Mosholu Day Camp

Mosholu Day Camp is a cherished summer institution that has provided high-quality, affordable outdoor experiences for children across the tri-state area for over 80 years. Situated on a sprawling 66-acre property within the picturesque Harriman State Park, the camp offers a traditional rustic environment that allows city-dwelling children to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature. Operated by the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC), the camp is widely recognized as a "best-kept secret" for families seeking a comprehensive summer program that balances physical activity, skill development, and social growth without the premium price tag typically associated with private summer camps.

The camp’s philosophy centers on the transformative power of the outdoors. Set against the majestic backdrop of Lake Cohasset, the grounds provide a vast and diverse landscape where campers can explore forest trails, participate in waterfront activities, and challenge themselves on adventure courses. The environment is purposefully designed to be inclusive, fostering a sense of community among campers from the Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester, and Rockland County. With a legacy built on tradition and a focus on safety, Mosholu Day Camp continues to be a vital resource for New York families looking to give their children a meaningful and memorable summer vacation.

Location and accessibility are among the camp's most significant practical advantages. The facility is located at 261 Arden Valley Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, nestled deep within the natural beauty of Orange County. Despite its secluded feel, the camp is highly accessible for families across the region. A hallmark of the Mosholu experience is its extensive busing network, which provides air-conditioned transportation from numerous centralized stops throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester. This service allows children living in dense urban environments to spend their days in the "middle of the woods" and return home by evening, effectively bridging the gap between city life and the wilderness.

The site itself is designed to accommodate all visitors comfortably. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and accessible restroom facilities, ensuring that the natural beauty of Lake Cohasset is available to everyone. On-site parking is available for parents who choose to drive their children or visit for special events. The camp’s location within Harriman State Park also means it is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land, providing a buffer from the outside world and a truly immersive forest experience that is rarely found so close to New York City.

Mosholu Day Camp offers a robust suite of services designed to provide a well-rounded and safe summer for campers aged 5 to 15. The services offered include:

• Comprehensive Summer Day Camp Programs: Tailored age-appropriate groups such as Rascals, Cubs, Bobcats, and Wolves to ensure social and developmental needs are met.
• Red Cross Certified Swim Instruction: Professional waterfront staff provide daily instructional and recreational swim sessions in the safe, designated bays of Lake Cohasset.
• Inclusive Special Needs Programming: The "Camp Sunshine" program offers a fully mainstreamed experience for children with developmental disabilities, featuring lower counselor-to-camper ratios.
• Daily Transportation: Free air-conditioned bus service with multiple pickup and drop-off points throughout the New York metropolitan area.
• Nutritious Meals: The camp provides lunch and snacks daily, ensuring all campers stay energized for their activities.
• Summer Camp Organization: Professional administrative oversight by experienced educators and social workers who monitor staff performance and child safety.

The features and highlights of the camp are diverse, ranging from high-adrenaline adventures to creative artistic outlets. Key highlights include:

• Waterfront Activities: Access to Lake Cohasset for boating, kayaking, and fishing, along with a water trampoline and slides in the deep-water areas.
• Adventure and Ropes Courses: Facilities for zip-lining, tree climbing, and a challenge course that helps campers build confidence and teamwork skills.
• Sports and Athletics: Professional instruction and play in a variety of sports including pickleball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and archery.
• Creative Arts: Dedicated sessions for drama, music, dance, pottery, and woodworking led by experienced activity specialists.
• STEM and Nature Exploration: Programs focusing on environmental awareness, orienteering, and science to help kids learn about the local ecosystem.
• Special Events: Spectular periodic events, including ice cream truck days, water carnivals, and "Apache" Broadway-style theater productions.

For families interested in enrollment, tours, or general inquiries, the camp maintains a central office and on-site staff during the season. Contact information is as follows:

Address: 261 Arden Valley Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Phone: (718) 882-4000

Mobile Phone: +1 718-882-4000

What is worth choosing at Mosholu Day Camp is the unbeatable combination of a true "sleepaway" atmosphere in a day camp format at an extremely affordable price point. For New York parents, the camp offers peace of mind through its American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation and its long-standing reputation for safety and communication. The ability for a child to move through the various "swimming bands" and conquer the high ropes course provides a sense of pride and achievement that stays with them long after the summer ends.

Furthermore, the camp's commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it a standout choice. Whether a child is looking for the excitement of zip-lines or the quiet focus of a pottery wheel, the variety of activities ensures that every personality finds a home. The long-term staff, many of whom were campers themselves, bring a level of passion and tradition that creates a "camp family" atmosphere. If you are looking for a place where your child can gain independence, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends while surrounded by the majestic woods of New York, Mosholu Day Camp is a factual and highly recommended choice.

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