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The Basics

What time is camp?
Saltaire Day Camp morning camp runs daily from 9:00am to 12:00pm. After Camp Programming hours are generally from 12:30pm to 6:00pm Monday to Thursday.
How much does it cost and what’s included?
Morning camp tuition is $340. Participation in our camp sports teams is included in the tuition for morning camp for campers 7-12 years old.
How do after camp activities work this summer?
For the summer of 2023, families have the option to register for after Camp classes that range from $15-$25 per class depending on materials and supplies. Registration is rolling for After Camp so we encourage you to try a class out before committing to the entire summer since the Village has tightened up the refund policy (see below). As we approach summer we will likely add more after camp classes and you will receive an email update when that happens so you have the opportunity to log in and register.

CAMPER GROUPING

How will my campers be grouped?
4’s and 5’s
SEA STARS
6’s and 7’s
MOON JELLIES
8’s and 9’s
DOLPHINS
10’s, 11’s & 12’s
SHARKS

For the summer of 2023 we are returning to age based groups. These age groups generally line up with your camper’s school level or rising grade in Fall 2023.

What if my camper has friends in an older or younger group?
When you register your camper you will be asked their birth date and that data will automatically place them in a group. We trust you will enroll your children in their correct age group so they can succeed socially and be safe physically. If your camper attends a school where the age cut offs work differently, or your camper has a fall birthday contact the office and we can have a conversation to see if switching age groups is workable. If the camp administration does not feel the camper will succeed in the group their family selected, the camp administration reserves the right to move the camper to the age group that coincides with their birth date.

CAMPER START OF DAY: FIELD OF DREAMS

Where should my camper go at 9am?
THE BALL FIELD! All campers will meet on the ball field and check in with their counselors. There will be announcements and a joke of the day. Camp administration requests that 4s and 5s (rising Preschool and Kindergarten students) be dropped off and picked up by an authorized adult. For 6 and 7 year olds (rising 1st & 2nd graders) we request that they are dropped off by an authorized adult on at least the first day they attend camp. At that point verbal permission can be given for 6s and 7s (rising 1st & 2nd grade campers) to self-report and self-dismiss.
What about bikes?

YOUNGER CAMPERS

4s and 5s (SEA STARS rising Preschool/Kindergarten)

6s and 7s (MOON JELLIES rising 1st and 2nd graders)

Should park their bikes on the bike racks near the playground (East or Fair Harbor side of the Ball Field).

OLDER CAMPERS

8s and 9s (DOLPHINS rising 3rd and 4th graders)

10s, 11s, 12s (SHARKS rising 5th+) and CAMP STAFF

Should park their bikes on the bike racks on Broadway (West or Kismet side of Ball Field).

CAMPER END OF DAY: LAST ACTIVITY

What happens at 12pm?
4s and 5s (rising Preschool and Kindergarten campers) must be picked up by their authorized adult at the Bay front on Monday – Thursday and Fridays at the field. Our 6s and 7s (rising 1st & 2nd graders) will need to be picked up at the Court Monday – Thursday and Fridays at the field unless their authorized adult gives permission for the child to self-dismiss to the Group Leader at drop off. All other campers will self-dismiss from their last activity location (see schedules) at 12pm.
What about bikes?

YOUNGER CAMPERS

4s and 5s (SEA STARS rising Preschool/Kindergarten)

6s and 7s (MOON JELLIES rising 1st and 2nd graders)

Should park their bikes on the bike racks near the playground (East or Fair Harbor side of the Ball Field).

OLDER CAMPERS

8s and 9s (DOLPHINS rising 3rd and 4th graders)

10s, 11s, 12s (SHARKS rising 5th and 6th+ graders) and CAMP STAFF

Should park their bikes on the bike racks on Broadway (West or Kismet side of Ball Field).

