Those wondering how to fill the time for what can seem like an endless break have plenty of creative options. Kids who can’t get enough of movies should head to Pelham’s Picture House Regional Film Center, where they offer a unique week-long camp perfect for almost any child with a love for film.
Taking place at The Picture House’s Bronxville campus from February 17-21, the camp is aimed at kids from kindergarten to fifth grade and costs $500 per student, $400 for Picture House members. Participants in the winter camp will generate an idea for a new feature film as they learn about acting, character development, film genre, directing, and camera work. By the end of the course, they create a finished trailer that will be posted to The Picture House’s YouTube channel, along with the campers’ names in the credits.
The camp gives kids who might normally be glued to screens all week a chance to express themselves. “Everybody’s looking at Facebook, television, and streaming. Kids can just consume all day and never create, which breaks my heart because everybody has a story and everybody has a vision,” says Clayton Bushong, executive director of The Picture House. “I think it’s so important that we bring these kids in and say, ‘What do you have to say?’”
If your child loves science, technology, engineering, or math, then Scarsdale’s iCamp is an ideal place for them to hone their STEAM skills over the break. Young innovators are encouraged to improve their strengths and develop new abilities as they program a robot and build circuits and structures, all aimed at offering them prime opportunities to learn. The Scarsdale camp runs from February 17 to 21 and costs $159 per day.
Also running from February 17 to 21 (cost is $595), Artistree Performing Arts’ February Break Camp in Mamaroneck is ideal for those with a little performer in the house. Let your child hone his or her stage skills at the camp’s programs for children from kindergarten to first grade, grades two to three, and grades four to nine. This year’s theme is Taylor Swift, with a host of Swiftie-inspired educational and play activities, as well as a performance that kids hold at the end of the week.
Maybe your child is just looking for a fun way to while away the days? In that case, try Shake It Off’s February Mini Camp. The Scarsdale company’s general enrichment program is aimed at kids from 3 to 8 years old with a packed schedule of dancing, imaginative play, bounce time, arts and crafts activities, and more. Just FYI, all kids must be potty-trained. The camp costs $375 for the week, or $75 per day, and runs February 17 to 23.
Related: The Treehouse Play Place Is a Fun Space for Kids in Larchmont
