Ultimate Guide to Summer

2017

Reasons to Try

Summer Camp Great Getaways

♦ Disney Vacations ♦ Hersheypark

Pick-Your-Own Fresh Berries Better Summer Beverages Wet & Wild Water Parks

WestchesterFamily.com

HELP YOUR CHILD STAY IN THE GAME THERE ARE MORE WAYS TO PLAY THAN EVER BEFORE – AND YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

Junior Team Tennis

Junior Tournaments

Kids can get active, have fun and make friends

Advance your game by getting on the court, learning from the best and connecting with your friends. Competing in Junior Tournaments will help take your game as far as you want to go – high school, college or the pros.

by playing tennis on a team. Junior Team Tennis allows kids to enjoy the sport for a lifetime from the very first day of play. Parents, why don’t you help manage a team? No tennis experience is required and it’s a great way to share a positive experience with your child.

Need Help Managing Your Team?

Think Outside The Court

When your child is ready to compete, there is PARENTS

AFTER-SCHOOL PROVIDERS

no better way to start than with USTA Junior Tournaments. Junior Tournaments are great for kids who want to test their games, get out on the court and make new friends along the way. There is local competition for kids of all levels—entry-level, intermediate and advanced —and as age and ability advance, there are

PE TEACHERS

HIGH SCHOOL COACHES

Contact Samantha Chin to learn more today at schin@eastern.usta.com or at 914-697-2389

also national level tournaments.

Contact Rob Festa at festa@eastern.usta.com or at 914-697-2398 to learn more today!

Thornton-Donovan School’s Summer Challenge

CAMP OPEN HOUSE DATES: Sunday, March 26, 2017; 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday, April 23, 2017; 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Program Dates: July 3 – August 18, 2017 8:45 am to 3:45 pm • Ages 3-14 • Co-ed REGULAR RATE

EARLY BIRD RATE!

EARLY, EARLY BIRD RATE!!

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$3,300

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4

$2,640

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3

$1,980

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2

$1,320

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1

$ 660

No discount

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NO. OF WEEKS

$660.00 Per Week

(Paid in full by May 1st )

• Swimming Instruction on Premises • In-Ground Pool

(Paid in full by April 1st )

• Lunch and Transportation Included • Accredited Summer School Program

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY • 914.632.8836 • www.td.edu 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

3

CONTENTS ultimate guide to summer 2017 features

departments Hot Tips

8 Tennis: Many Ways To Play 8 Westchester Park Pass 10 Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Kids

12

Health

32 Let’s Ditch the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

6 Reasons to Try Summer Camp

When school draws to a close in late June, parents are faced with decisions over what their children should spend time doing during those long summer days. Summer camp, in all forms, is a popular option. Find out why.

Stuff to do

34 Pick-Your-Own Berries 36 Wet & Wild Water Parks

advertising 14 Summer Camp Guide

2017

28 Disney Vacation Options for 2017

Is this the year your family finally takes a Disney vacation? While it’s common for New Yorkers to set their sights on Walt Disney World in Orlando, there are options elsewhere that deliver the same Disney magic – on land, sea and faraway lands.

Reasons to Try

Summer Camp GREAT GETAWAYS

♦ Disney Vacations ♦ Hersheypark

Pick-Your-Own Fresh Berries BETTER SUMMER BEVERAGES WET & WILD WATER PARKS

WestchesterFamily.com

on the cover 12 Summer Camp 28 Disney Vacations Hersheypark

30

36 Wet & Wild Water Parks

Hershey Hotel and Hersheypark

34 Pick-Your-Own Berries

How sweet it is! At Hersheypark there’s something to do and experience for families with kids of all ages. Suffice it to say, it won’t take much effort to convince your children to go on the sweetest trip of their lives.

4

30

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

32 Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Cover Photo: iStock.com

MBYC Day Camp • Family Membership Private Beach Playground Spacious Sporting Lawns

Swimming Pools 9 Har-tru Tennis Courts Waterfront Dining

Children’s Day Camp Private Cabanas Marina

Visit us at one of our open houses:

Open House: Wednesday, February 8th, 7–9pm

Call us today. (914) 698-1130

www.mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com

info@mbyc-ny.com

Learn about camp programs that include membership for your camper.

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

5

Published by Community News Group CEO Les Goodstein President & Publisher Jennifer Goodstein Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@cnglocal.com co-Publisher/ Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Managing Editor Vince DiMiceli Calendar Editor Susan Goldberg calendar@westchesterfamily.com ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@cnglocal.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Gardy Charles Earl Ferrer John Napoli Mark Ramos Michael Shirey DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Rare Sales Inc. Bob Engelman 914-661-3605 circulation@westchesterfamily.com Printed by Publication Printers Please recycle this magazine.

Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Community News Group, LLC. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. Editorial submissions are welcome.

Westchester Family 1 Metrotech Center Brooklyn NY 11201 Š 2017 Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

6

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

SUPERCHARGE YOUR SUMMER

MINI CAMP

AGE 3

DAY CAMP

AGES 4–8

SPORTS CAMP

AGES 6–14

SENIOR CAMP

AGES 9–15

MAJOR CAMPS

Day, sports, and specialty camps for boys and girls, ages 3–15

GRADES 1–9

TECH CAMPS

JUNE – AUGUST 2017

GRADES 1–9

TWO LOCATIONS NEAR YOU:

JUNIOR BUSINESS ACADEMY

GREENWICH ACADEMY GREENWICH, CT RIVERDALE COUNTRY SCHOOL BRONX, NY

esfcamps.com 1.800.529.CAMP

GRADES 5–8

TENNIS CAMP

AGES 6–15

EXTEND YOUR DAY

AGES 3–15

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

7

Hot Tips //

Tennis: Many Ways to Play Parents – get out on the court with your kids this summer! There are more opportunities available through USTA Eastern – to both play and volunteer – than ever before. Did you know that the game has changed and is more accessible and more fun to play?

Here is an overview of USTA programming available for your child: School Tennis: No courts are required and kids can have fun playing tennis sized right for age and ability. Rally to get tennis in your child’s school!

Play Days: Introduce kids to competition in a low-pressure setting; kids have the chance to gain additional play experience through short, continuous matches over a two-tothree-hour period. Volunteer to help out at a Play Day to spend a great day with your child.

Play Days Feature: • Low-pressure, non-elimination formats • Organized by level/ability or experience • Modified serving for less-experienced players Junior Team Tennis: Sports can be more fun played on a team. Start a Junior Team Tennis team and give children a remarkable tennis experience so they play for a lifetime.

No previous coaching experience is required to start a team!

Junior Tournaments: Advance your game by getting on the court, learning from the best and connecting with your friends. Competing in Junior Tournaments will help take your game as

Photo Courtesy of USTA Eastern

Kids can have fun playing tennis that’s now sized for their age and ability. far as you want to go – high school, college or the pros. When your child is ready to compete, there is no better way to start than with USTA Junior Tournaments. Junior Tournaments are great for kids who want to test their games, get out on the court and make new friends along the way. There is local competition for kids of all levels – entry-level, intermediate and advanced

– and as age and ability advance, there are also national level tournaments.

Contact your local Tennis Service Representative, Sandy Hoffman, at hoffman@ eastern.usta.com and she will connect you with the right tennis opportunity close to home. Also, visit Eastern.USTA.com for more information on all programs.

Westchester Park Pass A Summer Must Have!

A Westchester Park Pass is available to all Westchester County residents, ages 12 and up for $75 and is valid for three years. Residents must show proof of residency and apply in person at several area locations including County offices in Mt. Kisco and White Plains, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River and Playland Park in Rye. In the summer passes are also available at pools and golf courses.

The pass is required to use county-owned parks, pools, beaches, the tennis courts at Tibbets Brook Park and the boat launch at Glen Island Park.

The Park Pass also offers savings at six county-owned golf courses, venue parking fees and county summer camp programs.

A Family Park Pass is also available for $150 that covers two adults and two children (ages 12 to 18). You might also like to inquire about the Season Swim Pass, which in addition to the Park Pass allows entry into four Westchester County pools. http://parks.westchestergov.com/park-passes.

8

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

HELLOS & HIGH FIVES

wELCOME TO GATE HILL DAY CAMP programs built for AAges ges 3-15 EARLY CHILDHOOD PRO PROGRAM OGRAM ATHLETICS, ARTS, AQUATICS & ADVENTURE ROGRAM PROVEN LEARN-TO-SWIM P PROGRAM WORKSHOPS EXPLORERS: S.T.E.M. & ARTS WORKSHOPS TRAILBLAZERS: TEEN TRIPS S & TRAVEL 0TH GRADE) LEADERS IN TRAINING (ENT. 110TH SPARKS: ACADEMIC SUPPORT & TUTORING

DIFFEERENCE THE GATE HILL DIFFERENCE D CAMP FACILITY 33-ACRE PRIVATE FAMILY-OWNED TRA ANSPORTATION NO-FUSS DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION COMM MUNICATION OUTSTANDING DAILY COMMUNICATION IDEOS ONLINE PHOTO AND V VIDEOS TOW WELS PROVIDED BATHING SUIT LAUNDRY & TOWELS

See What all the fuss is about. www.gatehilldaycamp.com Only minutes away, but feels like a summer getaway!

To set up a personal tour of our 18 acre facility, please contact us at

breezemont.com or 914-367-1936 A RM O N K , N Y

BOYS & GIRLS Boating Book Nook AGES 3–13 Aquatics Arts & Crafts Baseball Basketball

Ceramics Cooking Dance Fishing Gaga

Gymnastics Jewelry Mad Science Music Nature Newcomb Soccer

Softball Tennis Theater Playground Ropes Course Video Production Yoga

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

9

Hot Tips //

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Kids Cool Down and Take a Break from the Sun

S

ummer means sun, but it can also mean just too much of a good thing. When the temperatures soar sometimes the safest, and most comfortable, activities are indoors.

Check out these indoor venues that offer a break from the sun.

Andrus Planetarium at the Hudson River Museum Sweltering days were made for a visit to the only public planetarium in Westchester County. The heavens are portrayed in a series of age-appropriate planetarium programs.

And when you’ve gone through what the planetarium has to offer be sure to enjoy the rest of the Museum. 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 963-4550. hrm.org.

