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Community Corner

Patch Picks: Local Summer Camps

With summer just around the corner, Patch has found some of the best local camps in the East Meadow area.

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This week, East Meadow Patch searched for summer camps for local children to attend this summer. We found school run programs, large and established camps, as well as specialty options. There is something for everyone on this list, so be sure to check out what camps are right around your corner:

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1. : A local go-to since 1954, Big Chief is situated on a large lot on the corner of North Jerusalem Road and Newbridge Road. They offer a variety of programming options and are always supervised by experienced and professional staff. Camp activities include Olympics, treasure hunts, arts, sports, talent shows and day trips. Big Chief has two swimming pools on the premise and they are always monitored by certified instructors.
Location: 2427 N Jerusalem Rd, East Meadow
Phone: (516) 781-3900
 
2. CAPE: The Creative Arts Program of East Meadow holds a summer program annually, which usually runs in July. Classes include everything from arts and crafts, fashion design, keyboarding, cooking, music lessons, theater workshops and gymnastics to dance, karate and tennis. The summer 2011 schedule is not available yet, but course are generally afforadable and run for a few hours on specific days of the week.
Location:
Phone: (516) 228-5276
 
3. : Since their East Meadow location does not offer a summer camp, children are invited to come to the Massapequa school for a camp that is designed for kids between three and six years of age. The camp starts the first week of July and runs through the second week in August, meeting 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week. Children have the opportunity to participate in ceramic making, woodworking, puppet making, crafts and much more.
Location: 98 Jerusalem Avenue, Massapequa
Phone: (516) 541-6365
 
4. East Meadow Summer Music Program: The district holds this music enrichment program each summer for kids in grades three through twelve. It generally lasts about four weeks and is taught by East Meadow music teachers. If your child has a real passion for music and wants to get ahead of the class, this is a great option. Students have a chance to work in group lessons designed for beginners, as well as ensemble performance for beginners, intermediate and advanced players. The camp culminates with a concert for all of the parents. Registration is done at this site- www.prestochair.com.
Location:
Phone: (516) 478-5532
 
5. Merrick Woods: Though not in East Meadow, this North Merrick camp has been a staple for years. Nestled in a beautiful wooded area right in the middle of the suburban town, they offer a large variety of activities. The on-site swimming pools are heated and each child is allowed two swims each day.  They also have a 12-acre athletic site with professional sports staff. Merrick Woods has programs for pre-schoolers, juniors, seniors, tweens and teens- definitely something for everyone!
Location: 1075 Merrick Avenue, Merrick
Phone: (516) 483-7272

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