New York City Parks Department Camp Lottery Opens Tomorrow

Just $500 for the entire summer!

By Bethany Braun-Silva February 28, 2018

With summer just a few short months away, it's time to start thinking about camp. New York City parents have a myriad of options to chose from. From day camps, to sleep away camps, to specialty camps the list goes on and on. But this low-cost option provided by the New York City Parks Department is a great choice for parents who want to give their children all the benefits of summer camp while keeping costs at a minimum.

The New York City Parks Department Camp runs from Monday, July 9 through Friday, August 24 from 9am-5pm. Camp costs just $500 for the entire summer and $575 for extended days from 8am-6pm. By New York City standards this deal is hard to beat!

The camp will run at 19 locations throughout the city. Not all locations offer extended hours so be sure to double check upon applying. According to the website, campers will experience "sports, fitness, and outdoor adventure and take part in many of New York City’s rich cultural and educational opportunities."

While this sounds like an incredible opportunity, the only catch is that admission is not gauranteed. It is reported that the camp receives around 2,000 applicants yet there is space for only 965 campers. The lottery opens March 1 and will stay open until March 11.

The Parks Department provides the below tips on its website:

Your child must be between the ages of 6 and 13 by the first day of camp. The first day of camp is Monday, July 9, 2018.
We only allow one registration at one site. Please ensure you follow this rule. If you register at more than one, your child may be disqualified.
If you have more than one eligible child, you should register them together on a single application. If you do, your children will be selected for the same summer camp together, rather than apart.
Rank your choice of Regular Day (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) and Extended Day (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) sessions, and your preference will be noted in the system. Not all sites have both sessions.

Lottery winners will be notified the week of March 11 and must register in person by March 17 at the center where their child will be attending camp. You will also be required to pay a $100 deposit at that time.

Good luck to the applicants!