The Cliffs at Valhalla Don’t let the kids climb the walls at home take them to do some real wall climbing. It is great exercise and provides hours of fun. The Learn to Climb Package is a great introduction to the sport. Build confidence and technique by taking classes, joining an after school group or climbing team. Want to just walk in and climb?

That’s available too! 1 Commerce Park, Valhalla.

328-7625. thecliffsclimbing.com.

Grand Prix New York More than your average entertainment complex, Grand Prix New York offers highspeed indoor Go-Karting racing, a Spins Bowl bowling alley, arcades, giant bouncy inflatables and dining. Check website for details. 333 North Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco. 2413131. gpny.com.

Leapin’ Lizards Conveniently located in the Kohl’s shopping center in Port Chester, Leapin’ Lizards is home to ball pits, slides, mazes, tunnels and a foam forest! An arcade and dining areas for groups to eat are also for you to enjoy. 421 Boston Post Road, Port Chester. 937-5867. leaplizards. com.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center There’s something for every age kid here. Take part in activities with the Master Model Builder and see MINILAND where New York’s top attractions are made of LEGOS. Then play in the soft play area, see the 4D cinema and enjoy a wide variety of LEGO activities. Westchester’s Ridge Hill, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866-243-0770. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

10

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

photo by Marc Taylor

On sweltering days visit the Hudson River Museum to enjoy the only public planetarium in Westchester.

LIFE: The Place to Be State-of-the-art arcade games, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, and four mini bowling alleys are only some of the offerings. This 25,000-square-foot family-fun entertainment center also runs birthday parties and hosts events of any kind for 30 to more than 500 people. 2 Lawrence St., Ardsley. 591-4400. lifetheplacetobe.com.

Maritime Aquarium See river otters, sea stars, sand tiger sharks and many more water loving friends! Classic IMAX movies, specially made by the aquarium, can also be seen here. 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Neuberger Museum Not only is the Neuberger Museum a great place to take in art on a rainy day it’s also free for children ages 12 and under! The Neuberger houses modern, contemporary and African art. They also host Family First Saturdays, a day of free hands-on art activities, tours and performances for families the first Saturday of every month. Purchase College, State University of New York, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase.

251-6100. neuberger.org.

FunFuzion/New Roc City Arcade games, lazer tag and rides are only

the beginning. There are glow-in-the-dark bowling, billiards and miniature golf facilities.

It is also home to an IMAX theatre and a large Megaplex with 18 movie theaters. 33 Lecount Pl., New Rochelle. 637-7575. newroccity.com.

Sportime USA This indoor family entertainment center is home to more than 200 video games, bumper cars, laser tag, batting cages, miniature bowling and an accessible rock-climbing wall for children. There is also a massive two level jungle gym filled with slides, mazes and balls.

Food and refreshments and restrooms are all on-site. 380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford. 5922111. sportimeusa.com.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children The many engaging and educational exhibits offered are sure to keep your child entertained and educated throughout the day. If you have a toddler be sure to visit the Tot Town designed especially for the littlest museum enthusiasts. 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Trampoline Fun Here are four places where kids can burn off hot or rainy day energy. Bounce! Trampoline Sports, BounceU of Elmsford, Rockin’ Jump in Mt. Kisco and Yonkers all offer indoor venues

Rockin’ Jump, 333 S. Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco.7435730. mtk.rockinjump.com.

Rockin’Jump, Ridge Hill, 241 Market St., Yonkers.

510-9119. ridgehill.rockinjump.com.

Westchester Children’s Museum Visit the vibrant and colorful galleries overlooking the Playland Boardwalk and Long Island Sound. Explore hands-on exhibitions that allow visitors to create their own roller coaster, work with KEVA blocks, experiment with wind tunnels and sand. There’s also a cozy quiet corner where you can enjoy books and share stores. Rye Playland, Rye. 421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

courtesy photo

Beat the summer heat with fun and educational indoor activities at Westchester Children’s Museum. that literally allow kids to bounce off the walls.

See the websites and learn about their open bounce schedule. BounceU of Elmsford, 150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford. 874-5200.

BounceU.com/elmsford.

Bounce! Trampoline Sports, 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage. 845-268-4000. http://bounceonit. com.

Westchester Table Tennis Open seven days a week, this 15,000-squarefoot table tennis haven draws men, women and children from all across the county. Play for an hour or play for a day all for a drop in fee of $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 20, including paddles and balls. Yearly memberships, league games and group training or one-on-one lessons are also available. 175 Thompkins Ave., Pleasantville. 7410738. westchestertabletennis.com.

– Jean Sheff

HUDSON COUNTRY DAY CAMP Where Exploration Leads To Discovery

• Experienced Staff • Year round program • Flexible Scheduling (2 week minimum • full day & half day)

• Ages 18 months -12 years • Swimming Instruction (in-ground pool on premises)

• Sports, Science and Creative Development

340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 • 914-636-6202 www.hudsoncountry.org • mrs.mcculler@hudsoncountry.org.

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

11

6

Reasons to Try Camp This Summer

By Julie Schneyer

W

hen school draws to a close in late June, parents are faced with decisions over what their children should spend time doing during those long summer days. Summer camp, in all forms, is a popular option in Westchester. There are numerous day camps, sports camps, swim camps and town recreation programs; beyond the county, there are thousands of overnight camps, in and out of state.

Caryn Symons of the JCC MidWestchester, Laurie Rinke of Camp Echo Lake and Gregg Licht of Elmwood Day Camp, collectively offer more than 30 years of professional camping experience and are all in agreement that camp provides kids with invaluable benefits. Westchester Family spoke to them about their perspectives, which focus on such things as the rise of a child’s independence; the opportunity to take a break from technology; acquisition and use of social skills; the establishment of selfconfidence; skill-building; and development of individuality and peer acceptance.

Independence Caryn Symons is the director of camping and director of the nursery school program at the JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale.

According to Symons, the establishment of self-esteem with help from role model counselors, as well as the independence that accompanies skill development, are two big reasons why camp is so beneficial. “Learning from others, particularly teenagers and young adults who work as summer camp counselors,” Symons says, “gives kids great role models; it’s a different way of learning than from a standard teacher. Buddying up with a counselor also helps kids experiencing anxiety; helps build their confidence and

12

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

know that they won’t be left alone.”

Symons also feels for younger children, the daily structure of a camp program at the same place where they will attend nursery school is a big benefit. “The switch to school,” Symons says, “is much easier; their anxiety is much less if they are already familiar with a facility.”

Social Skills Social skills come into play while at camp in a different way than at school. “Kids come in contact with so many people from all over while at camp and camp helps kids learn to deal with others and develop their social skills,” Symons says.

The development of social skills as a direct benefit of attending camp was also emphasized by Laurie Rinke, a longtime employee and currently a director at Camp Echo Lake in Warrensburg, N.Y., a sleepaway camp that has been in operation since 1946.

“The camp industry helps with life and social skills, with problem-solving and decision-making,” she says. “As the kids get older they have the ability to make choices as to, for example, how to spend unstructured time and how to cope with being homesick, if that occurs. We teach them to work through that.” Rinke also commented that as camp does help build children’s self-esteem, it also helps build a sense of resilience. “We put the emphasis on self and life skills, teaching kids to cope with problems independently and learn that it’s OK to fail,” says Rinke.

A Break from Screens An extremely important part of the camp experience, Rinke says is for kids to have dedicated time away from screens and social media. The “unplugged” perspective gives kids a chance to think differently. “Your online followers don’t show your worth,” Rinke says.

“That’s not what having friends is all about. The

friendships made at camp, the group dynamics that emerge, is all about the connections built in the camp environment. That includes peer-to-peer and cross-age relationships with counselors and staff,” says Rinke.

New Skills Rinke also says “Camp should be an opportunity for both learning and doing what you love, trying what you don’t know yet and when you do try it, knowing it will be OK.” Rinke feels, most importantly that camp breeds independence. “When a child goes away to camp and has an experience outside of his/her parents, it helps a kid flourish independently. Kids can spend the summer learning new skills, and developing a sense of independence in doing that activity or skill on their own.”

Gregg Licht, formerly associate director and for the past five years, director, at

Elmwood Day Camp in White Plains, agrees with Symons that counselors play important roles, as mentors who often “makes new skill acquisition much easier for kids, helping break things down in to smaller steps if that’s what’s needed.” Licht also corroborated Rinke’s feelings that forming relationships without technology is a tremendous benefit of the camp experience; having the opportunity for more time spent outside while at camp, goes hand in hand with leaving technology behind for a while.

Individuality & Peer Acceptance Licht says the development of a child’s individuality, and peer acceptance, come first in his mind in examining the benefits of sending a child to camp. Camp “is about finding out who one really is; being comfortable in our own skin and finding out what makes our authentic self,” he says. Camp gives kids the time to find a community

while celebrating their own personalities and establishing individuality, which goes hand in hand he says, with acceptance. “That skill set,” Licht says, “teaches kids to accept others and for everyone to feel celebrated, and know that you are an important community member.” Licht emphasizes the community aspect of camp as a big component of sports activities. “If we teach kids to play a sport, how can we focus on working together when playing that sport?”

Building Self-Confidence Parents who send children to camp actually can see the benefits camp brings in their kids’ development, according to Jennifer Frain, a mother of two living in southern Westchester. “We live in a small town and I wanted my kids to go to camp, to experience new things and make new friends outside of their small social circle,” she says. Both her son and daughter attended camp from

young ages, starting with a church preschool camp, then the town’s recreation camp.

Many town recreation programs offer them, which also come with a much lower price tag than private camps. Frain’s son went on to participate in a day travel program for 6th grade children, where she says “he explored some place new every day and learned how to budget his spending money.” Her daughter attended a local arts camp the summer before 5th grade and the following year went to sleepaway camp, where “she was pushed to do new things that she might have never done like swimming across the lake. Before the summer, she would never have been confident enough to do it.”

Julie Schneyer is a freelance writer based in Edgemont. She has written about facility management, lighting, contract furnishings and entertainment for other publications. She’s a big fan of summer camp.

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

13

Camp Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

Camp Guide Special Advertising Supplement ACRES OF ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP @ ANN & ANDY’S

2170 Saw Mill River Rd., Elmsford 592-3027 acresofadventure-summercamp.com Acres of Adventure Summer Camp at Ann & Andy’s is a one-to-nine week summer camp with an emphasis on outdoors for children 3 months to 14 years. They offer customized schedules, individualized attention and hot lunches including barbeque Fridays. All buildings are air-conditioned. Visit the website for more details.

