Well before the daffodils bloom in our gardens each spring, there’s already one item on parents’ minds: A summer camp or program that will help their little buds flourish, too. Luckily, the Hudson Valley is ripe with opportunities for exploration, imagination, and cultural enrichment for teens, tweens, and kids as young as age three. From nature-based programs to creative workshops for burgeoning artists, here are a few wonderful programs to spark your search.
Hawk Meadow Montessori School
LaGrange, NY (845) 214-0260Hawkmeadowmontessori.com/program-highlights/summer-program
Hawk Meadow Montessori School’s seven-week summer program takes place on their beautiful six-acre campus, featuring a large natural playscape, gaga ball, basketball, ping pong, a zipline, gardens, and a greenhouse. Under the guidance of Montessori-trained staff, students will explore art, cooking, water play, science, gardening, games, and mindfulness, with lots of outdoor time. This program is open to students ages 3-12 from June 17–August 2, 2024. Half or full-day spots are available.
Wild Earth
High Falls, NY
(845) 256-9830 | Wildearth.org
At Wild Earth, all of the senses are engaged as campers meet plants and animals, learn wilderness skills, create natural crafts, and build deep connections with friends and inspiring adult and teen mentors. Guided by patterns observed in nature, each day begins by gathering in the woods through expressing gratitude and finding new ways to play. They form smaller groups and set up camp in the forest by building fire pits and shelters. Instructors tailor activities to the interests of the campers, fostering curiosity and guiding learning through skillful questions, opportunities for appropriate risk-taking, and empowering challenges.
Arts Camp @ RoCA
West Nyack, NY (845) 358-0877Rocklandartcenter.org
Panorama Summer Art + Nature Program at Olana State Historic Site
Hudson, NY
(518) 567-2170 | Olana.org/panorama
Dive into Frederic Church’s Olana this summer! Back for its 15th annual season, The Olana Partnership will offer four weeks of hands-on exploration for children ages 6-11 from July to August at Olana State Historic Site. Experience art, science, and nature through sketching, lake exploration, hiking, painting, play, and more, all while meeting new friends and learning from the experts. The whole summer focuses on art and nature with special guest visits and activities each week. You don’t want to miss this unforgettable summer adventure! The program runs Monday-Friday, 9am–3pm. Scholarships are available by emailing [email protected].
Music & Dance Camps at Ashokan Center
Olivebridge, NY(845) 657-8333 | Ashokan.org
Come sing, dance, and jam with newfound friends in a serene natural setting. Camps for all ages begin in May and include: Acoustic Guitar, Bluegrass, Family Camp, Banjo Weekend, Scottish String Fling, Ariles Son Jarocho, Uke Fest, Old Time Rollick, Northern, Southern, Western, and Swing. Pricing includes on-site camping and delicious meals. Private rooms/bunks are available.
Berkshire South’s Action Adventures Day Camp
Great Barrington, MA
(413) 528-2810 ext. 34 | Berkshiresouth.org/aadc
Action Adventures Day Camp is packed with play and exploration! Campers will perform STEM experiments, build castles, make healthy snacks, craft, and play games. We’ll also go on fun field trips. Campers have access to our onsite amenities including playgrounds, fields, trails, and pools. Open to children ages 5–14, from June 24–August 22.
FUDR Bill Canfield Fly Fishing Camp
Hancock, NY
(973) 454-0315 | Fudrcanfieldcamp.com
The premier coed fly fishing camp for kids 12-17 on pristine Catskill trout waters. A week-long sleep-away experience that inspires a life-long passion for fly fishing and a commitment to conservation while nurturing personal growth and confidence. Working one-on-one with expert guides, campers learn to cast, tie flies, catch and release fish, and basic entomology and river ecology. Many fun activities away from the water. Top-notch facilities at ACA-accredited French Woods Center. First-timers get a free Orvis rod/reel. Scholarship support available. Two sessions, in June and August.
Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp
Ghent, NY
(518) 672-4465 ext. 203 | Hawthornevalleysummercamp.org
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp, where children aged 8-16 are invited to embrace an unplugged adventure. This isn’t just a camp; it’s a gateway to a profound connection with the natural world. Delve into the art of caring for animals and nurturing the earth, forging memories that will last a lifetime. In a society where understanding the origins of our food is a rare luxury, this camp provides an immersive experience of the journey from farm to table. Its transformative power goes beyond education, fostering independence, self-confidence, and a deep well of compassion, shaping a holistic awareness that will last a lifetime.
Forman School
Litchfield, CT
(860) 567-1802 | Formanschool.org/summer
The Forman Summer Program, a fun coed boarding and day camp, takes place on the Forman School campus during the month of July. The program is a dynamic balance of academics and recreation for students entering grades 7-11 who learn differently. Under the guidance of expert faculty and staff, students discover their unique learning styles while being inspired, challenged, and empowered. They develop effective and tactical classroom and study strategies, learn self-advocacy, and gain lasting confidence in their abilities.
