Specialty Camp Offerings

Adventures in Spanish

Berkeley Carroll´s Spanish Immersion Summer Camp offers fun and engaging experiences that are rooted in the mission to foster global thinking. The main focus of the camp is to create an immersion environment, where campers are encouraged to explore and use Spanish in a real-world context. Campers will be exposed to various activities such as cooking, dancing, arts and crafts, acting reading, movement and free play that help facilitate their second language acquisition. Campers will have the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired language skills to their families at the end of each session. Campers will also regularly enjoy swimming lessons at BC's pool. Campers can participate in one or multiple weeks of the program. Our Spanish camp is led by Berkeley Carroll's teachers, Señorita Lopez and Ms. Vasquez who have a unique approach to teaching languages. With years of experience leading immersion programs, they are thrilled to share their expertise with our campers this summer.

Spanish Camp: Master Chef
Our campers will enjoy a fun and enriching environment where they will discover different foods and recipes. Our little chefs will learn by cooking and learning vocabulary related to foods, utensils and following the directions mentioned in the recipes. We will also observe and identify the characteristics of various fruits and vegetables, as well as their flavors and the children’s preferences. The campers will be exposed to a number of situations in which they will have to express their opinions about the food and create their own recipes in Spanish.

Dates: July 1 - 5 (No camp on July 4th)
Grades: K - 1

Spanish Camp: Zoo Animals
During this session, our campers will learn about the zoo. They will discover the different kinds of animals that can be found at the zoo as well as how to describe their characteristics. The children will learn how to describe these animals in conversation with others and will engage in activities such as art, acting, singing, and role-playing. At the end of this session, the campers will put on a performance for their families and friends called “The Zoo” where they will act and present the costumes they designed for the show.

Dates: July 8 - 12
Grades: K - 1

Spanish Camp: Space Odyssey
The campers will become experts in the field of space, learning about everything from planets to stars and astronaut equipment. Our classroom will be transformed into NASA as we discover outer space! Our astronauts will discover the sciences that are out of this world by experimenting with water in its different states and light. By the end of this session, the children will be able to present the characteristics of the planets, stars and space exploration equipment in Spanish through activities such as science experiments, arts and crafts, acting, music, and a performance. We are excited to meet our little scientists and travel into space together!

Dates: July 15 - 19
Grades: K - 1

Spanish Camp: Vamos a jugar (Let's Play!)
During this session, our campers will learn Spanish through play. We will encourage and engage and cultivate campers’ love of play. Our campers will engage in conversation topics, learn new vocabulary and learn Spanish and Latin American traditional games. Through creative games, campers will feel comfortable to engage and communicate in Spanish. By the end of the session, students can demonstrate how to play traditional games.

Dates: July 22 - 26
Grades: 2 - 3

Spanish Camp: Master Chef 2
Our campers will cultivate their love of Spanish and eating. We will engage in a deeper understanding of culinary and restaurant vocabulary. Chefs will explore different recipes, techniques and kitchen utensils. Campers will learn how to communicate in full sentences in a real world context. By the end of this session, our chefs will showcase their learning by creating a menu and presenting their work in Spanish.

Dates: July 29 - August 2
Grades: 2 - 3

Outdoor Adventures

Campers will learn essential skills for exploring the great outdoors in this one-week camp. Children will enjoy daily visits to Prospect Park, and lessons will include orienteering, outdoor-cooking, camouflage and shelter building. The program will culminate in a full-day outdoor adventure where participants will put their new skills to the test!

Dates: July 15 - 19 & July 22 - 26
Grades: 2-4

Nature Science

This exciting camp is devoted to exploring the science of the great outdoors! Utilizing neighborhood nature walks and Prospect Park as outdoor classrooms, children will participate in hands-on investigations of local plants and animals while exploring their local environment. Nature Science participants will also take home daily projects with an art-in-nature focus.

