Summer With Central
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.
Camp Central
For children ages 2–5
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 22, 2026 to July 31, 2026. You may choose to register for one of the following options:
Option One: Week 1–6 (June 22–June 26)
Option Two: Weeks 1–3 (June 22–July 10)
Option Three: Weeks 4–6 (July 13–July 31)
Summer 2025 Calendar
Week I: June 22–June 26
Week II: June 29–July 2*
Week III: July 6– July 10
Week IV: July 13–July 17
Week V: July 20–July 24
Week VI: July 27–July 31
*(closed Friday, July 3)
**Early dismissal for Shabbat.
*To stagger arrival and dismissal, times are subject to change by 5-10 minutes.
Children staying until 1:30 will bring and eat their lunch during camp.
Mini Explorers Summer 2026
Our Mini Explorers Program is for campers who attend camp with a trusted grown-up. Kids will bunk with their grown-ups in this non-separated program that meets three days a week for an hour and a half. Mini Explorers is recommended for children ages 18-24 months.
Led by our warm, wonderful, enthusiastic counselors, Mini Explorers will include arts and crafts, water play and fun in the sprinklers, outdoor playtime, story time, activity time, music, snack time, and more. Whether in the classroom or out on the Terrace exploring our magical outdoor area, children will make friends and create memories all summer.
We require that all Mini Explorers register for the entire six weeks of camp (June 24–July 31). You will be able to choose your session from the choices below:
| Session One: | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:45-10:15 |
| Session Two: | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:45-12:15 |
Camp Central Tots: Babies, Beats, and Bubbles
Introducing Babies, Beats, and Bubbles! Join Camp Central Tots and Miss Tracie for a joyful early-childhood music and movement experience designed especially for babies 2 years and younger and the grownups who love them. Each week, we’ll sing, dance, play, and explore music and movement for 45 engaging minutes. Because babies learn best through play—and through connection with their primary caregiver—this class is all about nurturing that bond. You’ll watch your baby’s natural love for music shine and grow! Join us!
Classes will run from June 22 through the week of July 27
Every child must be accompanied by a parent or trusted caregiver for the entirety of each session.
Babies, Beats, and Bubbles I
Recommended for walkers and their grown-ups
Meets twice per week: Tuesdays/ Thursdays 10:00 – 10:45
Babies, Beats, and Bubbles II
Recommended for crawlers, beginning walkers, and their grown-ups
Meets twice per week: Tuesdays/ Thursdays 11:00 – 11:45 am
Babies, Beats, and Bubbles III*
This is for children under the age of 12 months with their grown-ups
Wednesdays 12:00 – 12:45 pm *A second session may be added based on demand.
Camp Central FAQs
What ages does Camp Central serve?
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.
What day does Camp Central begin and for how long does it run?
Camp Central begins on June 22 and runs through July 31for a total of six weeks. Camp will be closed on July 3 in celebration of Independence Day.
Do I need to register for all six weeks?
No. You may choose to register for the first three weeks, the last three weeks, or all six!
What if the option I want to register for is sold out?
Families who want to register for a sold out option 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 the first day of camp.
What is your refund policy?
We do not offer refunds for camp registration fees.
Are snacks and lunch provided by Camp Central?
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.
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, swimsuit, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Please make sure that all clothing items are clearly labeled.
When should my camper wear his or her camp shirt?
Campers should wear their camp shirts on the first day of camp and every Thursday.
What will camp look like this summer?
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.
How do I contact Camp Central?
When camp is not in session, please email all Camp Central inquiries to meyerb@censyn.org.
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 email. Each bunk has its own email address that is bunkname@censyn.org. For example, the email address for the Sunflowers Bunk is Sunflowers@censyn.org.
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.
Where is Camp Central located?
Camp Central is located at our uptown location and utilizes the Nursery School classrooms, play areas, and outdoor terrace and roof.
Our People
Bridget Meyer
Director of Camp Central and Nursery School Teacher
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(212) 838-5122 x4019