2017 SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION
The 2017 Summer Camp Registration Form is now available below! See you soon!
We are trying out registration on a Saturday this year and we will evaluate based on your feedback! Our 2017 registration will take place on SATURDAY, April 1, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at 412 Spencer Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
We are very excited and pleased with our 2017 summer offerings! As you can imagine there are many moving parts involved in our camp planning and we work hard to ensure everything comes together and minimal changes need to be made - however, this is not something we can guarantee. Aside from adding additional waivers to a few our camps - that will be collected at registration time -, we will hi-light changes/additions in yellow after our original publish date. So please, check back often. Changes/additions made after April 1st will be posted here, and you will receive an email if your child is registered for a camp affected by any such changes.
Please be sure to read all of our policies as we have made a few changes this year. Our main goal continues to be to offer a comprehensive range of safe, fun and affordable camps for everyone. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Your feedback and solutions are an essential component in our planning.
Rest assured, we realize so many children are advanced in some way or another - intellectually, emotionally, athletically, socially, acting ability etc. however, policies are in place for several reasons and we must adhere to them. We ask that you please respect our age restrictions as well as all other policies and do not call directors, contractors or the main office to ask for exceptions to be made for your child.
Please know that every effort is made to provide accurate information. However, in the event you find a typo(s), please be kind and drop us a line.
Additional Summer Programming: highlighted here are terrific Summertime activities offered in addition to the one-week Summer Camps. Please note the separate registration processes/forms for each. Click on each program for more info!
Do not forget to check out our youth recreation page for information on Mobile Recreation, Community Center & Summer Recreation Site offerings, RBI Baseball and ACTION Basketball Leagues, and more - we always have something going on for the youth!
Power Scholars Summer! The YMCA has partnered with the
City of Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department to provide a unique summer
experience for rising 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
scholars! This experience will take
place Monday-Thursday, July 10- August 11 beginning at 8:30am. Summer 2017 locations include Schiller Park and Burnet Park,
for a limited number of scholars. No cost to register! CLICK HERE for Burnet Park Power Scholar Packet; CLICK HERE for Schiller Park Power Scholar Packet
R.B.I. Youth Baseball... Online Registration is now open for the Summer, 2017 season. Ages 10-18, with 3 divisions (ages 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18). No experience necessary. Weeknight games and practices in July and August. Play on City Parks fields, including Sunnycrest and Lewis Parks. Fee: $10 per city youth/ $40 non city. All equipment provided as needed! Click HERE for information and Online Registration
Summer Golf Academy and Clinic... For information about our 2017 youth golf programs, please click here.
CONCUSSION INFORMATION
As of 2/1/16, there must be a concussion waiver (PDF) on file for all participants, in order to participate in our programs. For more information about our concussion protocol, please click here.
CAMPER’S CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Everyone is expected to participate in all planned activities as defined by the camp schedule and be in appropriate dress (sneakers are a must for participation in all camps or activities!)
2. Obscene and discriminatory language, rough-housing, insubordination and/or put-downs will not be
tolerated at anytime.
3. Property of others should be respected at all times.
4. Items which are of value, unsafe, intrusive, in poor taste, or otherwise objectionable are not
to be brought to camp.
Summer camp is meant to be a fun, educational and recreational activity. For the benefit of all
campers, it is important that children behave appropriately within the summer camps. If it becomes
necessary to take disciplinary action against a camp participant, the steps that will be followed
are outlined below:
1st incident: The camper will receive a verbal warning and an explanation as to why the behavior is
inappropriate (whenever possible, this will be done in a one-on-one setting removed from other
campers).
2nd incident: Staff will determine an appropriate consequence for the camper’s actions (examples
may include exclusion from participating in an activity). The camper’s parent will be notified of
their behavior when they arrive to pick up the child or by phone.
3rd incident: The child will be excused from camp without a tuition refund
The Summer Camp Staff reserves the right to bar any child from summer camps following a first
incident in cases of serious behavior problems.Refunds will not be given in these circumstances and may result in omission from additional camps
you may have registered your child for.
FULL Camps - Although we try, this page may not always contain the most up-to-date information as to when camps fill and may constantly be changing if spots become available again due to the nature of our participants busy schedules.
REGISTRATION - An individual may submit registration forms for two (2) households, only, including their own. If the individual submitting the forms is unable to answer questions or sign waivers at the time of registration, the registration form will be considered incomplete and a spot will not be held. Group registrations of any kind will not be accepted. Complete payment is due at the time of registration. Refunds will be issued to the parent/guardian listed and sent to the address used on the registration form. Exceptions will not be made.
