End-of-Summer Camps and Programs to Keep Kids Busy

Even though summer is wending toward its dog days, there are still plenty of ways to occupy your family throughout the Hudson Valley between now and the new school year. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some fun and educational camps and recreational programs by county that will keep you and/or your children busy till the seasons change. (Click all links below for information on dates, prices, etc.)

Columbia

KJ’s Gymnastics, 3143 Route 9, Valatie, (518) 758-2554

KJ’s is a great place for your children to develop their physical skills in a safe environment while making new friends. There are five different camp options that each last for four weeks, and the program is open to all kindergarteners and 3-7-year-olds.

(Note: Mystery Camp is cancelled.)

No Bummer Summer Day Camp at Flach Gymnastics Academy, 193 Healy Boulevard, Corner Plaza, Hudson, (518) 828-3421

If you’ve got a future acrobat on your hands, the No Bummer Summer Day Camp has everything he or she will love. Circus Week allows children to learn about acrobatics, swinging, juggling, the arts of the circus, and more. Plus, there are arts-and-crafts, games, and prizes for all enrolled. Discounts are available if you register siblings.

Dutchess

Odyssey Teen Camp, 115 Camp Road, Holmes, (845) 239-6882

There are more than 50 different daily activities to choose from at this Holmes hideaway, ranging from creative arts to sports and adventure to music and theater. Some options include yoga, tarot cards, fire walking, drumming, cooking, salsa, and much, much more. Sessions C, E, and F are available for July and August and Odyssey is willing to pick up children at train stations or provide shuttles to and from any New York-area airport. Financial support is also available.

Orange

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall, (845) 534-5506

There are tons of events throughout August at the HHNM that will teach children about plants, flowers, animals, insects, and even space. There are also summer-camp options for different age groups, though only a few weeks are still available. All of the above are great ways to educate your little one about nature while having a blast.

Putnam

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Summer Camp, Haldane Jr. High School, Cold Spring, (845) 809-5750

This Shakespeare Fest-hosted camp provides future thespians ages 8-16 with an opportunity to dabble in the performing arts. There are classes in theatre games, improvisation, acting and vocal production, acting techniques, and more! There is a one-week or two-week program, with discounts offered for siblings and Philipstown residents.

Rockland

Challenger Learning Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont, (845) 357-3416

Airmont’s oasis for would-be astronauts offers several day-camp options, including Incrediflix, where children will create actual adventure movies, as well as Jr. Space Explorers, LEGO-based, Radical Robots, Mad Machines, Crazy Contraptions, and more. Tennis Camp is also offered. Full-day or morning options run through mid-August for children ages 4-19. There are even lacrosse and tennis camps on the premises, and after-care is offered for a fee.

Sullivan

Frost Valley YMCA Day Camp, 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, (845) 985-2291 x383

Talk about a great way to get your children outside and active. Sessions run until late August and prices change by camp choice and session. There are a variety of options that your camper can choose from, including sports, nature, arts, hikes, horseback riding, and more. There’s even a survival-skills camp for the bold.

Various Counties

Mad Science of the Mid-Hudson, Main Contact: 300 Reservoir Road, Goshen, (845) 294-5434

With programs in Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties for any elementary school-aged aspiring scientist scientists, there are both morning and afternoon options, or both! The deadline for their camps is two weeks prior to the start of each session, but you can still sign up after the deadline for an additional $5-$10 fee.

Westchester

Missoula Children’s Theatre Acting Camp, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, (914) 698-3045 x200

For a royal experience, enroll your child in Emelin’s production of The Princess and The Pea, or for a more ethereal option, choose Rapunzel. Acting camp is a week long, with a performance the following Saturday. The primary goal of MCT is to help your children develop life skills by participating in the performing arts, all while having fun.