Special interest camps
Animal Kingdom Camp
Kids embark on behind-the-scenes adventures at the famous Bronx space, getting the opportunity to observe the zoo's furry, scaly and slimy residents up close. They'll check out cubs at Tiger Mountain, roam the Butterfly Garden and visit the Congo Gorilla Forest to learn about the animal kingdom and its habitats. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd at Crotona Pkwy, Bronx (718-220-5131, bronxzoo.org). Camp runs June 25–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. One-week session $350. Ages 8 to 12.
ArchiCamp
Tweens intrigued by our city's ubiquitous skyscrapers can design their own at this program. Participants study architectural principles and then apply them to mini construction projects. Excursions to local buildings and neighborhoods bring concepts they discover in class to life. ArchiKids, 44 E 32nd St between Madison and Park Aves (718-768-6123, archikids.org). Camp runs June 25–July 27, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $510; July 2–6 $410. Ages 9 to 13.
Butter Beans Food and Garden Camp
Culinary-minded kids choose from four sessions, each with a different farm-to-table theme—how food is grown, produced, preserved or prepared. All participants take field trips to local gardens, farms and farmers’ markets and “cook” their own lunch almost every day. Other activities might include visiting local chefs and beekeepers, pickling vegetables and learning to compost. Ger-Nis Culinary Herb and Garden Center, 540 President St between Third and Fourth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-499-0010, butterbeanskitchen.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Eight-week session $4,500, seven-week session $4,000, six-week session $3,000, five-week session $2,750, four-week session $2,500, three-week session $1,875, two-week session $1,250. Ages 7 to 12.
Center for Architecture Foundation Summer@the Center
Architecture, urban planning and landscape design come to life through studio projects, walking tours and site visits. High-school kids have the added perk of digital-design computer classes. Center for Architecture Foundation, 536 La Guardia Pl between Bleecker and West 3rd Sts (212-358-6133, cfafoundation.org). Camp runs June 18–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Nine-day session (ages 14 to 18) $800, one-week session $450. Ages 8 to 18.
Cirque d'Été
Kids sample life under the big top by learning acrobatics and clowning basics from specialized staff members. They're also introduced to circus music, costumes and sets. P.S. 58, 330 Smith St between Carroll and 1st Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-788-7732, parkslopedaycamp.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 8am–4pm or 8am–1pm. Three two-week sessions $2,780 (full day), $2,105 (half day); two two-week sessions $1,985 (full day), $1520 (half day); one two-week session $1,100 (full day), $800 (half day). Ages 4 to 11.
ConstructionKids
Handy campers use real tools to build go-karts, skateboards and other projects. Throughout the week kids will get the chance to give their homemade vehicles a whirl in Prospect Park—after they pose for their pretend driver's license photos, that is. Construction Kids, 495 Flatbush Ave at Empire Blvd, Prospect–Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn (646-529-9402, constructionkids.com). Camp runs June 18–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm. One-week session $450. Ages 5 to 10.
Italian Playgroup Mini Summer Camp
Little bambinos explore Italian language and culture through hands-on activities. Each day starts with an Italian lesson, which often incorporates music and dance, then moves to activities like cooking, role-playing, treasure hunts and dance contests. The day winds down with a yoga session. Little Language Playhouse, 7521 13th Ave at Bay Ridge Pkwy, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn (718-238-3727, italianplaygroup.com). Camp runs June 29–Aug 3 (off July 4), Mon–Fri 9am–1pm. One-week session $250, with a two-week minimum. Ages 4 to 8.
Junior Keepers
Kids learn the ins and outs of working at a zoo. Participants help prepare meals for animals, talk to keepers and design an exhibit of their own that they’ll display in an “exhibit fair” at the end of the week. Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St at 53rd Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-271-7361, queenszoo.com). Camp runs July 23–27, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. One-week session $325. Ages 10 to 12.
McBurney YMCA Circus Arts Camp
Lessons in gymnastics, acrobatics and other performance arts introduce kids to life under the big top. At the end of the session, campers show off their skills—and entertain their loved ones—with a lively production. When kids aren’t clowning around, they’ll take field trips, swim and sample other traditional camp activities. 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 $700. Ages 5 to 8.
