Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are our own.
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Category Archives: Camps
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a class. All opinions expressed are my own.
Finding things to do with kids is HARD. Nowadays its even harder. Where is safe? What protocols do they have in place? Is the activity worthwhile? Here at RNYM as you know we love to explore all the extracurricular options available to us in our area, and that’s how we found Code Ninjas Norwood NJ.
Located just over the border on 303 in NJ, it’s nestled in a little shopping center. When we walked in we were greeted right away and out temperatures were taken. We were then asked to sanitize our hands and walked around a bit.
The dojo is located in a “parent free zone” which is good firstly for bodies in an area, and so that the kids are free to learn without fear of parents putting pressure on them. This is also great for parents because it is so easy to reserve your time, drop your child(ren) off and return when time is up. (What? I might be able to run an errand child free?!) Oh yeah and because the kids work at their own pace, my 7 year old and my 10 year old can attend at the SAME time on their different levels. You don’t have to reserve separate times and run around all evening!
To attend a class you call, text, or email to reserve your spot. There is no set “class time” you can come and go anytime during their hours (which fits nicely if your kids do multiple things). This is one way that they make sure they are not crowded. The kids attend for 1-2 hours per week. Once the kids go in you can clearly see that the work stations are set up 6 ft or more from one another. I watched as the Sensei’s sanitized these stations and other equipment between users.
What are they learning? Great question. As the name suggests Code Ninjas teaches kids how to code. They play “games” and complete activities that teach them how to create actual code. By the time our one hour was complete both of my children had written their own games, AND had STEM time. STEM time is an opportunity for the kids to get up and stretch their legs. They work with remote control cars, drones, the 3D printer or a different type of video game if they choose. This was nice, especially because my kids were able to sit undisturbed and complete the games they built (they were so into it) with assistance from the Senseis, and when they were done, they appreciated being able to get up and move about.
Speaking of the Senseis, they are college and HS students who are high performing students, and either major in computer science or education. They have all gone through the entire program themselves, and can help the kids as they navigate through the levels. They circulate the room helping the kids get started, and then come over to their work stations if they raise their hands and ask for help. It’s all one on one help, no large group instruction for these classes. In fact, they can tailor a program so much, that they are even able to cater to students with various disabilities including but not limited to physical, learning or spectrum disorders. They have students who fit all the criteria, and after a conversation with parents regarding your specific child’s needs, they are off to the races.
My kids were SO excited to show me their games when they had completed them. They each fit their personalities perfectly. The sense of accomplishment was so obvious. When they were all done, we were able to catch a belt ceremony too. These ceremonies happen just like in martial arts. When a student passes a level, they are awarded a certificate, a new colored wristband with a personalized RF chip in it, they get to ring the gong, and move their name up into a new section in the waiting area for all to see their progress. I wish I could have taken photos, this child was also BEAMING ear to ear. I am a big fan of these promotion programs, because it makes the progress that your child is making tangible and gives them the opportunity to celebrate.
It’s exactly like their motto “Kids have fun, parents see results.” On our way home we called my brother in law, who creates websites and apps for a living to tell him what they had done. He was SUPER impressed. My KIDS LOVED THIS CLASS, and are begging me to continue on with lessons. So much so that my daughter did her weekly writing for school all about the experience.
Her game was titled “Diamond Fish” because she enjoys diamonds and fishing.
Anyone who knows (A) would expect the dragon involved in his game, but maybe not the bowl of cheese doodles?
Interested and want to learn more? They offer free 30 minute trials- after which they talk to you about how it went and whether or not they think it is a good fit for your child(ren). Also available are BIRTHDAY PARTIES- with various game themes (think Roblox, minecraft, among us, etc), and scouting activities (both boy and girl). They also offer various workshops for the weeks that kiddos are off of school, as well as camps.
The Dojo we visited: 508 Livingston Street Norwood, NJ 07648 (201) 267-2633 Get Directions
Other Locations available locally:
Midland Park
85 Godwin AveMidland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 882-1234 Get Directions
Ramsey
171 Lake StreetRamsey, NJ 07446
(201) 402-2601 Get Directions
Saddle Brook
383 Market Street, Building B Unit 6Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
(551) 300-2633 Get Directions –
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Nickel-O Farms is a directory member. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pleased to be checking items off of our #RNYMBucketList this early in the year, here is installment 1. Horseback riding. Its a great skill, one I loved as a kid at camp, and my brother even pursued. So excited that I was able to share it with my kids, that they weren’t scared (actually LOVED it), found a great place to go, and look forward to going again.
