Commuter camps

Buckley Country Day Camp
Taking advantage of the beautiful facilities of Buckley Country Day School in Long Island, campers rotate through various activities daily, including instructional swim, art and music. Older kids have the opportunity to integrate specific daily workshops—such as filmmaking or newspaper writing—into their daily schedules of more traditional outdoorsy camp activites. A special counselors-in-training program allows teenagers to learn the art of camp counseling through internships, and receive first-aid training from the American Red Cross. Buckley Country Day School, Roslyn, NY (516-365-7760, buckleycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 20: Mon–Fri 9am–1pm or 9am–4pm. Four week session $4,200–$5,130 (full day), $4,650 (half day); eight-week session $5,720–$6,800 (full day), $6,320 (half day). Tuition includes bus transportation to addresses in Manhattan and Queens. Ages 3 to 17.

Camp Tevah for Science & Nature
Children go on twice-weekly field trips to nature-themed destinations like the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, the Liberty Science Center and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Back at camp, kids take part in dissecting, solar cooking, birding and fishing. They also get to play in the campground’s lake and pool and on the athletic fields. At the end of the session, children attend an overnight. Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, Rockland County, NY (212-415-5573, 92y.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 6, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Single six-week session $4,500. Free bus transportation provided round-trip to and from the 92nd Street Y. Bus transportation from other Manhattan locations $125 for the summer. Ages 8 to 11.

Deer Mountain
On a 25-acre campus (complete with a stream-fed lake), children take advantage of a wide range of facilities, including six heated pools, seven tennis courts, a new basketball center, batting cages, a miniature golf course and putting green, and a nature center with petting zoo. In addition to countless athletic and outdoor activities, campers can take part in both traditional and offbeat performance and fine arts classes; the unexpected offerings include fashion design, magic and puppetry. 63 Call Hollow Rd, Pomona, NY (845-354-2727, deermountaindaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 20; Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Four-week session $4,620; six-week session $6,280; eight-week session $7,170. Tuition includes door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation from addresses in Manhattan. Ages 3 to 15.

Deerkill Day Camp
Twice daily, children head to one of the camp’s three pools to participate in 40-minute swim sessions (one is instructional, the other recreational) in groups of six. Kids have access to a plethora of sports (archery, bocce ball, gymnastics, ropes and zip line courses are among the choices), as well as arts-and-crafts activities like ceramics, theater arts, woodworking and digital photography. 54 Wilder Rd, Suffern, NY (845-354-1466, deerkilldaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 20, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session (available to first-time campers only) $1,750–$2,200; four-week session $3,000–$3,850; eight-week session $4,950–$6,300. Price depends on camper’s age. Door-to-door bus transportation from Manhattan included in tuition. Ages 3 to 14.

Elmwood
Campers are divided into three age groups: nursery school and kindergartners (known as the “stepping stones”); first- and second-graders; and third-, fourth- and fifth-graders. Each division is exposed to a spectrum of activities: creative arts, performing arts and athletics (including twice-daily swimming). The fun happens on a six-acre campground that includes three swimming pools, a beach volleyball court, softball and baseball fields, playgrounds, a drama deck, an arts-and-crafts clubhouse and two “gaga pits,” where campers play an Israeli version of dodgeball. The camp prides itself on its sleepaway-esque traditions, like a carnival, cheer-off, Olympics and camper/counselor show. 900 Dobbs Ferry Rd, White Plains, NY (914-592-6121, elmwooddaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 19, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Four-week session $4,700; eight-week session $7,200. Bus transportation available to addresses in Manhattan north of 70th St. Ages 4 to 10.

Gate Hill
Since 1951, this 33-acre outpost has been mixing the tried-and-true joys of traditional outdoor athletics—soccer, baseball, hockey, tennis, basketball, swimming in heated pools (there are four)—with electives in more unusual fare, like martial arts, fencing, go-karting, wall-climbing and zip-lining. There’s also a robust arts program, with classes in crafts, theater, music and dance. 750 Gate Hill Rd, Stony Point, NY (845-947-3223, gatehilldaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 20, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Four-week session $4,250; eight-week session $6,925. Siblings receive a 5% discount. Door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation from addresses in Manhattan is included in tuition. Ages 3 to 14.

Mill Basin
The day goes by quickly here, thanks to a rotating list of activities, including the usual arts and crafts, dance and team sports, plus karate, gymnastics, magic, video games and baking. Mill Basin campers also swim daily, in either an outdoor or an indoor pool. The campus features a number of amenities that are sure to leave kids’ (and parents’) mouths agape: two computer rooms, two karaoke studios, two giant-screen theaters and a TV game-show studio. 5945 Strickland Ave between 56th Dr and E 57th Pl, Mill Basin, Brooklyn (718-251-6200, millbasindaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 20, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, in four- to eight-week sessions. $1,650–$2,700; price depends on camper’s age and number of days. Bus transportation ($400 flat fee) provided to addresses in Brooklyn and Queens. Ages 3 to 14.