1. Walk-in registration forms will be accepted on a first come, space available basis for City Residents and Non-City Residents, beginning APRIL 1, 2017 through June 19, 2017 at the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Office located at 412 Spencer Street/ Syracuse, NY /13204. Please note that the office is not normally open on Saturdays but, we will be opening from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on April 1, 2017 for summer camp registrations, only.
2. Mailed-In registration forms will also be accepted. Same dates and procedures apply for mail-in. Forms may be mailed to the Syracuse Parks Department: 412 Spencer Street / Syracuse, NY /13204 Attn: Summer Camps
Confirmations will be e-mailed within one (1) week of submitting a complete registration form. If you do not receive your confirmation please check your junk mail. Please note that only complete registration forms will be processed and camp slots will not be held for incomplete forms or payment. Please, do not wait until the morning of the camp begins if you have questions regarding your acceptance into a camp. Please confirm and address any concerns well in advance so we are able to notify all parties and provide ample time for modifications to be made.
For the 2017 Registration Form CLICK HERE - You must also complete and turn in a yearly concussion waiver (PDF) to participate in our programs. Please find additional waivers below with the appropriate camp and include them with your registration form at the time of registration.
WAIT LIST OPPORTUNITIES
If a program is full and you wish to wait list your child (age-appropriate only) you will have the opportunity to wait list with payment or without payment. Please note, on the first day of registration (April 1), the wait list order for all camps will be a lottery.
If you choose to wait list without payment and a spot becomes available, you will receive an email. You will have until the close of business on that day to come in and make the payment. If you do not come in that day, we will move to the next person on the list and you will be taken off the wait list.
If you choose to wait list with payment, the payment will be processed immediately and will be applied as space becomes available. You will receive an email with a receipt confirmation. Once you have been accepted in camp and an email receipt has been sent, the refund policy does apply. If a spot does not become available, the money will remain on your account unless you request a refund, in writing to youthrefunds@syrgov.net.
REFUND POLICY
All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to youthrefunds@syrgov.net. Please indicate REFUND REQUEST in the subject line.
∙ Refunds will be honored if requested in writing at 3 weeks prior to the start of camp (15 business days).
∙ All refunds will be paid by the City of Syracuse via check made payable to the name on the original registration form, and could take up to 4-6 weeks to receive.
∙ Prorated refunds may be given after a program has begun if written medical verification (from your primary physician) is received for injury or illness. A prorated refund will be based on the number of days left in the class upon receipt of your medical verification in our office. If we receive the written medical verification after the end of the class, a refund will be given.
PLEASE NOTE: If a child is unable to attend a camp and there is a current wait list, we will replace that child with the first person on the wait list. You may not make your own replacements if a child is unable to attend.
CAMP CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER OR EMERGENCIES
In the event of inclement weather (Heavy rain, thunderstorms, high heat index etc.) camps may be cancelled. We will make this determination by 8:00 a.m.
Cancellations will be posted online at http://www.syracuse.ny.us/Parks/Cancellation___Updates.html. Please remember to check after 8:00 a.m.
There will be no refunds or make-up days for inclement weather or emergency cancellations.
CAMP TRANSPORTATION
The City will provide free, supervised bus transportation to all full-day camps from the pick-up sites listed below, as space permits. Pre-registration is required by June 20, 2017 (NO EXCEPTIONS). If a bus roster fills, there will be no more additions allowed to the bus. A child must be listed on the bus roster to ride the bus. Schedules are based on registrations and will be posted online five business days prior to each camp. The schedules can be found
HERE.Please, do not forget to check EACH week. The bus site must remain consistent throughout the summer. We try our best to keep to the times assigned however unforeseen circumstances may result in the bus arriving later or earlier than scheduled. We ask that you have your child to the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up. We also ask that you be on site 10 minutes prior to the scheduled drop-off. The safety of the children to and from the stops is the responsibility of the parent/guardian so please plan accordingly.
Sites: Meachem Park (near the tennis courts); Kirk Park Community Center; Skiddy Park Field House; Upper Onondaga Park (at the top of staircase leading down to the pool); Burnet Park (To the right of the Arts & Crafts facility); Wilson Park Community Center (front steps); Barry Park Field House; Huntington School (in front of the school sign); Schiller Park Community Center; McChesney Community Center; Soule Branch Library.