Dates: June 24 - 28 & July 1 - 5 (no camp July 4th)
Grades: 1-3

Child's Play NY: Make a Musical

Child's Play NY offers weekly school-year classes, summer intensives and in-school residencies. Young people learn the craft of acting and in doing so, cultivate self-expression and artistry. The jubilant energy of imagination is explored in a supportive and nurturing environment.

In Make a Musical, self-expression and artistry are the name of the game! Campers spend the week exploring beloved musicals through improvisation, dance and music. Led by professionally-trained actors, kids flex their imaginative muscles and learn the basics of vocal warm-ups, character development, singing and choreography. The final show of songs and games is a treat for all!

Grades: K-3

Adventure with us from the streets of In the Heights all the way down to Annie's orphanage on the Lower East Side. Kids will dance like Sharks and Jets, play tricks on Miss Hannigan and give their regards to Broadway! Using theater games and improv, kids will learn the plot and score from such shows as Annie, West Side Story, In the Heights and more; they will develop their own mini plays using the classics as a springboard. Students develop their musicality and most importantly their creativity as they play inside these great NY shows. There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Grades: K-3

Learn to speak mermaid/merman as you swim and play with your family under the sea. Make a trade for legs with the Sea Witch for a special skill that only you possess. Play an exciting game of Ocean Tag – and careful not to get turned into a statue! Dance at the ball on your new found legs and sing such classics as “Under the Sea”, and “Part of Your World.” There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Grades: K-3

Child's Play NY: Adventure Series

Child's Play NY offers weekly school-year classes, summer intensives and in-school residencies. Young people learn the craft of acting and in doing so, cultivate self-expression and artistry. The jubilant energy of imagination is explored in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Child's Play NY: Blast Off!

3-2-1 blastoff with us into deep space. Whether you’re exploring your alien gibberish or landing on the moon like an astronaut, kids will feel like a star in this creative exploration. We’ll tie in our adventures with cool kid lit as well as popular characters from galactic adventure movies. There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Grades: K-2

Rock Band

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a rock star or wondered what specific skills you need to be in a band? In this camp, children will learn to play and sing various rock songs and learn what it takes to perform and make music. Campers will learn the reasons why and how the songs work, become more informed listeners and develop performance skills on instruments and vocal training. While no experience is required to participate, some background with singing or an instrument may be helpful. Campers will perform for families on the final day of camp. This camp is taught by Tristan McCoppin, performer and music educator at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

Dates: June 24 - 28
Grades: 2-4

Puppetry & Toy Theater

In this one-week camp, children will learn the art of puppet making and toy theater under the direction of Berkeley Carroll kindergarten teacher Tanya Khordoc. Participants will learn how to make their own puppets and use them in creating a show to be presented at the conclusion of the week. Campers will also work on the sets and props for that show and learn about different styles of puppetry. There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Dates: June 24 - 28 & July 1 - 5 (no camp July 4th)
Grades: K-1

Story Ballet

In this camp, children will learn and perform dances from classic Russian story ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Firebird. Children will learn the history and traditions behind these ballets, create their own costumes, and perform selections of these for their families. This camp is taught by Berkeley Carroll dance teacher Vanessa Paige, who has studied ballet for over 40 years and who spent a great deal of time performing and teaching classical dance in St. Petersburg, Russia.

There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Dates: June 24 - 28
Grades: K-2

Advanced Story Ballet

This class for older dancers explores iconic variations (famous solos) from classic Russian story ballets such Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Firebird. Students learn adapted versions of variations, choreograph their own dances, and perform for their families. This class is taught by Berkeley Carroll dance teacher Vanessa Paige, who has studied ballet for over 40 years and who spent a great deal of time performing and teaching classical dance in St. Petersburg, Russia. There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Dates: July 8 - 12
Grades: 1-3

Beginner Coding and Robotics

Using a variety of robots and coding programs, campers will learn about robotics and develop basic coding as well as problem-solving skills. Participants will start with exploring how to control robots using directional symbols then progress to writing more complex sequences of code using app based programs. Projects are based on a variety of themes such as music, movement, and exploring different sensors to cause reactions. This camp is led by Berkeley Carroll Lower School STEAM Assistant Jessica Cary.