A GAME SPORTS SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

INTERNATIONAL AND BILINGUAL SCHOOL

FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK

OUTDOORS: CIity Park , Fifth Ave. & Potter Ave., New Rochelle INDOORS: A Game Sports, 856 Main St., New Rochelle 278-9477 ; agamesports.net In 2017, A Game Sports will provide Baseball, Softball, and Flag Football Camps at the state-of-the-art facility and City Park in New Rochelle, as well as basketball camps at other venues. These camps feature instruction from highly skilled

coaches for all skill levels, combined with competitive game play.

ARTISTREE PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

114 W. Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck 835-2200, artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts (formerly Applause Westchester) is pleased to present Camp Artistree for both the school breaks and all summer long! Now owned by Heather and Peter Capelle, Camp Artistree presents week-long performing arts camps where students engage in acting, singing, dancing, filmmaking and more! Artistree’s threeweek summer intensives allow students to put on a full musical! Ages 3 to 18.

BLESSED BILLIONAIRES SUMMER CAMP

407 New Rochelle Road, Bronxville 347-933-3000; blessedbillionaires.com National Association of Blessed Billionaires Entrepreneur Summer Camp is a full day program created to build selfesteem and character. They inspire and motivate campers via entrepreneurial

from home for boys and girls across the globe, campers ages 6 to 16 choose from over 50 exciting activities to create a personalized schedule. Campers explore new interests, while developing friendships, memories and skills that last a lifetime.

training. Children start and operate their own business. Program includes music, dance, drama, arts & crafts, weekly trips and special events. Breakfast and lunch are included.

BREEZEMONT DAY CAMP

62-64 Cox Ave., Armonk, 367-1936 Info@breezemont.com breezemontdaycamp.com Located in Armonk on an expansive 18-acre property, Breezemont is nestled in its natural surroundings. Their campus maintains large green fields, towering trees, and a beautiful lake, which is a unique feature for a day camp.

Complete with state-of-the-art facilities, Breezemont preserves the appearance of an overnight camp, while implementing a creatively robust day camp schedule.

Ages 3 to 13 years old.

CAMP JEWELL YMCA

6 Prock Hill Rd, PO Box 8, Colebrook, Conn.

888-412-CAMP; campjewel.org Inspiring Growth – Fostering Independence – Discovering Yourself. Their two-week overnight programs for campers ages 7-16 emphasize growth and strengthen character values in a safe and positive environment. Campers disconnect from the technology and distractions of outside life. With a wide variety of activity choices, you can be assured your child will learn something new while at camp.

CAMP BIRCH HILL

333C Birch Hill Rd., New Durham, NH 603-859-4525, campbirchhill.com A classic New England summer camp with a focus on fun located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. A home away

CAMP RAMAQUOIS

30 Mountain Rd., Pomona (only 20 mins. from TZ Bridge) 845-354-1600

Summer Camp 2017 Fun in French!

No French Language Knowledge Needed!

JUNE 26  JULY 21, 2017 Pre-schoolers (3 years old) to 5th graders FASNY Larchmont Campus REGISTRATIO

N

CONTACT: Camp Directo Sara Parson-L r obner REGISTER ON LI

www.fasny.org NE: /camps

914-413-3665 • camps@fasn y.org

11 11 L La arc rchmon hm h mon ont Av ont Aven enue ue La Larc arrc ch hm mon ontt NY NY 105 538 38

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

CAMP JEWELL

Begins June 26

OVERNIGHT CAMP AGES 7-16

Go wild and URDP IUHH

INSPIRING GROWTH

FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE

DISCOVERING YOURSELF

Teatown Natural 6FLHQFH 'D\b&DPS At Teatown, kids learn by exploration DQG FUHDWLYH SOD\ bDQG JURZ UHVSHFW IRU HDFK RWKHU DQG DOO OLYLQJ WKLQJV )RXU ÅŠZHHN VHVVLRQV IRU NLGV DJHV WR 1600 Spring Valley Rd. Ossining, NY 10562 (914) 762-2912

CAMP JEWELL YMCA 6 PROCK HILL ROAD COLEBROOK, CT 06021

888-412-CAMP WWW.CAMPJEWELL.ORG CAMP.JEWELL@GHYMCA.ORG

5HJLVWHU DW ZZZ WHDWRZQ RUJ

CAMP BIRCH HILL

LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL LAKES REGION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Voted Top 5 Overnight Camp in NH"

by Boston Parents Paper

Choose From over 50 Activities / Customize Daily Schedule!!!

ENROLL ONLINE TO DAY

TWO, FOUR and SIX WEEK SESSIONS AVAILABLE

BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 6-16 Many activities to choose: Ř /DQG 6SRUWV Ř :DWHU 6SRUWV Ř 7HQQLV Ř +RUVHEDFN 5LGLQJ Ř 3DLQWEDOO Ř *DJD 3LW Ř 'DQFH Ř =LS OLQH

Ř $GYHQWXUH Ř &DQRHLQJ Ř *ROI Ř DQG PRUH

Ř )LQH $UWV Ř &OLPELQJ Ř :DWHUVNL

!

Celebrating 20 years of friendship and memories of a lifetime SUMMER@CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM U WWW.CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM U (603) 859-4525 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

15

Camp Guide // Special Advertising Supplement Located in Rockland County, featuring door-to-door transportation, ageappropriate activities for ages 3 to 15.

Five-acre lake, nine heated pools and Water Works Spray Park, six tennis courts, zip line, air-conditioned dining room and gym, seven craft shops, group cabins and athletic fields. Hot lunch, towels, optional trips for children entering grades 3-10.

Children’s Summer Performing Arts Day Camp 8 Weeks June 26-August 17 Weekly Campers Welcome K - 8th Grades

All Dance All Drama All Vocals All Fun

CAMPUS KIDS WEEKDAY SLEEP-AWAY CAMP

info@campuskids.com 973-845-9260; campuskids.com An ideal first sleep-away camp, at any age. Monday to Friday at camp, home with the family on weekends. Transportation included from Westchester. Each camper chooses his/her activities every day: sports, fine arts, performing arts.

On the rural campus of Blair Academy.

Amazing facilities, comfortable dorms.

ACA-Accredited for 26 years.

THE CHAPEL SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM

Dance Cavise Studios 273 Halstead Avenue*Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914-381-5222 www.dancecavise.com

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172 White Plains Rd., Bronxville 337-3202; thechapelschool.org The Chapel School Summer Program is excited to again have Explorer Camp (ages 6 to 12) offering Adventure Camp, Sports Camps, Lego Robotics, Mad Science and much more. Their popular Care Bear Camp is back! Offering nine fun-filled weeks of flexible scheduling throughout the summer PLUS Afternoon Camps this summer too!

Camps run from June 12 to Aug. 11.

Their Open House dates are March 11 from 11:00am to 2pm and April 23 from 12:30pm to 3pm.

CHALLENGE CAMP

Schechter Westchester 555 W. Hartsdale Ave.,Hartsdale 779-6024 challengecamps.com info@challengecamps.com Open the door to a delightful and meaningful summer of FUN and learning for your bright, curious child!

Challenge Camp, an ACA accredited camp in Hartsdale. Courses range from 3D printing, cooking, magic, robotics and more! Including sports/swimming.

Bus transportation and early/extended day options.

CLAY ART CENTER

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40 Beech St., Port Chester 937-2047 clayartcenter.org Get creative this summer! Offering week long, half-day and full-day clay and art camps for children and teens ages 6 to 15, weekly July 3 - August 25. In the classroom, aspiring young artists will have fun and develop their imaginations while working in the transformational medium of clay. Clay Art Center is a non-profit art organization offering clay classes for adults and children year round.

CORBINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CRUSADERS DAY CAMP

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16

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

471 North St., Greenwich, Conn.

212-875-8174; corbinscrusaders.com A sports and adventure camp with a traditional campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of belonging. Team sports plus tennis, archery,

adventures and swimming on 38 acres.

Experienced professionals offer choice and structured athletic activities on fields, courts, and indoor gym, with archery and water slides. Three pools for daily lessons and open swim. For 1 to 8 weeks.

CRESTWOOD MUSIC EDUCATION CENTER

453 White Plains Rd., Eastchester 961-3497; crestwoodmusic.com Offering private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, drums and percussion for students of all ages/ levels. Suzuki programs in piano and violin. World-class faculty provides a premier music education, including jazz instruction with top jazz artists in piano, woodwinds, saxophone, guitar and percussion. They rent, repair and sell instruments.

DANCE CAVISE STUDIOS

273 Halstead Ave., Mamaroneck 381-5222 dancecavise.com An 8-week Summer Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Performing Arts Day Camp offers all aspects of Dance, Drama, Vocals & Theatre Tech including set & costume design. Campers ages 5-13 participate in two original productions directed by Broadway veteran Joe Cavise. Games & activities round out this exciting program. Additional activities: field trips to Broadway.

Weekly campers welcome.

DIGITAL ARTS EXPERIENCE

170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 100, White Plains 644-8100; TheDae.com This summer The DAE will be offering a variety of fun and exciting STEAM focused classes: 3D printing, programming, animation, photog-raphy, music, and much more. They have one- and two-week options available starting July 5th. OPEN HOUSE DATES: March 16, April 6, May 8, June 9 from 5 to 7p.m.

ESF SUMMER CAMPS AT GREENWICH ACADEMY

200 N. Maple Ave., Greenwich, Conn.

203-869-4444 esfcamps.com/Greenwich Award-winning camps filled with the perfect blend of education, sports and fun! A summer camp experience built around you! Expanded specialty camps for 2016 - way more than a typical day of camp! ESF offers camps and experiences for boys and girls ages 3 to 16.

One to nine week options â&#x20AC;&#x201C; extended day available! Please visit their website for extensive offerings!

French-American School of New York

111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont 413-3665; fasny.org/camps The After-School Programs of the French-American School of New York is offering a four-week French Immersion camp from June 26-July 21 for children ages 3-11. Campers learn or reinforce their French through classes and fun activities like cooking, art, music, STEM and a variety of activities! NO FRENCH LANGUAGE KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED!

