About Us
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Read more...Camps 'R' Us
Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Deer Park, East Rockaway, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Melville, St. James, Syosset, Valley Stream, and Williston Park
516-935-CAMP (2267)
About Camps 'R' Us
Thank you for choosing to learn more about Camps ‘R’ Us. Camps ’R’ Us’ award winning camps are among the best summer camps on Long Island, built upon a community of children whose summers will be among their most treasured memories for their entire lives.
Since 1993, Camps ’R’ Us has provided the most affordable summer day camp experience for children ages 3 and up. In a safe and nurturing environment, children are given the opportunity to flourish physically, Intellectually, emotionally, and socially while enjoying a fun filled summer.
Campers are encouraged to make new friends, try new things, and challenge themselves to build their confidence and self-esteem. Our highly trained Staff works hard to get to know your child as an individual and creates bonds that will be long cherished.
Affordable: Camps ’R’ Us is one of the most affordable private summer day camp programs on Long Island. We offer multiple payment plans and workforce discounts for employees of participating businesses.
Convenient: Camps ‘R’ Us has 11 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. You can customize your child’s summer schedule to meet your specific needs, with your choice of weeks and days. We offer full day programs and extended morning and afternoon hours are available if needed. All campuses are located within minutes of major roadways and LIRR stations, so you won’t have to change your work schedule to accommodate your child’s camp schedule.
Safe & Secure: Camps ‘R’ Us is accredited by the American Camp Association, and meets and exceeds over 300 standards for best practices nationwide. It is licensed by the Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Health. All of our Senior Staff are certified in CPR/AED, First Aid and Anaphylaxis Response through the American Red Cross.
This summer, you can rest assured that your child is safe with us. We employ the most caring, conscientious, and child-centered counselors and teachers in the camp industry. We are proud to be the recipient of the prestigious Safety 1st Award for our proven safety record, formal assessments and inspections, and our continued participation in continuing education and certification programs.
Proud of Our Staff:
The most important element in guaranteeing a successful summer camp program is having the best Staff. Our camps are run by a dedicated team of childcare professionals. We provide Campers with a Staff that is the most qualified, experienced and child centered to be found anywhere in the camp industry. Our Senior Staff consists of teachers, college and graduate students studying or working in early childhood, secondary or physical education. We also employ exceptional high school and college students as Counselors.
Meet Our Team
Jason Turnier - Managing Director
Jason Turnier is the managing director of the family-owned and operated Camps R Us. He oversees the daily operations and management of its seven campuses. He is also an active member of the New York State Camp Director s Association and the American Camp Association. When he s not at camp, Jason is also a professional drummer and private teacher, and an American Red Cross first aid and CPR instructor. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Cheryl, his daughter, Layla, and their dog, Dottie
STAFF - We only hire the best
Campus Directors, Program Directors and Group leaders and are teachers, college and graduate students studying and/or working in early childhood, secondary or physical education. We also employ exceptional high school and college students as Counselors. Our seasonal staff has a high return rate year after year, as we continue to provide them with an opportunity to work in a fun, safe and positive camp environment with plenty of growth opportunities.
Tiny Tots® Ages 3 & 4
Camps ‘R’ Us’ youngest campers enjoy a fun-filled first camp experience that offers a full day of enrichment through specialized activities for 3 and 4 year old boys and girls. Our Tiny Tots program is designed to complement the unique complexities of early childhood. Campers thrive in an exceptionally supportive camp environment with an age appropriate curriculum. Qualified Certified Early Childhood Teachers ~ Nursery and Pre-K Readiness Program ~ Camper-to-Staff Ratio: 4 ~ Age Appropriate Equipment and Playing Fields ~ Special Events: children’s performers, singers, petting zoo, and more! Tiny Tots® Exclusive Play Centers, Interactive Gaming and Dining In addition to our flexible choice of weeks and days, Tiny Tots® parents may also choose between three options for the length of your camper’s day. Full Day – 9 AM to 5 PM ~ Mini Day – 9 AM to 2 PM ~ Half Day – 9 AM to 12 PM
KinderKamp® Ages 5 & 6
We offer a balanced, age-appropriate curriculum for 5 and 6 year old boys and girls who have just completed preschool or kindergarten. Our KinderKamp® program offers a natural progression for campers who are ready to take on the challenges of more advanced activities, new experiences and enhanced programming. Campers thrive in a very nurturing camp setting, with a low camper to staff ratio, scaled down equipment perfectly sized for active young campers, and the freedom to be creative through Arts & Crafts, Imagination Station, Music and Dance. Camper schedules are planned to encompass a wide variety of exciting, hands-on activities.
