A camper at Phillies Bridge Farm Project / Photo by Jazmine Langlitz
With summer camps officially in session, look to these local programs for warm-weather fun that touches upon art, music, and outdoor adventures.
With summer camp season in full swing, students across the Hudson Valley are antsy to enjoy the warm weather. After remaining cooped up due to COVID-19, kids can enjoy their vacation time and make new friends at summer camps focused on everything from art and music to horseback riding and farming.
Plus, since some of these camps are virtual, children and teens can play, draw, act, learn, create, and even farm in-person or from the comfort of their own homes.
View this post on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOw94dApTf/
The Art Effect
Poughkeepsie, 845.471.7477
Commuter or virtual
Length: July-August, varies
The Art Effect, held at Dutchess Arts Camp in Poughkeepsie, looks to stimulate creative expression in campers ages 5 to 19. Skill-based painting, sculpting, and mixed media projects will be explored, and all artistic levels are welcome. For teenagers looking to pursue their passion for creating, preparatory classes are also available. Creativity can be expressed anywhere, with programs being offered either in-person or over a virtual platform.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQxOCGlySK/
Bach to Rock
Nanuet, 845.215.9536
Commuter or virtual
Length: End of June to August, daily 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For music lovers or hopeful young rock stars, this program in Nanuet provides campers with helpful instruction to refine their musical talents. Students are matched and taught by experienced musicians based upon their respective skill levels. Each student will play in their own band and, at the end of the program, get their own CD recording. Virtual lessons and online music mini camps are also available throughout the year.
Bridle Hill Farm LLCÂ
Jeffersonville, 845.482.3993
Commuter
Length: July-August, daily
Bridle Hill uses its farm to provide an interactive equestrian experience. Campers can try their hand at riding and caring for a horse and will obtain a sense of what it is like to live on a farm. This daily camp offers three-hour classes, Monday through Friday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlPj3PpZI6/
JL Performance Horses
Poughquag, 845.260.0962
Commuter
Length: End of June – August, daily, weekly, monthly or full-summer sessions
This hands-on horse program caters to children who beg their parents for a pony every year. While riding is a big portion of the camp, instructors at JL Performance Horses teach campers horse responsibilities like stable management, equine nutrition, and some veterinary care, too. Other fun activities include arts and crafts, picnics, and treasure hunts.
View this post on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_r_Pgtnu9T/
Katonah Art Center
Mount Kisco, 914.232.4843
Commuter or virtual
Length: July-August, one-week sessions with half-day, full-day, and extended-day options
Katonah Art Center stimulates artistic creativity with the help of a professional staff and small groups. Campers will participate in drawing, painting, pottery, and even photography activities. A variety of half- and full-day options are available for kids ages 3 to 12, including art and imagination camp, kids’ camp, and teen camp. Virtual camps are also available.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZIOyelzJV/
New Genesis Productions Youth Theater
West Shokan, 845.657.5867
Commuter with virtual sessions in case of rain
Length: June-August, one- to two-week sessions
Rooted in the works of Shakespeare, this theater camp provides children ages 7 to 18 with the opportunity to practice their acting skills. Instructors will provide activities relating to voice training, stage movements, and acting. This summer camp will be held outdoors with occasional virtual activities and study groups.
Phillies Bridges Farm Project
New Paltz, 845.256.9108
Commuter
Length: June-August, one-week sessions (Update: Currently on waitlist status. Check their website for updates on additional sessions)
Campers will love digging their hands in the soil and learning about the importance of sustainable life practices. Each one-week session allows children ages 4.5 to 12 to learn about the aspects of farming through a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) core. This will be accomplished by witnessing farm animals, growing plants, and participating in nature hikes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9-DU3LAXLr/
Renaissance Kids Inc.
Pleasant Valley, 845.452.4225
Commuter
Length: July-August, one-week sessions
This creative learning center offers campers the opportunity to explore their own theatrical abilities while learning new artistic techniques. The weeklong camp is open to kids of all ages and skill levels. Artistic programs include musical theater, Claymation moviemaking, costume design, and music video production. Instrumental classes are also available in August.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBgskkOlbMZ/
Rockland Center for the Arts
West Nyack, 845.358.0877
Commuter
Length: July-August, two week sessions
Rockland Center for the Arts aims to stimulate creativity while developing useful classroom and life skills. Campers ages 4 to 14 can explore a variety of different artistic styles, like painting, ceramics, and sculpting, within the camp’s fully equipped art studio. A large, 10-acre wood with an open field is ideal for fun physical activities, as well as hosting theatrical performances.