Choosing The Best On Long Island's Summer Camps

Summer on Long Island isn't a season; it's a vibe. When the beaches fill up and the smell of backyard barbecues wafts through the air, families get ready for one of summer's most important decisions: which camp to send the kids to. From art workshops to high-tech STEM camps, Long Island has something for every budding athlete, artist, or adventurer. Herein follows your ultimate guide to navigating the summer camp scene and picking the best one for your family.

1. Let Your Child's Interests Lead the Way

Every child has his thing-sports, science, singing their heart out to Broadway hits. Long Island's summer camps have got all these and many more bases covered. For the sports enthusiast, camps such as Future Stars or Coastal Sports can offer professional coaching in everything from soccer and basketball to the more niche sport of fencing. The Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts could be a place for those more creatively inclined children, who will find something to keep them occupied between painting, theater, or even digital design. Got a child hooked to the screen? Places like iD Tech at Stony Brook University offer everything from coding and robotics to game design. Pro tip: the more your child loves the activity, the fewer mid-week meltdowns you'll have to handle.

2. Day Camp vs. Sleepaway Camp: What's the Right Fit?

Day camps are great for younger kids, or kids not quite ready to pack up and head out for the week.

Some offer quite conventional - as in, pretty fun - filled days, structure, and activity variety: things like swimming, crafts, or team sports, aside from the norm at Crestwood Day Camp in Melville to Ivy League Day Camp in Smithtown. To the other polar extreme, an overnight camp-the more intense one like at Camp DeWolfe or YMCA network-presents the building and shaping of independence by older kids where inseparable friends are obtained, and just maybe a shot at experiencing being detached from Wi-Fi for a full week.

Consider your child's maturity and comfort zone when deciding.

3. Check the Credentials and Safety Standards

Safety is so much more than the first priority. Camps accredited under the American Camp Association or licensed to operate by each state's departments of health serve as great beginnings. Find information regarding counselor/camper ratio, training rules for the counselors, and how such emergency situations must be dealt with at hand. Furthermore, most accomplished camps on Long Island provide more than they are expected concerning being up to expectations for safety-a great example serving as Driftwood Day Camp.

A quick tour of the camp's facilities will also give you peace of mind-and if the director gets squirmy answering questions, take that as your cue to look elsewhere.

4. Location, Location, Location

Long Island's geography means you're never far away from stunning camp settings. From the rolling greenery at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches to the ocean views at Camp W in Melville, it's all about setting the tone. Proximity makes a big difference since a long ride can become more of an endurance test than a fun, summer experience for parent and child. Factor in your transportation options as well; for some camps, door-to-door bus service is another blessing on crazily busy mornings.

5. Beyond the Basics Activities

Long gone are the days when camp meant arts and crafts and Capture the Flag. Think specialized programs in everything from 3D printing and drone racing to yoga and culinary arts. Other camps, like Driftwood Day Camp, offer all-around schedules that balance activities and free play so that no child is ever bored. If your child is the kind of kid who likes a little bit of this and a little bit of that, find a camp that offers an assortment of some traditional and modern activities.

6. Culture and Values Matter

Each has its special culture, be it about teamwork and leadership, developing new skills, or all about creativity. For instance, Driftwood Day Camp is more into community building, whereas Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts focuses on self-expression. Therefore, ask the director to describe the philosophy of the camp and how it fits your family's values. It is not all about activities; it is about character and confidence.

7. Flexibility and Inclusivity

If your child requires special needs accommodations-from dietary restriction to learning differences-getting them into the right camp could be a balancing act. Quite a few of the Long Island camps have outstanding inclusion programs that help kids; Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is one very special camp well-versed in trying to provide experiences for children who have special needs. When you speak directly with the camp director or staff members, make it a point to bring up very clearly what this child needs specifically.

8. Budgeting for Summer Fun

Camps can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per week, so it's best to have a budget in mind right from the start. Don't forget to factor in the hidden costs of registration fees, supplies, or optional extras. Many camps offer discounts for early birds, siblings, or scholarship opportunities to make their programs more inclusive. Don't let a price tag scare you; a good camp is an investment in your child's development and well-being.

9. Reviews and Word of Mouth 

Ask other parents in your area, join your local Facebook groups, or even scroll to read reviews online. Firsthand accounts can give a better sense of what to really expect. For example, highly-regarded camps such as Crestwood or Usdan have loyal parent followings who absolutely gush about the programs. Bonus points if the camp's social media is full of actual happy, participatory kids-not posed promotional shots.

10. Make It a Family Decision 

Get your child on board. Allow them to watch videos about camp, flip through brochures together, or attend open house events with them so they can feel like they're part of the decision. The more excited they are about the choice, the easier those first-day drop-offs will go. And there's nothing quite like "I can't wait to go back tomorrow!" at the end of the day.

The big choice of summer camp on Long Island is about fun, safety, and catering to your child's interests. With as many options as there are diversions on the island, there's a perfect camp out there for every kid.

Ready to Make This Summer Unforgettable?
Finding the right summer camp can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re new to Long Island or a lifelong resident, I’m here to help guide you through all the amazing options our community has to offer.

📞 Call me at 516-984-3286
📧 Email me at Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com
🌐 Visit TheBeaconTeam.com

Let’s make this summer one to remember for your family!