Summer camp: Sports camps in New York City
If you've got a tyke who can't sit still, send him to a camp that values running around.
Looking for a summer camp for your active kid? There are tons of sports camps around New York City—everything from gymnastics programs and tennis intensives to summer camp classes focusing on sailing, skateboarding and fencing.
Asphalt Green
Children are divided into three age brackets: peewee (ages 4 to 6), junior (ages 6 to 8) and senior (ages 8 to 13). Dance and arts and crafts are on the bill of weekly activities, but the camp takes full advantage of its venue's top-notch athletic facilities. On a typical day, campers receive swim instruction, work up a sweat playing soccer, basketball, baseball or softball, and try out martial arts, yoga or gymnastics. Rather than focusing on a specific sport, children are treated to a wide variety of experiences. A new facility in Battery Park City makes its debut in the summer of 2012. •555 E 90th St between York and East End Aves (646-981-2384, asphaltgreen.org/camp). •211 North End Ave between Murray and Warren Sts (212-298-2980, ext 2978; alsphaltgreenbpc.org/camp). Camp runs June 28–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm. $3,800–$5,375 (price depends on camper's age and length of session). Ages 4 to 13.
Aviator Sports
At Aviator—located in a former airplane hangar—budding athletes can choose from more than 20 action-packed diversions, including gymnastics, ice-skating, swimming, sports and fitness training. Less sporty tykes will still have a ball, participating in theater, dance and circus programs (early registrants have their choice of specialty programs). Floyd Bennett Field, Hangar 5, 3159 Flatbush Ave just south of Belt Pkwy, Marine Park, Brooklyn (718-758-7510, aviatorsports.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Nine-week session $3,267, one-week session $550. Discounts available when registering for a four-week session or greater at an open house. Transportation available for $115–$125 extra per week. Ages 3 to 15.
Basketball City's Summer Camp
Current and former professional basketball players, as well as high-school and college coaches, take campers under their wing and help them improve their dribbling, shooting and passing skills. Upon arrival each day, kids warm up with drills, play full-court league games and compete in friendly contests. Hunter College, E 68th St at Lexington Ave, and Pier 36, South St at Montgomery St (212-233-5050, basketballcity.com). Camp runs June 11–Aug 30, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $400–$450. Ages 6 to 17.
Brooklyn Boulders
This camp is made for kids who want to crawl the walls—literally. Campers learn bouldering, slacklining and rope-climbing basics as they scale the spot’s colorful rock-climbing walls. Other activities include art projects, yoga and playground time. 575 Degraw St between Third and Fourth Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn (347-834-9066, brooklynboulders.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm. One-week session $545. Ages 6 to 12.
Brooklyn Fencing Center
Campers begin the day with an athletic warm-up, followed by fencing exercises, matches, footwork lessons and tactical analysis of videotaped bouts. On some days they also receive short private lessons. Click here for a Q&A with Rolando Balboa, BFC's founder and head coach. Brooklyn Fencing Center, 62 4th St at Hoyt St, second floor, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-522-5822, brooklynfencing.com). Camp runs July 23–Aug 3 and Aug 23–31, Mon–Fri 10am–3pm. One-week session $450. $50 discount on applications received by May 30. Applications accepted beginning Apr 1. Ages 7 to 17.
BumbleBee Tennis Camp
Roger Federer and Serena Willams wanna-bes can learn tennis through age-appropriate skill-building exercises and drills. No worries if your youngster has never handled a racquet: Campers are taught the sport's fundamentals and should come off the court with improved hand-eye coordination, timing, stamina and reflexes. The program culminates with a tennis carnival and games, in which children play against one another. Check website for locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens (347-284-6061, bumblebeetennis.com). Camp runs June 18–Aug 31; Mon–Fri 9am–3pm (full day), 9–11:30am (half day). One-week session $665 (full day), $295–$425 (half day). Price varies depending on the location and activities offered. Ages 3 to 12.
Camp Olympia Sports Camp
Kids with gold-medal ambitions hone their basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball and kickball skills through clinics, practices and games. Campers also swim three days a week. John Jay High School, 237 Seventh Ave at 5th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-748-7084, campolympiany.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $200. Ages 5 to 15.
Chelsea Piers Sports Academy
Not limited to any one activity, kids spend their summer here playing basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball and European team handball. While they develop their athletic chops, campers also pick up the social and technical skills they need for any sport. The Field House, W 23rd St at the Hudson River (212-336-6846, chelseapiers.com). Camp runs June 18–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm. One-week session $710. Multiple-week and sibling discounts are available. Bus transportation is available in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn for an additional $125 per week. Ages 5 to 12.
Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy
Coaches help pint-size players hone their strokes and develop on-court strategies. Instruction is reinforced with drills, games and competitions. Staten Island Academy, 715 Todt Hill Rd between Four Corners Rd and Redmond Ave, Staten Island (718-303-7845, statenislandacademy.org/camp). June 18–22, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $350, plus a $25 registration fee. Ages 5 and up.
Fantastic Gymnastics Camp
Girls learn rhythmic gymnastics and practice navigating the balance beam and uneven bars. Boys stay busy mastering floor exercises as well as p-bars, rings, the high bar, the pommel horse and the vault. On the second Friday of each session, the children present an exhibition for friends and family. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5724, 92y.org). Camp runs June 28–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Eight-week session $4,292, six-week session $3,492–$3,692, four-week session $2,392–$2,692, two-week session $892–$1,492. Ages 6 to 14.
Friends Seminary Skateboard Camp
Kids don’t have to be X Games–bound in order to pick up pointers in this program. Campers travel to skateboard spots around the city, like Brooklyn Banks, Riverside and Heliport Skate Park, where they work on balance, footwork, safety and basic tricks. More advanced students can tackle ramps, grind rails boxes and hit the quarter pipe. Also expect surprise sessions with pro riders. Friends Seminary, 222 E 16th St at Rutherford Pl (212-979-5035, friendsseminary.org). Camp runs June 11–15, July 9–13; Mon–Fri 10am–noon. One-week session $350. Ages 5 to 11.
Gerry Mosley’s Shoot for Success Basketball Camp
During the first half of the day, ballers-in-training practice individual skills, like shooting and ball handling, as well as team strategies such as zones, traps and offensives. Campers put these lessons to the test during individual and team competitions in the afternoons. Throughout the week participants also pick up lessons in nutrition, mental toughness, self-discipline and camaraderie. Staten Island Academy, 715 Todt Hill Rd between Four Corners Rd and Redmond Ave, Staten Island (718-303-7845, statenislandacademy.org/camp). July 30–Aug 3, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $300, plus a $25 registration fee. Ages 5 and up.
Hudson River Community Sailing Camp
Hydrophilic tykes will get lots of quality time on the high seas (well, on the Hudson) learning the mechanics of sailing. They'll also play games—like tennis-ball tag and buoy races in the water—that reinforce what they've learned. Each week concludes with a boat race that parents can watch. Hudson River Park at Pier 66 by 26th St (212-924-1920, hudsonsailing.org). Camp runs June 25–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $475. Ages 10 to 16.
JDI Soccer Camp
Future soccer stars work with coaches in small groups and as a team to brush up on their skills. They’ll also get to take advantage of the campus’s gymnasium, pools and classrooms for video review. Staten Island Academy, 715 Todt Hill Rd between Four Corners Rd and Redmond Ave, Staten Island (718-303-7845, statenislandacademy.org/camp). Camp runs Aug 20–24, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $350, plus a $25 registration fee. Ages 5 and up.
Jodi's Gym Camp
Children polish their abilities on the beam, bars, vault and tumble track during gymnastics instruction. They'll also chill out with storytime, art projects and music lessons. Jodi's Gym, 244 E 84th St between Second and Third Aves (212-772-7633, jodisgym.com). Camp runs June 4–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $465, one-day session $110. Multiple-week discounts available. Ages 3 to 5.
Manhattan Fencing Center
Kids with little or no fencing background learn basics from coaches and former Olympians through drills, games and open bouting. Inexperienced swashbucklers start off with lighter, safer plastic sabers as they refine their hand-eye coordination and reflexes, while seasoned campers (ages 7 and up) use the metal equipment seen in competitions. Manhattan Fencing Center, 225 W 39th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, second floor (212-382-2255, manhattanfencing.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 10am–3pm. One-week session $500. Multiple-week discounts available. Ages 7 to 13.
McBurney Multi-Sports Camp
Energetic kids bone up on the rules and fundamentals of sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball and volleyball, then practice what they’ve learned in mini games. P.S. 41, 116 W 11th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-912-2315, ymcanyc.org/mcburney). Camp runs July 2–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Two-week session $550. Ages 4 to 12.
McBurney YMCA Basketball Camp
Youngsters with hoop dreams brush up on their b-ball skills with full-court games and skill-building sessions. Along the way kids participate in activities that teach teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as more traditional camp pastimes, such as arts and crafts, field trips and swims at the nearby YMCA. P.S. 41, 116 W 11th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-912-2315, ymcanyc.org/mcburney). Camp runs July 2–27, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Two-week session $580. Ages 8 to 12.
McBurney YMCA Swim Camp
This program helps serious swimmers master new skills and styles, build endurance and practice safety techniques. When they’re not in the pool, campers partake in crafts, games and the occasional field trip. P.S. 41, 116 W 11th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-912-2315, ymcanyc.org/mcburney). Camp runs July 30–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Two-week session $620. Various ages; camp is for intermediate swimmers.
On Deck Baseball Camp
Little sluggers take a swing at America's favorite pastime during these summer clinics. A typical day involves age-appropriate exercises and a game or two in Central or East River Park. When they're not batting and fielding, campers travel to local major and minor league games to watch the pros in action. St. Jean's Community Center, 184 E 76th St between Lexington and Third Aves (646-808-4926, ondeckny.com). June 11–Aug 10, 9am–3pm (ages 6 to 12) or 9am–1pm (ages 4 to 6). Half-days are available for all ages. One-week session $600 (full day), $400 (half day). Early drop-off (at 8am) additional $100. Multiple-week discount of $100 offered to those who sign up for three or more weeks. Ages 4 to 12.
Park Explorers’ Rhythmic Gymnastics
National medalist Mariana Dybsjord guides little ones through the sport, helping them master strength, flexibility, posture and grace. When they’re not honing their gymnastics skills, campers hit local beaches and pools. 611 Eighth Ave between 6th and 7th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-3620, parkexplorers.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm. Three-week session $1,350 (ages 8 to 10), $1,390 (ages 10 to 14). Ages 8 to 14.
Park Explorers’ Total Sports
Sports nuts of all skill levels sample a variety of athletics, including flag football, ultimate Frisbee, basketball and tennis under the tutelage of coaches who take them through drills and scrimmages. On Thursdays and Fridays young competitors venture on various field trips, including to the beach. 611 Eighth Ave between 6th and 7th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-3620, parkexplorers.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm. Ages 8 to 10: Eight-week session $2,795, seven-week session $2,590, six-week session $2,280, five-week session $2,000, four-week session $1,720, three-week session $1,350, two-week session $920, one-week session $475. Ages 10 to 14: Eight-week session $3,085, seven-week session $2,750, six-week session $2,440, five-week session $2,115, four-week session $1,790, three-week session $1,390, two-week session $1,045, one-week session $535. Ages 8 to 14.
Randall's Island Sports Camp
At the 480-acre complex, children try out horseback riding, golf, tennis, soccer, and softball or baseball; each morning is devoted to a different sport. In the afternoon, campers get to let their sillies out with less-structured physical activities, such as kickball, Wiffle ball, bike riding, Ping-Pong, miniature golf, badminton, horseshoes and more. Randall's Island (212-427-5689, randallsislandsportscamp.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $395 through Apr 30, thereafter $440. Multiple-week and sibling discounts are available. Optional transportation (from Manhattan, and Astoria or Rockaway, Queens) $110 per week. Ages 6 to 12.
Summer Days Camp at 74th Street Magic
Tykes explore a new theme (Barnyard Buddies, Blast Off to Space, Take Me Out to the Ballgame) each week through songs, stories, science projects and crafts; after, they head to the facility’s air-conditioned gym for playtime. The program also offers flexible scheduling: Families can sign up for anywhere from three to five days a week and choose a full or a half day. 74th Street Magic, 510 E 74th at York Ave (212-737-2989, 74magic.com). Camp runs June 4–Aug 17, Mon–Thu 9am–3pm, Fri 9am–noon; Mon–Fri 9am–noon; or choose any three full days a week (except Fri) or any three half days a week. Four full days and one half day per week $695, three full days per week $645, three full days per week $575, three half days per week $375. Two-week minimum required. Ages 2½ to 6.
Super Kickers Sports Summer Camp
Parents reap the benefit of super-flexible scheduling, while kids enjoy a variety of diversions at this Jackson Heights camp. Each day is divided into 45-minute sessions where kids focus on a single activity at a time, like soccer, yoga, dance, martial arts or art. Other offerings include a playground, a sprinkler, a bounce house and a trampoline. 7702 37th Ave between 77th and 78th Sts, Jackson Heights, Queens (718-3501535, superkickers.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 31; Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, 9am–3pm, 9am–1pm, 1–5pm or 9–11am. Families may choose to attend any number of days per week. One-week session $300 (9am–5pm), $250 (9am–3pm), $175 (9am–1pm), $150 (1–5pm), $125 (9am–11am). One-day session $60 (9am–5pm), $50 (9am–3pm), $35 (9am–1pm), $30 (1–5pm), $25 (9–11am). Ages 2½ to 10.
Super Soccer Stars Summer Camps
Campers kick their way through activities like "soccer tennis," partner drills and mini tournaments. This year, in honor of summer 2012's soccer events, all camps will have a special international component teaching kids about different playing styles and cultures around the world. Programs also include craft projects and soccer skills development. Advanced players will want to check out the SSS Premier Advanced camp on Randall's Island. Check website for locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, New Jersey, Westchester, Fairfield County and in the Hamptons (212-877-7171, supersoccerstars.com). Camp runs May 29–Sept 1. Times and prices vary depending on location. Ages 2 to 12.
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