Mohawk
The camp is situated on a 40-acre farm where goats, sheep, piglets and peacocks actually hang out with the kids. But the animals are just a perk: The meat and potatoes of the program is its traditional—as well as not so traditional—instructional activities. Campers swim in eight heated pools, put on productions, make arts and crafts, and play a variety of team sports. More impressive, they putt on two mini-golf courses, speed down custom-made water luges, ride on three-wheeled turbo-bikes, play computer games in an air-conditioned lab, and navigate zip-lines, climbing walls and cargo nets on a challenge course. 200 Old Tarrytown Rd, White Plains, NY (914-949-2635, campmohawk.com). Single seven-week session runs Jun 28–Aug 13; length of day and number of days per week vary. Call for pricing. Bus service available to neighborhoods throughout Manhattan for an additional fee. Ages 3 to 13.

Mount Tom Day Camp
This idyllic suburban campground has a multitude of indoor and outdoor play spaces. Campers can take advantage of a playground; playhouse; theater; three pools; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; and six ball fields. The 19-room, early-20th-century mansion is reserved for lunch and for cozy, team-building activities in rainy weather. A typical day’s schedule includes two swimming sessions, three physical challenges (like maneuvering an obstacle course or playing a team sport), and two cultural classes such as music, drama, dance, or arts and crafts. Each group is accompanied by counselors and a teacher. 48 Mount Tom Rd, New Rochelle, NY (914-636-8130, mounttomdaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 20, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Four-week session $4,200; eight-week session $6,050. Bus service available to addresses in Manhattan (additional $25 charge), the Bronx, Roosevelt Island, and Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside and Sunnyside, Queens. Ages 3 to 13.

New Country Day Camp
Located on 75 acres of sprawling grass, this camp honors Jewish culture with a kosher snack each day plus Friday Shabbat, Israeli dancing and challah-baking classes. Campers in second grade and up can design their own camp program—choosing from team sports, arts and crafts, gymnastics, a theater workshop, martial arts, and camping, cooking and pioneering—based on their interests. All campers enjoy twice-daily swimming in one of three outdoor pools. Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, Staten Island (646-395-4355, 14streety.org). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 20; Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $1,400; eight-week session $3,700. Sibling, multiple-week and early bird discounts available. Bus transportation available to campers who live below 23rd Street in Manhattan and throughout Brooklyn. Ages 5 to 11.

Riverdale
Each day, campers participate in a rotation of indoor and outdoor activities. Extra time is set aside for swimming: Water-safety instructors teach the Red Cross swimming curriculum in the mornings, and free swim is offered in the afternoons. The summer brims with “special days,” during which guest performers lead workshops in juggling, Rollerblading, improvisational theater or double Dutch jump rope. For many campers, the season’s highlight is an event the camp calls “Carnival,” where the campus becomes a full-blown theme park, complete with rides. 5250 Fieldston Rd between 250th and 253rd Sts, Bronx (718-432-4807, riverdale.edu). Single six-week session runs Jun 28–Aug 6; Mon–Thu 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–3:30pm. $3,550. Air-conditioned bus service available from parts of Manhattan (fee depends on address). Ages 5 to 11.

Usdan Center for the Performing Arts
On 200 acres (no joke), 1,600 students with a passion for the arts participate in more than 40 programs. Among the choices are music, dance, theater, film and video, chess, writing, media arts, fashion design and, new this year, organic gardening and simple food. On a typical day, campers spend two periods focused on their primary interest, one period learning about another art form, and 50 minutes playing volleyball, tennis or swimming in an Olympic-size pool. Each day also features a camp-wide assembly. 185 Colonial Springs Rd, Wheatley Heights, NY (212-772-6060, usdan.com). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 13, Mon–Fri 10am–3pm. Four-week session $2,675; seven-week session $3,575. Call for transportation options and additional fees. Air-conditioned bus service available from Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. Ages 6 to 18.

Yomi
Campers are encouraged to participate in every activity offered, which include sports, arts and crafts (the lineup features cartooning, ceramics, digital photography and jewelry making), swimming and more. Senior campers (entering grades five and six) also attend weekly field trips and overnights. Summer’s highlight is a four-night sleepaway adventure at the New Jersey Y Camps in Milford. Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, Rockland County, NY (212-415-5573, 92y.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 20, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm. Four-week session $3,500; eight-week session $5,300. Free bus transportation provided round-trip to and from the 92nd Street Y. Bus transportation from other Manhattan locations $125 for the summer. Ages 5 to 12.

General interest camps

Commuter camps

Arts camps

Sports camps

Academic camps

Special needs camps

Preschool camps

Teen camps

Sleepaway camps

Open houses

What to ask camp directors