4 Long Island summer camps you can still sign up for

You’ve been super busy lately, and now it’s summer. As you start to get your kids’ backpacks, bathing suits, towels and snacks together for camp, you suddenly realize something: You forgot to sign them up!

Have no fear. Though some camps are booked for the summer, others offer open enrollment and have plenty of space for those who still want to sign up. 

"There are always new campers starting each week, so you don’t have to worry about your child fitting in," says Howard Feinstein, owner of Melville's Camp Kenwal. This summer’s latest addition is a 35-foot trapeze. All campers entering second grade and older can try it.

Here are four camps where kids can enroll right away.

ALL-AROUND FUN

At Camp Kenwal, classic camp sports and activities are combined with cutting-edge programs for kids ages 3 through 15. "As the kids grow older, more activities and challenges are offered," Feinstein says. "The programs grow as the kids grow." Campers progress from tumbling to T-ball to tennis to trapeze to teen trips.

In the preschool area, the mini go carts, zip line, rock climbing wall and mini golf course are just the right size for kids ages 3, 4 and 5. A host of additional age-appropriate sports, plus bounce houses, boating and more fill the space. 

• MORE INFO: 100 Drexel Ave., Melville, 631-694-3399; kenwaldaycamp.com
• TRANSPORTATION: Bus picks up those who live between LIE Exits 33 and 64, drop-off option also available.
• TUITION: Approximately $1,000 per week.

ALL PARTS OF THE ARTS

At Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights, campers in kindergarten through 12th grade scatter along shaded, winding paths in the woods. They gather in designated locations to focus on their favorite art forms, learn sustainability or play recreational games.

Campers who sign up for the classic Usdan program can major and minor in art, dance, drama, creative writing/play-writing or music. Art majors focus on anything from painting to ceramics, to comic art to photography. Music majors can spend hours playing their favorite instruments in bands, orchestras or jazz ensembles. Dance majors transition from hip-hop to tap. Musical theater enthusiasts prep and perform in shows.

If scheduling a major or minor this summer isn’t a fit, all campers can participate in the weekly rec program. During each day, campers take a visual arts class, play recreational games, plus participate in archery and swim. The day ends with ice cream and a bus ride home.

• MORE INFO: 185 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights; 631-643-7900; usdan.org
• TRANSPORTATION: Centralized bus pick-ups are offered in locations near your home — included with camp tuition.
• TUITION: Begins at $725 per week.

ALL TOGETHER: MOVIE MAKING & MUSICAL THEATRE

Lawton Academy of Performing Arts in Glen Head is a small, more individualized camp for kids ages 5 through 14. Camp begins July 6, though the director can prorate tuition for campers who enroll this week, up to four days late.

During the past two years, Lawton Academy has offered a popular moviemaking/musical theater program after school. This summer, Lawton Academy is making its debut as a camp as well. Owner/director Andrew Lawton also owns and operates a television/film production company based in New York City (Kinetic Studios).

Each morning in camp, Lawton leads all campers who have signed up for moviemaking. They learn the ins and outs of the process."The kids come up with ideas for movies," Lawson says. "They come up with the characters and locations, and I help them build a script."

• MORE INFO: 9 Glen Head Rd., Glen Head; 516-282-4852; lawtonacademy.org.
• TRANSPORTATION: Drop-off
• TUITION: $3,395 for four weeks of camp, ending July 31.

ALL-IN-ONE: CODING, ROBOTICS, GAME DESIGN, AI

Camp Coding Space in Port Washington is a small, new camp where kids ages 8 to 13 can work on coding, robotics, game design and AI projects. "With an individualized curriculum, each child works on an individual project that works for them," says Melissa Vogt, director of client services.

The Coding Space has been an after-school coding activity center in Port Washington for several years. This summer, it has grown into a camp. The camp begins on July 20 and runs through Aug. 14.

Since Camp Coding Space is a self-paced program, each child works on his or her own a coding project, while learning languages such as Scratch, JavaScript and Python. Campers break for lunch and outdoor recreation. During the afternoon, each camper selects a hands-on STEM project they’re excited about exploring. Choices include AI, game design, robotics or digital art.

• MORE INFO: 110 Main St., Port Washington; 929-352-1272; info@thecodingspace.com.
• TRANSPORTATION: Drop-off.
• TUITION: $875 per week (discount for two weeks back-to-back, $1,550)