Division12 1st & 2nd Graders
Once campers arrive in our grade-based divisions, they are very active and can’t wait to play! 1st & 2nd graders are ready for the full range of camp activities, and we offer a diverse curriculum with programming that introduces campers to mainstream sports, enhanced creative arts, and technology-based activities. Campers thrive in a very active camp setting, with a low camper to staff ratio. Focus is given to physical and emotional development through non-competitive play and campers are encouraged to try new things without the risk typically associated with failure. Daily Activities: Division 12 programming introduces campers to the broad spectrum of camp activities while also offering certain exclusive activities designed specifically for campers of this age.
Division34 3rd & 4th Graders
3rd and 4th graders experience camp from a whole new vantage point, with access to more programming options, including a tremendous range of athletic, gaming and creative activities. Our enhanced sports program adds an element of friendly competition, with weekly league play in a variety of team sports. Shades’ Famous Game Room opens campers up to a world of gaming that is unrivaled in the camp industry. In addition, campers can participate in more focused creative arts. They are also introduced to “CLUB,” which is optional programming, or choice-based curriculum. Daily Activities: Division 34 programming opens up a world of activities to create a diverse, yet balanced curriculum for our campers.
Division56 5th & 6th Graders
Our 5th and 6th graders follow an innovative program, allowing campers to enjoy a comprehensive summer experience with a unique combination of scheduled activities and choice-based programming. Emphasis on personal and team achievement is increased through friendly competition that encompasses many camp activities. Enhanced twice-weekly league play includes team standings, playoffs and awards. “CLUB” activities are further developed, and campers can choose to participate in a variety of focused activities based on their personal interests. Shades’ Famous Game Room is a featured activity area for 5th and 6th graders, and the added element of tournaments with prizes provides the opportunity for skill development and “play with a purpose.” Division 56 programming offers campers the full spectrum of what Camps ‘R’ has to offer.
Division78 7th & 8th Graders
Our 7th and 8th graders comprise the most senior camper division. Tweens and teens enjoy a dynamic summer camp experience, combining traditional day camp activities with a flexible program that provides an array of choice-based programming, electives and workshops. Campers also enjoy unique on and off-campus programming, with exclusives just for 7th and 8th graders. Camper-to-Staff Ratio: 12 Middle adolescence campers are becoming more independent, growing away from family ties and influences, favoring social groups and close friends. However, they still desire adult supervision and adult attention to their daily needs. In addition to interests and ambitions rapidly shifting at this age, our staff manage group activities and programming catering to longer aspirational arcs, interest spans, and self-guided play. The world at large is also of great interest, and 7th and 8th graders take on a community service project each summer in friendly competition with peers at other campuses.
Activities & Choices 7th & 8th Graders
Activities & Choices: 7th and 8th graders have built-in choice in almost every activity period, and as a group, can shape their daily routine based on a consensus between campers.The “daily double” also gives 7/8 campers the opportunity to keep popular activities running longer. The fun doesn’t always have to end because a camp period does!
Electives & Workshops: 7th and 8th grade campers are given additional programming choices through electives and workshops designed to spark their creativity. Electives/Workshops include: Photography, Blogging, CRU News, Graphic Design, Yearbook, CRU Shark Tank, CPR Certification, Food Drive, Athletic Clubs and Game Tournaments.
Field Trips: 7th and 8th graders also enjoy four built-in field trips. In 2017, they include Adventureland, C&B Archery, Pole Position Raceway and Strikeforce Sports/Nerf Rivals. There are two optional trips as well, to see the New York Mets at Citi Field, and a trip to the Movies.
