Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to our COVID Considerations page for questions regarding our safety plan.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the camp office, info@challengecamps.com or 914-779-6024. Thank you.
What type of student would excel at Challenge Camp?
Challenge campers are bright, curious, 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?
We are thrilled to offer swimming on campus which allows us to expand the Swim Program at Challenge Camp this summer at Iona University. All campers will have an opportunity to swim if they choose the swim elective.
Our instructional sports program occurs each afternoon and includes both traditional sports (basketball, soccer etc) and non traditional activies like Ninja Warrior, Dance or Fencing if campers select those options. There is also 1/2 hour of outdoor organized free play 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 Assistant Director Marcy Geisser-Wolf (20+ years) will assist you prior to and throughout the summer camp season. Click here for our Director and faculty profiles.
Who are the teachers?
Our instructors are teachers of accelerated learners in public and private school settings, professional magicians, musicians, scientists, actors, chess masters, artists, chefs and more. College and High School students act as counselors for our programs.
I see that you are an ACA Accredited Camp – what does that mean?
Yes, Challenge Camp is proud to be accredited through the American Camp Association! The main purpose of the ACA accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices. You should feel confident in choosing an ACA accredited camp for your child(ren.)
What are the dates and fees for Challenge 2023?
Click here for complete dates and fees.
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 in included. There are two acaqdemically oriented 90 minute classes in the morning at 9:00 and 10:30. In the afternoons, the campers take 3 60 minute classes at 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00. There are sports options or additional enrichment options for campers to challenge both their minds and bodies. For compliance with our COVID protocols, we are unable to offer a half day option this summer.
Do you offer transportation or early / extended day option?
Challenge Camp offers a door to door transportation option from 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 contact the camp office (914) 779-6024 or info@challengecamps.com to be added to the transportation interest list. We are waiting on guidance from the NY State and Westchester County Health departments regarding regulations for this summer.
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 2022 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 2023.
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 enrichmnet classes, sports and swimming as well as participatinge in all camp activities while interacting with campers. Click here to apply.
Can I change my child’s classes after I register?
Yes, classes can be changed prior to the camp session based on availability. There is typcially a short Add/Drop period the first week of each session. Please note there are no refunds for materials fees for class changes after June 1st.
Can my child attend for 1 or 2 weeks?
Challenge Camp is a Session based program, for compliance with our COVID protocols, we are unable to offer a half day or partial session options this summer. First Session is 4 weeks (June 26 – July 21) and Second Session is 3 weeks (July 24 – August 11). 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.com if you have specific questions regarding your family’s summer schedule.
Do I need to send lunch or a snack with my child?
No, a hot lunch and afternoon snack is included with your camper’s registration. Challenge Camp uses the award winning Chatwells Caterers as our food service provider. Our caterer can asssist with preparing special meals for campers with Food Allergies or specific dietary concerns or needs. There is a Kosher lunch option for families that require it for their camper.
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, and can accommodate most dietary requirements. Our caterer will work directly with concerned parents to ensure we can meet your camper’s needs.
Can I visit the camp during the summer?
To comply with health regulations , we do not anticipate allowing outside visitors on campus this summer.
Do you have medical personnel on site?
Yes, Challenge has 3 registered nurses on staff to deal with emergencies and administer any medications your child may require. One nurse will be on site at all times during the camp day. Challenge Camp is thrilled have partnered with CampDoc.com as part of our continuous efforts to provide the best possible care to our campers and staff. All Challenge campers must submit a complete health history, immunization record and medical release form during registration.
Please refer to our COVID Considerations page for questions regarding our safety plan.
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.