A UNIQUE APPROACH TO CAMPING FOR OUR 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR OLDS:

Our unique program for children 3, 4, and 5 years of age is dedicated to summer fun, recreation, and development of skills. Our program of activities is such that campers always feel a sense of being involved in a true camp experience. It is not just an extension of a nursery school program.

The Junior Camp program is a careful balance of outstanding swimming and sports programs, creative and performing arts, specialty activities and an array of special events. The day includes rest period after lunch and is properly paced to ensure that the full day experience is successful.

These young campers are placed into small, personalized groups. Counselors in charge of our 3 and 4 year olds are adults and teachers.

These campers swim in pools designed for teaching skills effectively to young children. Our swim program features:

• 40-minute swim lessons each morning.(not including time for swim change)
• Small Camp Hillard Aquatics Groups organized by ability.
• Water adjustment activities for hesitant swimmers.
• More formal instruction for advanced swimmers. Deep-water instruction is always on a one-to-one basis.
• Afternoon Free swim is a highlight of the day! Free swim is full of fun, including our slides, boat races, and our special swim events.

Confidence in sports and games is gained through careful introduction of skills. Junior campers use lightweight balls, short baskets, smaller soccer goals, and other "their size" equipment. Our emphasis is on building campers’ confidence and self-esteem, as well as developing gross and fine motor skills.

The variety of sports includes basketball, softball, soccer, field hockey, tennis, gymnastics, and pony rides.

Specialty activities include mini-golf, creative play, non motorized go-carts, group games and zip line.

They also take part in all our creative and performing arts programs as well as special events. The performing arts program for entering K (5 year olds) is highlighted by our famous Hillard Theater performances that integrate singing, music, dance, choreography and teamwork.

Socialization skills such as getting along with others, learning to do things for oneself, improving dressing habits, and encouraging confidence are all stressed.

We also have a Mini-Day Program for 3 year olds and those turning 4 years old after October 1st of the year preceding the upcoming summer.

MIDDLE CAMP - 6 AND 7 YEAR OLDS (ENTERING 1ST AND 2ND GRADERS)

While groups remain small and personal, the program steps up to a challenging and exciting level with more advanced swimming and sports instruction, special sports challenges, expanded creative and performing arts programs, and new specialty activities and special events.

Our certified swim staff provides our 6 and 7 year olds with an opportunity to develop individual skills in a challenging, safe, and supportive environment. Campers move to larger pools with swim instruction in all major strokes, elementary diving, and water safety. Afternoon free swim is highlighted by a diving board, a bigger water slide, boat races, swim races, special swim events and the opportunity to go down our spectacular 135' Water Park Slide.

Middle Campers get a chance to further develop their sports skills. Age-appropriate and more advanced equipment is utilized, allowing for a more challenging environment. Our emphasis is always on developing athletic skills, learning, and having fun.

Middle Camp takes part in weekly sports leagues. Games are closely supervised, with an emphasis on strengthening skills, rules of the game, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. Campers participate in basketball, street hockey, field hockey, softball (girls), baseball (boys), soccer and walled soccer.

Middle Camp participates in all aspects of our Creative and Performing Arts Program. Arts and Crafts include more advanced projects in such areas as Ceramics, Pottery, Jewelry and Bead Making. Middle Camp theater productions are longer and more elaborate than Junior Camp.

The Middle Camp program includes favorites such as boxball, gymnastics, tennis, miniature golf, zip line, creative play, pony rides and horseback.

Campers entering 2nd grade also have tennis on our larger courts, move to a bigger zip line, baseball/softball stations, and our New Games Program.

Camp Hillard values such as getting along with others, respect for each other, being a good listener, improving dressing habits, keeping camp clean and encouraging confidence are all stressed.

 

EXCITING PROGRAMS FOR OLDER CAMPERS

For campers going into 3rd grade and older, the regular program of swimming, sports, and specialty activities is enhanced and made more challenging. This program is highlighted by swimming in our Olympic-size swimming pools, expanded sports leagues & tournaments, Ceramics & Pottery, nighttime theater performances, out-of-camp activities, horseback riding and color war.

Entering 4th grade and older are also highlighted by Mini-Sleepaway experience, out-of-camp day trips, golf program, and our sports specialization programs.

Campers participate in our annual Green & Gray Challenge in which boys and girls are divided into two teams. Emphasis is on fun and good sportsmanship, while at the same time providing a healthy environment for competition.

Individual activities are scheduled on a choice basis where campers can spend extra time on favorite activities. These include tennis, horseback, gymnastics, archery, Ping-Pong, miniature golf, soccer trainer, horseshoes, bocce, and the baseball stations.

Older campers may also choose to participate in Sports Clinics offering more advanced instruction. Boys and girls can learn the finer points of soccer, baseball, basketball, football, hockey and lacrosse from experienced coaches.

In addition, campers entering 4th grade and older can choose to participate in our Sports Specialization Programs. These programs allow our older campers to specialize in soccer, baseball, softball or basketball by spending several mornings a week in advanced clinics and games.

More time is also devoted to the Creative and Performing Arts so that older campers can develop more advanced projects and performances.

 

Mini-Sleepaway Program
Campers who are entering 4th grade or higher can participate in an optional mini-sleepaway program. This 5-day, 4-night experience is lead by Camp Hillard staff.

Trip Program
Campers entering 4th grade and older have 1 one-day trip under our direct supervision. Campers entering 5th grade and older will have 3 one-day trips. Trips have included professional baseball games, ice-skating, Rye Playland, Medieval Times, and trips to other popular attractions. This program is included in the regular tuition.

Horseback Riding Program
This program allows campers entering 3rd grade and older to receive weekly formal riding instruction. The program takes place at Twin Lake Farms Equestrian Center in Bronxville.

Golf Program
This program allows campers entering 4th grade and older to get formal golf instruction. Weekly lessons focus on driving, chipping, putting and golf etiquette. The program is taught by PGA club professionals and takes place at a nearby country club.