Dates: June 24 - 28 and July 8 - 12
Grades: 1-3

Inventor Lab

In this course campers will explore do-it-yourself projects, engineering, experimenting, crafting and other discovery projects. Students will learn how to use a variety of tools to create unique items based on their imagination. These creations will be made out of wood, recycled materials, cardboard and more. Throughout this program students will gain experience with the design thinking process. They will also strengthen their problem solving skills with daily challenges.

Dates: August 5 - 9
Grades: K-2

Nature Science

This exciting camp is devoted to exploring the science of the great outdoors! Utilizing neighborhood nature walks and Prospect Park as outdoor classrooms, children will participate in hands-on investigations of local plants and animals while exploring their local environment. Nature Science participants will also take home daily projects with an art-in-nature focus.

Dates: June 24 - 28 & July 1 - 5 (no camp on July 4th)
Grades: 1-3

Art Crew

Do you like to paint, draw, collage, and explore with clay and mixed media? Then join us this summer for Studio Arts! Throughout this fun-filled week, campers will work with a variety of materials and techniques. They will showcase their creations in an end-of-week art show. Campers will also enjoy swim lessons at BC's pool, yard time, and plenty of creative free-choice time.

Dates: July 8 - 12 & July 15 - 19
Grades: K-3

Eco-Designers

This innovative camp will allow campers to get creative and work with their hands, while learning the principles of recycling and "upcycling." Think twice before you throw out those chopsticks or corks! Campers will use everyday materials, otherwise destined for the landfill, and give them a second life as amazing art and engineering projects. Through the process of repurposing chip bags, squeeze pouches, and much more, campers will learn why "one man's trash is another man's treasure!"

Dates: July 29 - August 2
Grades: K-2

Strategy Lab

Do you want to learn to play chess and other strategy board games? In Strategy Lab, we'll teach campers the skills to take on any opponent. Strategy Lab will foster friendly competition and develop logical thinking in and out of the game. Campers will try their hand at chess, Connect Four, checkers and other exciting games. Strategy Lab will be taught by Nick Gravelle, who currently teaches in Berkeley Carroll's after school program, and has taught chess for five years at The Fencer's Club Summer Academy.

Dates: July 22 - 26 & July 29 - August 2
Grades: 2-4

Silly Science: Chemistry Campers

This camp will focus on the fundamental concepts of Chemistry- the study of matter. Campers will explore the types of matter, their properties, and the reactions they can undergo. Explore chemical separations with chromatography butterflies, produce chemical reactions by making slime, write a cryptic message using the acid of a lemon, and more! This camp is sure to get a positive reaction from all campers!

Dates: July 8 - 12
Grades: 2-4

Silly Science: Biology Buddies

In this camp, students will participate in hands-on activities involving the major concepts of Biology- the study of life. Topics include the parts of a plant, animals and their habitats, cells and DNA, and more. Explore membranes with a rubber egg, understand variation through a butterfly scavenger hunt, and participate in fun take-home art projects. This camp will be a cause for "cell-ebration!"

Dates: July 15 - 19
Grades: K-2

Summer Science: Wind, Water, Weather

What’s the difference between weather and climate? What is the water cycle? This camp will introduce campers to the Earth’s weather system. Fly a kite in Prospect Park, race paper airplanes, make condensation in a bottle, and more! Using the aspects of STEAM, children will learn about wind and water systems using hands-on learning activities and take-home art projects. This camp is sure to blow you away!

Dates: July 22 - 26
Grades: K-2

A Summer in Space

In this camp students will learn all about space! Campers will make their own rocket ships, launch water rockets, create models of our solar system, and more. Using the aspects of STEAM, children will explore space by carrying out experiments and participating in take-home art projects. This camp is sure to be out of this world!