EXPERIENCE MARINE SCIENCE

The

WHALE CAMP

at the

Fundy Marine Science Institute Face-to-face with whales, porpoises, puffins and lots of marine life

OPEN HOUSE

Sat. March 4TH from 1-3:30

$40,000 College Scholarships Available

Ages 3 to 15 • Teachers in every group • 1:4 Ratio Transportation • Towel Service • Lunch included 4 Heated Pools • Swim Instruction Daily • Sports Archery • Mini Golf • Tennis • Computers • Cooking Rocketry • Woodworking

HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND BETWEEN MAINE AND NOVA SCOTIA

t Contac Us !

TODAY

Free Brochure & Info:

www.whalecamp.com Ask About: STEM Projects • College Accredited Courses • Family Programs Mention Keycode WC★LIP for $50/week Discount

Purchase Day Camp

Regis t Onlin er e!

914-949-2636 PurchaseDayCamp.com

Harvey Cavalier Camp A Summer Camp as Extraordinary as Your Child!

A day camp for Pre-K–Grade 9 with over 50 courses from fine arts, theater, ice skating, science, gymnastics, sports, technology, swimming, music, and much more!

Harvey’s 125 acre campus of open fields and woods provides a perfect setting for an extraordinary summer camp experience.

The Harvey School • 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 914-232-0581 • harveycavaliercamp.org

A few spots remain. Call now!

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

17

Camp Guide // Special Advertising Supplement For more information and to register go to fasny.org/camps.

GATE HILL DAY CAMP

Family Owned & Operated since 1973 Experienced Counselors

Serving children 2 months–14 years of age

Age appropriate activities including: tween trips, bowling, swimming, golf, drama, sports, water slide, train rides, computers, arts & crafts, air castle and more!

Call for a Tour and Appointment!

914-592-3027

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford, NY www.AcresOfAdventureSummerCamp.com

Experience the joy of dance!

Storybook Camp age 3 - 5 June 5 - July 21 (weekly sessions)

Dance Camp Grades 1 - 5

July 10 - 21 Pre-teen & teen Dance and Musical Theater Intensives Early drop off and extended day options

Stony Point, NY 845-947-3223; GateHillDayCamp.com Unconditionally welcoming since 1951.

Gate Hill is a place where you matter most. Campers receive individual attention, and parents are kept involved with personal conversations by phone and email. A first rate facility, a thoughtful program and an infectious culture of nurturing improvement makes Gate Hill the ultimate day camp experience for campers age 3-15.

HARVEY CAVALIER CAMP

260 Jay St., Katonah 232-0581 harveycavaliercamp.org Children (pre-K to grade 9) can pursue a wide variety of interests, explore their creativity in the fine and performing arts, swim in the pool, skate on the ice, challenge themselves in gymnastics and play sports on spacious fields, guided by professional educators and artists. 50 electives to choose from!

With state-of-the-art facilities, Harvey’s 125-acres provide the perfect setting for a summer of fun and exploration. A camp as extraordinary as your child! July 5 to Aug. 11.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School

25 School Lane, Scarsdale 723-1169; hbms.org For nearly 45 years, the School’s Summer Arts Program has provided an ideal setting for a challenging and enjoyable summer. Exceptional faculty offers an individualized program in music, art and theater for second to tenth graders.

Featuring HB Rocks! Advanced Guitar, Ensemble and Music Tech Lab.

HUDSON COUNTRY DAY CAMP

340 Quaker Ridge Rd., New Rochelle 636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Children delight in active, playful and healthy summer fun while parents rest assured they continue to learn, explore and develop. Summer activities include water play, swim instruction, music and movement, hands-on science education, cooking, gardening, tennis, nature investigation, field trips and so much more. Full- and part-time options available. Join them in celebrating 44 years of summer tradition!

IONA COLLEGE SUMMER CAMP

school of dance celebrating 80 years of dance

Register by April 15 Save 15%

Steffinossen.org | 914-328-1900 | 216 Central Ave. | White Plains, NY 10606

18

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

715 North Ave., New Rochelle 633-2305 ona.edu/summercamp This summer, children ages 5 to 13 will enjoy exciting, fun-filled days at the Iona College camp. Their athletic facilities serve as the setting for an exciting summer. Your child will experience two periods of swimming, sporting events, a variety of dance, arts and crafts and music. Contact them at mreddington@ iona.edu.

JCC RIVER FRIENDS DAY CAMP Shames JCC on the Hudson 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown

366-7898 tinyurl.com/riverfriends They’ve got spirit! An authentic day camp experience at the brand new Shames JCC campus, with daily swimming (ages 3-6), great specialists (science, karate, soccer, yoga…), lots of outdoor fun (water play, playground, T-ball…), day trips (ages 4-6) and airconditioned indoor spaces (for art, gym, cooking, Jewish culture…).

KATONAH ART CENTER

65 Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge 232-4843 katonahartcenter.com The Katonah Art Center offers weekly half-day or full-day camps in art, computer art, pottery, film, metalsmithing, 3D printing, fashion, and more! Fun & creativity for all ages, starting as young as 3 1/2 to 18 years old. Register online, over the phone, or in person today.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER WESTCHESTER

39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers - Ridge Hill 866-243-0770 legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ Westchester GroupsLDCWes@ LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is Westchester’s Best Indoor Camp Destination! With millions of LEGO® bricks under one roof, it’s the ideal place to bring your group to life and combine creativity with learning and fun! For more info on this imaginative, hands-on learning experience.

LITTLE SPROUTS MINI CAMP AT PURCHASE DAY CAMP

949-2636 purchasedaycamp.com Get your pre-schooler off to an early start this summer at Purchase Day Camp. Little Sprouts Mini Camp for 3’s, 4’s and children entering kindergarten during the first three weeks of June.

Daily swimming, sports, science, cooking, Friday pizza lunch and more!

Register for one, two or all three weeks.

MAMARONECK BEACH & YACHT CLUB

555 S. Barry Ave., Mamaroneck 698-1130 mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com A warm, nurturing program of “big-kid camp” experiences tailored for younger campers. Children learn and grow at their own pace promoting a healthy adjustment for the first time camper.

Group sizes are small. Outdoor-based program features daily certified swim instruction and a balanced, age appropriate, curriculum to foster whole-child development.

THE MASTERS SCHOOL JUNE SUMMER PROGRAM

49 Clinton Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY 914-479-6400 mastersofsummer@mastersny.org Open to students grades 5 to 12, the Masters of Summer program is 3 weeks in June of enrichment classes and recreational activities designed to fit your family’s schedule with either morning or afternoon courses. From Shakespeare,

Westchester’s Top Summer Tennis Camp June 26 - August 18 Summer Camp - Morning Session • • • •

All camp programs taught by our full time exprienced professional staff 8:45am - 1:00pm Daily Ages 8 - 16 Instructions and Match Play

USTA Tournament Tr aining Camp • • • •

Mon - Thurs, 2:00pm - 4;00pm Training and Match Play MITL JUNIOR TEAM COMPETITION Campers must be evaluated for acceptance into this program

Full Day Camp Now Available!

• • • •

8:45am - 4:00pm Daily Tournament Training Match Play Campers must be evaluated for acceptance into this program

Mini Camp

• *NEW Times! 9 - 11 am or 1 - 3 pm • 4 days a week - Monday through Thursday • Ages 3 - 7

Summer Camp Progr ams • All Camps are 1-Week Sessions • Indoor and Outdoor Courts • Har-tru and Plexi-cushion Courts

914-835-3030

•

www.ryer acquet.com

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

19

Camp Guide // Special Advertising Supplement musical theater, song writing, fencing, swimming, tennis, kayaking, robotics, coding, to NYC experiences. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning fun lead by Masters faculty on the 96-acre Masters campus. June 12- 30.

MITCHELL SPEARMAN CAMP

856 Main Street, New Rochelle

Ultimate Summer Sports Camps Â&#x2021; %DVHEDOO 6RIWEDOO %DVNHWEDOO )ODJ )RRWEDOO Â&#x2021; 3UHPLHUH 2XWGRRU DQG ,QGRRU )LHOG 6SDFH Â&#x2021; &DPSHU WR &RXQVHORU 5DWLR Â&#x2021; %R\V DQG *LUOV $JHV Âą Â&#x2021; +DOI 'D\ DQG )XOO 'D\ 2SWLRQV $YDLODEOH Â&#x2021; 7 6KLUWV DQG 3UL]HV *LYHQ 2XW :HHNO\

www.agamesports.net | 914-278-9477

Doral Arrowwood Golf Club, Rye Brook; 800-733-1653 spearmanjuniorgolf.com info@mitchellspearman.com Golf Camp at the Spearman Golf Academy is the place to be this summer for junior golfers looking for an enviroÂŹnment that is fun, competÂŹitive, and covers all aspects of the game!

From putting and short game to fullswing, bunker training and on-course play they have it all. Great for golfers of all ages and ability from the serious junior golfer to those first learning the game.

MOUNT TOM DAY CAMP

48 Mount Tom Rd., New Rochelle 636-8130 mounttomdaycamp.com Serving Westchester and NYC families since 1955. A safe and supportive environment for ages 3 to 14 to learn, grow and have fun. A positive camp experience that enhances a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. Schedule of activities includes Red Cross swim instruction, team/individual sports, cultural/performing arts, nature, outdoor adventure electives and special events.

Music Conservatory of Westchester

216 Central Ave., White Plains 761-3900; summeratmcw.org The Conservatoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Music & Arts (ages 5-11) is fun and educational - including musical theatre, composing andmore. June 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 7 (closed 7/4), July 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21, July 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 4, August 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18.

OnTrack

29 South Depot Pl., Tarrytown 917-909-2974; ontracksport.com OnTrack is an all-weather, year-round indoor sport facility with two turf fields ideal for team training, recreation and competitive programs. Indoor/outdoor summer sports camps (ages 4 to 12), holiday and winter break sports camps (ages 7 to 12), after school youth sports prorams (ages 4 to 14). Customized

birthday parties and private rentals for events.

