camp Harbor programs

To keep our PreK through 1st Grade campers from falling behind over the summer, additional time is scheduled to work on fun age appropriate school related skills including shapes and colors, the alphabet, reading, writing, and math.

In Arts & Crafts, campers join our art teacher for fun, hands-on lessons that build real skills in painting, sculpting, drawing, etching, and coloring. Campers also complete exciting, theme-based projects centered on camp adventures, as well as independent creations for extra fun and creativity.

Athletics serve a crucial role in the education and development of every child. Camp Harbor’s athletic program focuses on age-appropriate physical education activities in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Campers participate in obstacle courses, movement-based challenges, and group games designed to promote strength, coordination, teamwork, and overall physical development. Throughout the day, activities are intentionally planned to keep campers active, engaged, and building healthy movement habits.

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) is offered to campers entering grade 10 only, in September. It is an exciting option for teens interested in working as camp counselors in the years ahead.

Those in the CIT Program are enrolled in Red Cross Babysitter, CPR, and First Aid workshops on-site. When not in a workshop/training, CITs will assist the Lead Teachers and Counselors in their assigned camp group. They will rotate between all age groups from PK-5th grade. All participants will meet daily with the CIT Coordinator to discuss their camp experiences and future strategies for working with children. In addition to job-specific training, CITs also learn about general job-related skills.

In addition, CITs will also engage in social community building, facilitation of events, peer-led leadership opportunities, and other hands-on experiences that help develop confidence, responsibility, and foundational counselor-in-training skills.

The Jeremy Andrews CIT Scholarship was created in loving memory of former Camp Harbor Counselor-in-Training, Jeremy Andrews, whose time with us left an enduring mark on our community. Jeremy embodied the heart of Camp Harbor—curiosity, compassion, and quiet strength—and it was here that he truly bloomed. This scholarship honors his legacy by providing aspiring Counselors-in-Training the opportunity to grow as leaders and role models within a supportive, inclusive environment. Each year, selected recipients will receive three weeks of CIT tuition at no cost, awarded through a short reflective essay focused on leadership, empathy, and personal growth. In celebrating Jeremy’s light, this scholarship also amplifies our shared commitment to mental health awareness, resilience, and the transformative power of community. Through this initiative, Jeremy’s spirit continues to guide and inspire future generations of campers to believe in themselves and lift others along the way.

Information for this can be found by clicking the forms tab at the top of the page.

Click here for the CIT Scholarship form.

Our Music Teacher encourages campers to dance, sing, and play simple instruments in an energetic and welcoming environment. Music activities are filled with new, fun songs alongside classic camp favorites that many campers will recognize. The focus is on building basic musical foundations and introducing elements of music all while having a great time and fostering a love of music.

Our nature program makes science exciting by fanning the fire of curiosity and exploration in every child. Campers engage in hands-on learning through wildlife observation and dissection, STEAM-based projects, and interactive experiments that bring scientific concepts to life. Activities encourage campers to explore the world around them—whether investigating our campus environment or participating in lessons inspired by ecosystems and locations beyond camp. Through these experiences, campers gain exposure to a wide range of scientific fields.

Our pool staff is comprised of an Aquatics Director, and a team of Red Cross-Certified Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Full day campers enjoy two swim sessions each day, a morning instructional swim and an afternoon free swim. Swim levels are decided by swim assessments, and lessons include everything from blowing bubbles for preschoolers to the Butterfly in our advanced swim groups.

Off-campus trips for campers in grades 6–9 are scheduled weekly and provide opportunities to explore a variety of venues across Long Island, ensuring an active and engaging summer of travel. These trips offer campers exciting experiences outside of camp while encouraging independence, social connection, and exploration. All destinations can be found on the 6/9 calendar.

Academic workshops such as our kindergarten readiness, English language arts (ELA), and math workshops are specifically designed to work with students entering Kindergarten through 9th grade. Summer is a great time to ensure success in the fall!

Athletic workshops work in small groups and train campers on the fundamentals and keys to success. Camp Harbor coaches work to instill a spirit of teamwork while at the same time working on individual skills on the court or field.

Culinary activities give campers the opportunity to explore cooking skills in a fun and hands-on way. As campers follow recipes, practice kitchen safety, and work together to create tasty treats, they naturally tap into elements of science, math, and art through measuring, observing changes, and presenting their creations. These activities build confidence, independence, and teamwork—while allowing campers to enjoy the delicious results of their efforts.

Kindergarten readiness is available to campers who are enrolled in the kindergarten mini and full-day program. This is the only workshop available to this age group and is offered for 6 weeks, beginning at week 2 and ending at week 7. 

Music and fine arts activities go beyond traditional camp music and arts and crafts experiences. Campers engage in creative self-expression through guided art projects that encourage imagination, skill-building, and confidence. Alongside visual arts, music activities allow campers to explore rhythm, sound, and basic music concepts through hands-on experiences with instruments, movement, and collaborative music-making in a fun and supportive environment.

Science and technology workshops provide campers with opportunities to explore their curiosity, think critically, and build skills related to the modern world. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, campers become more tech-savvy while engaging in problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking. Science and technology-based activities and workshops allow campers to foster confidence and innovation in a supportive learning environment.