Dates: August 5 - 9
Grades: 2-4

Geometric Art

Geometric Art is a project-based learning camp where students will explore the beautiful, symbiotic relationship of art and math. For one week, campers will use their artistic and mathematical skills to create physical and digital pieces of abstract, geometric art using materials such as gum balls, marshmallows, toothpicks, and the Geometer's Sketchpad, and interactive geometry program where campers can create digital kaleidoscopes and tessellations. As always, campers will enjoy swim leassons at BC's pool, yard time, and plenty of creative free-choice time. Geometric Art is taught by Berkeley Carroll's fourth grade teacher, Samara Gation.

Geometric Shapes & Kandinsky-Inspired Art: July 8 - 12
Tessellations & M.C Escher-Inspired Art: July 15 - 19
Geometric Puzzles and Games: July 22 - 26
Geometric Constructions: July 29 - August 2
Grades: 2-4

Creative Builders

Do you like to build with different materials? In Creative Builders camp, kids will be presented with fun building challenges. They will make their own designs and build towers, forts, houses, boats, and more. Our builders will experiment with cardboard, straws, pipe cleaners, marshmallows, wood, and other recycled materials. Campers will work through the creative process, collaborate, take risks, and strengthen their problem solving skills. On the final day, campers will have the opportunity to showcase a building of their choice to families and friends! Creative Builders camp is taught by Berkeley Carroll's Associate Teacher Andrea Santin.

Dates: June 24 - 28
Grades: 1-3

Swim Camp

The Berkeley Carroll Swim Camp is designed for students entering grades K through 5 who are looking for an intensive but enjoyable aquatics program to start their summer vacation. Working under the guidance of experienced coaches, campers will work to improve their technique and endurance through drills and workouts both in and out of the pool. In addition to swimming instruction, students will participate in a regular camp program, with a special focus on physical education activities. The camp is open to students of all levels, but participants should be able to participate in 2-3 hours of sports activities each day.

Dates: June 17 - 21
Grades: K-5

Basketball

The Berkeley Carroll Basketball Camp is designed for girls and boys entering grades 1 through 8 who are looking for an intensive but enjoyable training program to kick off their summer vacation. Working under the guidance of experienced coaches, campers will focus on a different basketball fundamental each day, including shooting, passing, footwork, etc. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and experience. Each day will consist of training sessions both in Berkeley Carroll's gymnasium and pool. The camp is open to students of all levels, but participants should be able to participate in 2-3 hours of sports activities each day. Please note: Grades 1-4 will be at our 701 Carroll St. Location and Grades 5-8 will be at our 181 Lincoln Pl. location.

Dates: June 24 - 28
Grades: 1-8

Gymstar Gymnastics

Gymstar's camps are action-packed with exciting skills to learn and movement routines that motivate and challenge! Each day begins with a warm-up with lively music, and conditioning with cross mat tumbling. Then our campers are led through an obstacle course of Gymnastic & Circus skills as they master the challenges in their paths; all while having TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF FUN! There will be a sharing session on the last day of the camp where families are invited to view the students' work.

Dates: August 5 - 9
Grades: K-3

Gymstar: Circus Adventures

Circus Adventures - Where Kids CREATE the show! Learn Physical performance skills and circus arts including: Acrobatics, juggling (scarves, rings, and balls), hoop tricks, plate spinning, rolling globe, slack-rope, acro-balance and pyramid stunts just to name a few! We end every day with classic comedy and clown routines - often the favorite part of class! There will be a Circus Show for parents and friends on the final day of camp!

Dates: July 1 - 5 (no camp July 4th)
Grades: K-3

Youth Multisport

The Berkeley Carroll Youth Multisport Camp is designed for girls and boys looking to develop their athletic and cooperation skills in a positive, fun, and organized learning atmosphere. Working under the guidance of experienced coaches, campers will explore a variety of different sports and games, including soccer, basketball, swimming and t-ball. Campers will learn the rules and essentials of each sport through drills, games and scrimmages. Each day will consist of training sessions both in Berkeley Carroll's gymnasium and pool. The camp is open to students of all levels, but participants should be able to participate in 2-3 hours of sports activities each day.

