9 Immersive Summer Camps From Coding To Climbing
Summer is the time for exploration and the best way to experiment, risk free, is in summer camp.
Specialties at one location
It’s hard enough to get kids to summer camp and get to work on time without changing camps each week. Here are two camps where your kids can stay the entire summer but still try out a variety of specialties.
Congregation Beth Elohim
Where: 274 Garfield Place, (718) 768-3814, abenabba@cbebk.org
What: Congregation Beth Elohim has a variety of specialized camps. Here is a small sampling. Each camp is available only one week.
Harry Potter: Has your young wizard been dreaming of Professor Snape’s Potions Class? The wait is over! Young wizards explore the power and magic of chemistry as they create colorful bubbling liquids. July 31–August 4, Grades 1–3.
Maker’s Space: Campers use the laws of science, not magic, in Maker’s Space. They’ll explore gravity and friction as they build their own tools and toys. August 7–11, Grades 1–3.
Coding & Gaming: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Encourage smart screen time in coding class where gamers will plan and create their own video games. Campers will also explore cool traditional–aka board–games to round out their gaming perspective. August 7–11, Grades 3–6.
How Much: $590 for Harry Potter and Maker’s Space, $725 for Coding & Gaming
Dodge YMCA
Where: 225 Atlantic Ave, 718-625-3136, fbarretta@ymcanyc.org
What: Dodge YMCA offers 6 different specialty camps
Kindercamp: This camp focuses on the age appropriate needs of 4 and 5 year olds.
Traditional camp: There is a little something for everyone at the traditional camp.
Sports camp: A state-of-the-art sports facility is the perfect place to explore and develop a love for sports.
Teen camp: Teens have a different set of needs than, say, the kinder campers. Dodge YMCA allows teens to grow and enhances values like accountability and teamwork.
Swimming camp: While traditional campers also get pool time, at swimming camp, young tadpoles learn safety while developing a strong love for the water.
Science camp: The camp partners with Mad Science to put together an exciting summer of chemistry and robotics.
How much: $518 and up. Financial aid is available.
STEM and STEAM
Science is everything and it’s important for kids to understand that science is fun. Here are camps that allow young scientists the opportunity to sample in the various branches of science.
FTKny.com Summer STE(A)M Adventure
Where: Four Brooklyn locations —
Bay Ridge/Dyker Heights
7612 13th Avenue, (718) 748-3000, dykerheights@fastrackids.com
Williamsburg, 60 Broadway, (347) 987-4450, david@mastermindny.com
Park Slope, 150 4th Avenue, (718) 260-8100, valentino8808@gmail.com
Sheepshead Bay, 1605 Voorhies Ave, (718) 891-5437 valentino8808@gmail.com
What: Fastrack Kids offers young explorers a fantastic Summer STE(A)M Academy camp that motivates all students to further their education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through 9 different camp themes.
How much: Contact camp locations for prices.
Tiny Scientist
Where: 1624 8th Ave, 718-832-8400, info@thetinyscientist.com
What: Each week 5 to 9 year old scientists will explore a different theme — like a journey to outer space and exploring the center of the earth.
How much: $500/week
Alternative Sports
There is one block in Gowanus on Degraw Street that has the coolest, alternative sports. Your athlete can bounce between these three camps and have a perfect summer.
Homage Skateboard Academy
Where: 615 Degraw St, 718-596-8151, bookonline@homeageskateboardacademy.com
What: Skateboarding is a way to discover your capabilities and, in turn, build confidence. The camp recommends campers should have an interest in skateboarding before they sign up for a week of skating.
How much: $635
Brooklyn Fencing Center
Where: 600 Degraw St, 718-522-5822, info@brooklynfencingcenter.com
What: “I know something you don’t know. … I’m not left-handed.” And that is the entire reason to learn fencing footwork, conditioning, bladework, and of course jousting. Equipment will be provided to beginners.
How much: $495
Brooklyn Boulders
Where: 575 Degraw St, 347-834-9066, brooklyn.kids@Brooklynboulders.com
What: Rock climbing is a mental exercise as much as it’s a physical exercise. BKB offers additional activities to enhance the creativity of the day. Climbers can also explore the circus or skateboarding.
How much: $659
Girls Camps
Here are a couple of camps where girls can be girls. And by that, I mean totally awesome.
Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls
Where: 87 Irving Place, 347-599-0716, info@williemaerockcamp.org
What: Girls start each week by forming a band. The rest of the week the practice, write songs, practice more, figure out the sound system, and practice more. Each week culminates with a concert featuring the bands’ original work.
How much: Tier payment system with $600 as full price.
Curious Jane
Where: Four Brooklyn locations —
Berkeley Carroll, 762 President St, 718-369-6320, info@curiousjanecamp.com
International School of Brooklyn, 477 Court St, 718-369-6320, info@curiousjanecamp.com
The Co-op School, 40 Brevoort St, 718-369-6320, info@curiousjanecamp.com
CJ Workspace, 400 3rd Ave, 718-369-6320, info@curiousjanecamp.com
What: Science is so much more than old dudes in labcoats. Science is makeup and bath soaps, ziplines and catapults, spy periscopes, and invisible ink! Curious Jane empowers girls to make science their own. (Curious Jane also has a sewing class.)
How much: $585 and up
Happy camping!