Energize your kid’s creativity and confidence Camp Invention's new program, Recharge. When this nationally acclaimed program returns this summer, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends in hands-on, open-ended STEM challenges. They’ll take apart a microphone to explore its inner workings, build and test a device to launch rubber ducks, and design morphing vehicles for the Super Road Rally. Each activity is designed to inspire curiosity, spark imaginations, and give your young innovator the best summer ever. Visit invent.org/save to secure your spot and save!

The make-believe, the unexpected, the sense of wonder—this is everything Camp Deeny Riback is about. Camp Deeny Riback is centered around Jewish values that a diverse array of campers connect with in every aspect of their summer. Each summer, campers grow, knowing that the values they learn at camp will propel them forward as well-rounded individuals. Everything at Camp Deeny Riback is created to enhance the life of each individual camper. Camp Deeny Riback provides a loving and nurturing environment that encourages campers to seek out new adventures because they know they will be supported every step of the way. Campers are taught important life skills through activities that transform them into caring, capable, inclusive individuals. CDR guides children from campers to leaders-in-training to staff members, and nurtures them all the way through.

Camp W day camp in Melville, Long Island serves campers ages 4-14. Each group has an average of 15 campers with a counselor and an assistant counselor. The amazing staff is comprised of teachers, college students, and a few high school students. Transportation, early/late care, hot lunch, trips, five camp shirts, and camp pictures are all included in the tuition. Campers choose their afternoon activities from options such as Nerf Battlefield, virtual reality, baseball, soccer, floor hockey, ceramics, easel painting, camp lounge, and game room. Campers also enjoy exciting special events like Counselor Makeover, Color War, Camp W Oscar Awards, Double Dare Contest, and so many others. Snack is provided for campers in pre-K through 3rd grade. All campers get ice cream and bottled water daily.

Get ready for a summer full of adventure. Through Summer Explorations at Bright Horizons, your child will have the opportunity to enjoy everything summer has to offer. During action-packed days, preschoolers (ages 3-5) and school-age children (ages 6-12)* will experiment with science and technology, engage in the creative arts, discover nature, and explore the world. Plus, industry-leading health and safety protocols offer the reassurance you need.

Bright Horizons has locations throughout Connecticut: Fairfield, Stamford, Orange, Shelton, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Suffield, Wilton, and Trumbull. Click the Sign Up button to find a convenient location.

*Programs vary by center, so contact your local center to confirm which program it is offering.

Camp Gnarly is NYC's only whole child adventure summer camp, designed by kids for kids. Since 2019, Camp Gnarly has stayed true to its core values with its secret formula for happy campers:

• Let kids choose their activities at camp
• Educate campers through a whole child curriculum  
• Provide safe and inclusive environments for all.

Activities include aviation, equestrian, Hollywood stunts, woodworking, fishing, cooking, fashion design, film production, parkour, tomahawk throwing, kayaking, archery, dual language, street art, pottery, STEAM activities, hiking, Lego lab, field games, skimboard, swimming, RC cars, and much more.

The Story School is a perfect place for campers who love live-action role-play (LARP). Located in the beautiful woods on Prindle Pond in Charlton, Massachusetts, campers are immersed in an interactive fantasy world where anyone and everyone can be a hero.

The Story School prides itself on using curiosity-based learning practices to teach critical STEAM skills. This curiosity inspires campers to creatively utilize what they have learned to solve challenges and level up their characters. Campers will explore a world of magic, history, and monsters by day and as the sun sets, enjoy getting to know friends over games, crafts, and dorm activities.

Families that have participated in The Story School know their camper will feel safe, expand their STEAM and interpersonal skills, and return a more confident and empowered version of themselves. The Story School is inclusive of all campers and proud to serve a large number of neuro-diverse and LGBTQ+ students. 

Join in for a single 2-week session or experience the whole story and adventure for up to 7 weeks. All campers are welcome from ages 8-18 years old. Visit www.thestoryschool.com for more info and to enroll today.

Camp Beehive is a literature-inspired storytelling summer camp for children ages 5-7 (ish) years old. Each week, one anchor book has been chosen that will help shape the theme, activities, and adventures.

Included each week:

• Copy of the anchor book of the week; given out on Friday and signed by all camp mates and teachers
• Tailored crafting kit from The Craftship based on the anchor book; crafts will be done during the STEAM activity daily ($55 value)
• Neighborhood walking field trips.

Weekly themes include Fairies & Magic, Nature, Bugs & Butterflies, Arctic Adventures, City Explorers, Imagination Vacation, Diving Deep, Things that Grow, and I Have a Story. Please visit the website for a schedule and more information.

The Shames JCC on the Hudson is a welcoming, inclusive gathering place that enriches the greater community by offering social, recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for people of all ages. 

Early Childhood Center 

The Shames JCC currently offers programs for 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s and follows an emergent curriculum, finding inspiration from Reggio Emilia. Daily activities are about exploration and discovery, exploring with senses, asking questions, testing theories, making plans, and thinking deeply. Much of the day is spent in outdoor learning environments and the natural world; every effort is made to keep children in touch with the Earth, its natural rhythms, the changing of the seasons, and its beauty and mystery.

Summer Camps

Adventure awaits! The Shames JCC summer camps transform summers into experiences of a lifetime. Children and teens ages 2-16 have various choices to keep them busy all summer long. The younger set, ages 2-6, can participate in the wonderful onsite River Friends Day Camp, while children in grades K-10 travel only 11 minutes to the expansive Henry Kaufman campgrounds set in the woods and nature. 

Sports & Recreation

The Shames JCC has a state-of-the-art aquatics center and offers learn-to-swim classes, private swim lessons, and a competitive swim team. Partnering with Northeast Elite Basketball, the Shames JCC provides premiere basketball training to children at all levels. Members also have access to Family Swim and Family Basketball, which are included in membership.

After-School Childcare

During the school year, the JCC offers aftercare through its popular Almost Home program for select local school districts. Buses bring elementary school students to the Shames JCC for a supervised afternoon where youngsters can do homework, socialize, and enjoy a variety of sports, board games, arts and crafts, and community service. Extra-curricular activities are available at the Shames JCC during Almost Home hours as well. Also offered is Vacation Sensations, a day-long program during school breaks—open to all, regardless of school district.

Fitness & Aquatics

Teens (age 13 and up) have access to the state-of-the-art Aquatics Center and Fitness Center. Teens 16+ can participate in group exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates, HIIT, cycling, and more.