The Nature Place Farm and Garden Days
Campers spend the session exploring the farms and gardens located on the campgrounds. In the mornings kids focus on gardening, trying their little hands at composting, weeding, harvesting and tending the honeybees. They’ll have a chance to bake pizza in the camp’s outdoor clay oven, taste herbs and learn about plant cycles. After lunch and a swim youngsters head to the farm, where they’ll help take care of cows and sheep, collect eggs, work with sheep wool and more. Transportation is available from Manhattan. 285 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY (845-356-6477, thenatureplace.com). Camp runs Aug 6–17, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $1,980, one-week session $990. Ages 4 to 16.
New York Botanical Garden
This summer the NYBG is offering three weeklong, nature-oriented camps: the Art in Nature Camp, in which budding artists explore the connection between art and nature; the Forest Adventure Camp, wherein kids undertake forest hikes, scavenger hunts and nature explorations; and the Wild Wetlands Camp, which introduces kids to the life of marshes, rivers and ponds. 2900 Southern Blvd at Bedford Park Blvd, Bronx (718-817-8700, nybg.org). Art in Nature Camp: July 16–20; Forest Adventure Camp: Aug 13–17; Wild Wetlands Camp: July 23–27. Mon–Fri 9am–4pm; extended-day options available for an additional fee. One-week session $225. Ages 8 to 10. (Camps for ages 5 to 7 are sold out for the 2012 summer session.)
Queens Zoo Week of Wildlife
This weeklong animal extravaganza introduces kids to the different animal groups that reside in the zoo. Campers will also study invertebrates and learn how to care for a compost bin. Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St at 53rd Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-271-7361, queenszoo.com). Camp runs July 9–13, July 30–Aug 30; Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. One-week session $325. Ages 6 to 7.
Scribble Press Comic Book Camp
Whether your kid’s a graphic-novel fanatic or a funny-pages fiend, she’ll have no problem having fun at this camp. Participants draft and illustrate their own comic book stories, which they’ll publish in book form by the end of the week. Scribble Press, 1624 First Ave between 84th and 85th Sts (212-288-2928, scribblepress.com). Camp runs June 18–22 and Aug 20–24, Mon–Fri 1–4pm. One-week session $375. Ages 9 to 12.
Scribble Press Creativity Camp
This program invites little bookworms to explore a different author or book collection every day through art projects and other activities. Children who sign up for a full week will publish their projects in book form. Scribble Press, 1624 First Ave between 84th and 85th Sts (212-288-2928, scribblepress.com). Camp runs June 11–29 and July 9–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9:30am–noon. One-week session $275, one-day session $60. Ages 3½ to 6½.
Scribble Press Creative Writing Camp
Small scribes spend the week penning stories. At the end of camp they’ll come home with a published book. Scribble Press, 1624 First Ave between 84th and 85th Sts (212-288-2928, scribblepress.com). Camp runs June 11–15 and Aug 13–17, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $375. Ages 7 to 9.
Take Two Film Academy
Send your aspiring Spielbergs to this weeklong program, where they’ll learn the ropes of filmmaking from behind and in front of the camera. Young cinephiles work together to write, shoot, edit and star in their own short films, using professional cameras and editing software. By the end of camp they’ll each have a DVD, which will be posted online and submitted to the New York International Children’s Festival. Mandell School, 795 Columbus Ave at 100th St (917-546-6816, taketwofilmacademy.com). Camp runs June 18–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $800. Ages 8 to 15.
Taste Buds
Each session of this cooking camp has a different theme: Kids make baked goods, brunch items and barbecue specialities from around the world. Iron Chef–like challenges are also on the menu. Taste Buds, 109 W 27th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, tenth floor (212-242-2248, tastebudscook.com). Camp runs June 11–Sept 7, Mon–Fri 9am–noon (ages 4 to 8) or Mon–Fri 1–4pm (ages 9 to 13). One-week session $395, single day $100; multiweek discounts available. Ages 4 to 13.
Thalia Kids Book Club
In past years, campers have met best-selling authors such as Norton Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth) and renowned illustrators like John Rocco (Percy Jackson). When they're not hobnobbing with notables, young bookworms participate in writing workshops, discussions and trips. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St (212-864-1414, symphonyspace.org). Camp runs July 23–Aug 10, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $650. Ages 9 to 12.
RELATED
On the blogs
Most popular in Classes & Camps
-
- Teen camps
- General interest camps
- Preschool camps
- How to get your NYC kid into showbiz
- Bargain camps
- Summer camp: Sports camps in New York City
- Academic camps
- Summer camp: Sleepaway camps in the Northeast
- Arts camps
- New York City summer camps 2012
