At this point in May, parents are typically planning graduation parties and researching summer camp that will enrich their children over break. The current state of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown those plans for a loop—to say the least. While the NY on PAUSE stay-at-home mandates are ever slowly lifting, it remains unclear (as of the date of this publication) if summer camps will physically open in 2020.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s office stated that local officials are waiting on guidance from New York State before making a decision about opening summer camps. Local camp operators remain optimistic that there will be some return to normalcy. But just in case, there are several programs offering online summer programs that are both fun and educational. Here are a few to consider.
Camp Tech Revolution at NYIT Long Island
This Old Westbury-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) camp is going online for summer 2020. An award-winning program, Camp Tech Revolution is designed by a team of leaders educated at top-ranked universities, such as Columbia University, Cornell University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The curricula can accommodate campers who are beginners, intermediates and advanced. With small class sizes, this Long Island tech camp offers experiences for campers ages 6 to 14.
Due to the pandemic, the summer camps at NYIT have moved to Camp Tech Revolution Online, powered by Lavner Camps, which features more than 35 virtual tech and STEM Camps from June 1 through August 21. These camps are taught top-notch instructors in a live and collaborative group setting. The tuition is $299 per camp, including $100 off per session for a limited time.
Visit www.lavnercampsandprograms.com/location/long-island-ny-summer-camp-nyit to learn more.
Happy Camper Live
Whether your child is into cooking, gymnastics, water sports, dance, art and crafts or all of the aforementioned, Happy Camper Live has something to keep them engaged all year long. It is a unique digital platform that supplies informational (and entertaining) video guides on hundreds of activities. Its mission is to provide an inspiring environment with comprehensive and inclusive storytelling, which sparks discovery and builds confidence.
The how-to guides include not-so-common camp activities, such as magic tricks to more traditional sports-based tutorials on how to master your basketball dribble. All the options are fun and encouraging for campers of any age and skill level. Happy Camper Live also streams interactive classes to promote being social while social distancing. Learn more by visiting, www.happycamperlive.com.
The Coder School
This Long Island-based, tech-forward camp is going fully digital for summer 2020. Using Zoom, students will connect with instructors to work on week-long coding projects and challenges, plus tech talks and interactive games. The courses are designed to introduce campers to a new language or technology, have them build and create an application with that knowledge and demo it with a project by the end of the week to their fellow campers. These camps will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with a one-hour lunch break at home from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visit www.thecoderschool.com to learn more about the digital programs being offered.
Varsity Tutors Virtual Summer Camps
Varsity Tutors specializes in providing digital educational instruction for students of all ages. It offers everything from one-on-one tutoring to individualize test prep throughout the year. This summer, it’s hosting several week-long online camps for free. Geared for children from K-12, the courses are designed to help kids make the most of their break with interactive camps taught by expert instructors. Each camp consists of five sessions, starting on Monday and ending on Friday.
Camp courses include subjects, such as “Make Your Own LEGO Movie, “Fun Fairytales” and “Brain Games. Sign up for one camp, or all of them. The platform adds new camps every day so check back often. Space is limited. Visit www.varsitytutors.com/virtual-summer-camp to enroll.
Spirit’s Promise Rescue Continues Virtual Classroom
Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue in Riverhead is continuing its popular Farm Animal and Nature Virtual Classroom via Zoom every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. through the month of August. The Farm Animal and Nature Virtual Classroom allows children to visit the farm animals and learn about their traits and care. The programs are free and feature horses,
donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens, and more.
Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue is a non-profit with a mission to rescue horses who have been abused, neglected or unwanted. The children’s program is hosted by the farm’s owner and founder, Equus Life Coach, Marisa Striano. The program is supported by Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue’s Equine for All Initiative, which funds free and reduced equine-related programs, services and events on Long Island. Those interested may register by visiting https://bit.ly/2yb4fn8.
