Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

If your child's ready to spend her summer nights away from home, check out these stellar sleepaway camps near New York City.

By Time Out Kids staff Thu Feb 7 2013

Photograph: Courtesy Vacamas

Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Vacamas
Photograph: Courtesy Vacamas

Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Vacamas
Photograph: Courtesy Vacamas

Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Vacamas
Photograph: Courtesy Vacamas

Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Vacamas
Photograph: Courtesy Vacamas

Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Vacamas
Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Trail Blazers Sleepaway Camp

Photograph: Courtesy Vacamas

Sleepaway camps: The best summer camps for kids near New York City

Vacamas

Sleepaway camps in NJ

Appel Farm Arts Camp

Price band: 3/4

Celebrating the artist in every child, Appel Farm offers a full range of arts, including theater, music, dance, visual arts, photography, recording arts and creative writing. Campers also take part in traditional camp activities like sports and swimming. Camp runs June 23–Aug 16; eight-week session $8,400, six-week session (June 23–Aug 4) $7,700, four-week session (June 23 –July 19 or July 21–Aug 16) $5,600, two-week session (June 23–July 7 or July 21–Aug 4) $3,000. Ages 9 to 17.

457 Shirley Rd, 08318

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Trail Blazers Sleep Away Camp

Price band: 2/4

Rustic living is the trademark of this outdoor-focused camp: Kids live in family-like groups of nine children and three group leaders at each campsite, which is made up of five canvas-covered shelters (with a nearby latrine, cleaned daily) and a campfire circle. Campers hike, bike or canoe daily, among other outdoor activities, and develop outdoor living skills through environmental education, outdoor cooking and backpacking, most always in a group. They'll put what they've learned to use on their final "Vagabond" trip on the Appalachian Trail or along the Delaware River, usually the highlight of the kids' camp experience. Camp runs June 27–July 10, July 12–25, July 28–Aug 10 or Aug 12–Aug 25. Two-week session $1,500, with need-based scholarships $500–$1500 for two weeks.

210 Deckertown Tpke, 07827

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Vacamas

Price band: 1/4

Less than an hour's drive from NYC, the camp offers activities ranging from hiking and fishing to cooking and woodshop, in addition to traditional camp staples such as overnights, campfires and boating. Tykes spend most of their time in small groups, but every evening kids within a two-year age range get together for a special event, like a pirate-themed treasure hunt or, for the older set, Survivor Day. Camp runs June 29–Aug 28, three-week session $665–$2,015 (sliding scale based on family size, income and number of campers enrolling). Ages 7 to 17.