Parenting during summer 2020 isn’t for sissies, and parents need to get creative these days to figure out what to do with the kids. One solution is to “pod” with other families in an attempt to expand social contact and responsibility for kids, while also trying to limit COVID-19 exposure. And small group, private camps with the same kids—with multiple families splitting the cost—is another. Counselors and caregivers will come to you—your apartment, backyard, a nearby park—for a small camp created just for you, your kids and a couple friends. Read on for how to book a small group camp this summer!
Curated Care At-Home Camps
Sitter service Curated Care will bring one of its "Kid Experts" to your home, yard, or nearby park for a weeklong camp with a small group of up to five kids that you create. Choose from STEM, Sports or Showbiz camps, which run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a week. These mini camps are $725 for one child, with $15 for additional kids—parents are teaming up and splitting the cost, which makes this a relatively affordable option. Curated Care is operating at-home camps in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
Online: curatedcare.com
Summer Pods with Apiari
Childcare service Apiari has introduced a Summer Pod program, which enables families to hire a caregiver to lead themed enrichment activities for a small group of children (up to three kids). Examples include science, yoga, dance, music, ballet, musical theatre, sports and games, and you can create your own schedule by using different caregivers on different days. (Yoga on Monday, science on Tuesday, etc.) Create your pod, let Apiari know the number of kids and their interests, and Apiari will send you a list of caregivers in your area to choose from. Rates vary depending on a sitter's experience and the number of children in your pod, starting at $26/hour for one child, a fee that goes down to $12 per hour per kid for a summer pod of three kids. If you are splitting the cost of the pod with other families, Apiari can coordinate payment for you.
If you don't have a pod, Apiari will help you create one with a family in your area. Apairi caregivers are vetted and background checked, and all Apiari providers and families are asked to make the Apiari COVID Community Commitments before being matched with one another. Apiari is available throughout NYC.
Online: theapiari.com
Super Soccer Stars
Super Soccer Stars will come to you for private one-one-one coaching or for a mini soccer camp. (Got a favorite coach? You may be able to book them specifically!) You can also add on a virtual art, tech or theater enrichment class with one of Super Soccer Stars partners. To take things up a notch, schedule a bilingual class—immersion or with a "learning curriculum." Rates vary depending on location and number of campers; click here to inquire about booking.
Online: supersoccerstars.com
One-On-One With Elite Method
If your kid wants to get some individualized attention learning or perfecting a sport skill, check out Elite Method, available throughout the tri-state area. The concierge-style service pairs kids with highly-trained private coaches for sessions that focus on health, wellness, mental acuity and confidence. Trainers can meet with kids inside your home, outside in the yard or at an outdoor space nearby, for 90 minutes of exercise, sports, games and challenges. Coaching is available in basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, running, sprints, climbing and more; you can check out the team of coaches here. Sessions are $250 for 90-minutes, with discounts for a package of 10.
Online: theelitemethod.com
—Mimi O’Connor
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