Play Group Theatre

1 North Broadway, White Plains 946-4433; playgroup.org At The Play Group TheatreÂŽ challenges the imagination, nurtures the creative soul, and inspires children and teens to reach for what they might have thought impossible. They offer professionalquality training in a one-of-a-kind artistically challenging yet nurturing environment in the spring, summer, and fall. With seven different programs, Summer Theatre is designed for young actors with every level of experience, ages 4-17. Their conservatory-style camp is located in its own air-conditioned performing arts complex which inludes two theatres, rehearsal studios, and scenic and costume shops. Register now.

PURCHASE DAY CAMP

949-2636; purchasedaycamp.com Offering a wide variety of activities for ages 3 to 15. 150 TEAM members for 375 campers. Four heated pools, instructional swim, free swim, climbing wall, zip line, golf, rocketry, computers, crafts and sports twice daily. Check website to find out why everyone says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just LOVE it here!â&#x20AC;?

PURCHASE SPORTS CAMP

2900 Purchase St., Purchase 315-7507 purchasesportscamp.com Located in the heart of Purchase, NY, on the scenic campus of Manhattanville College. The facilities include 6 tennis courts located right next to the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand new state-of-the-art astroturf soccer field, outdoor and indoor basketball courts, as well as separate baseball and softball fields, indoor pool, and an indoor gymnasium.

ROCKINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; JUMP

333 N Bedford Rd, Mt. Kisco 743-5730; mtk.rockinjump.com Ridge Hill, 241 Market St., Yonkers 510-9119; ridgehill.rockinjump.com Looking for a fun, active, and safe place to bring your campers? At Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jump your kids can literally be bouncing off the walls! Camp groups have full access to five different trampoline areas, two Dodge Ball areas, Main Jump Arena, Basketball and their Foam Pit for trying

JCC River Friends Day Camp Ages 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got spirit!

An authentic day camp at the new Shames JCC in Tarrytown Harold & Elaine

Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson

20

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

www.Tinyurl.com/RiverFriends

914-366-7898

371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591

July 5th - Sept. 1st, 2017 Computer & Tech Camp for ages 6+ THE DIGITAL ARTS EXPERIENCE 170 Hamilton Ave., White Plains, NY 914-644-8100 | www.thedae.com

Days Filled With Fun & Excitement!

4 For Boys & Girls, 4-1 Available 2-8 Week Programs ed Operated by Licens ators Teachers & Administr Rates on Uni All ept We Acc s, Bowling Field Trips to Movie & Magic Shows imming, Sports & Games, Sw l Soccer & Basketbal Painting Arts & Crafts, Face And More! & Talent Shows

FOR INFORMATION ON OUR NEXT

OPEN HOUSE

CALL 1-914-792-6555 OR 1-800-DAYCAMP (329-2267)

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

21

Camp Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

Katonah MER SUM P CAM1 -18 / 3 Ages

ART Center

2

Week long, half or full day!

Painting, drawing, pottery, cartooning, metal-smithing, 3D printing & more!

new tricks! Their 18,000-square-foot facility can host parties and groups from 10 to 300 people. Call or email them today to reserve a date!

lunch is included. Courses are taught by certified teachers. Transportation available. Director: Matt Davanzo.

RYE RACQUET CLUB

168 Duck Harbor Rd., Honesdale, PA 973-732-3230 (winter) 570-2584381 (summer) summitcamp.com Summit Camp & Travel serves youth with social challenges. Their boys and girls ages 8 to 19 often have diagnoses including ADHD, LD and/or HFA. Their prospective camper very much wants to have a successful, fun and enthralling experience this summer. Friends, staff and directors at Summit share in their understanding and knowledge of achieving that goal.

3 South Rd., Harrison 835-3030; ryeracquetclub.com Tennis is the name of the game for junior players. The nine-court indoor/ outdoor facility offers eight one-week sessions of tennis camp for ages 7 to 15; 6/26/17-8/18/17. Program includes instruction, practice play and match play. They also have a USTA tournament training camp and MITL team competition.

RYE YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS

21 Locust Ave., Rye 967-6363 ryeycamp.org; camp@ryeymca.org Camp options include: Kinder (age 3-6), Discovery (age 4-11), Sports (age 5-12), STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (ages 6-11); Gymnastics (age 6-14), Adventure (grades 6-9), Teen Fitness (Ages 11-14), Leaders in Training (grades 6-8) and C.I.T. (grades 9-10) Several of our camps include daily swim lessons. Register online at ryeycamp. org.

STEFFI NOSSEN SCHOOL OF DANCE

katonahartcenter.com • (914) 232-4843 65 Old Bedford Road, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526

SUNY - PURCHASE COLLEGE, PURCHASE

251-6500; purchase.edu/youth For more than 38 years, Purchase College’s youth/precollege programs in the arts have been much more than camps.

Summer students experience a rich environment full of exciting beginnings, new friends and achievements, growth and independence. They are immersed in a variety of exciting and enriching learning opportunities.

SQUIRE SPORTS CAMPS

216 Central Park Ave., White Plains 328-1900; steffinossen.org Fun, high-quality dance programs for al!

Moving Wheels & Heels Adaptive Adult Intensive June 20 to 25 and Kids Camp June 27-30; Musical Theater Intensive June 27 – July 1; Little Movers Camp July 6-8; Professional Company Residency July 5-8; All Dance All the Time grades 1-4, July 11- 22; Summer Dance Intensive grades 5-8 July 25-29; Intermediate/ Advanced Dancers. Hours 10 AM-4 PM; extended day available; Week’s end performances.

SQUIRE ADVANTAGE

SUMMIT CAMP & TRAVEL

Maria Regina School, Harstdale 328-3798 squirecamps.com A camp for the child who wants it all.

Children create their own schedule based on a choice of over 50 different activities including photography, cooking, swimming, arts, robotics, sports and more. Campers may choose four, three or a total of seven weeks. Hot

Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale 328-3798; squirecamps.com Squire Sports Camps includes the Tennis Academy and an All-Sports Academy. Squire offers top tier instruction and skill training from certified coaches. Campers may choose four, three or a total of seven weeks. Hot lunch and swimming is included.

Transportation available. Director: Matt Davanzo.

TEATOWN LAKE RESERVATION

1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining 762-2912, ext. 126 teatown.org At Teatown Natural Science Day Camp kids explore, play, develop a sense of place, and grow respect for each other and living things on their 1,000 acre preserve. The summer is jam packed with outdoor adventure, discovery and hands-on fun. Your kids will be catching frogs, collecting bugs, and investigating nature every day!

SUMMER CampS CAMPS 2016 Summer 2017 July 33 –- August 25 25

MAKE

40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573

22

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

Friends Memories Art www.clayartcenter.org

P: 914-937 2047

A fun and safe place where top-notch coaches help children of all levels feel at home and bring their game to the next level!

We welcome any child from the ages of 3 to 15, no matter his or her level of ability. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded camp experience, where the focus is on developing skills, discovering new interests, meeting new friends, and most importantly, having fun!

OpEn hOUSE February 18: West Room (Castle) 2:00 – 4:00pm march 18: West Room (Castle) 2:00 – 4:00pm april 15: West Room (Castle) 2:00 – 4:00pm may 6: East Room (Benziger Hall) 2:00 – 4:00pm

SOCCER • LaCROSSE • ChEERLEading • TEnniS BaSEBaLL • Swimming • FiELd SpORTS • BaSkETBaLL

purchaseSportsCamp.com info@purchasesportscamp.com (914) 315-7507 Camp address:

Manhattanville College 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577

Located at maria regina high SchooL in hartSdaLe open houSe and carnivaL march 11th from 1-4 pm

Primary (Grades K-3) Choice (Grades 4-9) Offering Stimulating Courses Like: • Computers • Swimming • Robotics • Project Runway • Digital Photography • Rocketry • Jewelry Design • International Cooking • Polymer Clay Tennis • Baseball • Soccer • Grand Prix Racers • & Much More!

Summer 2017 Co-ed ages 5–15 All-Sport Academy Tennis Academy

Transportation & Extended Day • Hot Lunch included

SquirecampS.com • 914-328-3798 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

23

SERIOUS FOUNDATION. SERIOUS FUN.

Continuing Education

SUMMER 2017

Camp Guide // Special Advertising Supplement Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts Grades 4-8 and 9-12 Architecture Creative Writing Digital Arts Journalism Music Performing Art STEM Visual Arts 1, 2, & 4 Week Programs June 26 – August 4, 2017 Open House Saturday April 22, 2017 Registration begins on January 30, 2017

www.purchase.edu/youth

THORNTON DONOVAN SUMMER CHALLENGE

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 632-8836; td.edu Founded in 1969, the Summer Challenge has been a source of joy, entertainment and enlightenment for boys and girls ages 3 to 14. Swimming instruction and recreational swim are a focal point, and the campus boasts one of the few outdoor instructional pools.

Door-to-door transportation included.

TWELVE TRAILS DAY CAMP

Pearl River, NY 845-735-2383 CampTwelveTrails.org All kids – athletic, artistic, adventurous and inquisitive – find what they are looking for in this specialty camp wrapped in a contemporary camp (with swim, Shabbat, theme days…). Their “Neighborhoods” are: Discover (Science & Technology), Explore (Outdoor Adventure), Create (Arts & Drama), Play (Sports & Fitness) and Grow (Farm to Table). For kids in grades k-10.

TWIN LAKES FARM

960B California Rd, Bronxville 961-2192 ; twinlakesfarm.com Twin Lakes Farm is a traditional riding academy maintaining more than 40 lesson horses of varying levels. Their goal is to expose children to English Riding in a safe and fun environment. Summer camp is co-educational for ages 6 to 13, interested in friendship, horsemanship, riding and summer fun.

USTA Eastern

70 W. Red Oak Ln., West Harrison 697-2386 usta.com Tennis has changed! There are play opportunities for kids, adults and families of all ages and levels. It’s easier than ever to get out on the court and have some fun!

WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARK SUMMER CAMPS

MASTERS OF SUMMER at T The he Masters Mas aste ters S School chool h l • JJune ne 12-30 2 30

Innovative, Fun and Enriching

June Program for Grades 5-12

231-4500 parks.westchestergov.com/activities/ childrens-camps Westchester County Parks’ summer camps offer something for children of all ages and interests, including music or ecology programs, and sports camps for basketball, golf, soccer, baseball and girls’ volleyball. For information call

231-4500. Online registration open. Go to parks.westchestergov.com/activities/ childrens-camps.