The Art Effect
Poughkeepsie, NY
(845) 471-7477 | Thearteffect.org
The Art Effect’s summer art camps and classes allow young artists to explore fine art, digital media art, and performing arts while strengthening their self-confidence, creative thinking, and art-making techniques. Professional artists and experienced teachers lead youth ages 5-19 to imagine, discover, create, and have fun this summer. Register today!
Hudson Valley Writing Project
New Paltz, NY(845) 257-2836 | Newpaltz.edu/hvwp/summercamps
HVWP Young Writers Programs bring children and teens together to find their voices, share their ideas, and discover the joy of writing. Experienced teachers create inspiring and supportive settings for students to write and explore their interests—art, nature, fantasy, activism, podcasting, and more! Tuition assistance is available.
Summer Days at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School
New Paltz, NY(845) 255-0033 | Mountainlaurel.org/summer
Conveniently located in the heart of New Paltz, Summer Days at Mountain Laurel offer an enriching and nurturing Waldorf-inspired environment for children ages 3–11. Both residents and summer visitors to the Hudson Valley are welcome. Enthusiastic and experienced instructors bring wonder and adventure through outdoor play, crafts, song, games, storytelling, and building projects using natural materials. Rhythm and reverence will follow your child throughout the day. Weekly and daily rates available June 24–August 23. Monday–Friday. 9am–3pm. Sibling discounts available.
Curiosity Camp at Simon’s Rock
Great Barrington, MA
Simons-rock.edu/curiositycamp
Curiosity Camp at Simon’s Rock is open to inquisitive and motivated students interested in exploring their academic and creative interests in a college environment while they are currently completing grades 9, 10, or 11. Students participate daily in Simon’s Rock’s signature Writing and Thinking Workshop along with a Seminar, and arts and science courses to experience diverse and exciting academic offerings. The program’s cohort of 30 students allows for small class sizes where students and professors can collaborate and engage in dynamic discourse in this academic summer camp. Students live on campus in the college’s residence halls.
Art Camps at Berkshire Art Center
Stockbridge, MA
(413) 298-5252 | Berkshireartcenter.org
Be inspired to make art all summer long! Join Berkshire Art Center for an exciting summer season of fun and creative art-making camps led by local artists for children ages 4-14 years old. Register for one or more weeks of camp by visiting the website.
The Rowe Center Summer Camp
Rowe, MA(413) 339-4954 | Rowecenter.org
Join us for our 100th year of summer camp in the Pioneer Valley of Western Mass! Welcoming young minds aged 8 to graduating seniors who are fun-seeking creatives and change-makers desiring a more inclusive world. Explore 40 acres by Pelham Lake, live Unitarian Universalist values, and be part of a transformative summer adventure.
Camp at Wheelhouse Creative Education Center
Acra, NY
(518) 943-4649 | Catskillwheelhouse.org
Camp at Wheelhouse Creative Education Center is all about curiosity, creativity, and quirkiness. Days are filled by exploring the land, then transforming these experiences into creative expression through visual art, performance, and conversation. Weekly themes serve as invitations to explore new topics, which evolve in myriad ways through children’s contributions.
Seed Song Farm and Nature Camp
Kingston, NY
(845) 383-1528 | Seedsongfarm.org
Seed Song Farm Camp unfolds children’s innate curiosity about farm and nature, which inspire exciting weekly themes. Activities evolve around each camper’s learning style and enthusiasm as they explore farm and forest, care for plants and animals, practice traditional skills, make music, arts and crafts. Ages 4-16. Financial assistance available.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
50 Rondout Landing, Kingston
(845) 338-0071 | Hrmm.org
The Hudson River Maritime Museum, located on the banks of the Rondout Creek in Kingston’s historic waterfront district, hosts immersive multi-day programs that teach practical skills in sailing and woodworking that build self-confidence and forge new friendships.
Garrison Art Center
Garrison, NY(845) 424-3960 | Garrisonartcenter.org
Embrace the world of creativity with Garrison Art Center’s Summer Programs. Offering three options for students in Kindergarten to 12th grade: Summer Arts Institute, Summer on the Hudson, and Art a la Carte. Your child or teen will have an amazing experience exploring their creativity. Register for one or more weeks online.
Horses for a Change
Esopus, NY
(845) 384-6424 | Horsesforachange.org
Celebrating the magic that happens when humans and horses connect in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere, nonprofit Horses for Change offers summer riding weeks for kids, with riding for all ages and levels and lots of barn fun and horse care. “We emphasize empathy and understanding of our non-verbal, but very communicative companions,” says Director Nancy Rosen.
