Runaway To The Circus

(914) 636-8130; www.mounttomdaycamp.com

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary this summer? Look no further than Mount Tom Day Camp and its Circus Arts Program. Launched last summer, the program was so popular that it’s being expanded to include a few new elements, such as the Spanish Web (an aerial performance) and Rolla Bolla (a balancing act). Beyond Circus Arts, Mount Tom offers a wide variety of activities in performing and creative arts, athletics, swimming, outdoor adventure and nature, and horseback riding. 

Camp Director and owner Doug Volan, who first came to Mount Tom as a camper when he was 8 years old, purchased Mount Tom in 2001. Volan says that while the Circus Arts program has created quite a buzz, it’s not what makes Mount Tom so special. “There isn’t an activity we don’t offer, but learning proficiencies in these activities is secondary to learning the life skills. Instilling these skills [such as taking healthy risks, working in teams] is something that camps do better than schools right now.  Yes, I want my campers to learn to play soccer, but playing soccer is secondary to learning teamwork and learning confidence,” he explains. 

Emotional Growth

 “I can see that my kids grow up emotionally more in those two months [of camp] than they do the whole year in school.” —Gladys, mother of two campers, Mamaroneck

Ages: 3 to 15 Dates: June 27 to August 19 (2-week to 8-week sessions) Fees: From $2,200 (2 weeks) to $6,800 (8 weeks) Transportation: Free