If your child will be walking home from camp please send a note to the onsite Director of each camp listing the dates that he/she will be allowed to walk home.
CITY VS. NON-CITY RESIDENTS: City residents are defined as those who live within the boundaries of the Syracuse City School District and pay City taxes.
DROP OFF/PICK UP
Check-In will be no earlier than 9:45 a.m. for full – day camps and 8:45 a.m.. for half-day clinics. We ask that you stay with your child until that time. Please do not drop your children off any earlier as staff may be busy setting up and not be able to supervise. Pick- Up will be at 3:00 p.m.. sharp for full-day camps and noon for half-day camps. We ask that you check your child out of camp with a counselor and be prepared to show identification.
MEDICATION
Staff are prohibited from administering any medication, including sun block and insect repellent. If your child needs to use these items please do so before coming to camp. Campers may self-administer medication (inhalers, epi-pens, etc.) As needed with doctor and parental permission. Please label all personal items.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING
Our camps are active camps! Please have campers wear comfortable clothing and sneakers (flip flops and open toed sandals are not allowed). Campers may get dirty under certain circumstances; please keep this in mind since fun learning can be a messy process! It’s recommended that you send a change of clothes if there is a chance of light rain in the forecast. Also, please send a re-usable water bottle for re-filling throughout the day. Campers are responsible for their own belongings. Please make sure everything is well labeled. Please do not send valuable items to camp (ipods, games etc). Parks staff cannot be responsible for loss or theft.
LUNCHES
The City of Syracuse School District is gracious to supply our full-day camps with boxed lunches at no cost which allows us the opportunity to keep our camps affordable with the option of providing lunches. If your child has any dietary restrictions or preferences we STRONGLY encourage the child bring his/her own lunch from home. Please be mindful that just like the schools, refrigeration will not be available for lunches so we ask that you plan accordingly...microwaves and stoves will also not be available.
2017 SUMMER CAMP DESCRIPTIONS
BASKETBALL CAMP
Open to boys and girls...This long running camp will include daily drills designed to improve a player's skills in the critical aspects of the game: passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and defending. The camp may also feature local basketball greats as guest speakers.
Date: August 7 - 11, 2017
Director: Dennis Bardenett
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 - 13 years of age
Site: Fowler High School
Lunch: Bag lunches from the Syracuse City School District will be available
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 80
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
'CUSE CHALLENGE COURSE CAMP - FULL
This camp will offer a variety of team-building options that will challenge the campers to engage each other in a unique learning environment. Syracuse University's facilitation staff will work with the group to help them build relationships, establish trust and camaraderie, as they move through a series of activities, designed to take them to the next level, both literally and metaphorically, as they ascend the 'Cuse Challenge. Sneakers are a must to participate! Check out the course
here!
Day 1 will be a getting to know the group and trust-building day. Day 2 will be the low elements course. Day 3 -5 will be the high elements course. All days will be weather dependent. Date: July 17 - 21, 2017
Director: Scott Catucci
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 13 years of age
Site: The Syracuse University Outdoor Education Center and Challenge Course, 600 Skytop Road, South Campus (behind the Inn Complete). In the event of inclement weather, participants will be transported to Archbold Gymnasium however, the parent pick-up and drop-off (start and end of camp) location will remain the Outdoor Education Center.
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 30
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waivers Required: Yes, please click here to download the 'Cuse Challenge Course Camp waiver to be completed and turned in to register.
ENTERPRISE AMERICA CAMP
A city built for and run by students, the Enterprise
America city experience offers an opportunity to explore careers and what it
means to be a citizen. Participants prepare for their future and the world by
operating a model city and problem solving real-life situations. They’ll apply for jobs and develop a business plan with their teammates. They’ll
elect a mayor and judge and write city laws. Participants will balance their
personal finance accounts, write checks and shop for products made in the city’s
businesses. The Enterprise America city experience is uniquely memorable
and encourages a focus on the future and careers. Check it out
here!
Date: July 10 - 14, 2017
Director: Jessica Straub
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 13 years of age
Site: WCNY Building, 415 W. Fayette Street, 13204
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 50 - camp requires a minimum of 40 to run
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waiver Required: Yes, please
click here to download the Enterprise America waiver to be completed and turned in to register.
