It’s that time of year again!
Are you looking for day camps for your child or teen—but aren’t sure where to start?
Whether they are interested in art, sports, or academics (or you’re just looking for a traditional day camp), you’ll find plenty of options in our annual directory.
Please note: This information was up to date at the time of publication. Please visit each website to confirm details.
Traditional Day Camps
Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways
GSNYPENN is operating four camps this summer—and your child doesn’t have to be in the program to attend any of them. Busing is available from Syracuse.
Ages: Grades K-11.
Where: Camp Amahami (Deposit, NY); Camp Comstock (Ithaca, NY); Camp Hoover (Tully, NY); and Camp Trefoil (Harrisville, NY).
More information: gsnypenn.org/camp.
JCC of Syracuse
Parents of school-aged children can choose between a traditional day camp or specialty camps, which explore activities like fencing, lacrosse, pickleball, and rocketry. There are options for preschoolers and teens, too.
Ages: The ages vary by program.
Where: 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY.
More information: jccsyr.org/summer-camp.
Manlius Pebble Hill School
MPH summer programs include: a summer day camp; athletic camps; academic and enrichment camps; photography; college application essay; counselor-in-training; driver education; and SAT preparation.
Ages: Youth entering grades Pre-K-12.
Where: 5300 Jamesville Road, DeWitt, NY.
More information: mphschool.org.
North Syracuse Early Education Program
Offering a six week summer school session for students in Onondaga County from July 6-August 13, 2026. 3 or 5 half days/week sessions (AM or PM).
Ages: Must be 3 years old by 12/2/2026.
Where: 205 South Main Street, Syracuse, NY.
More information: nscsd.org/earlyeducation.
YMCA of Central New York
Ages: The ages vary by program.
Where: There are locations around Central New York.
More information: ymcacny.org.
YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
Ages: Kindergarten to age 12.
Where: Gryziec Field, S. James St. and Muck Road, Rome, NY; Oneida Family YMCA, 701 Seneca St., Oneida, NY; and Trinity United Methodist Church, 8595 Westmoreland Road, Whitesboro, NY.
More information: ymcatrivalley.org.
Educational Camps
BASCOL
This summer will feature recreational activities centered around science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—with themed weeks, guest speakers, and field trips. Space is limited.
Ages: Grades K-6
Where: Central Square and Liverpool, NY.
More information: bascol.org.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Summer Nature Day Camp
Ages: Nature’s Little Explorers (ages 4 and 5); Voyager Camp (grades 5-8); and Classic Camp (grades K-8).
Where: 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY.
More information: baltimorewoods.org.
Beaver Lake Nature Center, Summer Nature Camp
Ages: Explorers (grades 1-3) and Adventurers (grades 4-6).
Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY.
More information: beaverlakenature.org.
Challenge Island CNY, Summer Camps
Ages: Road Trip USA© (ages 5-12); Space Explorers® (ages 5-12); Jurassic Island Camp© (ages 5-12); Island Tube Camp™ (Ages 5-12); Islandmon STEAM Quest® (ages 5-12).
Where: Lysander Town Park, Baldwinsville, NY.
More information: challenge-island.com.
Fayetteville Free Library, STEAM Camps
Ages: STEAM Camp Jr. (grades 1-2) and STEAM Camp (grades 3-6).
Where: 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville, NY.
More information: fflib.org.
Great Swamp Conservancy, Jr. Swamper Day Camp
Ages: Grades 1-4.
Where: 8375 N. Main St., Canastota, NY.
More information: greatswampconservancy.org.
Herkimer Diamond Mines, Rock, Gem & STEAM Camp
Ages: 6-13.
Where: 4626 State Route 28, North Herkimer, NY.
More information: herkimerdiamond.com.
Lime Hollow Nature Center, Summer Camps
Ages: Kneehigh Naturalists (ages 3-4); Junior Naturalists (grades K-3); Master Naturalists (grades 4-8); Wanderers (grades 6-10); and Mentor-in-Training (grades 8-10); Family Night Camp Out (all ages and families).
Where: 338 McLean Road, Cortland, NY.
More information: limehollow.org.
Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), Summer Camps
Ages: Junior Scientist (ages 4-7); Be the Scientist (ages 8-12); and ESF Summer Science Week (graduating eighth graders only).
Where: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse, NY.
More information: most.org.
Rice Creek Field Station, Exploring Nature
Ages: 5-14.
Where: 193 Thompson Road, Oswego, NY.
More information: oswego.edu/rice-creek.
Rohe Farms, Summer on the Farm
Ages: 1st grade through age 12.
Where: 4207 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY.
More information: rohefarms.com.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Summer Camps
Ages: 4-17.
Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY.
More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Sciencenter, Summer Camps
Ages: Animal Adventures (grades 1-2 and grades 3-5); Space Explorers (grades 1-2); Science Investigators (grades 1-2); Journey into Space (grades 3-5); Camp-ology (grades 3-5); and Future Science Leaders – Summer Intensive (grades 6-8).