RNYM recently had the pleasure to begin working with Nickel-O Farms. They have joined our camps directory, and became one of our spring/summer bucket list options as one thing my kiddos wanted to do was to learn how to ride a horse. They always enjoy the “pony” rides at events we attend, but wanted something more.
Nickel-O has lessons, as well as scouting events, camp, and animals available for birthday parties. It is located right in West Nyack and Lisa (the owner) is more than sweet.
We headed over for a riding lesson with the kids and didn’t know what to expect. We had been told that long pants and boots or something with a hard sole would be best so that’s what we wore. Safety is most important at Nickel-O so the first thing we did was get fitted for helmets. Then we were brought over to Sara who introduced us to our horse for the day, Small Bear.
I thought that it would be a little lighter than it was but the kids were thrown right in (I’m glad) and (A) was taught how to walk Small Bear Bear right over to the stables. After a few pointers (A) was able to get right onto him. I figured (having literally no background in riding other than the lessons we had at my sleep away camp when I was 10) that they would ride around a few times and they would get the hang of it but nope. They did a ton!!!
After a few basic lessons on the reigns while going around the corral I was shocked that Sara started explaining to (A) how to steer Small Bear to do a zig zag through the cones. Without a lead line or anything! It took him a few seconds to get the hang of it and he was doing it on his own!!! I honestly would have been impressed if we stopped right there. They had already blown my expectations away, but then Sara brought (A) and Small Bear into the adjoining corral.
There they worked on walking over obstacles, including cavaleties in the ground, and also a bridge. THEN THEY GOT TO JOG! This was the highlight of the experience if you ask (A) or (E). They LOVED it!!!
When ½ hour was up (A) was instructed how to get off Small Bear ‘like a cowboy’ and came out all smiles. At this time (E) was heading in for her lesson. Being 5 I assumed it would be drastically different. NOPE! She did all the SAME things that (A) had done (but with a lead line held by Sara). She too enjoyed every moment, and Sara told us at the end that for most kids her age they would have only started with 15 minutes, but that she did so well that she got to do the whole ½ hour. When it was completed she was instructed how to walk Small Bear back to the cross ties and hook him up.
At this point Sara told them a bit about how to care for a horse, and about how riding lessons are about more than just the “riding” it’s also caring for the horse, and having a relationship with them where they trust you. You have to take care of them. The kids got to brush him a bit, and were given a lesson on the difference between the grooming tools.
At this time I pulled the kids aside to ask them a few questions about the experience (it’s really cool that they are old enough to do that now). Both reported that they would LOVE to do it again, or go for a trail ride in the future. They also reported that they LOVED jogging, and recommend that others try it.
Nickel-O was a fabulous experience for my guys. They wanted terribly to learn more about horseback riding, and to do more than be led around a pony area. This was the second item we were able to cross off of our #RNYMBucketlist. If you are interested in going for a ride, camp, lessons, a scouting event, birthday party or anything else, please contact Lisa Owens at:
Nickel-O Farms
369 Strawtown Road, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA
Phone: (845) 353-8006
Fax: (845) 348-8178
E-mail: nickelo123@aol.com
As always we appreciate your mentioning that you read it here :o)
Upcoming Events or Programs:
Our summer Riding Program is a one of a kind experience that kids of all ages come to enjoy. We teach children how to take care of the horses and experience life at the barn
– all while having a great time.
At Nickel-O – kids get to saddle up and ride every day,
Friday mornings include a very special horse show.
Enrollment is limited, so early registration is important.
$400 per week per rider
Tuesday – Friday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please send the registration form to
Lisa Owen/Nickel-O Farm
12 Old Mill Road, West Nyack, NY 10994.
Nickelo123@aol.com
8 Weeks Available!
Week 1 7/2-7/5
Week 2 7/9 – 7/12
Week 3 7/16 – 7/19
Week 4 7/23 – 7/26
Week 5 7/30 – 8/2
Week 6 8/6 – 8/9
Week 7 8/13 – 8/16
Week 8 8/20 – 8/23
Since their start in 1979 Day Camp in the Park has served campers from NYC, Rockland County, Westchester County, Bergen County and Orange County. Located on 500+ acres on Lake Tiorati in Rockland County NY. This camp has provided traditional and fun camp experiences for their campers.