GIRLS LACROSSE CAMP
Girls ages 8 to 13 will learn the fundamentals of basic passing, checking, and goal tending skills, while developing endurance, coordination and teamwork. Participants should bring their own stick and equipment. We do have a limited amount of equipment available so please indicate what you will need and we will make every effort to meet your needs. Participants may not participate without all necessary equipment. Sign up today as spots will go quick! Please note: If the forecast calls for inclement weather all day, camp will be cancelled and posted on the website listed above by 8:00 a.m. In the event of weather changing after the camp has started for the day we will meet in the ice rink - If weather prohibits us from being outdoors for more than 2 hours, camp will be cancelled and we will begin to call parents to pick up their children. Refunds will not be given in these cases.
Date: June 26 - 30, 2017
Director: Marissa Anderson
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 - 13 years of age
Site: Sunnycrest Park (Lower Turf Field)
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 80
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Equipment Requirements: Stick, goggles and mouth guard.
Please note, a non-Parks boys lacrosse clinic will be running at the end of June and beginning of July at Burnet Park - for more information on how to apply, cost, dates and times, please email Joe Kelly at jkelly@syrgov.net.
JR. ROBOTICS CAMP - FULL
If you like all things LEGO®, this is the camp for you!
Five days of fun is waiting as we create a variety of LEGO® builds. We'll learn, build, and play with our two
most popular themes: Jr. Robotics and Star Wars™. The Bricks 4
Kidz Jr. Robotics camp offers all the fun of building with LEGO® Bricks,
PLUS the challenge of computer programming! Using drag-and-drop icon-based
software, WeDo software provides an introduction into the world of
computer-programming and robotics that will equip children to succeed in a
technology-based marketplace. This fun, action-packed week combines real-life
skills with real-kid fun! Inspired by NASA and Star Wars™, our Galaxies Far Away camp
is packed full of motorized LEGO® models that will make your
imagination blast off! Each day, campers will learn about real-life space
exploration and build models related to the NASA space program. This camp also includes LEGO® Star Wars™ themed models where kids
will build their favorite characters with LEGO® Bricks, participate in group
games/challenges and more.
Date: July 31 - August 4, 2017
Director: Maria Moore & Brick 4 Kids Staff
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m.
Ages: 10 to 13
Site: Shopping town Mall;
enter by the old Dick’s entrance
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 25 participants
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waiver Required: Yes, coming soon.
1/2 DAY ADVANCED ROBOTICS CAMP (Lego Mindstorms EV3)
In
this week long camp, students will learn the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 robotics
programming software. Using the LEGO® EV3 Intelligent Brick, students will
control motors, collect sensor feedback, all with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication,
programming, and data logging. Using proprietary Bricks 4 Kidz
LEGO® EV3 models, students will work in teams to build their robot and
assemble it using motors, sensors, gears, wheels and axles, and other technical
components. In this camp students will solve problems and gain practical,
hands-on experience using mathematical concepts, such as estimating and
measuring distance, time and speed. We will offer a parent showcase on
Friday at 11:15 a.m.
Date: June 26 - 30, 2017
Director: Maria Moore & Brick 4 Kids Staff
Hours: 9:00 am to Noon
Ages: 10 to 13
Site: Shopping town Mall;
enter by the old Dick’s entrance
Transportation: No
Limit: 18 participants
Fee: City $25/Non-City $50
Additional Waiver Required: Yes, coming soon.
M.O.S.T. MUSEUM SCIENCE CAMP - FULL
Mission MOST! Explore the museum of science and
technology for 5 action packed days focused on a different section of the
museum filled with exciting science experiments, explosions, and games! You'll
explore our life sciences exhibit, visit the cave, explore flight and space and
tinker in the MOST classic exhibit. Do you want to create, craft, build,
design and explode experiments? We will do all that and more during this week
of wonder at The MOST!
Get ready to be captivated by the hands on activities that illustrate lessons in physics, chemistry, geology, liquids and space.
Date: August 14 - 18, 2017
Director: M.O.S.T. Education Staff
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 13 years of age
Site: M.O.S.T., 500 South Franklin
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 25
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waivers: Yes, please
click here to download the M.O.S.T. Museum waiver to be completed and turned in to register.
Additional Notes: Please be sure your child wears or brings socks, everyday.
PARKS & RECREATION ANIMAL CAMP - FULL
Don’t miss this chance for a “wild” camp experience! Campers participate in Zoo tours, up close animal encounters, hands-on activities, games and crafts. Our experienced, enthusiastic staff is dedicated to ensure the best possible experience for your child. Experience all the Zoo has to offer in this unique opportunity! Hurry, this fun, educational camp will fill quickly
Date: June 26 - 30, 2017
Director: Rosamond Gifford Zoo Educational Staff
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 10-13 years of age
Site: Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 32
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waivers: Yes, please
click here to download the Animal camp waivers to be completed and turned in to register. Please note, you must also supply a copy of your child's immunization records from your doctor at the time of registration, for this camp.