Dates: July 8 - 12 & July 15 - 19
Grades: 1-4

Campers will be introduced to the game of tennis using USTA's Ten and Under Tennis methodology. This approach involves using a smaller court, slower balls, and racquets sized for small hands. Children will spend half their day on tennis training, and will enjoy regular camp activities such as swimming and arts and crafts for the remainder of the day.

Dates: July 22 - 26 & July 29 - August 2
Grades: 1-4

In this one-week intensive, campers will enjoy long swim periods, both in the morning and in the afternoon, in Berkeley Carroll's 75 foot pool. Under the supervision of expert swimming instructors, they will learn all four strokes, play swim games, and learn "guard start" skills. In addition, they will participate in a regular camp program, with a special focus on physical education activities.

Dates: June 24 - 28 & August 5 - 9
Grades: 2-4

Free Choice Art

Free Choice Art offers students the time and freedom to explore a variety of "art centers" at their will. The Drawing Den is equipped with traditional and non-traditional drawing tools and papers. The Painting Post offer a number of painting mediums and surfaces on which to experiment. The Clay Corner promotes 3D sculpting skills and a variety of clays. The Construction Site is loaded with recycled materials for exploratory engineering. The Light and Shadow Laboratory will be a permanent installation in the room where students can play, learn, and discover. Choice learning offers students the opportunity to go deep in a particular medium or technique that interest them toward a developmentally-appropriate mastery.

Dates: July 1 - 5 (no camp on July 4th)
Grades: 2-4

Art Crew

Do you like to paint, draw, collage, and explore with clay and mixed media? Then join us this summer for Studio Arts! Throughout this fun-filled week, campers will work with a variety of materials and techniques. They will showcase their creations in an end-of-week art show. Campers will also enjoy swim lessons at BC's pool, yard time, and plenty of creative free-choice time.

Dates: July 8 - 12 & July 15 - 19
Grades: K-3

Eco-Designers

This innovative camp will allow campers to get creative and work with their hands, while learning the principles of recycling and "upcycling." Think twice before you throw out those chopsticks or corks! Campers will use everyday materials, otherwise destined for the landfill, and give them a second life as amazing art and engineering projects. Through the process of repurposing chip bags, squeeze pouches, and much more, campers will learn why "one man's trash is another man's treasure!"

Dates: July 29 - August 2
Grades: K-2

Geometric Art

Geometric Art is a project-based learning camp where students will explore the beautiful, symbiotic relationship of art and math. For one week, campers will use their artistic and mathematical skills to create physical and digital pieces of abstract, geometric art using materials such as gum balls, marshmallows, and toothpicks, and the Geometer's Sketchpad, an interactive geometry program where campers can create digital kaleidoscopes and tessellations. As always, campers will enjoy swim lessons at BC's pool, yard time, and plenty of creative free-choice time. Geometric Art is taught by Berkeley Carroll's fourth grade teacher, Samara Gation.

Geometric Shapes & Kandinsky-Inspired Art: July 8 - 12
Tessellations & M.C Escher-Inspired Art: July 15 - 19
Geometric Puzzles and Games: July 22 - 26
Geometric Constructions: July 29 - August 2
Grades: 2-4

Papier-Mache Makers

In this project-based camp, children will design and make their own papier-mache creations! Campers will learn the centuries-old technique of transforming paper strips into a sculpture. They will work collaboratively and individually to make variety of three-dimensional objects, such as animals and masks. Campers will also enjoy free-choice art activities, swim lessons, and yard time each day. Families will be invited to view the campers’ projects in an end-of-week art show.

Grades 2-4: July 1 - 5 (no camp July 4); August 5-9
Grades 1-3: July 15 - 19