children ages 5 through 12 with a summer camp experience in a country environment."
Top of the Pines Day Camp offers a structured routine while engaging campers in various physical activities. Options include a wide variety of sports and other recreational opportunities, including swimming in a natural spring-fed lake. Each of the eight weeks of the program is planned with a different theme to create an atmosphere of excitement and newness throughout the summer.
The TOP Day Camp provides families with the security of knowing that their child is in a well-supervised, safe, caring and nurturing setting, while being introduced to new experiences, having fun, making new friends and developing new skills.
The TOP Day Camp is part of Vacamas Programs for Youth, a not-for-profit social service agency which has been providing camping experiences to low and moderate income families for over 85 years. Our children are referred through schools and organizations. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. One- through eight-week sessions are available.
Location
Camp Top of the Pines is located off of the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Harriman State Park, New York. It is a 35-minute drive from the George Washington Bridge. Program participants travel to and from our site from Monday through Friday. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to experience nature and learn about their environment while participating in a well-rounded camp experience. TOP Day Camp offers a nurturing setting conducive to learning and sharing. Our Camp in Harriman State Park is located on over 500 protected acres in a nature preserve. We have over 25 indoor buildings, which can accommodate over 300 campers in inclement weather.
Participants
The TOP Day Camp is available to children completing kindergarten through 6th grade – ages 5 through 12. Campers are placed in small groups of six to ten children, based on their age and gender.
Program Structure and Activities
The TOP Day Camp strives to improve skills and self-confidence while keeping campers active and focused throughout the summer months. The Day Camp features a five day per week, nine hour per day schedule. The campers meet at 8:00 AM each day at their departure point and return to the same locations at 5:00 PM. Departures are offered in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan and selected areas in New Jersey.
The daily schedule is composed of forty-five minute activity periods and includes a light breakfast, a hot lunch and a mid-afternoon snack. Two activity periods are devoted each day to swimming. One period is focuses on swim lessons and the other is an afternoon recreational swim. All waterfront activities are conducted by certified American Red Cross Swim Instructors and Lifeguards.
Program Staff
The TOP Day Camp staff is mature, dedicated individuals who are committed to providing a safe, fun and educational environment for your child. Staff is carefully selected and screened and is closely supervised by trained camp professionals. Our supervisory staff is all over 21.The typical counselor at TOP Day Camp is over 18 years old and has experience in working with children. All counselors participate in a week-long training to prepare them for the important job of looking after each child’s physical and emotional safety. There is medical staff on Camp in our Health Center to deal with any medical problems that may arise while your child is on the camp grounds. A current medical form and physical is required for each child.
Specialist Staff
In addition to the regular program staff, TOP Day Camp utilizes the expertise of a series of trained professionals in specialty areas, including Boating, Arts and Crafts, Ropes Courses, Hiking, Nature Studies, Cook-Outs and Campfires.
Enrollment & Fees
For enrollment and fees and to register your child for the TOP Day Camp, please call 973-838-0942 or 212-765-4420, ext. 1412, or send an e-mail to sandi@vacamas.org.
Take a Virtual Tour!
Click the button above to view photos of our campers and facilities.
Good to Know
