(914) 592-6121; www.elmwooddaycamp.com
If you’ve got a kid who thrives on one-on-one attention and a personal touch (and who doesn’t?), Elmwood Day Camp is ideal. “Small groups ensure that Elmwood campers are connected to each other and their counselors,” says Elmwood Director Hillari Boritz, and this small-group emphasis is
woven throughout all of the camp’s activities—from small-group swimming instruction and athletic programs to visual and performing arts. The adult-to-camper ratio is about 1:5, but personal touch goes beyond the physical size of each group; it’s also about creating a community where children come first. “Caring relationships and a comprehensive activity program are essential to achieve our mission to create a child-centered community,” Boritz explains.
Elmwood opened its doors in 1957 and has maintained its wooded, rustic, small-camp vibe even after undergoing some major renovations, including a brand-new athletics complex, gymnastics pavilion, and playground—all added within the past few years.
In addition to the more traditional areas of focus, such as swimming, athletics, creative and performing arts, and natural play (which is science and nature exploration), Elmwood has a sixth focus area, called team building, which promotes the power of teamwork and the importance of the individual.
A Child-Centered Approach
“Even when I am at camp for only five minutes, I am always amazed by how many happy, energetic, warm, smart people I see, all dedicated to helping kids grow and learn. The positive impact Elmwood has had on all of my children is overwhelming.”—Lisa, mom of four campers, Manhattan
Ages: 3 to entering grade 6 Dates: June 27 to August 18 (4-week to 8-week sessions) Fees: From $5,700 (4 weeks) to $8,600 (8 weeks) Transportation: Free