They offer camp for kids ages 4-13 year olds and the groups are split into categories; boys, girls and nursery. Each group is tailored to the age group needs and small group numbers. They have a number of activities taught by professionals and some of the activities include, swimming, softball, basketball, boating karate and gymnastics. They also offer soccer, tennis, skateboarding, arts & crafts, ceramics, wood working, archery, drama, and music.
There is an 8 week camp this summer starting on 7/1 and runs through 8/23. Registration form can be found here: https://daycampinthepark.com/registration-forms/
Rockland Center for the Arts is a local camp located right here in Rockland County. This camp is a place where kids are able to explore their creativity and imagination. In doing so they develop skills they can bring back to the classroom as well as use in everyday life. Camp ROCA offers one of the regions most comprehensive art programs under the guidance of professional teaching artists, as well as educators. There is also very caring counselors, to help the kids learn and have fun! Campers are able to explore the arts in a supportive environment, also where they develop creative expression, group cooperation, personal development, confidence, and self esteem. This camp is located on 10 acres of woods and fully equipped with air conditioned studios. There is also a pool to have fun and cool of in! There is a 5:1 ratio for ages 5-9 and 7:1 ratio for ages 10-14. They offer programs such as: • Swimming (Instruction & Recreation)
• NEW! Gardening
• Art & Nature
• Painting & Drawing
• Ceramics
• NEW! Sculpture in the Park Program
• 3D Art
• Cartooning
• NEW! Yoga
• Theater Arts
• Dance & Movement
• Music
• Field Games
On April 7 they will be having a camp open house.
for more information and to sign up visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/rockland-center-for-the-arts/camp-roca-open-house/1026598377535479/
Contact Information:
Phone number: 845-358-0877
Email: INFO@ROCKLANDARTCENTER.ORG
Website:https://rocklandartcenter.org/roca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoCA10994/
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
Deerkill Day Camp is a very popular camp option among Rockland families. This third-generation family business, celebrating its 62nd season, is located on a wooded 15-acre site and brings a community feel to the summer camp experience for campers age 3 through 15.
Deerkill offers children a chance to pick up a new sport or hobby, learn to swim and form lifelong friendships this summer. The diverse program includes professional swim instruction in large heated pools, an array of athletics on fields sized for younger and older children, creative and performing arts such as arts and crafts, ceramics, woodworking, dance, theater, and digital photography, and specialties such as karate and nature, among other activities. A new 28-foot climbing tower and 250-foot zipline were also recently added to the program.
Deerkill offers door-to-door daily transportation on mini air-conditioned buses, staffed with professional drivers and bus counselors. The Directors are on the camp grounds every day and accessible by phone by day and night; there is no large administrative staff and all the individual group leaders are adults, many of whom are teachers.
2019 Session (June 27 to August 23) (40 DAY SESSION FOR 1ST TIME EVER!)
All campers may register for 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 weeks. New campers may also register for 2 weeks for their first summer. For those campers registered for 5, 6, or 7 weeks, parents may choose any weeks throughout the summer.
With the exception of horseback riding, an optional elective, there are no extra charges at Deerkill. They do not allow tipping, a large expense at many camps, and tuition includes the following:
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- Family weekend pool club at no additional cost. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 plus Thursday July 4th and Friday July 5th. Open Saturday June 29 to Sunday August 18
- Door-to-door transportation by air-conditioned mini-buses supervised by bus counselors
- Hot lunches prepared daily in our own modern kitchen
- Field trips and all camp supplies
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- Ice cream and Ices for afternoon snack
- Daily towel service
- Group photo, camp shirt, backpack, DVD yearbook, Fall Festival, winter reunions
Tuition varies by camper age and pick-up and session length. You may go to their website and enter your child’s information to see rates for the 2019 summer and request a brochure. For more information call 1-845-354-1466, email office@deerkilldaycamp.com or log onto www.deerkilldaycamp.com.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.
