Dropping your nursery or preschooler off at camp for the first time is one of those moments you remember. It is exciting and a little nerve-wracking, and that is completely normal. What Long Island parents want in that moment is simple: to know their child is somewhere safe, warm, and ready for them.
That is exactly what our Tiny Tots® program was built to be. Designed specifically for children ages 3 to 5, Tiny Tots® is a gentle, structured introduction to the camp experience on a familiar school campus. As a family-owned, ACA-accredited program that has been part of Long Island summers since 1993, we know how much this first step matters. We treat it accordingly.
What Makes Tiny Tots® Different
Tiny Tots® is not a scaled-down version of our older programs. It is its own thing, intentionally built around how children at this age actually learn and grow. Group sizes are kept small, so every child gets real attention, not just a spot in a crowd. Our staff are caring, experienced, and know the difference between a child who needs a minute and one who is ready to jump in.
Everything we do is rooted in play-based learning. Preschoolers do not need a rigid classroom. They need space to explore, create, move, and connect with other kids their age. Our school campus settings give them exactly that: safe, familiar environments with playgrounds, classrooms, and open space, all within a structured daily routine that helps little ones feel grounded and confident.
A Day in the Life: Routine and Activities
Kids this age thrive on knowing what comes next. Our daily schedule is built around that. Every day follows a predictable rhythm that balances high-energy activities with quieter moments, so campers finish the day happy and not completely worn out. A typical Tiny Tots® day includes:
- Morning Arrival: A warm welcome from staff to help ease the drop-off transition. We know this moment matters, and we make it count.
- Creative Play and Sensory Activities: Finger painting, building blocks, sensory bins, and imaginative play. These are not just fun; they are building fine motor skills and social awareness at the same time.
- Outside Time: Fresh air and movement on our campus playgrounds. Supervised, safe, and a highlight of the day for most Tiny Tots.
- Arts and Music: Simple creative projects and musical activities that introduce rhythm, expression, and a little bit of silliness.
- Wind-Down Time: Before pickup, we transition into quieter activities to help campers decompress, process their day, and get ready to go home with a story to tell.
Preparing Your Child for the Big Day
A little preparation goes a long way, especially for younger campers. A few things that make a real difference:
- Visit the Campus Beforehand: We encourage families to bring their child to your specific location before the first day. Seeing the courts, the classrooms, and the playground takes away the mystery and makes Day One feel a lot more familiar.
- Start a Morning Routine Early: A week or two before camp starts, begin practicing the morning routine. Wake-up, get dressed, have breakfast, head out. Predictability is calming for this age group.
- Talk It Up: Tell them about the friends they will make, the games they will play, and the snacks they will enjoy. Let them look forward to something specific.
Join the Camps ‘R’ Us Family
With nine locations across Long Island, over 30 years of experience, and nearly 2,000 campers enrolled each summer, we have helped a lot of families navigate this first step. We would love to help yours too.
Enrollment is flexible with no minimum week requirement, so you can find the schedule that works for your family without any pressure.
Ready to get started? Enroll in Tiny Tots® today, or contact us at 516-935-2267 with any questions. We are happy to help.