Patch Picks: Five Local Summer Camps to Consider

It’s not too early to start thinking about summer camp.

Many camps in the area are holding registrations, having open houses and getting ready for the summer season. Camp is a great opportunity for your child to meet new friends, do fun activities, or even learn a new sport. For many parents who need to work, or those who just do not want to see their kids sit around all day, it is an opportunity to send your children somewhere where they'll have fun, learn new things, and you can feel confident that they are safe.

We at Patch looked around and found these local camps that are already planning for the 2011 summer season.

SPORTIME
Located at: 175 Merrick Road, Lynbrook
Details: For ages 4-14 years, SPORTIME has a tennis and a multi-sport camp.  Campers will participate in many activities that include soccer, softball, tennis, football, basketball, tennis, and more in an air conditioned facility. There are full- day or half-day options available. Full-day camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half-day hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you require, extended care hours are available until 6 p.m. at no additional charge. Snacks are provided to all campers throughout the day. To ensure safety, all activities are supervised by trained instructors. This Sunday, from 1-3 p.m., you can meet the staff and tour the facility during its open house. Special offer if you register by March 15.
Phone: (516) 593-7462

Center for Science Teaching and Learning 
Located at: 1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre
Details: For ages 4- 13. All-day program is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is also a summer camp for boys and girls. This discovery camp will give your child a great opportunity to learn and have fun using hands-on investigating and fun experiences. There is also art, music, team activities, field trips and more. You can sign up for two, four, six or eight weeks. Every two weeks, there is a field trip. Early bird registration (before April 1) is offered. There is an open house this Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Phone: (516) 764 - 0045

Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Camp
Located at: 336 Woodmere Boulevard, Woodmere
Details: For ages 3-13. This camp offers Red Cross swimming instructions, arts, crafts, drama, dance, two heated pools, yoga, karate, tennis, sports and more. There are weekly trips for grades 3 and up. A full day is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; half day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Transportation and meals are included. Open house this Sunday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Phone: (516) 374-5559

Island Garden
Located at: 45 Cherry Valley Avenue, West Hempstead
Details:  This camp offers basketball fun for children in grades 3-9. Some weeks are designated for boys, others for girls, and some weeks for both. Whether advanced or novice, this is a great place to go to learn all the fundamentals.  Children are able to purchase lunch on the premises. No transportation is provided.
Phone: (516) 292-4956

Long Beach Tennis Center
Located at: 899 Monroe Boulevard, Long Beach
Details:  For ages 10 and up, there is a full-day tennis camp held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is included. They have a daily program that includes stretching, warm-ups, physical conditioning, then moves on to tennis drills with focus on strokes and footwork. The day ends with match play and competitive games. For campers ages 5-13, there is a program held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are programs for beginners, advanced B and low intermediate. They have many different options such as one day, a week, or a whole summer program, to help fit your needs and your budget.
Phone: (516) 432-6060

Camp Expo 2011

If you are having a hard time deciding on your summer camp this year, you can check out the Camp Expo 2011, which will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Plainview on March 30 from 7-9 p.m. Long Island’s Top Camp Directors will be present. For more information regarding this event, go to http://www.nymomsworld.com/camp-expo/