Challenge Camp Faq
If you have additional questions or concerns that are not addressed in the FAQ, please contact the camp office, info@challengecamps.com or 914-779-6024. Thank you.
What type of child would excel at Challenge Camp?
Challenge campers are bright, curious, creative, academically motivated learners ages 4-15. They have often been identified as gifted, talented and / or accelerated learners.
Does Challenge Camp offer swimming, sports or outdoor activities?
Our instructional sports program occurs each afternoon and includes both traditional sports (basketball, soccer etc) and non traditional activities like Fencing, Hip-hop Dance, Ninja Warrior, or Yoga if campers select those options. There is also 1/2 hour of free play / recess each day before or after lunch.
Who are the Directors?
Carole Berman has been the Founder & Executive Director of Challenge Camp since 1981 and sits on the Board of the New York State Camp Director’s Association (NYSCDA). Our Afternoon Director Joe Fields (40+ years) and Director Marcy Geisser-Wolf (25+ years) will assist you prior to and throughout the summer camp season. Click here for our Director and faculty profiles.
Who are the teachers?
I see that you are an ACA Accredited Camp – what does that mean?
What are the dates and fees for Challenge Camp?
How long is the camp day?
A full day of camp consists of 5 classes and is from 9am – 4pm, a hot lunch and snack is included. There are two academically oriented 90 minute classes in the morning at 9:00 and 10:30. In the afternoons, the campers take three 60 minute classes at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00. There are sports options or additional enrichment options for campers to challenge both their minds and bodies.
Do you offer transportation or early / extended day option?
Challenge Camp offers a door to door transportation option from the Upper East and Upper West Side of Manhattan, Riverdale and Southern Westchester. For Northern Westchester, we use centralized stops. All buses are air conditioned! If you are interested in bus transportation, please complete the Transportation Form.Â
Alternatively, we have early dropoff starting from 8am and extended day options until 6pm for families requiring flexibility.
What grade do I use for choosing my child’s classes?
We use camper’s CURRENT GRADE as of September 2024 for class selection. For example, students completing 4th grade in June should choose 4th grade level classes. Here are the printer friendly course selection charts for our Morning Workshops, Session 1 Afternoon and Session 2 Afternoon course charts to use as a reference. We highly encourage using the chart to assist you in selecting current grade Morning Workshops and Afternoon Challenge options for your child.
What is the age requirement for the pre-kindergarten option?
Our Discover, Imagine & Create program is designed for children that will be entering Kindergarten in Fall 2025.
What is the age requirement to be a Counselor or CIT?
In accordance with New York State Employment law, counselors must be 16 years of age prior to the start of camp. Participants in the CIT program must be 15 years of age by June 15th. We are always looking for bright, athletic and enthusiastic individuals to be join our team. Counselors and CIT’s assist our instructors in academic enrichment classes, sports and swimming as well as participating in all camp activities while interacting with campers. Click here to apply.
Can I change my child’s classes after I register?
Can my child attend for 1 or 2 weeks?
Challenge Camp is a Session based program. For Summer 2025, Session One is 4 weeks (June 30 – July 25, closed July 4th) and Session Two is 3 weeks (July 28 – August 15). As many of our classes are project based, we strongly encourage your camper to attend the entirety of a Session. Please contact the camp office, info@challengecamps.commailto:info@challengecamps.com if you have specific questions regarding your family’s summer schedule.
Do I need to send lunch or a snack with my child?
My children have food allergy concerns and / or are picky eaters are there lunch and snack options for all?
If your child has a food allergy(s) or concerns, please let us know and our Chef will ensure that a meal consistent with your child’s dietary restrictions is available. Challenge Camp is a Nut and Seed Free camp. Our chef can accommodate most dietary requirements. Our caterer will work directly with concerned parents to ensure we can meet your camper’s needs.
Do you have medical personnel on site?
When & How do I register?
The preferred method of registration is through the Challenge Camp online portal with CampDoc. We encourage you to register for camp as early as possible to ensure your child’s preferred class selections as many of our classes fill to capacity.
