Let me introduce you to the glitter-dusted, paint-splattered state of New Jersey, a land brimming with colors so vibrant, it makes even the rainbow look like a black and white rerun! The Garden State, as it's fondly called, is a canvas to countless kids who love to dive headfirst into the flamboyant world of Arts & Crafts. Meet our imaginary character, Doodle McDazzle, a funny, googly-eyed, paintbrush-wielding critter, who hops around the city, leaving a trail of creativity wherever he goes. Doodle lives in the bustling heart of New Jersey, in a house made of Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and a roof of felt paper. In the morning, he brushes his teeth with glitter toothpaste, uses a comb made of colored pencils, and eats a breakfast of crayon croissants! The children of New Jersey are just as creative as Doodle McDazzle. Armed with tubes of glue, paint pots, and a limitless imagination, they are little wizards, transforming everyday objects into magnificent art. They can turn a simple rock into a cuddly pet, a toilet paper roll into a super telescope, or even a shoebox into a spectacular spaceship! The spirit of New Jersey thrives in these young artists, their hands as busy as honey bees, their minds buzzing with creative energy. They paint the town, quite literally, with their imagination, their laughter echoing in the air. For they believe, as Doodle McDazzle often says, "Art and Crafts isn’t just about making things, it's about making things FUN!" And that's the colorful, crafty, and wonderfully wacky world of Art & Crafts in New Jersey!
Read morebest art-crafts programs in Fort Lee, NJ
Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!
At Camp Coconuts, we believe in providing a life-changing experience for children during the summer. Our summer camp environment focuses on helping children learn new skills, build meaningful relationships, and take on exciting adventures. All these activities help kids develop physically, emotionally, and socially. We strive to create an atmosphere that is encouraging, fun, and dedicated to personal growth. At Camp Coconuts, we’re passionate about summer camp and making sure kids have the best experience possible. We know that the memories and friendships they make during their time here will last a lifetime. We are committed to helping children make the most out of their summer and have an incredible time in the process. We are grateful for your support and we look forward to an unforgettable summer at Camp Coconuts! We promise that your child will come home with a new outlook on life and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from having a summer full of fun and adventure.
At Camp By The Sea, we understand that parents are entrusting us with their children and want the best for them. Our program emphasizes respect, responsibility, and physical activity which will help children grow socially and emotionally. We provide our campers with a wide variety of activities including arts and crafts, archery, sports, and swimming. Our campers also enjoy field trips to the zoo, museums, and more. We have something for everyone and our goal is to ensure that each camper has an unforgettable summer experience.
At Jeff Lake Day Camp, your child can enjoy the summer with a range of exciting activities. Located in picturesque Sussex County, New Jersey, the camp offers 350 acres of space for exploration and learning. The lake is a key feature of the camp, with a range of activities including an inflatable playground, fishing, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats and row boats. Sports fans will be thrilled by the tennis courts, ropes & climbing courses, and sports fields. For those who prefer a more creative approach, there are dance & gymnastics classes, science, art & pottery studios. Finally, the 5 heated pools at Jeff Lake Day Camp are perfect for parents who want their kids to cool off on a hot summer day. With so many activities and facilities available, Jeff Lake Day Camp offers a unique and unforgettable summer experience for your child. Whether they want to explore the lake, hone their creative skills, or work on their sports technique, they will find something to enjoy in this exciting and creative environment.
Does your child love to explore, play, and create? At Camp STAR at Hillsborough YMCA, we have something for every kind of child! Our traditional multi-activity camp offers a mix and match of camp options for kids entering Kindergarten through 10th grade in September. Choose from traditional, arts, STEM, and sports camps to create the perfect camp experience your child will love. At Camp STAR at Hillsborough YMCA, we understand that you want the best for your child. That’s why we’re the nation’s largest nonprofit child care provider – so you can feel confident knowing your camper is getting a quality day camp experience. With our wide variety of camp options, you can find the perfect camp to suit your child’s individual interests and needs. At Camp STAR at Hillsborough YMCA, we offer something for every kind of child at every age. Our mix and match of traditional, arts, STEM, and sports camp options provide the perfect opportunity for your child to explore, play, and create. With our commitment to provide quality day camp experiences, you can trust that your camper will have an unforgettable and safe summer camp experience.
