Well before 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 the search.
Wild Earth Wilderness School
2307 Lucas Turnpike, High Falls | (845) 256-9830
Wildearth.org
Join us for our Spring Break and Summer Camps! At Wild Earth, youth ages 4 to 18 are inspired to play, find community, and connect deeply with nature, discovering the resilience of all living things—especially themselves. This is achieved through activities like exploration, games, and what we refer to as earth-living skills: fire-making, natural crafting, shelter building, tool making/using, and more. With our high staff-to-camper ratio, campers are supported in learning teamwork, expressing gratitude, developing self-agency, and the joy of spending the full days outdoors.
Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp
Ghent (518) 672-4465 ext 203
Hawthornevalleysummercamp.org
Discover the magic of farm camp! Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley, Hawthorne Valley’s Farm Camp invites kids and teens ages 8-16 to an unplugged summer full of adventure, discovery, and connection. On a 900-acre working farm, campers dive into hands-on experiences—caring for animals, tending gardens, and harvesting fresh ingredients for farm-to-table meals. Days are brimming with classic camp fun like arts and crafts, games, archery, swimming, and exploring nature. Campers grow lasting friendships while learning the interconnected wonders of humans, plants, and animals. Whether joining for day or overnight sessions, every camper leaves with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Spaces fill quickly—register now for an unforgettable summer adventure!
Berkshire South’s Action Adventures Day Camp
Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-2810 ext 34
Berkshiresouth.org/aadc
From superhero training and galactic adventures to messy science experiments and magical quests, every day is an opportunity to create, play, and make new friends. Campers also enjoy local field trips and BSRCC’s onsite amenities, including playgrounds, fields, trails, and pools. Camp runs from June 23-August 21, for ages 5-14.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
Kingston (845) 338-0071 Hrmm.org/youth-programs
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure with the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Voyager Program! Perfect for ages 9-17, this hands-on, all-day summer camp blends sailing, boatbuilding, woodworking, and STEAM activities into one extraordinary experience. From July 7 to August 15, HRMM offers young Seafarers, ages 9-12, and Navigators, ages 13-17, six action-packed weeks of learning from professional educators, woodworkers, and certified sailing instructors. Whether exploring the Hudson’s rich maritime history, crafting boats, or enjoying three hours of daily sailing, kids will build confidence, creativity, and lasting friendships. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind journey—register now for one week (or more!) for a summer of discovery and fun.
Garrison Art Center
Garrison | (845) 424-3960 Garrisonartcenter.org/summer-programs
Ignite creativity this summer at Garrison Art Center! Programs for K–12 students offer hands-on artistic exploration. High schoolers in the Summer Art Institute refine skills, build portfolios, and exhibit professionally. In August, Art a la Carte lets young artists explore diverse art forms in inspiring studios. Create, learn, and grow!
Horses for a Change
Esopus (845) 384-6424 Horsesforachange.org
Celebrate the magic that happens when humans and horses connect in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. This nonprofit 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 Amanda Haberthier.
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School
New Paltz (845) 255-0033 Mountainlaurel.org/summer
Conveniently located in the heart of New Paltz, this summer program offers an enriching and nurturing Waldorf-inspired environment for children ages 3-10. Both residents and summer visitors to the Hudson Valley are welcome. Mountain Laurel’s beloved and experienced lead instructors bring wonder and adventure through outdoor play, crafts, building projects using natural materials, song, games, storytelling, and water play. Rhythm and reverence will follow children throughout the day. There are eight one-week sessions from June 23 to August 15. Monday-Friday, from 9am to 3pm. One-week sessions are $450 (or $375 before March 1!) Sibling discounts are available. Space is limited, so registering early is encouraged.
Kildonan’s Camp Dunnabeck
476 Skiff Mountain Road, Kent, CT (845) 373-2002 Dunnabeck.org
This summer, Kildonan’s Camp Dunnabeck celebrates 70 years of empowering children with dyslexia or language-based learning differences. Nestled on the campus of Marvelwood School, this 86-acre mountaintop camp offers a life-changing experience for campers ages 8-16. At its heart is 1-to-1 Orton-Gillingham tutoring, paired with recreational activities that build self-confidence and independence. Campers thrive in a nurturing environment with modern dorms, 24/7 health care, and meals featuring locally sourced ingredients. Offering boarding, day, and half-day options, Camp Dunnabeck balances academics, personal growth, and fun. Join us June 28–August 9 for a transformative summer of learning and adventure!