By: Jamie
Whoa oo oo oo stomp! This is the greatest show! This is how the annual Day Camp in the Park play begins this year. The opening number… excitement is in the air as fellow campers, counselors, and parents all gather to watch the kids put on the performance they have worked on since the beginning of camp. It’s another one of those wonderfully tailored, yet low maintenance ways that DCITP pulls the kids in, showcases their talents, provides a safe comfortable environment for them to try new things, and gives us parents another glimpse into the adventure that is camp.
From actors to dancers, from singers to stage crew and let’s not forget the props, the annual play is a big deal for all of the participants and this year was one of particular excitement. The play is directed by Day Camp in the Park’s Improv Specialist who works alongside the Art Director, as well as the Dance Director on choreography. All campers have a chance to participate in this amazing bonding experience should they choose and even the set crew is campers.
This year the theme takes after one of Day Camp in the Park’s core values- making kids feel super special. As many know, (R) is a member of the Rockland All Star Dance Team, directed by Vicki’s Dance Studio. She was so excited to be part of the camp play and use her dance talents that we had to move our vacation up a week!!! She did not want to be away the week of the play and she insisted on bringing her script and practicing every night. Her dance was adorable during the play and she was smiling bright the entire time.
While (R) was given a dance part to match her interests, singers were given singing parts, artists helped create the props, and the main characters were a mix of all genders and ages. Getting ready for the play is the bonding part. It’s an experience the kids will never forget. The storyline itself spotlighted super heroes who are eventually outshined by “regular” kids who decide that there are “super” powers inside us all.
But the true essence of Day Camp in the Park comes through during the performance, with all the campers cheering on the play participants, counselors singing along with their campers on stage, and the entire audience clapping and laughing at all the right times. It’s not about the story. It’s about being together, supporting each other and having a blast while doing it. The camp play involves everyone and everyone feels involved.
Afterwards, there was a cast party back at the drama cabin where they got to celebrate their hard work with their team, families and the camp directors. This was a super special experience and we cannot wait for next year to see what this team pulls off with their super heroes, super people.
DCITP is currently running an early bird special for next year’s campers. If you are interested in checking it out don’t hesitate you can’t beat THESE DEALS.
2019 DCITP Rockland.Westchster Early Bird Application
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
My kids have been attending Day Camp in the Park now for 2 years (plus a week the year before trying it out) and I can’t say enough about it (although I surely try). They adore everything about the camp. The unique opportunities available, the outdoors, the counselors, the feeling of family- all of it. Well, right now if you or your friends and family also want to try it out there’s an amazing early bird discount available right now. Here’s their website if you want to see some of what they have to offer: http://daycampinthepark.com/
Details:
Its reduced prices are good through September 30, 2018 with deposit, and if you sign up by August 31, 2018 for 4 weeks, you get the 5th week free; if you sign up for 6 weeks, they get the 7th and 8th week free.
All deposits are fully refundable through April 1 for any reason, and you can change weeks through June 1 2019 with no charge, so there is really no risk to locking in the Early Bird prices at all!
CLICK BELOW FOR THE APPLICAITON AND PRICING INFO.
2019 DCITP Rockland.Westchster Early Bird Application
*As always we appreciate you letting them know that you heard about them here.*
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
The kids have started their summer of fun at Day Camp in the Park! Although I miss them terribly during the day (well, I’m getting a lot of organizing done at home), they come home happy and healthy and tired. One of the things that I love is that the kids get to swim at least two times a day. Once at instructional swim, and the other at free swim. They are also exposed to things that not all camps can provide, like swimming in an ACTUAL LAKE. I think everyone should. During these swim times they alternate between the pool and the lake, and free swim presents itself with a choice for campers. I have to tell you, if you’ve seen the blow up floats in the lake I feel like its a NO BRAINER. It’s Lake EVERY TIME, just to climb and jump and play! Well, once you pass the deep water test that is.
Once campers have proven themselves to be mostly proficient at swim, they can have a chance to pass the deep water test, because well, you can’t have blow up float fun until they know you are going to be safe. At newly 8 (A) is ready to give it a try. He wants to swim out in the open lake near the fun, but needs to get past that test. I was NOT worried in the least because he has been learning to swim with the Condors for 3 years, in fact, this year he was promoted and began swimming with the pre-team.