Atlantic Club is the perfect environment for your child to explore, discover, and grow! At the Atlantic Club, we are committed to providing your child with the best summer camp experience possible. Our 44 acre campus offers a variety of activities, including an Olympic size swimming pool, 2 tennis centers, a turf center, a baseball field, soccer fields, and bike trails. Our 24,000 square ft. air conditioned Fieldhouse is the perfect place for your child to make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Our experienced staff of counselors and coaches ensure a safe and fun environment for your child. Our team consists of teachers, students, and graduate students pursuing degrees in Elementary Education, Physical Education, Child Psychology, Social Work, The Arts, Drama, and other child-related studies. Our commitment to safety and dynamic programs allow your child to explore, discover, and grow in a positive atmosphere. The Atlantic Club is rated one of the best Summer Camps in Monmouth County and at the Jersey Shore for children age 2 through 17. We are dedicated to providing your child with the best summer camp experience. Our unique programs and emphasis on safety guarantee your child will have a summer full of fun and lasting memories.
Camp Blue Star, Hamilton Township Schools Community Education Department's summer day camp, is excited to announce the addition of exciting new technology that will appeal to tech-savvy campers! Imagine the fun that your child can have in the Wii Lab, with ten Nintendo Wii gaming systems, ten 32-inch flat screen video monitors, and ten Wii Fit accessory modules. This virtual reality technology encourages children to stay active while having a great time! If your child loves technology, Camp Blue Star is the perfect summer day camp for them! Hamilton Township Schools Community Education Department has outdone themselves with the introduction of the Wii Lab. This lab is full of ten Nintendo Wii gaming systems, ten 32-inch flat screen video monitors, and ten Wii Fit accessory modules. With this virtual reality technology, your child can have a blast while getting their daily dose of physical activity. Camp Blue Star is the perfect summer day camp for tech-savvy kids looking for a fun and active experience. Hamilton Township Schools Community Education Department has added the Wii Lab, complete with ten Nintendo Wii gaming systems, ten 32-inch flat screen video monitors, and ten Wii Fit accessory modules. Your child will have a blast and stay active with this virtual reality technology!
At The Connection’s summer camp, your child will have an unforgettable summer experience. Our goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment where campers can learn, grow, and form lasting friendships. Through recreational and educational activities, your child will gain self-confidence, learn to work together with others, and acquire a wealth of new knowledge and experiences. Our campers have the unique opportunity to explore the outdoors, discover new interests, and make lasting memories. Whether playing a game of tag or participating in an educational program, your child will build confidence and learn valuable life skills. The Connection’s summer camp has something for everyone. Our campers are encouraged to express themselves, be creative, and find their own unique talents. With our dedicated staff, campers are sure to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
At GSB Summer Camp, we believe in the power of play, exploration, and social connection. Our campers come from all over the region and build lasting friendships. With meaningful activities that fit their individual interests, our campers have the opportunity to explore new passions, discover new interests, and develop a sense of independence. From archery and sports to art and music, there’s something for everyone to experience. We understand the importance of safety and strive to provide our campers with a safe and secure environment. We’re proud of our staff for creating an atmosphere of trust and respect, while encouraging our campers to have a great time. With certified lifeguards, our age-appropriate experiences are designed to help foster a love of learning and a passion for the outdoors. At GSB Summer Camp, we are committed to providing preschoolers to eighth-graders with a unique summer camp experience. Our programs are designed to help campers gain confidence, build social skills, and make lifelong memories in the great outdoors. From exciting activities and new experiences to lifelong friendships, our campers will have an experience they won’t forget.
Do you want to give your child a summer experience they’ll never forget? Fairview Lake YMCA Camps can provide just that! Nestled in the beautiful Lake in New Jersey, our sleepaway camp is a picturesque setting for a summer of fun. We offer an array of options for your child to choose from, no matter their skill set, interest, or personality. Canoeing on the glistening lake, participating in competitive sports tournaments, the possibilities are endless! At Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, we are committed to creating an environment where your child can thrive. With engaging activities and an experienced staff, our camps are designed to help children excel in a safe and supportive setting. Your child can make friends, build relationships, and develop new skills that will serve them well into adulthood. We are proud to be an accredited sleepaway camp, and we invite you to learn more about our summer camp options. With a variety of activities and programs available, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your child! Invest in their future and give them the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps.