CAMPER PREPAREDNESS: FROM HEAD TO TOE

What should my camper wear? Do they need to bring anything?
  • COMFORTABLE CLOTHING: In order for campers to participate safely in camp, please have them wear comfortable clothing so they can move and play freely. The camp administration discourages campers from wearing dress up clothes or costumes/accessories (unless there is a special event), pajamas, etc. Campers should ideally be unencumbered by their clothing and free to move and play.
  • CAMP T-SHIRT: Each camper will receive 1 Saltaire Day Camp T-shirt which must be worn on Fridays.
  • HAT: for sun safety, hats are encouraged-although hat sharing is not permitted.
  • SHOE POLICY: Due to the potential for injury (broken glass, hot summer boardwalks, bicycle pedals/chains) footwear for camp is strongly suggested. Sneakers are required for Field and activities as well as soccer and corkball during camp for increased mobility and safety.
  • TOWEL: see below.
  • BATHING SUIT: see below.
  • SUNSCREEN & BUG SPRAY: It is important to apply sunscreen and bug spray on your camper before arriving at camp. Camp Staff does not apply these products to campers but we can encourage campers to reapply.
  • WATER BOTTLE: we have access to water fountains and coolers/cups–but an additional water bottle is helpful so campers stay hydrated.
  • BACKPACK: Campers should have a backpack with their name to carry their items.

CAMPER SWIMMING

What should my camper wear on swim days?
For our 4-7 year old campers, wearing a bathing suit under clothes is a simple option. Campers can also bring their bathing suit and change but the process is time consuming and they can miss swim time. As in other years our youngest swimmers will swim last so that they can change right after camp if needed. Please pack a towel with your camper’s name written on it.
Does my camper need a swim cap?
Swim caps are optional. Please send one in your camper’s bag and tell the group leader – and we will make sure they wear it.
Does my camper need floaties or personal floatation devices if they cannot swim?
For safety purposes campers are NOT permitted to use personal floatation devices during camp. At times they will be provided with a kickboard, noodle or barbell for instructional purposes.
Will my camper go swimming in the rain?
Campers will go swimming in light rain–unless there is bad weather forecasted like thunder and lightning In that case we will switch to a special rain day schedule.
What is the deal with swim testing?
Campers will be swim tested at the beginning of July and beginning of August – OR when they start camp if it is not at the beginning of each month. Swim tests will take place during the camper’s regular swim time.
Is there anything else I should know?
Occasionally there may be the presence of miniature jellyfish larvae coined ‘bay lice’ which can cause discomfort for some campers. We will make every effort to make sure campers rinse off after swimming. Campers who usually wear a one-piece bathing suit might want to consider a two-piece or tank suit so that the ‘bay lice’ do not get trapped under their bathing suits.
Do the campers do anything else in the water but swimming lessons?

Yes! Read below.

  • Monday Funday is when your campers of all ages will get the chance to play some traditional water games like Marco Polo or silly games like Water Dance Party. In addition to teaching swimming skills, we believe seeing the water as a place to have fun is critical to the success of our swim program.
  • Ocean/Ocean Games under the guidance of our experienced ocean lifeguards, campers of all ages will get the chance to travel to the ocean side of Saltaire for beach games, learning about the ocean and marine life, and more. Campers in 3-6th grade who are progressing in their swim lessons will learn how to safely enter and exit the ocean.

SALTAIRE SPORTS: JOIN THE FUN – IT IS FREE!

How can my camper participate?

All 6 & 7 year old campers (Moon Jellies) can participate in our Saltaire Soccer Junior team practices and games at no extra charge.

  • Junior Soccer Practices are Tuesday from 12:15-1pm
  • Junior Soccer Games are Thursday at 4pm
    • Equipment/Uniform: Campers will be given a soccer tee shirt they should wear to games. Sneakers are required and cleats are fine. Shin guards are helpful if you have them; the camp has extra

All 8+ year old campers can participate in our Saltaire Soccer Senior team AND Saltaire Corkball Senior team practices and games at no extra charge.

  • Corkball Practices are Monday from 1-2pm
  • Corkball Games are Wednesday at 5pm
  • Senior Soccer Practices are Tuesday from 1-2pm
  • Senior Soccer Games are Thursday at 5pm
    • SOCCER Equipment/Uniform: Campers will be given a soccer tee shirt they should wear to games. Sneakers are required and cleats are fine. Shin guards are helpful if you have them; the camp has extra
    • CORKBALL Equipment/Uniform: Campers will be given a team hat they should wear to games. Sneakers are required. We have batter helmets and gloves but players can feel free to bring their own equipment if they prefer.

