A Guide to Picking A Local Summer Camp

If this spring school break is any indication of things to come, now may be the time to think about those endless summer days awaiting you and your children.

All kids need unstructured time to play and explore, but for many parents who work full-time, finding a good summer camp program is an essential element of planning for summer.

A good camp program will combine plenty of outdoor sports and play with more organized activities and downtime. While there aren't many options right in the village, within a half hour's drive or less there is an array of options.

If you work in Melville's corporate corridor, many of the summer country day camps in Dix Hills and Huntington could be a convenient choice.

The Art League of Long Island in Dix Hills offers budding artists a full day of classes in drawing, painting, sculpting, and jewelry-making. The Summer Art Adventure program costs $270 per week, for children and teenagers aged 5 through 17. 631-462-5400, ext. 222

For a more traditional day camp experience, the Park Shore Country Day School in Dix Hills receives consistently good reviews from parents. The camp boasts three heated swimming pools, transportation, hot lunch, and an assortment of camp activities including sports, nature, music, dance, ropes course, wall climbing, arts and crafts, and an in-line skate park. The location right near the Long Island Expressway doesn't hurt, either. 

Closer to home, there is a program at Cedar Beach Marina called Sea Explorers Marine Day Camp for children ages 6 to 12. This one-week-long camp session would be perfect for kids who love hands-on scientific exploring, fishing, and the beach. Online registration and information at 

The Great South Bay YMCA in Bay Shore has a variety of programs for kids 3 years old and up. Sports, dance, and general camp programs are available as full-day, half-day, or two and three day a week options. The Y also offers transportation and will be hosting an Open House on April 28th at 7 p.m. 631-665-4255.

Horseback riders ages 8 to 14 can get in a few hours of riding time close to home at Knoll Farm Riding Camp in Brentwood. The program, starting at $80 per day is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

If you have half of a sports team at home, take advantage of the multi-child discount offered by Farmingdale State Soccer Camp. For players aged 6 up to 16 years old, the camp located on the state college campus is a full day of drills, playing, and swimming. Even mini-soccer fiends need a break once in a while.