For over 175 years, the Y has been dedicated to the global mission of ensuring everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, has access to the resources, relationships and opportunities needed to learn, grow and thrive. Bringing together people of all backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y works to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we strive to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all. We offer programs for kids, adults, teens and seniors to engage in physical activity, build relationships and learn new skills. With nearly 30,000 members, the Y is here to help you grow, connect and thrive.
Send your kids off to camp with peace of mind, knowing they'll be transported to and from camp in comfort and safety. Our qualified bus driver and counselor will pick up your camper right at your door or at a centralized stop. Our air-conditioned buses are equipped with seat belts and provide a safe traveling environment for all. And with our flexible transportation operations, life is made simple for families.
for the camp season. Neil Klatskin Day Camps at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is the perfect place for children to have a ton of fun while growing and maturing in a communal setting. Kids get to challenge their bodies, minds and imaginations while learning the importance of cooperation and communication with others. Not to mention, they get to strengthen their Jewish identity! The staff at NKDC are dedicated to helping children become more self-aware and gain self-esteem as they navigate the ever-changing world around them. The camp sets a positive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages campers to reach the highest standards and goals of the camp season. At Neil Klatskin Day Camps, children get to make lifelong memories, gain important life skills and grow in a safe and supportive environment. It is the perfect place for a child to have fun, learn and grow!
Parents, if you're looking for an outdoor experience that will help enrich and enhance your family's lives, look no further than our beautiful camp property in Medford, New Jersey. Located on more than 800 acres in the heart of the South Jersey Pinelands, our camp is just a half hour from Philadelphia and less than two hours from New York City. We provide year-round access to nature, adventure, environmental education, and fun through our top-notch summer camps (both overnight and co-ed day camp), our state-of-the-art Outdoor Center (challenge course, zipline, high and low rope elements, etc.), our weekend retreats, our wilderness trips, and our full schedule of family friendly programs. At our camp, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors with your family in a safe and secure environment. Whether it's activities like challenge courses, ziplining, and high and low rope elements in our Outdoor Center, or more traditional camp activities like swimming and archery, our wide selection of programs and activities will ensure there's something enjoyable for everyone. We invite you to come and experience the magic of our camp property today. We guarantee you won't regret it! With a variety of activities and programs available year-round, our camp property in Medford, New Jersey is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy nature with your family.
At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we provide programs and services designed to promote health and wellness for all ages. Our commitment to the community extends beyond our services to include partnerships and collaborations, as well as advocacy for issues affecting our community. We strive to create an atmosphere of inclusion and acceptance for everyone. Our Christian values guide us in our mission to help all people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for all who walk through our doors. Our commitment to caring, honesty, respect and responsibility drive us to offer programs that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we are proud to be a part of this vibrant community. We invite you to join us and experience the positive impact that comes from being part of a community that values acceptance, inclusion and respect. Let's work together to create a better, healthier tomorrow for everyone.
At Camp Yachad, we understand the importance of a traditional camp experience. Located conveniently on our campsite next to the JCC, our campers and staff can look forward to making lifelong friendships and creating unforgettable memories. Furthermore, our campers will gain invaluable confidence and life-skills that will last them their entire lifetime! But Camp Yachad is not only about traditional camp experiences. We are proud to offer our campers an unparalleled travel program. With our travel program, our campers can explore new places, try new activities, and make new friends. Through our travel program, our campers can broaden their horizons and experience the world in a safe and exciting way. At Camp Yachad, we believe that each summer experience should be unique and unforgettable. Through our traditional camp activities, our campers will learn how to make strong friendships, create lasting memories, and gain important life-skills. Along with our traditional camp experience, our travel program allows campers to explore and discover the world around them in an exciting and safe way. So, if you’re looking for a summer experience that is both fun and educational, then Camp Yachad is the perfect spot for you!
