Sing, splash, celebrate Shabbat, and explore the great outdoors with Camp Central, Mini Explorers, and Camp Central Tots—Central’s unique summer programs for our littlest learners and their families.
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. These programs are open to all and do not require membership at Central Synagogue.
For children ages 2.5–5
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 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 six-week-long program promotes independence and self-esteem as they plant the seeds of long-lasting friendships.
Camp runs from June 23, 2025 to August 1, 2025. You may choose to register for one of the following options:
Option One: Week 1–6 (June 23–August 1)
Option Two: Weeks 1–3 (June 23–July 11)
Option Three: Weeks 4–6 (July 14–August 1)
Summer 2025 Calendar
Week I: June 23–27
Week II: June 30–July 3*
Week III: July 7–11
Week IV: July 14–18
Week V: July 21–25
Week VI: July 28–August 1
*(closed Friday, July 5)
**Early dismissal for Shabbat.
*Children staying until 1:30 will bring and eat their lunch during camp.
Mini Explorers is our program for campers who come to camp with a trusted grown-up. This camp program is recommended for children ages 18-24 months. This 6-weeklong program promotes independence, self-esteem, and supports children as they form long-lasting friendships, explore and deepen their Jewish identity, while creating unforgettable memories. There will be two bunks in this non-separated program, each meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. One class meets from 8:45–10:15 am, and the other meets from 10:45 am–12:15 pm. We require that everyone registers for the full six weeks of camp (June 23–August 1, 2024). Please email [email protected] for more information.
Join Camp Central Tots for a summer of fun on our private outdoor terrace. Recommended for children ages 12-24 months, Splash and Play offers two sections, one for crawlers and beginning walkers and one for walkers ready to run. Each week children will explore a new, taste-safe, sensory material and spend time playing in the sprinklers and splashing in the water tables on our private outdoor terrace. Classes will run from June 23 through the week of July 28.
Every child must be accompanied by a parent or trusted caregiver for the entirety of each session.
Midday Splash and Play I
Recommended for walkers and their grown-ups
You may choose from one of two sessions below:
Mondays, 10:15–11:00 am or Tuesdays, 10:15–11:00 am
Midday Splash and Play II
Recommended for crawlers, beginning walkers, and their grown-ups
You may choose from one of two sessions below:
Mondays, 11:15 am– 2:00 pm or Tuesdays, 12:15 am–1:00 pm
Camp Central is a drop-off program for children between 2–5 years old. Younger children, including children not yet enrolled in nursery school are encouraged to check out Mini Explorers and Camp Central Tots programming.
Camp Central begins on June 23 and runs through August 1 for a total of six weeks. Camp will be closed on July 4 in celebration of Independence Day.
No. You may choose to register for the first three weeks, the last three weeks, or all six!
Families who want to register for a sold out option will be added to a waitlist.
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.
We do not offer refunds for camp registration fees.
Camp Central will provide daily snacks. Full-day campers (those who are at camp until 1:30) are responsible for bringing their own non-refrigerated lunch.
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, swimsuit, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Please make sure that all clothing items are clearly labeled.
Campers should wear their camp shirts on the first day of camp and every Thursday.
We will continue our best practices around safety and health that we have in place for the Nursery School and we will continually communicate with you as more information becomes available. We know that camp will be full of fun, play, and learning together with wonderful counselors and friends.
When camp is not in session, please email all Camp Central inquiries to [email protected].
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 email. Each bunk has its own email address that is [email protected]. For example, the email address for the Sunflowers Bunk is [email protected].
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.
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.
Camp Central is located at our uptown location and utilizes the Nursery School classrooms, play areas, and outdoor terrace and roof.
Director of Camp Central and Nursery School Teacher
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(212) 838-5122 x4019
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