel: Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Education Center
Summer fun program for kids under 5 with creative play and activities.
600 New Scotland Ave., Albany
Call Amie at (518) 438-7858, ext. 120, email [email protected] or visit
The Arts Center of the Capital Region
Summer camps for kids ages 6-17 with cooking, pottery, stained glass, mixed media, photography and more Full or part-time.
265 River St., Troy.
Call (518) 273-0552 or visit
Woodland Hill Montessori School
Summer day camp for ages 3-12 with fun and creative play, music, arts, invent and exploration.
100 Montessori Place, North Greenbush
Call (518) 283-5400 or visit