SWIM TEAM: THE TRADITION CONTINUES!

How can my camper participate?
  • Sign up online! Practices begin Week 2 and run through Week 7. We are scheduling summer swim meets this spring and will publish a schedule closer to the start of camp.
  • Swim Team Participants should wear a navy or blue swimsuit (ideally) and swim team members will be given goggles and a Saltaire swim cap.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Does my camper ever get snacks or food?

The camp will provide 1 serving of snack that will be served to the groups mid-morning and ice pops for special occasions. No nuts or nut products will ever be served and we will be sensitive to common allergens (dairy/gluten/etc) when possible. Campers may not bring snacks from home. Campers with allergies should describe those allergies in the medical information questions during registration.

My camper has an allergy/needs medication/carries an epi-pen/has a medical issue - who do I talk to?
Please make sure that you list the epi-pen in the medical information section at registration. A doctor’s order is required for all medications and they will be required to self-administer.
What are the current policies regarding Covid19?

Please refer to the COVID POLICIES 2023 document linked here that is located under the “important info” tab on the main page of the website.

What is the refund policy?

50% Refund of any Program Session payment (morning or afternoon) will be given if the session is canceled in writing by the parent/guardian at least 21 days before the session starts. If a written cancellation notice is given after the 21-day deadline, no refund will be given. If the Camper or a direct-contact family member has a confirmed positive COVID test before or during their session, partial refunds will be considered in consultation with the Recreation Medical Director on a case-by-case basis.

Please fill out the Registration Refund Form located on the website and send it to summercamp@saltaire.org

All refund requests approved pursuant to this policy will be issued after the camp season is over.

UPDATE 6.30.23: If a written (email) request for a refund for After Camp Classes is received by the Camp Administration by midnight on the Thursday before the week of the classes, the Village will issue a 50% Refund for those classes. Camp Administration will issue a refund of 100% if the Camp changes the class in some way (ie: cancels class due to low enrollment, changes day, etc) and the family cannot participate.

How do I pay by check or money order?

Please note if you choose to pay by cash, check, or money order the Village of Saltaire MUST receive your payment within 14 days or your application will be deleted. After Friday, June 16 all camp payments in the form of cash, check, or money order must be made in person at the Village of Saltaire between 8am and 4pm.

You can make checks payable to the Village of Saltaire and send your check to:

Village of Saltaire
ATTN: Summer Camp
P.O. Box 5551
Bayshore, NY 11706

How do I see pictures of all the fun stuff that happens at camp?
We will be posting throwback pictures from summer 2022 on Thursdays; in July we will post pictures few times a week – so follow us on Instagram @saltairesummercamp

CAMPER GROUPS

How do you decide which group my camper will be in?
Campers are assigned to groups based on their school level or rising grade in Fall 2022:

What if my camper has friends in an older or younger group?
Campers will be required to stay in their assigned age group. Why?

During summer camp children participate in activities divided by developmental level. The goal is for campers to feel confident and successful as they learn or practice skills in a group of campers that are developing at a similar rate. If campers are placed in a group where they are much younger, they can get overwhelmed or feel ‘out of their league’ with mature campers whose skills are more advanced. We understand you might feel your camper is highly skilled, socially steady and confident–and ready for the challenge. That might be true AND the camp policies are developed in the best interest of the entire camp community as a whole. When placed in their age/grade level appropriate assigned pod your highly skilled and confident camper will experience being a leader in their group, and that experience will be invaluable to their social emotional development.

In some rare instances a camper may not be developmentally ready to tackle the age group to which they should be assigned. Our goal is for the camper to feel confident and successful, so camp administration will work with families and may assign the camper to a younger pod so the camper will hopefully build confidence and feel like a leader.

We stick to this rule for consistency and fairness. If we started making exceptions then the pods would turn into a mish mosh of ages. Yes, camp can be a time to hang with friends-but remember it’s also a time to meet and make NEW friends! “Every friend was once a stranger” the old saying goes.

Why might there be smaller groups within one age group?
Within an age grouping the Group leaders may create two or more small groups to ensure safe and orderly
participation in a scheduled activity. Small group assignments are entirely at the discretion of the Group
Leaders and the camp administration.

Still have questions? Email Molly Davis molly@saltaire.org.