Where: 601 1st St., Ithaca, NY.
More information: sciencenter.org.
SUNY Oswego, STEAM Camp
Ages: Grades K-9.
Where: Marano Campus Center, 109 Campus Center, Oswego, NY.
More information: oswego.edu.
Syracuse University, Summer College
Ages: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Where: On campus, online, or hybrid.
More information: precollege.syr.edu.
Utica Zoo, Zoo Crew
Ages: Jr. Zoo Crew (ages 12-14) and Zoo Crew (ages 14-17)
Where: 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY.
More information: uticazoo.org.
Sports Camps
Blaze Gymnastics, Summer Play
Ages: Ages 5-12.
Where: 7785 Frontage Road, Suite D, Cicero, NY.
More information: blazegymnastics.com.
Central New York Family Sports Centre, Soccer Camps
Ages: 5-15.
Where: 7201 Jones Road, Syracuse, NY.
More information: cnyfsc.com.
Central Rock Gym, Summer Vacation Program
Ages: 8-13.
Where: 600 N. Franklin St., Syracuse, NY.
More information: centralrockgym.com.
CNY Gym Centre, Summer Gymnastics Camp
Ages: 5-12.
Where: 3133 Erie Boulevard E., Syracuse, NY (Dewitt location). 4155 State Highway 31, Clay, NY (Clay location).
More information: cnygymcentre.com.
CNY Summer Sports Camp
Ages: Entering K-8th.
Where: Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, 6280 Randall Road, Jamesville, NY.
More information: facebook.com/CNY-Summer-Sports-Camp.
J.M McDonald Sports Complex, Summer Camp
Ages: 4-12.
Where: 4292 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortland, NY.
More information: jmmcomplex.com.
Play2Learn, Sports Camp
Ages: 2-7.
Where: Lysander Park, Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville, NY.
More information: play2learntot.com.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park, SkyCamp
Ages: All ages.
Where: 4155 NY-31, Clay, NY.
More information: skyzone.com/clay.
Syracuse Chargers, Learn to Row
Ages: Introductory Youth Learn to Row (ages 10-14); Advanced Youth Learn to Row (ages 10-14); and Teen Learn to Row (ages 14-18);
Where: 3820 Long Branch Road, Liverpool, NY.
More information: chargersrowing.org.
The Warrior Factory, Ninja Warrior Camps
Ages: 6-12.
Where: 170 Township Blvd., Suite 20, Camillus, NY.
More information: syracuse.thewarriorfactory.com.
Visual and Performing Arts Camps
Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance
Dancers can learn ballet, tap, jazz, pointe and/or lyrical during the Liverpool School of Dance’s summer camps. All levels are welcome.
Ages: 2 ½ and up.
Ages: 3 and up.
Where: 7948 Morgan Road, Liverpool, NY.
More information: liverpoolschoolofdance.com.
Le Moyne College, Summer Arts Institute
Dive into the arts this summer at the Le Moyne College Summer Arts Institute! Join us on Le Moyne’s campus for one or more of these exciting arts programs: theater, film, strings, musical theater, and creative writing.
Ages: Youth entering grades 4-12 (varies by camp).
Where: Performing Arts Center at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY.
More information: lemoyne.edu.
Light of the World Ballet
Offering summer programs that give dancers the opportunity to learn how to remain ministry minded while performing. Programs available this summer: Summer Dance Outreach, Jr. Summer Dance Outreach, and Summer Ballerina Camp. They include ballet technique and a performance at the end of the week.
Ages: 3-19 (varies by camp).
Where: 3537 James St., Syracuse, NY.
More information: lightoftheworldballet.com.
Redhouse Arts Center
Every summer, Redhouse invites young performers to take part in a fully staged theatrical production.
Ages: 10-17.
Where: 400 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY.
More Information: theredhouse.org.
Small groups and a custom-built program allow students to learn what interests them most. From musical theatre to acting and movement to storytelling, students will learn from professional artists, get a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre-making process, and feel the thrill of performing.
Ages: Grades 3-12 (varies by camp).
Where: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY.
More information: syracusestage.org.
Aspire Dance CNY, Summer Camps
Ages: All ages.
Where: 240 W. Seneca St., Suite #2, Manlius, NY.
More information: aspiredancecny.com.
Auburn Public Theatre, Summer Classes
Ages: Under age 18.
Where: 8 Exchange St., Auburn, NY.
More information: auburnpublictheater.org.
Hangar Theatre, Next Generation School of Theatre
Ages: Grades 1-12.
Where: 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY.
More information: hangartheatre.org.
Liverpool Art Center, Art Day Camp
Ages: Art Camp (ages 7-12); Mentorship Program for serious artists (ages 9 and up).
Where: 305 Vine St., Liverpool, NY.