THE WHALE CAMP, INC. / MARINE BIOLOGY CAMPS

610-399-1463 whalecamp.com Located on stunningly beautiful Grand Manan Island, named the third best small island in the world to visit! No other marine biology summer camp or marine science camp offers as many direct face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board their 65-foot sailboat for unmatched examinations of marine life.

WHITE PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

39 N. Broadway, White Plains 761-8585 (office); wppresby.org Vacation Bible School for children ages 5-12. Children will learn and play together in our “Godly Play” program.

July 3-7, Five afternoons from 3-6 pm, with dinner, $100 for the week, $80 per additional child in same family. See their website for more information. Limited space, sign up today!

YOUNG PEOPLE’S DAY CAMPS

914-792-6555; ypdc.com Young Peoples Day Camp has been “Creating Childhood Memories” for boys and girls ages 4-14 since 1972.

Accredited by the American Camping Association, YPDC offers free transportation, swimming, sports, activities, arts and crafts, miniature golf, music, dance and field trips. Parents can choose from two to eight week sessions at a most affordable fee.

YWCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS

515 North St., White Plains 949-6227, ext. 125 ywcawpcw.org The YWCA’s Camp Funkist is a great day camp option whereboys and girls (ages 4 to 14) enjoy days filled with musical theater, art, sports and games, swimming, special events, trips and lasting friendships and memories. Co-ed gymnastics summer program, summer program for children with developmental disabilities...and birthday parties!

WEEKLY ENRICHMENT CLASSES & RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Robotics, coding, musical theater, song writing, fencing, swimming, kayaking, NYC experiences and more • Courses custom-designed and taught by experienced Masters faculty • Flexible scheduling, morning and afternoon classes • Beautiful 96-acre Masters campus

49 Clinton Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY 914-479-6400

MastersOfSummer@MastersNY.org 24

Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

Sunday, March 26 2:00 to 4:00 pm

IONA COLLEGE

IONA COLLEGE IONA COLLEGE

48 summers of experience creating platforms of support for youth 8-19 years experiencing learning, executive function, and/or social challenges ADHD/ADD—LD—ASD/HFA

Traditional Sleepaway Camp

Teen Travel

School-year Weekender

Summer Summer Summer

DAY CAMPS CAMPS DAY CAMPS This summer, children ages 5-13 will enjoy This summer, children 5-13 willCollege enjoy exciting, fun filled daysages at the Iona This summer, children ages 5-13 enjoy exciting, funathletic filled days at theserve Ionawill College camp. Our facilities as the exciting, fun filled days at the Iona College camp. facilities serve as child the settingOur for athletic an exciting summer.

Your camp.

Our athletic facilities serve as the setting for an exciting summer. child will experience two periods of Your swimming, setting forevents, an exciting summer.

Yourarts child will experience two periods swimming, sporting a variety of of dance, will experience two periods of swimming, sporting events, a variety of dance, arts and crafts and music. and crafts and music. sporting events, a variety of dance, arts

and crafts and music.

www.summitcamp.com (973) 732-3230

Contact us at mreddington@iona.edu 715 North New Rochelle, NY 10801 Contact usAvenue, at mreddington@iona.edu www.iona.edu\summercamp 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 Contact us at mreddington@iona.edu www.iona.edu\summercamp

715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 www.iona.edu\summercamp

SUMMER ARTS PROGRAM: June 26 – July 28, 2017 Early Bird Discounts available through March 31. Registration deadline: May 1

A five-week summer program in music, art, and musical theater for second–tenth graders.

The HBMS Summer Arts Program boasts an exceptional faculty comprised of some of the top performers and music educators in the country.

Students at all levels of advancement receive daily instruction in a program individually tailored to their needs and desires.

MORNINGS ONLY ~ EXTENDED DAY ~ AFTERNOONS ONLY • Instrumental classes • Chamber Music Workshop and Ensembles • Jazz Jam Fridays • HB Rocks! Jazz Guitar Workshop • Music Technology Lab • Musical Theatre Workshop • World Drumming • Advanced Jazz Workshop • Composers Corner • Piano for Non-Pianists

25 School Lane, Scarsdale | 914-723-1169 | www.hbms.org | summerarts@hbms.org 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

25

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27

Courtesy of Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Cruise Line®

This summer offer your kids the magical experience of a Disney vacation.

Disney Vacation

By Traci Suppa

I

s this the year your family finally takes a Disney vacation? While it’s common for New Yorkers to set their sights on Walt Disney World in Orlando, there are options elsewhere that deliver the same Disney magic – on land, sea and faraway lands. Consider these exciting, new-this-year offerings at several Disney companies.

Walt Disney World A visit to “the most magical place on earth” in Orlando is a surefire bet for everyone in your family, because there’s always some new attraction, show, or special event. “It’s even easier when you stay at a Disney resort, with complimentary transportation via Disney’s Magical Express,” says Dayle Bland, Magical Vacation Planner, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner in Scarsdale. “They even offer complimentary luggage delivery, and

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

convenient airline check-in where you can obtain your boarding pass and check your luggage at your resort.”

Bland suggests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer to see the newest themed area: Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Two otherworldly rides will be the main attractions: the Na’vi River Journey through a bioluminescent rainforest, and the Avatar Flight of Passage on a Banshee over the world of Pandora. A new night show called “Rivers of Light” featuring water, fire and light effects will also debut on the banks of Discovery River.

At Hollywood Studios, a new guided seven-hour Star Wars tour includes character greetings, a meal, the chance to participate in Jedi Training, and fireworks viewing. At the Magic Kingdom, new happenings include a new morning welcome show with popular characters. “From my 6-year-old daughter’s perspective,” Bland adds, “there’s great excitement about the new Elena of Avalor meetand-greet, where guests can get an autograph

and pose for pictures with the new princess!”

407-939-5277 DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com

Disneyland Don’t forget, Disneyland was the very first Disney park, and 60 years later, it’s still going strong. If you’ve already been to Orlando, and want to take a pilgrimage to where it all began, consider traveling to Anaheim, Calif. There are two separate parks sharing a common entrance area: Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure. Some attractions will seem familiar, like the Enchanted Tiki Room, Autopia, and “it’s a small world.” Others, like the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, are exclusive to this park. The Main Street Electrical Parade has returned for a limited engagement through June, and an entirely new Star Wars-themed land is now under construction.

At California Adventure, both Cars Land

Courtesy of Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Cruise Line®

You don’t even need to get on a plane to take a Disney vacation. Instead, try the Disney Cruise Line.

Options 2017 and “a bug’s land” are unique neighborhoods that preschoolers in particular will enjoy. For older kids, the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! ride opens this summer. There’s also a new “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” stage show with live actors and amazing special effects.

714-781-4565 Disneyland.Disney.Go.com

Disney Cruise Line You don’t even need to get on a plane to take a Disney vacation. Instead, sail out of New York City on Disney Cruise Line this fall to the Bahamas and the Canadian coast. Bar Harbor, Maine, is a new port of call for the line – it’s part of a five-night sailing that departs on Sept.

27. There’s also a new seven-night Canada cruise departing on Oct. 21. It’s the longest-ever voyage up the coast, with a new port of call in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

A total of six sailings to the Bahamas will include a visit to Disney’s private island,

Castaway Cay, and a stop at Port Canaveral in Florida, where guests can spend a day at Walt Disney World with a Park Hopper ticket.

If you want a summer excursion instead, you can cruise out of Port Canaveral on a variety of Caribbean itineraries. There are also Alaska and Europe cruises, with new itineraries that include Amsterdam and Stonehenge. There will also be holidaythemed sailings, including Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises.

800-951-3532 Disneycruise.disney.go.com

Adventures by Disney Maybe your children are older, and have grown out of the Mickey Mouse phase. Or perhaps you would just rather expand your horizons with an international trip. Disney leads family group tours to destinations on six continents – including the U.S. – incorporating kid-friendly experiences into the itineraries. So while you explore Italy, for

example, you can take a pizza-making class, or while you’re in Sydney, you can have a private guided tour of the Taronga Zoo. New for 2017, the company is adding a stop at the Shanghai Disney Resort to its China itineraries, and has added excursions along the Gold Coast to its Australia trips.

It’s also added new river cruise sailings on the Rhine River through France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands in conjunction with AmaWaterways.

800-543-0865 Adventuresbydisney.com

Bland recommends booking a Disney vacation as early as possible with a modest deposit that will allow you to hold your preferred resort and room categories, special experiences and dining reservations.

Traci L. Suppa, a frequent contributor to Westchester Family, writes about travel, parenting and family life. WordScapesny.com 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

29

Hershey Park Hotel and Hersheypark Enjoy the Sweetest Vacation Ever!

By Elina Furman

A

famous person once said, “I never met a chocolate I didn’t like.”

While many have placed a visit to Hersheypark, Penn on their family’s bucket list, a visit here really has no expiration date, since there is something to do and experience for families with kids of all ages. Suffice it to say, it won’t take much effort to convince your children to go on the sweetest trip of their lives to Hersheypark.

The town of Hershey was literally built by chocolate and still gets much of its support and visitors from the work of iconic founder, famous chocolatier Milton S. Hershey. The park was originally opened in 1907 as an employee perk for factory employees. Today, Hersheypark has expanded substantially to more than 110 acres and 65 attractions. The park boasts every ride imaginable for a range of ages, a water park for hot summer days, ZooAmerica and Hershey’s Chocolate World which is part interactive chocolate museum, part gigantic candy store.

The Hotel Hershey Now to the most pressing of questions: Where to stay? Most people opt for one of two options that offer quick access to park grounds with shuttles, making it easy to whisk the kids back and forth to Hersheypark and still get back to your room for a welltimed nap. When choosing between the extravagant Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge, keep in mind that both offer fun activities and plenty for kids to do and experience on premises. There’s also the Camping Resort with private cabins and other camping options for families who aren’t afraid of veering off the beaten path.

For our purposes, we chose the Hotel Hershey, a AAA Four Diamond rated resort.

With beautiful architecture, fine dining

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

courtesy photo

Hotel Hershey, a AAA Four Diamond rated resort, has the enviable hilltop position of overlooking Hersheypark and gardens.

and plenty of diversions for the family, this is hands-down the most luxurious option in town. Built as a high-class retreat for the leisure set in 1933, the hotel has not lost any of its gilded glamour. Prepare to be impressed by the lavish fountain lobby, with its blue-sky ceiling mural, spectacular terrazzo floor and magnificent fountain with an intricate tile base.

