Academic camps

ArchiCamp

ArchiCamp
Lots of kids have doodled a house or skyscraper at the kitchen table, but if yours want to transform those sketches into real-life structures, send them to ArchiCamp. In the morning campers learn about an architectural principle and then apply it to a miniature building project. In the afternoon they trot outside to examine a building or neighborhood that exemplifies the concept they’re learning about. The camp also runs a program for teens. 44 E 32nd St at Park Ave South (718-768-6123, archikids.org). Camp runs Jun 22–Jul 10, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $470 plus one-time $20 registration fee. Ages 9 to 13.

Bank Street Summer School
In air-conditioned classrooms younger campers (ages 4 to 8) spend their days making art projects, woodworking, improving computer skills and playing games—both educational and just-for-fun. In the Upper Camp, composed of two age groups (8 to 10, and 11 to 13), kids specialize in a subject of interest: visual arts, performing arts, science or sports. All campers participate in American Red Cross swim lessons. 610 W 112th St between Broadway and Riverside Dr (212-875-4705, bankstreet.edu/camp). Camp runs Jun 15–Aug 7; hours vary. Two-week session $1,120–$3,408 depending on length of day and camper’s age. Ages 4 to 13.

Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program
Children who live for school field trips are the ideal participants for this excursion-centric camp. Each day, campers visit a nearby landmark, like the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Lefferts Historic House or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. In their daily activities (morning singing, lunch in the park and a journey to one of the aforementioned attractions), campers explore the year’s camp theme—“Air, Earth, Fire and Water”—and how the elements sustain human life. Heart of Brooklyn, 789 Washington Ave between Lincoln St and St. Johns Pl, Crown Heights, Brooklyn (718-638-7700, ext 10; bcap.heartofbrooklyn.org). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 14, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm. Two-week session $625. Ages 7 to 12.

Carmelo the Science Fellow at the Cosmic Cove
Science teacher Carmelo Piazza (known to giggly kids as “Carmelo the Marshmallow”) leads campers in indoor and outdoor experiments, encouraging them to ask questions and work in groups with their peers. In one session children delve into “grossness” by conjuring artificial mucus; in another they study the ocean and build take-home aquariums. Additional topics include “Rock Mock” (geology) and “Magician’s Lab,” in which kids learn the science behind well-known tricks. 300 Atlantic Ave between Hoyt and Smith Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-722-0000, carmelothesciencefellow.com). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. One-week session $385. Ages 5 to 11.

COllina Italiana
Little ones who attend this language camp are almost guaranteed to speak Italian by the end. If they don’t, it’s not for lack of personal attention—the child-to-staff ratio is three to one. Teachers lead kids in activities typical of many camps—music, dancing and games—but emphasize speaking in Italian as they go. Spaghetti and pizza fans are in luck: Each session features age-appropriate Italian cooking lessons. 135 E 96th St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-427-7770, collinaitaliana.com). Camp runs Jun 3– Jul 3, Aug 17–Sept 4; 9am–3pm. Campers may attend two, three or five days each week. One-week session $110–$350. Ages 2 to 9.

Curious Jane
Little ladies get to dabble in science and engineering. The brainchild of an industrial designer, all-girls educator and mother to daughters, this camp has weekly themes such as Lab Scientist, Animal Nature, Energy, Why Buildings Stand Up, and Toy Design from which kids can choose. Camp runs Jun 15–Aug 4; Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. • Poly Prep Country Day School, 9216 7th Ave at 92nd Street, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (800-883-2540, girlsdreamoutloud.com). One-week session $425, two-week session $765; three-week session $1175, four-week session $1530.  • Marymount 2 East 82nd St at 5th Ave (800-883-2540, girlsdreamoutloud.com). Camp runs Jun 15–Aug 4; Mon –Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $525, two-week session $945, three-week session $1417, four-week session $2362. Ages 7 to 12.

El Pequeño Artista's Bilingual Summer Program 
Dying for your kid to learn a second language? Sign your little linguist up for Spanish immersion. It's not all language and no play: Campers also visit a local pool, play soccer, and participate in art, dance and music. If you register your kid by July 24 for any of the first three weeks of camp, enjoy a 25% discount. Just mention you saw the deal on TimeOutKids.com. 249 20th St at Fifth Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-965-1406, elpequenoartista.com). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. $500 per week, $3,840.00 for entire summer. Ages 4 to 7.

Juguemos a Cantar
Wanna-be Doras and Diegos eager to expand their Spanish vocabularies beyond “uno, dos, tres” should sign up for a week at this camp. Children participate in the typical roster of activities—singing, crafts, outdoor playtime, field trips. Guiding them are Spanish language teachers, who reinforce grammar all day long. 438 Sixth Ave between 9th and 10th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (917-453-1187, juguemos.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 7 (ages 2–6); Jul 27–Aug 7 (ages 7–10). One-week session, half day $241; full day $414. Ages 2 to 10.

Neighborhood History Camp
Looking to expose your tot to country life without an hour-long bus ride? This one-of-a-kind program might fit the bill: It’s housed in midtown’s little-known Mount Vernon Hotel Museum, constructed as a carriage house in 1799 and opened as a pastoral getaway for downtown Manhattanites in 1826. Hotel guests used to swim in the East River and eat turtle soup—today’s campers do not. Instead, they wander through the site’s period rooms and garden, tackling 19th-century craft projects and games along the way. Architectural tours of the city and field trips also take place during each session. 421 E 61st St between First and York Aves (212-838-6878, mvhm.org). Camp runs Jul 13–17, 20–24; Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm. Through Mar 31: One-week session $200. Beginning Apr 1: One-week session $225. Ages 9 to 12.

NY Chess Kids
True to its name, this summer program is all about playing chess. In the morning an instructor presents an in-depth, interactive lesson in strategy. Later, the staff sends kids outside to clear their minds with physical activity. Then the group marches back indoors for a camp-wide tourney, during which each player’s skills are analyzed by the teachers. Because chess requires great focus, kids are given breaks throughout the day to watch movies, play video games or, if they’re really addicted, challenge one another to more chess matches. On occasion young chess geniuses from other countries visit for a few days, serving as examples of how skilled the campers can get if they keep on practicing. Church of the Good Shepherd, 240 E 31st St between Second and Third Aves (646-744-7049, nychesskids.com). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 10am–5pm or 10am–1pm. One week (full day) $375, single day $85, half day $55. Call for ages.

Out of the Blue at the Blue School 
The folks behind the new and innovative Blue School are offering three separate two-week summer programs. Each session has an educational theme with a creative bent: Land & Sky, Animal & Mineral and Ocean & Space. Little ones will investigate the topics through field trips, art and science projects, and loads of hands-on learning. The Blue School's inventive approach to education is sure to get the kiddies clamoring to get to camp each day. 1 Ave B at Houston St (646-602-7066, theblueschool.org). June 22-July 31. For ages 3 to 4, camp runs Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri 9-12:30pm; Wed 9-3pm. For ages 5 yp 7, camp runs Mon-Fri 9-3pm. $590 per two-week session for ages 3 to 4. $890 per two-week session for ages 5 to 7.

SUMMER ARCHITECTURE DAY CAMP
Kids who gawk at the magnificence of buildings or secretly aspire to design the next big architectural marvel will thrive here. Little engineers take classes that hone their ability to sketch, draw and make models. Campers also get to visit significant architectural sites around NYC. Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St at Pitt St (212-598-0400, ext 224; henrystreet.org). Single session runs Aug 3–14, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. $500. Applications accepted beginning Apr 1. Ages 9 to 12.

Thalia Kids’ Book Club Camp
Your little raconteur can quench his thirst for the written word at this Book Club Camp specially designed for young literary fiends. Activities include meeting with authors, writing workshops, book discussions, and field trips. The camp tuition includes books, galleys for review, and a camp T-shirt. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St. (212-865-5400, symphonyspace.org). Camp runs Aug 3-7, 10–14;  Mon–Fri 9am–3pm, or 9am–6pm. $600–$750. $600-$750. Ages 9 to12.

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