Why Summer Camp is Beneficial for Preschoolers: The Power of Play-Based Learning

March 7, 2025

Summer Camp for 3-5 Year Olds: Growing and Learning Together

Long Island summers are perfect for your preschooler’s first big adventures! Many parents know that summer camp is great for older kids, but now more families are finding out how wonderful camp can be for children ages 3-5 too.

Why Summer Camp Matters for Your 3-5 Year Old

Build Independence

The first time your child does things without mom and dad can feel new and maybe a little scary. Our summer camp gives preschoolers a safe place to try new things on their own. This helps them feel proud and builds their confidence.

Learn New Skills

At camp, little ones can try sports, make art, and play games that teach them new skills. They have fun while learning to play with others and follow simple rules.

Make New Friends

Meeting new friends is one of the best parts of camp! Your child will meet kids from all over Long Island. This helps them learn how to talk to others and share their feelings in a new place.

Try New Things

Camp lets kids try many different activities. You never know what might spark your child’s interest! At Camps ‘R’ Us, children can try sports or classes they might not try elsewhere.

Right Here on Long Island

Many Long Island families are busy with work and family time. Our Tiny Tots® program gives your 3-5 year old a perfect mix of fun and learning close to home. We’ve designed everything just for this special age group!

Playing and Growing

Play isn’t just fun – it helps children grow! When kids play, they:
Learn to get along with others
Learn new words
Improve their moving and thinking skills
Get creative

At camp, children play in ways that help them follow directions, work in groups, and take responsibility. These skills will help them do well in preschool and beyond.

Our Summer Camp for 3-5 Year Olds

Your child’s safety is our top priority at Camps ‘R’ Us. Our staff includes teachers and students studying education who specially love working with 3-5 year olds.

Our activities are designed just for this age group. We understand that 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, and 5-year-olds are all at different stages. We meet each child where they are and help them grow. All our staff members go through careful training and background checks.

We have camps in many places around Long Island:

Join Our Tiny Tots® Program – Created Just for Ages 3-5!

It’s normal to feel a little nervous when sending your 3-5 year old to camp. But our caring staff at Camps ‘R’ Us will make sure your child has a wonderful time.

Our Tiny Tots® program is made just for children ages 3-5. We understand what preschoolers need:

Age-appropriate activities for developing minds and bodies
Gentle introduction to new routines
Sensory-rich experiences that 3-5 year olds love
Patient guidance with self-care skills like hand washing and cleaning up
Plenty of movement and rest times balanced throughout the day

We keep our groups small so each child gets the attention they need. Three-year-olds receive extra support, while our five-year-olds enjoy more challenging options to prepare them for kindergarten.

Save your child’s spot now – our popular Tiny Tots® program fills up fast!

Call 877-850-CAMP or email Info@CampsRUs.org to learn more about why Long Island families have trusted us for over 30 years.

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.