The two-story, rectangular lobby resembles a Mediterranean courtyard with vintage street lamps, stucco arches and large palms.

There are many benefits to staying at the Hotel Hershey including enjoying the enviable hilltop position overlooking Hersheypark and gardens. Guests love the small touches here, from the chocolate bars provided at check-in to the spontaneous

candy bar character sightings in the lobby.

In the winter, the hotel’s indoor pool is a welcome retreat for the kids, while the summer beckons guests to enjoy the outdoor pool and courtyards.

There is also no shortage of restaurants to try out right on premises. The Circular is one of the top restaurants in town, and while a bit too formal for the kiddie set for dinner, its scrumptious breakfast buffet was a favorite with the kids every morning with towers of Belgian waffles, chocolate chip pancakes and gourmet a la carte offerings for the adults. For more casual but equally delicious options, there is the Harvest Restaurant (opt for the chocolate glazed ribs) and Italian dining at Trevi 5. Finally, a deluxe spa including

courtesy photo

Take your kids on the sweetest trip of their lives with a visit to Hersheypark.

indulgent chocolate massages are perfect for adults in need of pampering as is the golfing program for those who want to stay active.

There’s even a kid camp on premises to help parents enjoy a balanced amount of kid and adult time.

Located next to the hotel, Hershey Gardens is an experience not to miss.

Hundreds of tropical plants maintain the Butterfly Atrium ecosystem where every year different exotic butterflies make their home here. And the Children’s Garden lets your kids run free – hiding in a wooden hut in the Native American garden, making friends with Maisy the Cow and trying their musical hands on the xylophone.

Hersheypark Once the brood is well-rested, well-fed and thoroughly spoiled, it’s time to enjoy the sweet thrill of Hersheypark, one of the most popular theme parks in the country.

Where else can you breathe in the air of newly melted chocolate, ride thrilling roller coasters, and take pictures with adorable Hershey characters all day? The kids will

be happy to see so many rides on offer with manageable lines for the impatient set. For the chronically impatient, ask about the Sweet Access pass, which provides unlimited front-of-ride access and a personal concierge to take you around the park.

While there are many rules, restrictions and age requirements at the park, they are designed to keep the whole family safe with age guidelines posted on each ride with whimsical candy bar categories. The park itself offers more than 65 rides and attractions, 11 roller coasters, 25 kiddie rides including water and dry rides, and nine water-based attractions, which makes spending a day here perfect for the summer or the cooler months. The park is large but not overwhelming, making it a good choice for parents with little ones in strollers.

To make your destination even easier to navigate, download the Hersheypark app that will serve as your personal guide.

After the excitement wears, there is still plenty to do with a mandatory stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Depending on how much time you have, visitors can start

with Hershey Chocolate Tasting Adventure, then proceed to Hershey’s 4-D Show, and finally step into the real chocolate factory to Create Your Own Candy Bar complete with chef’s hat and aprons. There is also an educational, interactive ride that will provide the basics of the chocolate-making process. When the chocolate high has worn off, families love to end the trip with a stop at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo right next door to Hersheypark.

Elina Furman is a seasoned travel journalist living with her family in Westchester. Her work has appeared in Fodor’s, Inspirato magazine, Orbitz and Top Flight Family.

When You Go …

Hersheypark 100 Hersheypark Dr. Hershey, Penn.

800-437-7439 Hersheypark.com

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

31

Health //

Let’s Ditch the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

By Elisa Bremner

W

estchester parents have heard a lot about sugar lately. We learned that sugar manufacturers suppressed evidence of its dangers. Sugar has been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Sugar’s effect on the brain appears similar to that of cocaine, and it may be more addictive than any drug. The USDA has finally taken sugar seriously – food manufacturers will soon be required to list added sugar on their food labels, so consumers can make smarter decisions.

The Big Gulp Sugar pervades our food supply. Stepping into the supermarket, you will find that (depending on your source) between 60 and 80 percent of all packaged foods contain some form of sugar. It may seem overwhelming to avoid sweeteners hidden in the entire food

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

system, but one good place to start is not a food at all. It’s the drinks.

Historically, sugar-sweetened drinks have contributed a significant amount of added sugar to the typical child’s diet. Within the past decade, Bill Clinton, wellness policies in schools and Soda Tax campaigns have brought this issue into the spotlight. Soda sales, which peaked in the late 90’s have been steadily declining, with bottled water, juice drinks, teas and energy drinks scrambling to fill the gap.

Good choices exist, but beverage manufacturers spend millions every year to prove that their drinks are good for you – buyer beware! “Organic” or “lower sugar” does not mean “healthy.” “Contains real fruit juice” most definitely does not prove a beverage’s worth. Read the label. High Fructose Corn Syrup is an obvious one to avoid, but fruit juice concentrate is really just sugar from another source. Until the new

labels start appearing, keep in mind that 4 grams of sugar equates to one teaspoon. A can of Coke with 39 grams of sugar contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.

As for energy drinks, if kids eat and sleep properly, these become superfluous.

And caffeine-containing beverages may be dangerous to youth. Too much caffeine can cause jitters, headaches, stomach upset and increased blood pressure. Children and teens should be limited to 100 mg per day. The typical Starbucks coffee exceeds that. Energy drinks offer the same plus more sugar in an easy-to-swallow form.

The Real Dangers Soda is so unnaturally sweet that studies have found it dulls your sensitivity to sweet, causing you to crave more sweet foods ... more sugar. Foods that are naturally sweet, such as most fruits and many vegetables, don’t seem so great anymore. Sugar-

sweetened beverages train a child’s taste buds and may predispose him to a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits.

Sugar in beverage form produces less satiety than when it’s found in a food. Our brains and bodies just don’t register the calories in the same way as in candy or ice cream. Soda fails to produce the “I’m full” signal, causing people to consume more calories than needed. This may be one mechanism that contributes to childhood obesity.

Phosphorus in many sodas can deplete the calcium in a child’s bones. Compounded with a lower calcium intake, when soda replaces milk, this is a recipe for disaster in a growing child. Teenage girls who drink soda become prone to broken bones. Of course, the acid and sugar in soda work together to promote tooth decay.

Why Diet Drinks Are Not the Answer Understanding the full implications of all this added sugar, many turn to diet soft drinks as an alternative. True, avoiding the extra calories and sugar is a good idea. But there are indications that this could be equally

risky. Studies have shown that diet beverages may “trick” the body into expecting the calories of sugar; when they don’t arrive, it produces cravings for the real thing. This may cause diet soda drinkers to consume too many calories. More importantly, these artificial sweeteners have not been tested on children – due to government regulations – so we really don’t know what effect they will have on growing bodies.

So What Is the Answer?

• Water, for obvious reasons, gets the number one best beverage award. We need it for digestion, metabolism, joint lubrication, temperature control and general health.

• If your child turns his nose up at plain water, try infusing it with fresh fruit (oranges or strawberries are delicious) or adding a splash of real juice. You can freeze chunks of fruit in an ice cube tray for some visual interest. Frozen grapes work well too.

• Seltzer or other unsweetened carbonated beverages are a great option if you’re weaning off the soda. A splash of juice may enhance both flavor and color.

• 100 percent fruit juice is fine once in a while, especially if your child needs a boost

on his fruit consumption. It’s always better to have the intact fruit – with its fiber – than the less nutritious juice.

• Vegetable juices provide a lower sugar, lower calorie alternative to fruit juices.

Choose a low sodium variety, and always read the ingredients label to make sure it is not mainly apple or grape juice with few vegetables added. Better yet, juice your own at home. There’s nothing like a fresh-pressed juice made with carrots from your local farmer’s market.

• Milk, or a non-dairy, calcium-fortified alternative, remains important to growing children. Despite recent backlash against dairy, the fact remains that children need a good source of calcium, and not every child eats kale and salmon bones! But beware of flavored milks – some may contain more sugar than a soda.

Train your child’s taste buds the right way. Make good choices from the start.

Elisa Bremner, MS RD CDN, is the Campus Nutritionist at JCCA/Pleasantville Cottage Schools, President of the Westchester Rockland Dietetic Association, and mom of two wonderful teenagers.

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33

Stuff To Do //

Pick-Your-Own

Berries

By Gina Vercesi

Little Sal picked three berries and dropped them in her little tin pail … kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!

S

o begins one of the best loved picture books of all time, Robert McClusky’s Blueberries for Sal, the story of a little girl’s adventure with bears and berries on Blueberry Hill.

Few things say summer like full-tothe-brim baskets of sweet, seasonal berries.

From June through August, and even into September and October, bright red strawberries, tart cherries, bloom-dusted blueberries and shiny blackberries burst forth from Hudson Valley farmland waiting to be gobbled by the handful or turned into shortcakes, pies, crisps, buckles and jams.

Picking Tips Like all crops, berry availability and harvesting dates are weather dependent. A freak frost can damage an entire crop while a warm spring may push picking dates up earlier than normal. Plan ahead and call to see what the farm has available for picking.

Most farms keep their websites updated with current crop availability information for their pick-your-own guests.

Try to head out on your berry picking excursion as early in the day as possible, harvesting can make for hot work. Be sure to wear sunhats and sunscreen and take plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Do your best to choose only the ripest berries. Strawberries should be the shiniest red, blueberries the bluest blue and plump

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

A Very Berry Season Though Mother Nature has the final say, the general rule of thumb on berry picking is as follows: Strawberries – June through late June and early July Sweet Cherries (red, black and white) and Tart Cherries – mid June through early July Currants and Gooseberries – mid to late July Blueberries – July and August Blackberries – August Raspberries – July and often again in the fall

with a dusting of bloom, and all ready-toharvest berries require minimal effort to pluck from their stems. Farm staff can help you determine a crop’s ripeness, so always ask for tips before heading to the berry patch.

Don’t stray from designated areas – the farmers know where the berries are best and will direct you to those spots for picking.

And just like Little Sal, be sure to sample your bounty. One of the best parts of berry picking is popping these freshly picked gems right into your mouth. Just make sure to kuplink most of them into your containers!

Where to Pick Here are five Hudson Valley farms where you can channel your inner Sal, traipsing among bushes and vines in search of plump, ripe berries to drop, kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk, into a pail.

Hilltop Hanover Farm 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights 962-2368 hilltophanoverfarm.org On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., families can have a bit of an unconventional pick-yourown experience at Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown Heights.

With an agricultural history that dates back to the 17th century, Hilltop Hanover offers educational programs for backyard farmers in sustainable growing practices, composting and rainwater collection among other topics in addition to allowing visitors to harvest their own produce beside the farm staff. Along with vegetables, flowers and herbs, Hilltop Hanover is the place to find lesser-known berry varieties such as red and black currants and gooseberries. Pack a picnic and enjoy the farm’s bucolic setting, visit with the chickens, and take a woodland hike through 134 acres of farmland and forest.

Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction 845-897-4377 fishkillfarms.com With a deep passion for biodiversity and ecologically sound growing practices, the Morganthau family has been drawing visitors to their farm for decades. Now in its third generation, the farm has a mission to produce fruits and vegetables grown in true harmony with nature. While away a few hours here filling containers with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and currants and wander through the orchards gathering cherries, ripe plums and juicy peaches. When you’ve finished, pop into the farm store for a lovely selection of locally made goods, picnic

Few things say summer like sweet, seasonal berries. on the deck with its gorgeous view, or visit the farm’s chickens and rabbits.

Lawrence Farms Orchards 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268 lawrencefarmsorchards.com Of all of the spots listed here, Lawrence Farms Orchards offers the most prolific assortment of pick-your-own produce. In addition to all variety of berries (including gooseberries and currants), visitors can harvest everything from sugar snap peas to peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, plums and even grapes. After picking, spend some time with the two friendly farm dogs, Sam and Buddy, play in the children’s village and partake in some of the farm’s delicious baked goods.

Rose Hill Farm 19 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook 845-758-4215 pickrosehillfarm.com Enjoy a day off the beaten path at this peaceful, bucolic Dutchess County farm. One of only 10 bicentennial farms in New York State, Rose Hill has been owned and run by the Fraleigh family since the early 1800s.

With environmental sustainability at the fore of everything they do, Rose Hill Farm grows blueberries, tart and sweet cherries, and other stone fruits such as peaches, plums and apricots along with an enormous variety of apples. The farm’s apiary is the latest addition and bees are being raised for honey and pollination in three hives called Humble, Hope and Harmony. After time spent picking, visitors can choose pies and homemade

preserves on-site as well.

Mead Orchards 15 Schism Road, Tivoli 845-756-5641 meadorchards.com Since 1916, picturesque Mead Orchards near the Hudson River town of Tivoli has been growing strawberries, blueberries and sweet and sour cherries alongside a 180-acre orchard and vegetable garden bursting with produce. Summer pick-your-own offerings include berries, cherries and peaches while Mead’s farm stand is the spot to load up on farm fresh vegetables, tender greens, honey and homemade jams and preserves.

Gina Vercesi is a Westchester-based freelance writer and a big fan of berries.

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

Stuff To Do //

Courtesy photo

Wet & Wild Caribbean Cove at Hurricane Harbor offers refreshing fun for all ages.

T

Water Parks

here are only so many times you can go to the beach or the pool over the summer without craving something more. So why not take the opportunity this summer to visit these wet and wild water parks? They feature all kinds of rides – from those that let you laze about to others that give quite the thrill. All you need is a bathing suit and a sense of adventure.

Interactive Water Playground If you have a Westchester County Park Pass

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

or a valid New York State driver’s license (showing your Westchester address), you can get into this fun local water park.

Willson’s Waves is located in Willson’s Woods County Park in Mount Vernon. The water park features a wave pool that has three-foot waves bouncing bathers around for six-minute intervals. There are also two 18-foot-high water slides where riders splash downward into 10 inches of water.

Willson’s Waves also has an interactive water playground with sprays, fountains

and cascades to wander through. The spray deck is a popular place to cool down with its level surface and 57 different spray heads.

The park also has areas for picnicking and fishing.

Willson’s Waves 8 Bradford Road Mount Vernon, N.Y. 813-6990 parks.westchestergov.com/willsons-woods-park/ willsons-waves

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

(Left to right) SplashDown Beach’s newest and largest attraction is the 600-foot-long, nearly six-story-tall Arctic Mammoth raft ride that twists and turns down multiple curves and drops! Willson’s Waves offers an interactive water playground and a spray park that’s ideal for cooling off in the summer heat. Get a wet and wild thrill on the Wave Racer at Hurricane Harbor in New Jersey.

Days: Opens the Friday after school year ends then daily through Labor Day. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (No admission after 6 p.m.)

Admission: Westchester County Parks Pass or valid NY State driver’s license showing Westchester address are required for admission. Check website for fees.

Thrilling Water Rides SplashDown Beach promises fun for the whole family. Located in Fishkill in Dutchess County, it’s an easy drive from Westchester.

The park’s newest and largest attraction is the 600-foot-long, nearly six-story-tall Arctic Mammoth. Up to five visitors climb aboard a raft and then twist and turn together down

multiple curves and drops!

Another popular thrill ride is the Humunga Half-Pipe, a two-person tube ride that sends riders flying up and down New York’s only Zero Gravity Half-Pipe! There’s also the high-speed Bullet Bowl, where tube riders descend down a steep, dark tunnel and then blast into one giant bowl. No tubes are needed for the three twisty body slides

2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

37

Stuff To Do // of Cowabunga Falls. On the Arctic Plunge Racer, you’ll ride head-first down surprising, steep curves in a drag race to the bottom!

For those who prefer a more relaxing time in the water, check out the Croc Creek Wavy Lazy River or the Monster Wave Pool.

And for younger guests, there is Shipwreck Lagoon, a themed pirate ship with interactive fountains, dumping buckets and four small water slides. Smaller kids will also enjoy the Splash Works area and the Water Whirler, a spinning bucket ride with water guns.

SplashDown Beach 16 Old Rte. 9 West Fishkill, N.Y. 845-897-9600 splashdownbeach.com Days: Open Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, 5/27) through Labor Day. Hours: See website.

Admission: Full Daily Rates (online $5 cheaper): Guests over 42 inches $35, guests under 42 inches $30.

Half Day, After 3 p.m.: Guests over 42 inches $28, guests under 42 inches $23.

NOTE: Infants ages 2 and under enter for free.

But you must purchase the SplashDown Beach Reusable Swim Diaper $9, which can be used on another visit.

Water Rides and Amusement Park The Crocodile Cove water park is just a small part of what’s offered at Lake Compounce.

There are eight water attractions, including the Croc-O-Nile lazy river and the Anchor Bay wave pool. Families can ride on a raft together on Mammoth Falls or race each other head-to-head on Riptide Racer. There is also an attraction called Tunnel Twisters with three different twisty tunnel slides to choose from, while Lights Out is a high-speed slide down in the dark outside a replica lighthouse.

You can also splash in the waters of Bayou Bay and Clipper Cove.

In addition to the water park, Lake Compounce is home to classic roller coasters, thrill rides, kiddie rides and shows for all ages.

According to their website, the park’s Boulder Dash has been voted the world’s #1 wooden coaster. The Phobia Phear Coaster is New England’s first triple launch coaster with speeds up to 65 miles per hour and a blood-chilling cobra roll 150 feet in the air! Your bathing suits will come in handy for the park’s Thunder Rapids ride. For the little ones, there is a carousel, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, and more.

Lake Compounce Family Theme Park 186 Enterprise Dr. Bristol, Conn.

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Ultimate Guide to Summer | 2017

Courtesy photo

The Croc-O-Nile lazy river in Crocodile Cove, Lake Compounce’s water park, offers a refreshing break from soaring temperatures.

860-583-3300 lakecompounce.com Days: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours: Check website.

Admission: $43.99 adults (52 inches and taller), $33.99 juniors (under 52 inches), ages 3 and younger enter free.

Fast and Furious Water Rides Adjacent to the massive Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari theme park in Jackson, N.J., Hurricane Harbor has a dozen water rides for visitors of all ages. As a family, you can ride Boreas, Eurus, Zephyrus and Nortus, four slides named after the Greek gods of wind. Each ultra-fast slide has different, twisting upper sections that lead to bumpy drops into the water. You can also try Big Bambu and Reef Runner, which allow families to ride on jumbo-sized rafts down either an open-topped or enclosed chute, ending with a six-story-tall drop! If relaxing is more your speed, try the 696,000 gallon wave pool called Blue Lagoon.

Thrill rides at Hurricane Harbor include the King Cobra, a terrifying red and white snake towering 56 feet in the air. After riders build up speed moving through the beast’s body, they get shot out into the enormous snake’s mouth! On Tornado, riders share a specially designed four-person raft and travel

from a height of 75 feet down a 132-foot tunnel. The real thrill comes after that, when you are shot into a 60-foot-wide funnel, where you get the feeling that you are in an actual tornado!

Little kids can enjoy the Taak It Eez Ee Creek, the shallow water playground Discovery Bay, and the water play area Caribbean Cove.

Of course, Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari is known for its many roller coasters, themed areas for big and little kids, and a Safari off-road adventure featuring 1,200 animals from six continents.

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari 1 Six Flags Blvd.

Jackson, N.J. 732-928-2000 sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj Days: May 20 weekends only, June 23 to Labor Day open daily.

Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m. to 5 or 6:30 p.m. Visit website to confirm.

Admission: $45.99 adults, $35.99 children under 48 inches.

Andrea White is a freelance writer based in Edgemont. She loves the summertime and is looking forward to some lazy river action, as well as some thrill rides.

Summer 2017!

in DOBBS

FERRY

at Mercy College & The Masters School

Specialized Programming for All Ages!

• 8:30am - 5:30pm with extended hours available • Early Start Imagination Camp for ages 3-5 • Traditional Day Camp for ages 6-11 • Teen Travel Program for ages 12-14 • CIT/LIT Program for ages 14-16 • Beautiful outdoor & air-conditioned indoor space • Sports, games & outdoor adventure • Visual arts, crafts & performing arts • Special events, theme days, carnivals & all traditional camp activities • Red Cross Swim Instruction.

• Healthy hot lunch & transportation available (A/C) • Low ratios with mature staff • Flexible enrollment for 2-8 weeks Visit us online for 2017 Open House dates & locations!

www.oasischildren.com (646)-519-5057 @oasisdaycamps