Eagle’s Landing is back for another amazing summer! We’re proud to welcome campers from Central New Jersey and beyond and are now enrolling for the summer of 2023. Whether you’re a returning family or new to our camp, our staff is here to answer any questions and ensure that your camper has the best summer experience possible. We invite you to stop by the camp anytime, we love visitors! This summer promises to be extra special at Eagle’s Landing. We have an exciting lineup of activities, events, and programs that will create memories that will last a lifetime. Our friendly staff will be on hand to help make sure that your camper has the best summer experience possible. Ready to get started? Give us a call or stop by the camp. We look forward to seeing you soon! At Eagle’s Landing, we strive to create a safe and fun environment for our campers, where they can make lifelong friends and enjoy outdoor activities. We’d love to have you join us this summer! Our camp office is open and ready to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to give us a call or stop by the camp for a visit. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Eagle’s Landing family!
Camp Auxilium continues to serve local youth today. The Salesian Sisters of St.John Bosco have expanded its mission to include outdoor education, arts, spiritual formation and sports. The camp now offers a variety of activities for campers to enjoy and each day begins with a reflection led by a staff member. Campers can choose from a variety of activities that include swimming, canoeing, archery, team sports, and arts and crafts. Camp Auxilium has something for everyone and continues to provide a safe and fun environment for all campers.
At Trail Blazers, we recognize that with the right environment, all youth have the potential to learn, grow, and thrive. We are proud to create a safe space where children of all backgrounds and ages can foster relationships and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. We have created a wide range of activities and programs that are designed to inspire, engage, and challenge our youth. Through our hands-on outdoor experiences, we strive to empower our participants with the skills and confidence to take on the world. Our programs are tailored to each individual and provide unique opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn about the environment, and build relationships. We provide a platform for youth to develop the courage and commitment to become the next generation of Trail Blazers.
At Pingry Summer Camp, we encourage campers to demonstrate this same commitment to honor as they explore new activities and challenges. We want to ensure that our campers approach each day with curiosity, openness, dedication, and enthusiasm. With these four qualities in mind, we can ensure that our campers will make the most of their summer and take away valuable lessons that they can apply to their everyday lives.
Mercedes has a deep-seated love for horses that has followed her for her entire life. She started riding in her homeland of Argentina and has continued to do so wherever her travels have taken her. Now, her aim for River Edge is to create a peaceful space for horses where they will be provided with exceptional care and management. At River Edge, riders will have the opportunity to work with horses and learn how to ride in a natural and supportive environment. They'll be able to practice the art of tacking up, grooming, and more, all while gaining a deeper understanding of horses. With Mercedes' passion for horses and her drive to provide the best care for them, River Edge is sure to be a paradise for both horses and riders alike.
At Camp Apogee (ages 5-12), parents can rest assured that their children are having an enriching and fun-filled summer. Kids can explore integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math challenges each morning at Hilltop and then head to the Lake Mohawk Pool for outdoor activities in the afternoon. Through this unique combination of activities, they can learn new skills and stay active and engaged all summer long! Parents in Sussex County can now send their kids to a camp unlike any other. Camp Apogee, in collaboration with Hilltop and the Lake Mohawk Pool, offers a unique blend of S.T.E.M. enrichment activities and traditional summer camp offerings all in one day. Kids can start the day with integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math challenges and then spend the afternoon swimming, playing sports, and participating in other outdoor activities. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged, active, and learning all summer long!
The YMCA of East Brunswick is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children and families. We maintain high standards and strive to make sure members and guests feel at home. We are dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the YMCA of East Brunswick, we are dedicated to helping children and families grow and thrive. Our 144 Tices Lane, East Brunswick facility offers a state-of-the-art fitness center with membership and wellness programs that include personal training and group exercise classes. We are also proud to offer a state-licensed child care facility with a variety of programs that support the great tradition of the YMCA. These include preschool, after school care, school age child care, infant and toddler day care, summer camp, day camp, swim lessons, swim team, youth sports, and more. At the YMCA of East Brunswick, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment where members and guests feel at home. We strive to maintain high standards and are dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
At Star Lake summer camp, campers can make lasting memories and gain a unique connection with nature. The Salvation Army has been providing this camp experience to children from the Greater New York area since 1923, giving thousands of youngsters the opportunity to explore the 400-acre property in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. Here, kids can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming and fishing in the three lakes and two waterfalls. Star Lake camp offers the chance for children to have a meaningful and fun vacation. Programs are tailored to provide campers with a sense of worship and reverence, as well as to help them discover their place in a larger world. Through these activities, children can gain confidence, learn new skills and form lifelong friendships. The Salvation Army has been providing joy and adventure to kids at Star Lake summer camp for nearly a century. With its stunning natural beauty, campers can be sure to come away with incredible memories and experiences that will stay with them for years to come.
At Johnsonburg, your child can expect all the fun of a traditional summer camp – from arts and crafts to swimming and sports – combined with a unique, enriching experience. With a range of activities and outdoor adventures, our campers will make memories that will last a lifetime. Our experienced counselors provide a safe and nurturing environment, giving campers the opportunity to explore, push their boundaries and grow their confidence. From the moment they arrive, our campers will feel the excitement and camaraderie that makes Johnsonburg one of the best summer camps in New Jersey.
At JCC Camps at Medford, your child can have the ultimate summer experience. Our American Camp Association (ACA) accredited and award-winning Southern New Jersey day camp offers a wide range of activities for children ages 3-14. Located in the beautiful New Jersey Pinelands, our campgrounds are the perfect place to explore and have fun. Take to the skies and explore our spectacular campgrounds. Our experienced camp staff will ensure that your child has the best summer ever. With a wide range of activities, both on and off the campgrounds, your child can explore, play, and learn. From swimming and fishing in the lake to arts and crafts, our camp has something for everyone. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your child’s summer extra special. Come and join us at JCC Camps at Medford and give them the ultimate summer experience!
At YWCA Northern New Jersey, our commitment to empowering women and girls is stronger than ever. Since our founding in 1919, we have been a leader in the fight against gender and racial discrimination, and we remain the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Our programs and services are tailored to meet the needs of our diverse communities, with a range of healingSPACE initiatives, anti-racism training, policy advocacy, and more. YWCA Northern New Jersey also provides essential child care services and senior wellness programs in the northern part of the state. We have recently extended our reach into Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, and Passaic County, while continuing our deep commitment to the Bergen County community where we began our mission nearly a century ago. No matter the location, YWCA Northern New Jersey strives to create more just and inclusive communities each and every day. We work diligently to provide support and resources to empower women and girls, improve the lives of seniors, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the same rights and privileges no matter their background.
Camp Linwood MacDonald is the perfect place to explore new opportunities, cultivate meaningful relationships, and discover the power of outdoor adventure and learning. Each summer, we welcome thousands of campers of all ages and interests, from all walks of life. Our family-oriented programming is designed to provide campers with experiences that will last a lifetime. Our variety of summer sleepaway camps, retreats, and special events, as well as school and youth group programs and gatherings, offer something for everyone. From fishing to swimming, horseback riding to archery, and more, we make sure to provide engaging activities that appeal to campers of all ages and interests. Plus, our beautiful 200+ acre property provides a stunning backdrop for our programs.
At Camp Riverbend, we believe in building confidence, not competition. Our philosophy is to honor each camper’s individual talents and efforts. We create an atmosphere of self-discovery and exploration, where every child can be their authentic self and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. It’s our mission to encourage every camper to take part in all activities – no matter how small or large the achievement may be. From a camper’s first at-bat to a grand-slam home run, we applaud every milestone along the way. Camp Riverbend is a special place where each camper can feel empowered and celebrated. Our goal is to help every child find their inner confidence and grow in a fun and positive way.
At Seashore Day Camp, your children will have the best summer of their lives! Our highly trained and experienced counselors strive to make every summer memorable. Our unique program offers sports, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, drama, music and so much more. We offer both half-day and full-day programs for campers 3 to 15, and our extended-care hours make it easy for working parents. For 95 years, Seashore Day Camp has been providing area families with terrific programs and conveniences like door-to-door transportation and extended-care services, and this has earned us a Parents’ Pick and the 2020 Most Loved All Around Day Camp award. Our unique program offers a variety of activities, including sports, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, drama, and music. Parents, grandparents, students, campers, and alumni have all had positive experiences at Seashore and are happy to share their stories on our testimonial page. With half-day and full-day programs available for campers 3 to 15, Seashore Day Camp provides an unforgettable summer for kids and peace of mind for parents.
