Kids Swim, Play, and Explore at Park Slope Day Camp

2/10/15 - By Linda DiProperzio

As the mom of two, I know it can be a challenge to find one summer camp to fit both of my kids' interests and needs. One kid wants to swim and play sports all day, while the other thinks arts and crafts and exploring nature sound like more fun. And I really don’t want to spend the entire summer schlepping them around from one class or activity to another. After all, kids shouldn’t be the only ones to enjoy the summer vacation!

So here's some good news: Brooklyn residents can solve this logistical dilemma at Park Slope Day Camp, a private summer camp with locations in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens and Bay Ridge. The camp offers programs to satisfy practically every child's interests and give everyone a summer to remember (while Mom and Dad get a much-needed rest from chauffeur duties).

Since it opened in 1992, Park Slope Day Camp has prided itself on being “everything about learning, but nothing like school.” With different programs for kids Pre-K through 8th grade, it’s a place where children learn social skills, expand their minds, develop new trades and visit exciting places on overnight trips. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which means it has submitted to a thorough review of its operation (over 300 standards), so parents know they’re dropping their little ones off at a place that is on top of its game.

For campers Pre-K through 6th grade, Park Slope is a traditional day camp of the variety many of us grew up on, where kids get to experience the great outdoors daily at Prospect Park. Every week is built around a theme (friendship, Earth Week, superheroes, fairy tales, etc.) that comes alive through music, arts and crafts, outdoor games and a weekly special event. Camper also enjoy a rotation of activities such as pony rides, an outing to a nearby gymnastics center and a visit to the Prospect Park carousel, as well as trips to museums, sports events, shows and more. Each day is jam-packed with activities like sports, drama, music, martial arts, gymnastics, horseback riding and instructional swim twice a week. Campers also enjoy a trip to the beach every other week. Kids are separated by age, with the Pee Wee Campers (Pre-K to Kindergarten) getting to experience the same activities as the older kids, but at a slightly slower pace.

Park Slope also has programs that can encourage and strengthen a child’s individual interests. If you have a budding entertainer on your hands, Circus Camp for kids Pre-K through 5th grade will teach your little ham everything from clowning and improv to gymnastics and costume/set design. Parents can choose between three two-week sessions, with a world premiere performance at the end of each session. Future Beckhams can develop their soccer skills alongside experienced coaches at the Sports Camp (grades 1-5). Each three week session ends with a World Cup.

As for the older kids (grades 6-8), it’s only natural that these campers will want to get out and explore a bit more. Park Slope’s Travel Camp features two overnight trips (Hershey Park and Club Getaway), an amusement park trip every week and other daily adventures such as swimming, going to the beach, sporting events, laser tag, bowling and more.

Park Slope offers flexible registration (1-8 weeks), as well as 2 week mini-camps at the end of summer with specialty programs (LEGO engineering, nature, karate, arts, music, circus skills, drama and more). Tuition varies based on the program and session length, so be sure to check out the Park Slope site or send them anemail for more details.

For more information on NYC camps, check out our Summer Camp and Day Camp Guide.

This post is sponsored by Park Slope Day Camp, but the opinions are those solely of the author.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Places featured in this article: