Ah, summer break—a child’s favorite time of year. School is out, alarm clocks are turned off and playtime is the assignment all day, every day. For parents, on the other hand, this can be a stressful time. What am I going to do with them when I’m at work? What else can they do at home other than watch TV and play? Are they going to forget everything they learned during the school year?
Fortunately for local families, there are two destinations that check off all the boxes to keep kiddos entertained and engaged while also helping them grow and learn new skills. Say hello to Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan and Camp Settoga in Pomona, New York. Both camps, run by the team at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, offer one-of-a-kind activities that’ll teach your youngsters lifelong lessons, introduce them to new friends and keep them on the go (and off their screens!). And we’re happy to report Camp Settoga’s got some exciting new features this year (see below).
In addition to being exposed to vibrant experiences, camps also have positive effects on children’s socio-emotional development. According to a poll conducted by the American Camp Association, 74% of campers said that going to camp helped them complete activities they were afraid to do at first. 70% of parents also reported their child gaining self-confidence after camp.
To help you decide which camp is best for your family, we laid out the ins and outs of Day Camp @ the JCC and Camp Settoga, so you can feel confident your kids are having the best experience possible.
Day Camp @ the JCC
For children ages three to six, Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan offers a city-based experience for little ones who enjoy hands-on activities. During the June through August camp sessions, children can feel like Picasso for the day through art projects that include clay making, painting, wire sculpting and more. If they want to give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money, youngsters can serve up some flavorful dishes during culinary lessons.
For more active tots, Day Camp @ the JCC, located at the JCC's state-of-the-art facility, is fully equipped with two indoor pools, a rooftop playground and a gymnasium to keep them busy. Older campers, from five to six years old, have the opportunity to choose activities that best suit their interests or they’ve been longing to try. Electives include chess, crazy constructions, dance, songwriting, sports and storytelling. Your kid will leave camp as a jack of all trades!
Camp Settoga
Nestled in the foothills of Harriman State Park, in Pomona, NY, Camp Settoga is the perfect destination for active adventurers and sports enthusiasts ages four to 12. With over 20 acres of lush greenery, your children can get back to nature and explore the outdoors throughout the entire summer.
Brand new for summer 2022, Camp Settoga features a mini-golf course (yes, you read that right!), tennis and basketball courts and an amphitheater. Plus: your explorers can take on the camp’s zip line and challenge course, swim laps in the Olympic-size pool or test out their green thumb in the garden.
Camp Settoga offers daily roundtrip transportation from the Upper West and East Sides, Midtown, Chelsea and Harlem in air-conditioned buses, with bus counselors overseeing every step of the journey.
Register your children today at Day Camp @ the JCC or Camp Settoga for an unforgettable summer!