There was one issue. Someone told (A) who is a worrier, that there are barracudas in the water. He told us Wednesday night. He wanted to take and pass the test but didn’t want to go in the open lake because he was scared. After trying to convince us that he could pass it but in the pool we had to figure something out. Andrew to the rescue.
Andrew is the head lifeguard at DCITP. He’s a professional in every way, and on top of that he’s nice, and a big tough burly guy. The type of guy that the kids really look up to. Instead of acting like (A) was wasting his time, or being impatient, he understood his fear, and really stepped it up. He went WAY above and beyond. He worked through the fear slowly, at a pace that (A) could handle, and ultimately got him into the lake, and passing his deep water simulation.
At no time did Andrew try to force (A) into the water, or guilt him or anything. He simply would do something like say, well what if we dipped our feet in? What if we got on the first rung of the ladder? Maybe lets take a dunk together?
All the while he occupied my little man with conversation, competition and encouragement convincing him that the water was barracuda free. He spent nearly an HOUR getting there. Not only did he have him get in slowly at his own pace, but he got in the water WITH HIM to prove that all was OK. Know who else was there? Another one of his counselors AND a JC. All cheering him on.
After swimming several laps and treading water for a decent amount of time, Andrew informed (A) that he had just completed all the necessary parts of the deep water test with one exception. While swimming his first lap, he stopped at the ladders along the way (that’s when he was acclimating him to the water, the next laps were without stopping, which is the requirement). For the REAL test he would have to do the laps without stopping at the ladders. BUT, Andrew made sure to remind (A) several times that he could do it, because he had just done it. In fact, as he was swimming Andrew and (A)’s counselors were complementing how well he swam (thank you CONDORS).
(A) didn’t want to get out of the Lake (go figure) when it was time and was asking when he could take the actual test. The idea of the afternoon swim was thrown around but Andrew let him know that he could not be in the water with him at that time because he would have other groups that he needed to keep eyes on. That’s when Andrew really shocked me. He offered to come down with (A) during his FREE PERIOD tomorrow to give the test and be in the water with him. (A) was so super excited by the offer and accepted.
(A) was psyched the day of the test. He asked if he could first go into the crib and get used to the water and they obliged. He was one of several campers to be testing at this time (no more than 2 went at a time). 
When it was his turn his counselor Jessie went in with him just to make him comfortable. I am so happy and proud to report that he nailed it!!!
The whole time I was so super nervous (he wasn’t). Andrew was so happy for him that he even let him catch a ride in on the teeter totter. He came home from camp yesterday and told me that he already went to the lake for free swim to play on the blow up water park, and that his next project is getting up the nerve to climb the giant iceburg. :o)
The kids are loving camp so much that I offered to pick them up half day today for that build a bear lunacy and they declined. THAT SAYS IT ALL. We love Day Camp in the Park.
If you are interested in checking out DCITP please visit their website : http://daycampinthepark.com/ their facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Day-Camp-In-The-Park- email:dcitp1979@gmail.com or call: 845-638-2515
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
As my kids climbed on the bus this morning all I could think of was the great fun that they would be having the next 8 weeks. They have done nothing but talk about camp all year (seriously, RNYD outlawed the name a la Voldermort at the dinner table). Here we are at day 1. Then I started thinking about all the other children who would be beginning one of the best summers of their lives. Then I thought about how fortunate we have all been that Day Camp in the Park is celebrating their 40TH summer this year. How many lucky people can recall the amazing times that they have had at DCITP.
Day Camp in the Park can boast that it has been part of the Palisades Camp Association, longer than any camp in the history of Harriman. They have been serving children of my students from the Clarkstown School District, in which Ken the director of camp, is a member of the Clarkstown School District Educational Hall of Fame. In addition, DCITP has received numerous awards from the National American Camp Association, including a lifetime achievement award for serving families throughout the world, writing the only master’s program for camp administration, and has written a book entitled, There is No Place Like Camp, guiding parents as to how to pick a worthy camp for their children.
As per usual, I followed the bus up and took first day of camp photos of all the campers for the 2018 season. Take a look at the lucky campers who will be experiencing all that DCITP has to offer this year on our facebook page- or on the DCITP Website <3
If you are interested in checking out DCITP please visit their website : http://daycampinthepark.com/ their facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Day-Camp-In-The-Park- email:dcitp1979@gmail.com or call: 845-638-2515