Headed to the Hamptons this summer? Whether you’re moving the brood to Sag Harbor for the season or just taking a quick week in Montauk, there are plenty of summer camps that will appeal to kids of all ages. Some take advantage of nearby beaches, golf courses and tennis facilities; others boast a top-notch music or theater curriculum. Whatever activities your little ones want to get up to this summer, you’ll have no problem finding the right program. From songwriting to theater to tennis camp, here are some of the best options on the East End.
photo: The Art Farm
The Art Farm
Treat your little explorer to a summer at The Art Farm in Bridgehampton. Kids ages three to six can join the Farm’s Camp at The Green School program where they offer a variety of sport, music and art activities. Campers ages 7-12 get to join the new Art Farm on Wheels program, which is one of the best ways for young adventurers to explore the Hamptons. Surfing, horseback riding, nature walks and meet-and-greets with local artists are just a small portion of what’s lined up for the summer. June 29 through Sept. 4; ages 3 to 12.
The Art Farm
739 Butter Ln.
Bridgehampton, NY
631-537-1634
Online: theartfarms.org
East Hampton Art and Theater Camp
Theater-loving kids will learn improv, dance and music from a talented staff of professionals who have a background in both musical performance and studio art. The camp offers a four- or eight-week curriculum that digs into the basics of collage, set and costume design. At the end of the program, your little drama queen or king will take their final bow in a performance for friends and family. June 30 through July 25 (session one) and July 28 through August 22 (session two); ages 6-14.
East Hampton Art and Theater Camp
Pierson High School
200 Jermain Ave.
Sag Harbor, NY
631-653-4065
Online: hamptons-theaterarts.com
photo: Hamptons Music Sessions
Hamptons Music Sessions
Budding musicians can spend a few weeks honing their skills at Hamptons Music Session in East Hampton. The program, which prides itself on its teacher-to-student ratio, is designed to offer a good mix of educational activities and relaxation. A typical morning might include a 45-minute yoga session, private lesson and improv workshop followed by a course in composition,theory and history in the afternoon. Each student is assigned to a chamber music ensemble and receives two private lessons per week. August 3-14; students grades 2-12.
Hamptons Music Sessions
St Luke’s Episcopal Church
18 James Ln.
East Hampton, NY
631-329-0990
Online: hamptonsmusic.org
Hudson Music Studios (Rock Camp)
Only spending a week or two out East? Hudson Music Studio’s Rock Camp offers a short four-day program that will get the kids out of the house and thinking creatively. Young rockers can learn how to play songs from famous acts such as U2, the Beatles, Billy Joel and the Rolling Stones, and are grouped with other campers based on age and level of experience. In addition to learning different rock ‘n roll styles, your kids will learn to improvise, read and write music, create film and video game scores and perform for an audience. July 20-24 (session 1) and July 27-31 (session 2); ages 7-18.
Hudson Music Studios (Rock Camp)
Bridgehampton High School
2685 Montauk Highway
Bridgehampton, NY
908-230-6079
Online: hudsonmusicstudios.com
East Hampton Baseball and Tennis Camp
Serena Williams and Derek Jeter wannabes can excel at their game while learning the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Staffed by professional baseball and tennis coaches, the camp offers a flexible program that can last for a single day, week or the entire summer. Kids will spend the morning playing baseball and the afternoon on the tennis court. Space is limited so be sure to register soon. June 23 through August 29; ages 6-12.
photo: Southampton Racquet Club & Camp
Southampton Racquet Club & Camp
Unlike most sports camps which focus entirely on athletics, this two-month session blends tennis with aquatics, and creative and performing arts. The program emphasizes the values incorporated into the club’s STARFISH philosophy: Sportsmanship, Tolerance, Appreciation, Respect, Friendship, Integrity, Sensitivity, and Helpfulness. Group sizes tend to be small; three- and four-year olds will be among 12 to 15 campers with almost as much individual attention for your oldest. June 30 through August 29; ages 2-16.
Southampton Racquet Club & Camp
665 Majors Path
Southampton, NY
516-953-5176
Online: southamptonrcc.com
Future Stars
If your little athletes dream of making it to the big leagues one day, this is the camp for them. Kids grades 2-12 can focus on basketball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis or soccer. If they are not ready to specialize, you can also take advantage of the camp’s multi-sport program. The Little Stars program for younger campers (pre-kindergarten to first grade), gives little ones a first look at different sports. Dates and ages vary by program.
Future Stars Southampton
1370 Majors Path
Southampton, NY
631-287-6707
Online: fscamps.com
photo: Hamptons Country Day Camp
Hamptons Country Day Camp
Tots getting their first taste of camp life will love Hamptons Country Day Camp’s Stepping Stones campus. Its facilities include tot-sized tennis, basketball, soccer and baseball fields as well as a playground, sand play-park, tumbling gym and life-sized playhouse. The Main Camp for ages 5-11 offers swim instruction, athletics as well as time to focus on other interests. June 29 through August 21; ages 2.5-10.
Hamptons Country Day Camp
P.O. Box 5089
East Hampton, NY
631-537-1170
Online: hamptoncountrydaycamp.com
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge
For tykes spending the summer west of the canal, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge curriculum offers an exciting way to explore the great outdoors. Nature lovers ages 4-6 can join the Little Naturalists program on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Activities include learning about plants and wildlife, composting and recycling. Kids in grades 2-6 can take advantage of the Children’s Field Ecology Program, which explores the Refuge including its “super secret, extra squishy mud trail.” Most sessions run on a weekly basis and can be repeated.
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge
3 Old Country Road
P.O. Box 492
Quogue, NY
631-653-4771
Online: quoguewildliferefuge.org
photo: Pathfinder Country Day Camp
Pathfinder Country Day Camp
Game shows, theme days and the full gamut of outdoor activities make this an exciting place to spend the summer. The five-acre campus overlooks Fort Pond Lake, where kids will get a well-rounded camp experience. Each day is full of adventure with boating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, archery and more. Full season runs from June 29 through Aug. 21; grades pre-k through 12.
Pathfinder Country Day Camp
PO Box 807
Montauk, NY
631-668-2080
Online: pathfinderdaycamp.com
Hayground Camp
Each day at Hayground, your little one will have the opportunity to choose his or her own activity. Woodworking, gardening, chess, cooking, swimming and field games are just some of the topics offered at this camp with programs divided by age group. Facilities include a full-size gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and multiple athletic fields. There is also a spacious art studio, fully equipped woodshop and a professional teaching kitchen. June 29 through August 21; ages 3-13.
Hayground Camp
151 Mitchell Ln.
Bridgehampton, NY
631-537-5188
Online: haygroundcamp.org
Does your little camper have a favorite place in the Hamptons? Tell us about it in the comments!
—Michelle McIvor Cohen
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