More information: artsandhealing.com/teen-art-camp.
Rome Art and Community Center, Artletics
Ages: 5-12.
Where: 308 W. Bloomfield St., Rome, NY.
More information: romeart.org.
Syracuse Children’s Theatre, Summer Camps
Ages: Grades 1-12.
Where: 700 W. Manlius St., East Syracuse, NY.
More information: sctkids.com.
Syracuse Shakespeare-In-The-Park, William J. Scott Jr. Kids Doing Shakespeare Summer Camp
Ages: Grades 4-12.
Where: Thornden Park’s Carriage House, Ostrom Ave. and Madison St. entrance, Syracuse, NY.
More information: onthestage.tickets.
The REV Theatre Company, Musical Theatre Intensive
Ages: All Access (ages 10 and up) and Musical Theatre Intensive (high school students).
Where: 282 North St., Suite G, Auburn, NY.
More information: therevtheatre.com.
Overnight Camps
Want an overnight camp experience that’s not too far from Syracuse? These options are all less than 90 minutes away!
4-H Camp Owahta
Ages: Day Camp (ages 5-15); Residential Camp (ages 8-15); Step Into Leadership with the 4-H Camp Owahta LIT program (ages 14-15).
Where: 4826 Knecht Road, McGraw, NY.
More information: cce.cornell.edu.
Camp Hollis
Ages: Summer Camp (ages 6-12); Residential Camp Experience (ages 8-14).
Where: 40 Health Camp Road, Oswego, NY.
More information: youthbureau.oswegocounty.com.
Camp Talooli
Ages: Day Camp (Grade K-age 12); Pre-K Day Camp; Resident Camp (Grades 2-7).
Where: 520 County Route 54, Pennellville, NY.
More information: camptalooli.org.
Fowler Camp & Retreat Center
Ages: Grades 3-12
Location: 152 Pelcher Road, Lake Pleasant, NY.
More information: campfowler.org.
Kamp Kiwanis
Ages: Contact for more information.
Where: 9020 Kiwanis Road, Taberg, NY.
More information: kampkiwanis.org.
Lourdes Camp
Ages: 7-14.
Where: 1150 10 Mile Point Road, Skaneateles, NY.
More information: lourdescamp.com.
YMCA Camp Cory
Ages: Contact for more information.
Where: 140 E. Lake Road #54, Penn Yan, NY.
More information: rochesterymca.org.
A Packing List for Sleepaway Camp
By Sandra Macklin, Director of Outdoor Experience, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways
A well-prepared camper will have MORE fun at camp!
Remember to label everything with your first and last name. Items should be packed in an easy-to-carry duffel bag, backpack or lightweight travel suitcase.
Please leave your phone, tablet, smart watch, computer, and other electronic devices with your family or at your camp’s designated safe-keeping spot during your stay.
As staff, we want your camp experience to be the BEST! So, take a break from your screens and UNPLUG!
Camp is a time to get outside and allow your mind to relax. It will help you fully engage and have meaningful conversations with your peers, build new friendships, actively participate in activities, gain or improve your skills, and grow a deeper appreciation for nature and the plants, animals, and landscapes around you.
Camp life is the BEST life! So, get ready to pack up and go have FUN!
We’ll see you there…
- Long pants, jeans, shorts
- Short and long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts
- Pajamas
- Rain gear (raincoat or poncho with a hood, waterproof boots or shoes)
- Socks, underwear
- Closed-toe sneakers or hiking boots
- Hat
- Bathing suits
- Warm sleeping bag, twin bedding, fitted sheet, pillow
- Laundry bag
- Towels
- Deodorant (non-aerosol, please)
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, comb, brush, hair ties, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)
- Insect repellent (non-aerosol, please)
- Mess kit (unbreakable knife, fork, spoon, cup, bowl, plate)
- Dunk bag (drawstring mesh bag that can fit your dishes for cookouts)
- Sturdy water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp, fresh batteries
- Small day pack
Optional:
- Water shoes
- Camera (non-digital preferred)
- Sunglasses
- Shower shoes or flip flops
- Stuffed animal
- Down-time activities like books, journals, playing cards, pens, puzzles, stationary with stamps, etc.
And it should go without saying, but must be said: Please DON’T bring electronics, gum or candy, scented sprays or lotions, valuables, jewelry, video games, weapons, tobacco products, marijuana, illegal drugs or alcohol to camp.
For Parents and Campers Before Camp
Screening campers for head lice is hard enough, but then there are those uncomfortable calls to parents, kids ostracized from the group due to lice, or that one child that seems to be infecting the whole camp.
Lice Clinics Upstate NY (Naughty Nits) can help stop the madness!
Lices Clinics Upstate NY offers pre-camp screenings at thier Cicero clinic located at 6221 Route 31, Suite 114. They also offer on-site camp screenings and treatments as part of their Camps Without Lice Program.
To learn more, call (315) 410-0051 or visit their website.