C2 Program (Camper-2-Counslor) 9th & 10th Graders
The Camps ‘R’ Us C2 Program provides campers with a “hands-on” approach to developing their leadership skills in an environment designed for success. Our fully assisted staff training is a 1-year intensive program designed to give C2s a preview of their upcoming experience as a Staff Member. C2s are directly mentored by our members of our award-winning camp staff, under the supervision of a Program Director. C2s will be tasked to assist with daily activities, games, projects, events, trips and camp traditions, in a role that bridges the gap between camper and counselor. They facilitate and participate in the camp program, and are given opportunities to develop their camp skills through a variety of curated, supervised activities. C2s further their training experience by enrolling in an optional First Aid and CPR course. This training course is a modified version of the training received by Camps ‘R’ Us Health Designees.
CREATIVE ARTS Art, Dance & Journalism
Creative Arts Campers enjoy arts & crafts, dance, and journalism activities throughout the summer.
Art & Crafts In Arts & Crafts, campers create projects that challenge their creativity and enhance fine motor skills, including ceramics, tie dye, teddy bear stuffing, woodworking, edible art, fashion, jewelry, and more. Creativity is also expressed through a unique assortment of thematic crafts, based upon special events during the summer. Most camper projects are keepsakes, while others are used for camp decor and traditions.
Dance The Dance Program is led by a dedicated instructor, with a focused curriculum and emphasis on technique. Styles include modern, lyrical and hip hop, culminating with a live stage performance at the end of the summer.
Journalism Our Journalism program includes camper yearbook, photography, news production, videography and recording techniques. CRU News is the weekly newscast written, produced and published by campers, for campers.
SPORTS & RECREATION
Camps ‘R’ Us features a diverse Sports & Rec program spanning major sports and traditional camp games. Each campus features indoor/outdoor basketball, volleyball, gaga ball, pedal go-karts, kickball, backyard games (Kan Jam, Ladder Ball, Bagg O, etc.) and giant games (Jenga, Battle Stacks, Connect 4).
Featured athletic electives include Soccer Instruction from Soccer Shots®, with a dedicated professional team of coaches and staff, and CRUFit®, our comprehensive health, fitness and nutrition program led by certified fitness instructors.
Additional recreational activities include an interactive game room (Xbox®, PlayStation®, and Nintendo® products, Kindle Fire Tablets, Ping Pong, Foosball, Bumper Pool) as well as dozens of classic board games.
We also feature a Maker Space on campus, as well as STEM activities designed to stimulate learning in a fun and exciting environment.
SWIMMING & BOWLING
Campers venture off campus starting at age 5 and up. Off campus swim is a fun way to cool off and have a great time. Campers are assessed for swimming ability, and can use facilities such as the kiddie pool, instructional pool, spray park and water slides as deemed appropriate by staff. Camps ‘R’ Us aquatics staff manage all swim activities, and our certified lifeguards and counselors are supervising in the water with campers.
Our off-campus bowling centers create a “rock ‘n bowl” experience for our older campers, complete with animated flat-screen scoreboards, glow-in-the-dark bowling balls, and popular tunes broadcast throughout the center. Bumpers are also available if needed.
TRADITIONS
Camps ‘R’ Us has many traditions that have become part of the fabric of our camp community. We celebrate these special events on various days during the summer, and campers participate at a level that is appropriate for their specific age and abilities. These special days augment the daily activity schedule, and are indicated on your campus calendar.
Traditions may include: Crazy Hat Day, Picture Day, Wild ‘n Wacky Challenge, Color War, Shades’ BIG Shindig, Pinewood Derby and Talent Show.
TRIPS
Off campus trips take campers to some of the most popular venues on Long Island. Trips may include: Adventureland, Once Upon a Treetop, Citi Field (NY Mets), the Movies, Escape the Room, White Post Farms, Chocolate Works and more! Camper trips are included in your camp fees, except for featured bonus trips, which are indicated on the camp calendar. Bonus trips require an additional consent form and payment.
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CAMPSWe advocate for children to have a meaningful, positive, and safe summer at camp. Following the unprecedented circumstances of current events, it is our mission to deliver a safe summer camp experience that will nurture the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being of our campers.
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Meet the Director Jason Turnier is the managing director of the family-owned and operated Camps ‘R’ Us. He oversees the daily operations and management of its seven campuses. He is also an active member of the New York State Camp Director’s Association and the American Camp Association. When he’s not at camp, Jason is also a professional drummer and private teacher, and an American Red Cross First Aid and CPR instructor. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Cheryl, his two-year-old daughter, Layla, and their dog, Dottie. |
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