While many New Yorkers head up the country for the long summer months those who choose to stay home need not resign themselves to a bunch of bored kids. Day camp seems to be the most popular option for keeping kids occupied during the long summer months. What goes on behind the scenes?

“You have to be a kid at heart to be head counselor” claims Yoely Kar head counselor of Machane Ohr Shraga. “I work harder during these two months than the other ten but I still enjoy them more than any other time of year.”

While the rest of us are preparing for lazy summer days day camp directors are in the midst of crunch time. The end of June is the beginning of a short but exhilarating ride as they prepare for the opening of camp.  

There are many people along for this ride. A cursory count ofBrooklyn’s established day camps reveals that there are dozens of them; nearly every school has a corresponding summer program and there are independent camps as well.

Day camps have changed dramatically in the 40 some odd years since their inception. The day camps of yesteryear often boasted one major trip to a science museum or the like. Today’s camps have become more exciting and professional.

Some of the larger camps serve over a thousand campers with the “smaller” camps weighing in at a hefty four hundred. With lots of competition the camps whose campers boast of the “best time” are the ones with repeat customers. 

To read the rest of this story please buy this issue of Mishpacha or sign up for a weekly subscription.