Camp Hillard: Season Frequently Asked Questions

General Camp Overview

What is Camp Hillard and where is it located?
Camp Hillard is Westchester's first day camp, situated on a beautiful 20-acre campus in Scarsdale, NY.

What makes Camp Hillard different from other Westchester day camps?
It has been family-owned and operated for four generations since 1929. The camp offers a unique combination of long-standing tradition and modern facilities, including 7 heated pools and a dedicated 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio.

What age groups does Camp Hillard serve?
The camp serves children ages 3 through 13.

What are the dates for the 2026 summer camp season?
The 2026 season runs from Monday, June 29th through Thursday, August 20th . Please note the camp is closed on Friday, July 3rd.

What is the camp's philosophy?
The philosophy is centered on the health, happiness, and well-being of every child, ensuring a supportive and active summer environment.

How long has Camp Hillard been operating?
Established in 1929, Camp Hillard is currently in its 98th year of operation.

What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
The camp maintains an overall ratio of 3 campers to 1 counselor.

Note: Daily camp hours, half-day vs. full-day status, and total camper enrollment numbers are not found on the website.

Location & Transportation

Do you offer transportation from my area?
Yes. Air-conditioned transportation is provided from Manhattan, Riverdale, Greenwich (CT), and all of Westchester County.

Are the buses supervised?
Every vehicle is supervised by camp staff and operated by professional drivers.

What safety measures are in place for transportation?
All buses are equipped with seat belts and additional safety harnesses are provided for campers under 4 years old per NYS requirements.

Safety, Security & Staff

Is there medical staff on-site?
Yes. Camp Hillard features an air-conditioned Health Center staffed by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse's Assistants.

How are staff members vetted?
Criminal and identity background reports are obtained for all potential staff members.

Are the swim areas supervised by professionals?
Yes. All swim staff are required to hold valid Lifeguard Training and CPR certifications.

Who are the counselors and how are they trained?
The staff consists of teachers, coaches, and college-age adults. All staff members undergo a mandatory orientation week in June.

Activities & Programs

What activities are available?

• Swimming: Campers participate in swimming twice daily in one of the 7 heated pools on campus. The morning swim period is instructional swim, and the afternoon period is free swim.
• Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, street hockey, flag football, lacrosse, basketball, tennis and pickleball, gymnastics, volleyball, archery, golf, and miniature golf.
• Arts: Theater (musical performances), music, dance, nature, and arts & crafts (HillArt) HillArt is held in a dedicated, air-conditioned Creative Arts Center.
• Specialty Activities: Outdoor Adventure (Zip line, giant swing, and climbing wall), non-motorized go karts, Gaga, Boxball,
• Special Eventsare also part of the summer and include annual favorites such as marshmallow and S'mores roasts, carnivals, 4 ^th of July Celebration, dance parties, and Green and White Spirit week. Summer camper and staff birthdays are also celebrated.
• What happens on rainy days? The campus includes 18 permanent buildings used for indoor sports, movies, and arts during inclement weather.

Food

Is lunch provided?
Yes. Professional kitchen staff prepare nutritious daily menus and host weekly cookouts. Daytime snacks and end-of-day refreshments are also provided daily.

Can Camp Hillard accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
The camp works closely with families to understand food allergies and dietary needs. Parents are encouraged to discuss specific concerns with the camp office prior to the summer.

Can campers bring their own food?
Policies regarding outside food are shared with families to ensure camper safety, but when deemed safe, necessary, and appropriate, accommodations can be made.

Enrollment

How do I register or view pricing?
Registration is handled through an online enrollment system on the website. While specific pricing is not listed publicly, families are encouraged to call or inquire online for details and/or to arrange a personal visit.

Daily Schedule & Logistics

What are the daily camp hours?
Camp Hillard operates Monday through Friday. Buses and some parent drop offs occur about 8:45 to 9:00 and dismissal is at 4pm (2pm for the mini day program for 3's and young 4's that choose mini day instead of full day).

Is there a shorter day option for younger campers?
Yes. For 3's and young 4's there is the mini day option which ends at 2pm instead of 4pm. 3's and young 4's can also choose full day if they wish.

Can my child attend for only part of the summer?
Flexible enrollment options are available, including full-summer and partial-summer attendance, based on availability by age group.

Supervision, Safety & Communication

How are campers supervised throughout the day?
Campers are under direct supervision at all times by counselors and leadership staff, including during transitions, meals, swimming, and transportation.

How does Camp Hillard communicate with parents during the summer?
Families receive regular email communication throughout the summer with updates, reminders, and information about special events. Head counselors also communicate directly with parents as needed and requested.

What happens if my child becomes injured or ill at camp?
Campers are evaluated by the on-site medical team, and parents are contacted when appropriate. All care is documented and handled promptly.

Swimming Program

How often do campers swim?
Full day campers swim twice a day. We do all our instructional swim in the morning when campers have more energy and attention, and then a 2 ^nd free swim in the afternoon. Also, by doing all the free swim in the afternoon, friends who swim in different instructional groups can still swim together.

Are campers evaluated for swim levels?
Yes. Campers are assessed by qualified swim instructors and placed in instructional groups based on ability.

What if my child is not a strong swimmer?
The swim program supports all ability levels, with a focus on safety, skill development, and confidence-building. Our 7 pools of different sizes give us tremendous flexibility to ensure that campers are in the right and safe environment relative to their skill level.

Camp Culture & Experience

How are new campers supported?
Staff members are trained to help new campers adjust, feel included, and have a positive first camp experience.

How does Camp Hillard handle social or behavioral challenges?
The camp emphasizes positive reinforcement, communication, and collaboration with families to support campers' social development.