Benefits of Outdoor Play and Exploration at Summer Camp

April 1, 2026

For many families living on Long Island, finding a safe, high-energy environment for children to stay active during the summer is a top priority. Camps ’R’ Us provides a premium, ACA-accredited day camp experience that makes the most of our local school campuses. We are firm believers in the power of outdoor play. Our program is designed to get kids off the couch and onto the courts, using fresh air and organized sports to build confidence, fitness, and lasting friendships.

Age-Appropriate Programs for Every Stage

At Camps ’R’ Us, outdoor activity is tailored to your child’s developmental level. Our Tiny Tots® program (Nursery and Pre-K) utilizes safe, shaded outdoor play areas to help little ones develop motor skills and social readiness.

As they grow, our Campers (Grades K-4) move into a high-energy schedule of organized field sports like soccer and kickball, alongside court games like basketball, all taking place right on premise. For our oldest group, the Explorers® (Grades 5-8), the campus serves as a home base for high-energy competitions before they head off on exciting Field Trips to local Long Island attractions.

Sports, Courts, and Outdoor Skill-Building

We trade the “wilderness” for well-maintained Athletics and Court Sports facilities. On our outdoor blacktops and fields, campers engage in the “FUNdamentals” of competitive play. Whether it’s a fast-paced game of Gaga or basketball, kids are constantly moving. These activities boost stamina and heart health while teaching the vital lessons of sportsmanship and resilience.

We know that for busy Long Island parents, peace of mind is the priority. That’s why safety isn’t just a policy; it’s our standard. Every Gaga match and swimming session is led by trained staff who ensure your child is safe, hydrated, and happy. One of the most popular ways our campers enjoy the outdoors is through swimming. We visit local community pools where kids can master the water under the supervision of lifeguards. By making outdoor movement fun rather than a chore, we help children build healthy habits for a lifetime.

Cognitive Growth and Campus Innovation

Even our academic and creative programs benefit from the campus setting. Our WonderWorks® program takes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) outside the traditional classroom. Campers might test a physics project on the playground or participate in a campus-wide scavenger hunt that requires quick thinking and navigation skills.

Our Creative Arts and Dance programs often utilize outdoor stages or shaded areas for rehearsals, giving kids a chance to express themselves in a vibrant, open environment. Even our Gaming and “R”Cade sessions provide a balanced break between high-energy outdoor activities.

Tradition and Community Connection

The heart of our outdoor experience lies in our Camp Traditions. From our famous “Shindigs” and foam parties to the legendary Color War competitions, these events turn a standard school campus into a place of wonder. Campers learn to collaborate on group projects and cheer for their teammates, building the emotional intelligence and empathy needed to succeed in school and beyond.

Your Neighborhood Summer Home

Camps ’R’ Us is a high-quality, high-value experience that helps kids grow physically and socially without needing an overnight stay or a trip to the mountains. With convenient Long Island Locations in Farmingdale, Hicksville, Syosset, Williston Park, and more, we bring the best of summer play right to your community.Ready to get them outside and moving? Call us at 516-935-CAMP(2267) or Enroll Now to join the Camps ’R’ Us family this summer.

Did you know that Leadership is learned in a real-life context? At camp you will supervise others and engage in decision-making, behavior management, and living ethics — all necessary leadership skills for today.

Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and contribution that are critical for success in today's world are developed and practiced at camp; they are skills and traits that can draw employers' attention to your resume.

Working at camp, you’ll be challenged to use critical thinking and problem solving in a myriad of issues from the health and safety of children to how to get 12 Campers to agree on the same elective in the afternoon.

You will receive on-the-ground, practical, real-life training in how to work with a team and help build the culture of your camp community.

Working at camp you will model professionalism and compassion by managing a group of Campers, while contributing to the growth and development of each individual participant

Imagining the world in new ways requires creativity. At camp, you will develop innovative and fun ways to engage an audience of three to 300 and implement alternate plans when faced with unexpected changes to the daily routine.

In fact, you may be eligible for college credit in some cases or able to use camp as an independent study, practicum, or internship experience. Ask your advisor how the skills you will learn directly relate to your major and will make you a stronger job candidate.

Camp provides a global, diverse experience without the expense of long-distance travel; it is not uncommon for Campers and Staff to experience a variety of cultural and unique activities over the summer.

Exceptional Managers are exceptional networkers. Network with other Staff and build connections to camp Alumni who can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers.