On Long Island, summer camp is more than a seasonal tradition. It’s a structured, competitive landscape shaped by enrollment demands and rising parental expectations.
Planning for this busy season begins long before the first campers arrive at camps across Long Island. At Driftwood Day Camp administrators are already preparing the grounds for the months ahead. Established in 1959, Driftwood Day Camp’s core mission has remained the same: a kid-focused environment that puts their safety first.
“We’re more than just a camp,” said Mike Wagenberg, an owner and director at Driftwood. “We are trying to help build a better culture, a better community, we try to really make this world a little better by starting with the kids and teaching them great things.”
Starting in late June, Driftwood Day Camp’s 22 acres will turn into a hive of activity as hundreds of campers stream through its gates each morning. Directors and camp professionals will guide students to athletic fields, swimming pools and various activity locations while administrators monitor the smooth, safe execution of their hard work.
Behind the scenes, this execution is the result of months of coordination and planning. Neil Gould, a director at Driftwood, highlighted this when asked about camp organization and continued development.
“We begin planning for the following summer while we are in season,” said Gould. “We go to trade shows in Florida and New Jersey to try and find different things we can bring to the program.”
Every day at Driftwood is unique. Schedules shift with campers’ interests and activities constantly change to incorporate modern advancements, making every experience one to remember. From athletics to arts and STEM, this program is designed to expose kids to new experiences while keeping them engaged and entertained.
“This place is for the kids. It’s about the kids and who knows better about what they want than the kids themselves,” Gould said.
Beyond planned rotations, camp encourages creativity and community through special events and spontaneous activities inspired by the campers. Activities are designed to complement each schedule, giving campers the chance to work with new people, try new skills and connect with their peers in a supportive environment.
Mealtimes are another important part of a camper’s daily routine. Driftwood’s hot lunch service offers kids a place to fill their bellies, rest and socialize with friends. Every meal is served completely nut-free and with substitutions for almost every item, allowing even the pickiest of eaters to enjoy a good meal.
Throughout the day, campers are surrounded by trained professionals who are equipped to handle a wide variety of situations. Camp directors supervise activities and guide campers through minor challenges, while counselors provide more hands-on support. Together, the team creates an environment where campers can be fully immersed, knowing that support is always nearby.
More than this, Driftwood often goes beyond the duties of a normal summer camp. Outside of their summer hours, directors and other staff members stand to serve their community however they can.
“At camp, you always change and you always have to try to make things better,” said Wagenberg. “Each day has to be better than the last.”
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Driftwood Day Camp has been named Best on Long Island for the past 17 consecutive years, and its devotion to its community makes it clear why. This trophy title is not something the staff takes for granted. Gould stated that they continue their work and the legacy of what camp means beyond the eight weeks of summer to maintain this reputation within the community.
“Camp for us, yes, it’s eight weeks, but I think the community that we’ve built here knows that we are here for them year-round,” he said.
When asked about the message they wanted to share with Long Island families, Gould highlighted the rarity of an experience like camp in today’s world.
“It’s something that is unique in the world at this point,” he said. “Allowing them a technology-free social experience is something I think has become more and more important in a child’s upbringing.”
Driftwood Day Camp, 331 Mt Misery Rd, Melville, 631-692-6990, driftwooddaycamp.com
Abraham Clemons is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
