New Summer Camps and Programs for Long Island Kids in 2020

Oasis at LIU Post Lego Robotics camp is new for summer 2020. Photo courtesy of the camp
Oasis at LIU Post Lego Robotics camp is new for summer 2020. Photo courtesy of the camp
2/10/20 - By Gina Massaro

Summer may be months away, but Long Island summer camps are beginning to hold open houses, and enrollment will soon fill up. There's no better time to start dreaming and planning for the warmer weather than now.

From athletes to performing artists and even preschoolers, there is a program premiering this summer for kids of just about every interest. Whether you've got a first-time camper or a seasoned pro looking for something new, we've rounded up the 2020 summer camp season's latest additions.

Are you looking for more info on Long Island camps? Check our lists of the best camps in Nassau and Suffolk counties, or you can always find more camps for kids in our Camps Guide and full Camp Directory.

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Note that summer camp information for the 2020 season is changing daily. Please click the links to the individual camps below to see which ones are offering programs this year.

The Artist's Institute at Friend's Academy Imagination Exploration — Locust Valley

This new program focuses on growth and exploration through art, dance, acting, and singing. Campers from kindergarten to 7th grade are welcome to join. Camp runs from June 17-26, 9:30am-4:30pm. It includes lunch, but not transportation.

Hofstra University Construction Trades Academy — Westbury

A whopping six new camps debut at Hofstra this summer. The Construction Trade Academy is for boys and girls entering 7th through 11th grades. Campers learn residential carpentry and home repair. This full-day program takes place at the Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Technical Education Center and runs from July 13-24.

Hofstra University ​Digital Music and Audio Technology — Hempstead

Campers spend half the day playing and creating music, sound effects, beats, and vocals on a wide variety of equipment. The second half of the day, they enjoy lunch, swimming, and other recreational sports. The session runs from July 13-24, and there are two age groups: grades 2 through 5 and grades 6 through 10.

Hofstra University Esports Camp — Hempstead

Sports video games are just as competitive as their real-life counterparts. Young gamers spend half the day learning about careers in Esports, honing their skills, and battling in tournaments. The second half of the day, they enjoy lunch, swimming, and other recreational sports. Sessions run from June through mid-August, for kids in 4th through 10th grade.

Hofstra University Karate Camp — Hempstead

Campers learn discipline and build confidence while learning self-defense. Half the day consists of karate, while the other half runs as a traditional camp with swimming and sports. There is one session from June 29-July 10 with separate groups for grades 2 to 5 and 6 to 10.

Hofstra University Sports Performance Camp — Hempstead

This after-camp program runs from 4-5:30pm. Campers train under current certified Division I strength and conditioning coaches at Hofstra University. Exercises focus on enhancing speed, mobility, strength, and other skills necessary for elite athletes. Weekly sessions run from July 13-August 14 for grades 6 through 12.

Hofstra University Ultimate Board Game Inventors — Hempstead

Campers spend half of the day working on creating a board game, with access to 3D and laser printers to help make their board game a reality. The second part of the day campers enjoy lunch and participate in recreational sports and swimming. The session runs from July 27-August 7 and caters to kids in grades 4 through 10.

Kenwal Day Camp Summer Robotics Series — Melville

Kenwal Day Camp partners with the Sylvan Learning Center to bring campers in grades 1 through 5 the Summer Robotics Series. Parents can pay extra to have their campers in Wednesday robotics classes that includes making a robotic Lego creation. In addition to the new robotics class, Kenwal has new dance and gymnastics pavilions as well as a new theater.

Oasis LIU Post Equestrian Camp — Brookville

Partnering with the North Shore Equestrian Center, campers learn the basics of horseback riding both outside and in the stables. This full-day program focuses solely on horseback riding, so there aren't traditional camp activities such as arts and crafts or sports. Camp runs from August 10-14 and includes hot lunch.

Oasis LIU Post Lego Robotics — Brookville

During this one-week camp, campers learn about robotics and engineering by building robots with Legos. After this STEM program in the morning, campers enjoy outdoor recreational activities in the afternoon. Camp runs from July 13-17.

Portledge Summer Adventures Circuits and Electronics — Locust Valley

Campers will use Raspberry Pi to build and test electronic circuits, working on both closed and open circuits. The camp is from July 27-31 for kids ages 10 and older.

Portledge Summer Adventures French Cultural Immersion — Locust Valley

Portledge Summer Adventures says Bonjour! to its campers with this new study in all things French. Campers learn the language, as well French culture, including cuisine, fashion, and film. This a two-week camp runs from August 3-14 for kids ages 9-15 years old.

Portledge Summer Adventures Gemology and Anatomy — Locust Valley

Partnering with Village East Gifted, the first week of camp kids will learn about precious gemstones and their origins. They will also create a project based on their research. The second half of the week focuses on human anatomy. Camp runs from July 13-17. The half-day camps run from ​9am-1pm for campers in grades 2 and 3 and 1pm-4pm for campers in grades 4-6.

Portledge Summer Adventures Marine Biology — Locust Valley

Campers get hands-on experience learning about the marine life living in the Long Island Sound. The camp focuses on ecology, biology, and oceanography and includes field trips. The camp runs from July 20-24, from 9am-1pm for children ages 8-13.

Portledge Summer Adventures Theater Arts — Locust Valley

Campers immerse themselves in Broadway through music, acting, and education. They learn about character creation, makeup, costume design, improv, and more. Two sessions run from June 29-July 3 and August 3-7. Hours are 9am-3pm. Children ages 7-12 are welcome to participate.

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