Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
RocklandNYMom started our camps page last year, but with (A) becoming of “school age” it’s my first year really paying attention. So many choices. I had to educate myself a bit. One great way to educate yourself and find out about the various camps available is to schedule tours or visits to them. (A) and I took one such tour of Gate Hill Day Camp and boy were we impressed. During our walk I had some flashbacks to my own youth, while dreaming about the amazing memories my children could make in attendance. I was also impressed and delighted to find out that Gate Hill offers birthday parties (on a limited basis so you need to book them early), and corporate events.
A photo of the cabins where some of the electives happen. 
When I say that Gate Hill has thought of everything I am not over exaggerating. They really have everything. Not only does your child have a day of camp and great opportunities to be exposed to many different areas which will help them to be well rounded, they also have “Electives” in your specific area of interest that you can choose at various ages. They have also taken into consideration all the needs of the parent. Transportation, check. Healthy Meal Plans in a nut-free allergy conscious manner, check. Extended hours for those who may need them, check. Many bathrooms and water fountains around the grounds, check.
Of course (A) would have stayed and played on the playground all day.
Here are some of the highlights that we picked out an enjoyed.
- Campers swim 2x a day, the first time is instructional and the second is free swim. This keeps them cool, and helps them to learn as well as have fun in the water. The instructor to student ratio in the pool is 1:3 (nice and small).
The beautiful swimming areas.
- Pretty much every activity has two levels, one for smaller/younger campers and then one for the older guys. This holds true for their sports fields, race track (yes race track), zip line and more. No one gets left out of the cool activities. (A) just had to jump on a car and was so sad that the go carts weren’t operating during our visit.
The awesome zip line that goes over their own little lake.
The large baseball diamond for the older kids.
The smaller diamond for the younger campers.
(A) poses by the sign for the raceway which he was SO impressed with.
Which of course meant he had to sit on a co-cart :o)
- They have a themed “Olympics” every year where campers get together and compete. So great. I remember activities like this at the camp I went to for years, that’s where a lot of the memories are made.
- There is music, art and acting as well. Not every kid loves just being outside and being “athletic” all the time. Some really love these other aspects. Gate Hill has it all even a stage where they really put on a performance for the camp and for parents. (A) loved the stage and even put on a little performance for us.
Click to see video: (A) Performance Gate Hill
- The cafeteria is clean. The campers eat family style, and Gate Hill takes their meal plans very seriously (which makes this momma happy). They are a nut free camp, and also take into account any other allergies a camper may have. In addition to their daily offerings, there is a sandwich station as well as a salad bar available every day for a camper who may prefer that.
- Gate Hill also offers different schedules to meet your needs. Don’t need all 5 days? Need a half day for a younger camper? They do that. They do not offer a weekly camp, you sign up for 4 weeks minimum there, which helps the kids to really get into the culture of their camp. Believe me after what I saw, you won’t have to twist any arms to get them to go for more weeks.
Gate Hill Day Camp is an excellent option for sending your child to camp this summer. They offer so much it was mind blowing. We really enjoyed our tour (highly recommend taking one) and it was hard to get (A) into the car at its conclusion. For more information about Gate Hill Day Camp you can contact them by phone at: (845)947-3223. Online at: http://gatehilldaycamp.com/. VIA email: info@gatehilldaycamp.com
Wow, i went here! I remember we had Indian games at the end of the year. Everyone was broken into different tribes. I believe I was on the Cherokees.
That’s so funny. I’ve spoken to quite a few in our age group who have, including my tour guide, who now works there full time! Everyone has such fond memories! Thanks for sharing!