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Summer With Central

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. 

Please note that by enrolling in Camp Central, Mini Explorers, and/or Camp Central Tots you agree to abide by all COVID-19 safety policies set forth by Central Synagogue. 


Camp Central

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 24, 2024, to August 2, 2024. 

Option One: Week 1–6 (June 24–August 2)
Option Two: Weeks 1–3 (June 24–July 12)
Option Three: Weeks 4–6 (July 15–August 2)

 

Summer 2024 Calendar

Week I: June 24–28

Week II: July 1–3*

Week III: July 8–12

Week IV: July 15–19

Week V: July 22–26

Week VI: July 29–August 2

*(closed Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5)   

**early dismissal for Shabbat
Children staying until 1:30 will bring and eat their lunch during camp.


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 Central Tots programming.


What day does Camp Central begin and for how long does it run?

Camp Central begins on June 24 and runs through August 2 for a total of six weeks. Camp will be closed on July 4 and July 5 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 June 1.


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, 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 [email protected].


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 [email protected]. For example, the email address for the Sunflowers Bunk is [email protected].


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.



Mini Explorers Summer 2024

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 24–August 2, 2024). Please email [email protected] for more information and to register.


Camp Central Tots Summer 2024

Join Camp Central Tots for our newest program, Summer Midday Splash and Play! 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 24 through the week of July 29.

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


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