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Camp Central
At Central Synagogue
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About Camp Central
Camp Central is a day camp for preschool aged children that provides a variety of opportunities for discovery and growth. Under the warm, nurturing care of our experienced counselors, children will engage in a multi-sensory exploration of teva (nature), waterplay, science, art, movement, cooking, and music. We celebrate Shabbat and learn Jewish values as children deepen their connection to their Jewish identity. Each week is brimming with special guests, theme days, and unique programs that bring a taste of big-kid day camp to our community house. Through our commitment to community-building and creating a safe space for all children, our seven-week long program promotes independence and self-esteem as they plant the seeds to long-lasting friendships.
Learn more in our Camp Central FAQs below.
Dates
Registration Opens on November 1
Camp Central Full Day
Member: $900/week
Non-Member: $975/week
Camp Central Half Day
Member: $760/week
Non-Member: $835/week
Campers must be registered for a minimum of three weeks. Selected weeks do not need to be consecutive.
June 29 – August 14, 2020
Week 1: June 29 - July 2*
Week 2: July 6 – July 10
Week 3: July 13 – July 17
Week 4: July 20 – July 24
Week 5: July 27 – July 31
Week 6: August 3 – August 7
Week 7: August 10 – August 14
Camp will be closed on Friday, July 3 in celebration of Independence Day.
Sample Schedule
Half Day Schedule
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Download Half Day Sample Schedule»
Full Day Schedule
Download Full Day Sample Schedule»
Swimming Activities
Full day campers* enjoy instructional swim three days a week under the supervision of a team of experienced instructors and lifeguards. The pool is in the athletic facilities of St. Bartholomew’s Church Community House located at 109 E. 50th Street.
*Campers must be at least 3 years old and potty-trained to participate in swim.
Meet our Aquatics Director
Sam Suarez is an American Red Cross certified swim instructor and has been teaching swim for over 25 years. He is the Aquatics Director at CompleteBody Gym in Manhattan and a swim instructor at McBurney YMCA where he works with students of all ages. Sam will oversee all components of swim at Camp Central, including the supervision of all swim instructors and lifeguards and the implementation of the swim safety plan.
Staff
Camp Central is staffed by certified Early Childhood Educators along with college and graduate students pursuing a career with children. Every Camp Central bunk has at least three counselors and each Camp Central Tots bunk has two staff along with caregivers.
Apply to be a counselor at Camp Central! Staff Application will be available in January 2020.
Camp Central FAQs
How do I know whether to register my child for Camp Central Tots or Camp Central?
Camp Central is a drop-off program for children between 2.5 to 5 years old who have already undergone separation from a parent or caregiver. Camp Central Tots’ 3-day-a-week program, Summertime Toddlers, is ideal for children not yet enrolled in nursery school or for children starting nursery school in September. Click here to be directed to the Camp Central Tots page.
What day does Camp Central begin and for how long does it run?
Camp Central begins on June 29 and runs through August 14 for a total of seven weeks. Camp will be closed on July 3 in celebration of Independence Day.
Do I need to register for all seven weeks?
No. You may choose to register for the weeks that best suit your family’s schedule, but you must register for at least three weeks.
What if the week I want to register for is sold out?
Families who want to register for a sold out week will be added to a waitlist.
When are my child’s medical forms due?
After registration closes, you will receive an invitation to fill out your child’s profile via CampDocs. All forms must be submitted by June 1.
What is your refund policy?
We do not offer refunds for camp registration fees.
Are snacks and lunch provided by Camp Central?
Campers will volunteer for a week to bring in a healthy snack. When selecting a snack, please note our allergy policy. If you are unsure of a snack being safe for your child’s bunk, please check with your counselors. Full day campers are responsible for bringing their own non-refrigerated lunch.
What does my camper need to wear and bring?
Campers should arrive wearing sunscreen, a swimsuit, and water shoes. Flip flops and backless shoes are not allowed. Please send a hat, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and a change of clothing each day to change into after water play.
Additionally, each camper needs to have a change of clothing kept at camp as a backup. Please provide one spare of the following items that will be stored in your child’s cubby: shirt, shorts, socks, shoes, diapers/underwear, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. For kids participating in swim, please send an extra swimsuit on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please make sure that all clothing items are clearly labelled.
How many staff will be in the water during swim?
There will be 1 adult for every 3 campers. Swim lessons will be taught by a team of 4 experienced instructors and the pool will be monitored by 2 lifeguards, all of whom are Red Cross certified. Counselors will also be in the pool providing emotional support and guidance to campers.
What swimming program will be used?
We follow the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program. Our swim staff evaluates each camper on his/her first day of swim; this will determine their leveled swim groups. Campers will develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water, as well as focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water. Our instructors pride themselves on the development and success of each camper in their classes.
Where do I pick up my camper after swim?
Pick up your child from the St. Bart’s pool. Please note that swim ends at 3:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at 3:15 pm on Wednesdays.
When should my camper wear his or her camp shirt?
Campers should wear their camp shirts on the first day of camp and every Friday.
What if my child is sick before or during the camp day?
If your camper is not feeling well, please keep him/her home and e-mail both the counselors and director to report his/her absence. If your camper becomes ill during the camp day, we will call you—early pick-up may be necessary. Campers must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to camp. Please notify the director immediately if your camper has a contagious illness/disease such as chicken pox, scarlet fever, strep, pediculosis, pin worm, etc. We will then be able to notify parents without delay. Be sure to have your pediatrician examine your child before he/she returns to camp.
How do I contact Camp Central?
When camp is not in session, please e-mail all Camp Central inquiries to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
How do I contact my camper’s counselors?
Many parents have daily contact with their children’s counselors at arrival or dismissal and have the opportunity to ask brief questions or discuss their child’s experience. However, for a longer conversation or questions that should not be discussed in front of children, and for those parents who do not come to camp with their children on a regular basis, it is best to contact counselors via e-mail. Each bunk has it’s own e-mail address that is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For example, the e-mail address for the Sunflowers Bunk is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Can I celebrate my child’s birthday at camp?
We love celebrating birthdays at camp! Check with your counselors to arrange a convenient time to join us. Birthday parties generally last 20 to 30 minutes, and we ask that you keep it simple: bring your family, a candle and a small birthday treat for everyone in the class (small cupcakes, cookies, muffins, fruit, or ice cream cups). Please do not bring decorations or party hats or noisemakers. We will provide the plates, cups, napkins, and drinks. Please check with your counselors to ensure that snacks brought into your bunk are safe for all campers.
Is Camp Central a nut-free camp?
We are a peanut and tree nut sensitive camp. Please do not send any foods to camp that contain peanuts or tree nuts, including, but not limited to: peanuts, tree nuts, peanut butter, baked goods containing peanuts or tree nuts, granola bars, and foods containing nut sauces or flavoring. Please note that because our building is a multi-use facility, the camp cannot guarantee to parents or guardians of campers with peanut or tree nut allergies that such campers will not come into contact with peanuts or tree nut products while at camp.
What does dismissal look like?
One of the counselors will be posted at the door every day checking children out with their authorized caregiver. Please be sure to leave the room with your child and check out at the door with the counselor.
Financial aid is available.
Apply now for financial aid »
These programs are open to both members and non-members.
For Camp Central Tots and Camp Central: Spots are limited – registration is first come, first served, and members will receive priority. Once a class is filled, we will start a wait list.
Our People
Naomi Kachel
Camp Director
Sam Suarez
Aquatics Director