Free and Cheap Summer Camps!

Don't dismay if you are overwhelmed by the cost of camps and summer classes, there are a lot of amazing summer programs out there that are either free, subsidized or provide amazing financial assistance. But, take note - if you do want to get into one of these programs you must act fast, financial aid and spots in all these camps go quickly. We have compiled a list here of different camps and activities that you can get involved in that your kids will love and won't break the bank!

Third Street Music School Settlement - Summer Arts Day Camp / Ages 3-6
The nation's oldest community music school, Third Street (which is currently located on East 11th Street) was founded in 1894 by Emilie Wagner, who believed that music could offer the impoverished immigrants of New York's Lower East Side some respite from their daily struggles.

Now offering opportunities in more than just music, their summer program is in its 29th year and going strong. Camp includes classes in creative movement, storytelling and special arts and crafts projects. Groups I and II have an Orff-based music class with singing, music games, and playing of pitched percussion instruments. The 5- and 6-year-old campers (Group III) have a twice-weekly dramatic arts class, focusing on creative drama, music and movement. The facilities include a dance room, a music studio a kiln for clay work and an enclosed outdoor playground equipped with sprinklers. And, they offer tuition assistance though be sure to get in touch soon if you are interested, alum get first dibs so you need to act fast.

NYC Parks Summer Camps - Ages 5 - 13
If you are ready to do a little leg work, a great opportunity is the NYC Parks Department that runs free or very low cost summer camp programs in recreation centers citywide from early July through late August for children ages 5-13 (age range varies at each site). Programs include arts & crafts, sports, computers, field trips and more.

Additionally supported by the Mets manager is a new opportunity for city kids, the Willie Randolph Summer Sports Experience, a youth development program that provides children ages 7-15 in low-income areas with free, intensive, structured lessons in a variety of sports. Through sequential training and skill development in several sports, children will learn the fundamental skills in baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, track and field, tennis, and more. Each site offers different opportunities so you will need to make some phone calls.

YMCA - Ages 4 and up
The YMCA isn't just for Village People, with both opportunities for day camp and sleep away camp and located in all the 5 boroughs, YMCA summer day camp provides youth with supervised activities that teach core values, conflict resolution and leadership skills. Utilizing YMCA facilities there are seemingly endless opportunities to focus on sports from soccer to swimming to martial arts but that's not all!

New this year is DJ CAMP at the McBurney Y on 14th street where students aged 8-12 can learn how to scratch, mix, and sample. Taught by a professional DJ with real equipment, students will work hands on to enhance their skills. At the end of camp, participants will have an opportunity to show off their skill at the all-wide camp Jamboree. Registration is opening soon so be sure to get in touch with the YMCA that works best for you. And, there's no need to feel down - financial aid is available.

Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program - Ages 7-12
Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Programs (BCAP) is the only camp in the world on a campus composed of an art museum, botanic garden, children's museum, historic house, nature center, landmarked park, state-of-the-art public library, and zoo! Campers enjoy carefully crafted curriculum led by instructors at each site, often combined with behind-the-scenes access.

That's because Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Programs is a summer camp sponsored by Heart of Brooklyn, a unique partnership among six of Brooklyn's most treasured cultural institutions: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and Prospect Park Zoo.

BCAP takes advantage of these incredible resources by offering hands-on experiences for children: projects, games, and educator led tours that weave connections between art, world culture, literature, history, nature, and science. This is an exceptional program and opportunity for children to engage deeply with the incredible resources available in Brooklyn.

Sessions run from July 6 – August 14, 2009 and they have an amazing website filled with info. For families in need they offer full and partial scholarships and all applications are processed on a first-come first-served basis so be sure to get your forms in early. Thinking Ahead, for high school students... Find registration info here.

Louis Jonas Foundation Camps
Unfortunately the deadline to apply for this summer was Feb. 9, however, this is an amazing camp and one that you should put on your radar for the future. The Louis August Jonas Foundation operates an international leadership program for teenagers selected for their character, leadership potential and promise. Each summer they bring together a highly diverse group of gifted and motivated young people from all over the world to participate in eight weeks of program carefully designed to promote personal growth, leadership skills, a service ethic, and intercultural understanding.

All attendees are given full scholarships (including travel to camp) and come from over 30 different countries around the world. With a boys camp in Red Hook, NY and a girls camp near by in Clinton, NY campers sleep in tents with their new friends from around the world and follow a program that is based on experiential learning. And, after being a camper you become a member of their alumni network which is an active, global network of over 5,000 alumni from over 90 countries that includes many business, academic, political and humanitarian leaders who work together to create positive change around the world. It is truly a life a life altering experience - but, be warned as you can imagine it is quite competitive to get in!

For more camps like this, check out our Summer Camp Guide.