At Tall Pines Day Camp Inchope, campers get to experience the summertime to the fullest. Kids can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities from basketball and gaga to swimming, soccer, and miniature golf. Our camp strives to create a fun and positive work atmosphere, which is why our staff return rate is 90 percent, well above the national average of 50 percent. Each summer, we hire approximately 375 staff members to ensure a great experience for all our campers. At Tall Pines Day Camp Inchope, we are dedicated to providing campers with an unforgettable summer experience. Our campers can enjoy a balanced selection of activities, from basketball and gaga to swimming, soccer, and miniature golf. We prioritize creating a positive and inviting work atmosphere, which is why our staff return rate is 90 percent, far exceeding the national average of 50 percent. Every summer, we hire approximately 375 staff members to help make the camp experience as enjoyable as possible. Tall Pines Day Camp Inchope is the perfect place for kids to make lifelong memories. Our campers can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities while maintaining a balance between physical activities and fun. We’re proud to create a work atmosphere where our staff return each year, with our return rate at 90 percent, much higher than the national average of 50 percent. Each summer, we employ around 375 staff members to provide a great camp experience for all.
At JCC Abrams Camps, campers learn valuable skills, discover their Jewish identity and develop a lifelong love of Jewish culture and learning. JCC Abrams Camps offers a unique environment where campers can explore and grow. Our positive role models provide guidance and support that help campers develop their own values and sense of self. Campers learn to be kind and compassionate, to try new things and to take risks. Our campers are surrounded by a nurturing environment that promotes creativity, personal growth and powerful bonds of friendship. At JCC Abrams Camps, campers experience adventure, growth and fun in a safe, supportive and Jewish-centered environment. Through a variety of activities such as swimming, music, art and dance, our campers build lasting memories and friendships. We are committed to creating an atmosphere of inclusion and mutual respect, where campers can explore Jewish values, develop their identity and grow in a meaningful way.
With so many different kinds of camps out there, it can be hard to know what to choose. Day Camp Sunshine is an ideal option for parents who want to provide their children with a safe and enriching experience. We offer an exciting, well-rounded program for kids that connects them with transformative experiences for their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, relational and personal growth. At Day Camp Sunshine, we value creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests and their families. We know that a positive camp experience can shape how a child sees themselves and the world around them – that’s why we strive to make sure that DCS is “camp the way it should be.” Parents have told us that DCS is just that, and it’s something we’re proud of. For parents looking for a safe and educational camp experience for their children, Day Camp Sunshine is a great option. We offer a wide range of activities and experiences designed to give kids the opportunity to learn, grow and have fun in a secure environment. Our goal is to ensure that all our guests and their families have a positive experience that helps them encounter God’s transformational love.
Rising Treetops at Oakhurst started as a place for children to enjoy fresh air and spend the summer away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Established in 1906 as The Crippled Children's East Side Free School in Lower East Side of Manhattan, the summer home was the first of its kind dedicated to providing respite for those with physical disabilities. It was a simple place with a dormitory for boys and girls, cots to sleep on, and an infirmary. In 1946, the organization was renamed New York Service for the Orthopedically Handicapped and began its pilot pre-school program for children with cerebral palsy. The program was designed to be an intensive one, incorporating physical and speech therapy into the curriculum. The success of the program was such that in 1952, the Board of Education adopted it in its entirety. This program went on to become a model for other pre-schools and special education programs. Today, Rising Treetops at Oakhurst is a vibrant and accessible space for children with physical disabilities. It offers a range of activities and therapies designed to empower young ones and give them the confidence they need to thrive in their everyday life.
At Camp Merrywood, pre-teens and teens have the opportunity to socialize, explore, and grow in an outdoor environment. With 68 acres of outdoor playground, campers can enjoy activities such as kayaking, zip lining, archery, arts & crafts, and science activities. Camp Merrywood is the perfect place for your child to make new friends, learn, and try something new. Whether you choose to enroll them for a week or the whole summer long, your child can enjoy a safe and nurturing atmosphere while developing their social, creative, and physical skills.