ROCK CAMP AT THE RED HOUSE -
FULL
This rock camp is for the beginning musician. This intensive music camp will give students ages 10 to 13 the opportunity to learn musical instruments under the training of some of the most sought after instructors in the CNY area. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of several instruments, while being given the opportunity to collaborate with peers, write original music, develop a band, and prepare a final performance to showcase what they have learned during their time at camp. This is not to be missed!
Date: July 24 - 28, 2017
Director: The Red House Educational Staff
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 13 years of age
Site: The Red House
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 25
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waivers: Yes, please
click here to download the Red House waivers to be completed and turned in to register.
SOCCER CAMP
Open to boys and girls...Players will be introduced to the basic skills of the game, including dribbling, passing, body positioning, goal tending, and more! Coach Fiello and his staff will provide a fun week of skill building and light competition. All participants must wear sneakers to participate. Please note: If the forecast calls for inclement weather all day, camp will be cancelled and posted on the website listed above by 8:00 a.m. In the event of weather changing after the camp has started for the day we will meet in the ice rink - If weather prohibits us from being outdoors for more than 2 hours, camp will be cancelled and we will begin to call parents to pick up their children. Refunds will not be given in these cases.
Date: July 10 - 14, 2017
Director: TBD
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 - 13 years of age
Site: Nottingham High School Turf (Euclid Ave)
Lunch: Bag lunches from the Syracuse City School District will be available
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 100
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
THEATRE CAMP - FULL
Explore theatre and history
through this innovative and exciting camp! Your little ones will use the text
of Shakespeare and other mythological tales to create their own stage
adaptations of these classic stories. While developing performance fundamentals
such as improvisation, movement, and vocal studies, students engage in elements
of storytelling, ensemble collaboration, and design projects, all while having
a blast!
Date: July 24 - 28, 2017
Director: The Red House Educational Staff
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 13 years of age
Site: The Red House
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided...please send a peanut-free lunch with your child daily.
Transportation: Yes
Limit: 30
Fee: City $40/Non-City $90
Additional Waivers: Yes, please
click here to download the Red House waivers to be completed and turned in to register.
1/2 DAY TRACK & FIELD CAMP -
FULL
A Summer Camp Favorite! Open to boys and girls...Participants will learn the basic shot put, high jump, and be introduced to drills to improve sprinting, track distance running, and cross country technique. Please note that this a 1/2 day camp -- lunch and transportation will not be provided. Please note: If the forecast calls for inclement weather all day, camp will be cancelled and posted on the website listed above by 8:00 a.m. In the event of weather changing after the camp has started for the day parents will be called to pick up their children. Refunds will not be given in these cases.
Date: July 17 - 21, 2017
Director: Mike Melfi
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Ages: 8 - 13 years of age
Site: Nottingham High School Turf (Euclid Ave)
Transportation: No
Limit: 50
Fee: City $25/Non-City $50
1/2 DAY TENNIS CAMP
Offered in 3 city neighborhoods, participants will benefit from the instruction of USTA professionals while learning how to properly serve and execute forehand and backhand shots. Instructors will also teach agility and footwork patterns necessary to cover the court. Please note that this a 1/2 day camp -- lunch and transportation will not be provided. Please note: If the forecast calls for inclement weather all day, camp will be cancelled and posted on the website listed above by 8:00 a.m. In the event of weather changing after the camp has started for the day we will meet in the ice rinks at Sunnycrest and Meachem and the field house at Barry Park. Parents will be called to pick up their children. Refunds will not be given in these cases.
Session I: July 10 - 14, 2017 at Sunnycrest Park
Session II: July 17 - 21, 2017 at Barry Park * Limit: 15
Session III: July 24 - 28, 2017 at Meachem Park
Session IV: July 31 - August 4, 2017 at Sunnycrest Park
Session V: August 7 -11, 2017 at Sunnycrest Park
Director: CNY Tennis Association
Hours: 9 a.m. - Noon
Ages: 8 - 13 years of age
Site: Various sites depending on the date
Transportation: No
Limit: *25 per session unless otherwise noted
Fee: City $25/Non-City $50