High Meadow School
Stone Ridge (845) 687-4855 Highmeadowschool.org
One-week camp programs for ages 3.5-15 on a 10-acre, wooded campus including Wayfinder Experience, Little Animation Studio, Westchester Circus Arts, Mad Science, Robotics, and Culinary Arts, with recreational camps for younger children. Register online for summer 2025! Camps run from June 30 to August 1.
Hudson Valley Writing Project
New Paltz (845) 257-2836 Newpaltz.edu/hvwp
HVWP Young Writers Programs bring children and teens together to connect, share their ideas, and discover the joy of writing together. Experienced teachers create inspiring and supportive settings where writers explore many genres and follow their interests–art, nature, fantasy, comics, audio storytelling, and more! Tuition assistance is available.
The Vanaver Caravan
New Paltz (845) 243-4927 Vanavercaravan.org
Experience the joy of dance this summer with The Vanaver Caravan. CaravanKids, for ages 4-8, held July 7-19, and SummerDance for ages 9-18, held July 28-August 8, offer movement, music, and cultural exploration in a supportive community. A hidden gem of the Hudson Valley, these programs nurture creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance.
Seed Song Farm
Kingston (845) 383-1528 Seedsongfarm.org
Give children the gift of summer fun! Kids ages 4-16 connect with nature through farming, caring for animals, art, and outdoor adventures. Campers foster creativity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship in a supportive, hands-on environment. Flexible weekly registration.
Middle Way School
Saugerties (845) 246-5006 Middlewayschool.org/summer
Middle Way School Summer of Wonder welcomes children ages 4-11 for outdoor adventures and inward exploration. Five incredible weeks feature splashing in the sun, collaborative games, wilderness skills, arts and crafts, meditation, and more! Each week is infused with the Buddhist-based wisdom of awareness, self-centering, confidence, and community-building.
Wheelhouse Creative Education Center
Acra (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.
Woodstock Day School
Saugerties (845) 246-3744 Woodstockdayschool.org/summer-adventure
Summer Adventure 2025 is calling! Kids ages 3-11 can enjoy swimming, art, music, drumming, and nature in a full-day program. Specialty camps for ages 5-18 include Animation, Photography, Ceramics, Media Arts, Rock Jam and Theater. Week-long sessions available between June 30 and August 8.
Curious Jane Camp
Zena Democratic School Kingston (347) 770-0420 Curiousjane.fun
For girls who like to make things, look no further! Programming is two weeks only during August 11-15 and 18-22. Campers can enjoy project-packed themes like Fab Lab, Room Makeover, Craft Party, Carnival, and Toy Design. Choose a week, choose a theme! For girls entering K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-6th grades.
The Art Effect
Poughkeepsie (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!
Zena Recreation Park Summer Camp
Woodstock (845) 679-8098 Zenarec.com
Nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Camp Zena at Zena Rec offers kids in grades K-8 the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and classic summer fun. From June 30th to August 22nd, campers can dive into swimming, perfect their tennis game, and explore the wonders of nature in a warm, welcoming community. Whether they’re splashing in the pool, rallying on the courts, or discovering woodland trails, every day is filled with excitement and friendship. Children will have a summer to remember at Camp Zena—where adventure, learning, and laughter come together under the summer sun!
Olana State Historic Site
Hudson (518) 567-2170 Olana.org/panorama
Dive into Frederic Church’s Olana this summer during PANORAMA: Summer Art + Nature Program. Back for its 16th annual season, The Olana Partnership will offer five weeks of hands-on exploration for children ages 6-11 from July to August. Experience art, science, architecture and nature through sketching, lake exploration, hiking, painting, play, and more, all while meeting new friends and learning from experts. The whole summer focuses on exploring art and nature with special guest visits and creative activities. Each week includes a visit to the historic house. Don’t miss this unforgettable summer adventure!
This article appears in February 2025.
