It may be early March, but school will be out soon enough. While it can be hard to fathom summer after the frigid temperatures this winter has brought, many summer camps have already started enrollment or plan to in the coming weeks. Wait one, two, three weeks (or days), and you might be out…spots do fill up, especially for the numerous East End sports camps.
Around the Hamptons and North Fork, sports camps offer budding athletes and just-plain-active types a chance to run, jump and play all day. It’s not just limited to traditional sports (though there are plenty of hoops, soccer and baseball camps). In true East End fashion, horseback riding and watersports camp also let kids of all ages make memories and a splash.
Whether you’ve got a kindergartener looking to have more fun after their first-ever season of tee-ball or a teen with an eye toward sailing varsity at a Massachusetts college, these North Fork and Hamptons sports camps are total wins for everyone (especially parents, who will have fewer bedtime games to officiate because their kids are tuckered out).
Field/Court Sports
The Hamptons and North Fork have specialty sports camps that focus on one sport, like baseball and more general ones that let kids try their hands at tennis and soccer. Sometimes, campers can elect to participate in sports as part of a general day camp. Each has points in its favor — it all depends on your kid and family’s needs.
Summer Sports Clinic for Kids, Brick Cove, 1760 Sage Blvd., Southold
Ages: 5-12 | Session dates (All Monday-Friday): June 30 -July 18 and/or August 4-August 29 Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (full day) 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (half day) | Registration: Online
Play all the games (or a lot) with Coach Jake: Pickleball, tennis, soccer, basketball and outdoor activities are all part of the playbook at this camp, which focuses on fun and being a good sport.
NFU “Summer” Soccer Camp, Jean Cochran Park, Peconic Lane, Peconic
Ages: 4-15 | Session dates (all Monday-Friday): July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 8-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22 | Times: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Registration: Online
Current and non-members are welcome to go for the goal at this soccer camp that offers multiple weeks of skill and team-building.
North Fork Cheer, 22355-13 Middle Road, Cutchogue
Ages: 5-13 | Session Dates (Monday-Friday, only Monday or only Tuesday): July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22 | Times: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Registration: Online
Work on tumbling, advanced stunting and more. Younger athletes can engage in free play, art and other workshops, and older ones can hone specialized skills and go to leadership workshops. Campers get a shirt, and full-week athletes can perform at a Long Island Ducks game.
Cedars Kids Club, 305 Cases Lane, Cutchogue
Ages: 5-13 | Session dates (Monday and Wednesday): June 30-July 23 or July 28-August 20 | Times: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Option for an additional hour for a fee) | Registration: Online
Kids get the run of the Cedars Golf Club course, learning from a New York State-certified golf instructor during a summer camp that promotes fun and love of the sport. Sessions include daily pizza.
Gym Days Multisport Summer Camp, 320 Depot Lane, Cutchogue
Ages: 5-12 (Exceptions considered — inquire with staff) | Session dates (Monday-Friday): July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22 | Times: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Registration: Online
Physical education Joe Slovak leads this camp, which includes indoor and outdoor activities and is designed to foster a long-term love of fitness. There will also be pizza.
Future Stars, Greenport, Westhampton, Riverhead and Southampton
Ages: 2-15 (Varies by program/location) Session dates/times/registration: Vary by program/location. See websites for programs offered in Greenport, Westhampton-Riverhead and Southampton.
Options are aplenty at Future Stars — and not just the three locations. Elementary through high school-aged kids can pick a sport, like lacrosse, flag football, tennis or soccer or do a multi-sport camp. Younger kids might be able to receive instruction (and swimming and rec games are part of the programming).
Nike Baseball Camp The Hamptons, Mashashimuet Park, Sag Harbor
Ages: 8-18 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): August 25- August 29 | Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Registration: Online
This full-week day camp helps campers fine-tune hitting, fielding, base-running and game IQ. It’s like ending the summer with a walk-off.
Hamptons Baseball Camp
Ages: 4-14 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 16-June 20, June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18 (softball starts), July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22, August 25-August 29 | Times: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (full day), 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (half day) | Registration: Online
This two-decade-old summer camp has been a safe choice for helping kids enjoy summer and learn the fundamentals. Campers are grouped by skill, so the experience is tailored.
Ross Summer Sports Camp, 18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton
Ages: 4-16 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22, August 25-August 29 | Times: 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. | Registration: Online
Hit the hardwood at Junior Knicks camp (millenial parents will love that John Starks makes an appearance). A top-notch tennis program, soccer and multi-sport camp are among the other offerings aimed at building teamwork and having a ball. Door-to-door transportation is a new option this year. Note that age limits apply to certain programs.
Hamptons Country Day Camp, 191 Buckskill Road, East Hampton
Ages: 2.5-12 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22 | Times: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (2.5-3-year-old mini-day program ends at 1 p.m.) | Registration: Online
All kids will get plenty of physical activity, with five-year-olds having access to sports like gymnastics and swimming. Older kids can customize their experience, with sports leagues starting at age 8. Baseball, basketball, lacrosse, flag football and basketball are among the offerings.
Water Sports Camps
Swimming is just the start of the water sports kids can access at summer camps on the East End. Surfing, skiing, sailing and — most importantly — safety are a few ways kids can lean into Island living this summer.
Water Sports Camps for Kids, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Southold, Shelter Island
Ages: 5-14 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8 | Times: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Montauk and Sag Harbor), 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Southold), 9:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m. (Shelter Island) | Registration: Online
Kids can learn to fish, surf and ski (even for the first time) from dedicated captains and coaches. Particulars: No more than six kids per boat at a time, everyone wears a life vest and captains are licensed by the United States Coast Guard.
Old Cove Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program, 1400 Old Harbor Road, New Suffolk
Ages: 5-18 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 30-July 25, July 28-August 22 | Registration: Online
This for-all-levels camp blends adventure, skill-building and camaraderie on the water.
Southold Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program, 165 N Parish Dr, Southold
Ages: 5-18 | Session dates/times: Vary by the age and program, but the programs run June 30-August 22 | Registration (and program specifics): Online
From introductory programs for “first mates” as young as five to competitive racing, Southold Yacht Club offers a safe environment for kids to learn and challenge themselves.
Mattituck Yacht Club
Ages: 5-18 | Session dates/times: Two, three and four-week program options run from June 30-August 22 | Registration (and program specifics): Online
Kids will learn to be good sports and stewards of the sea on vessels ranging from the Opti to the 420. Campers 7 and up must be members.
Hamptons Riding Camps
Some were born to run, and others were born to ride, and they can do just that at these East End horseback riding camps.
Stony Hills, 268 Town Lane, Amagansett
Ages: 4+ | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 16-June 20, June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22, August 25-August 29 | Times: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Extended day camp option until 3 p.m.) | Registration: Online
Campers learn proper horse grooming and care, plus riding techniques. They can participate in local horse shows, including the Hampton Classic.
East End Stables Horseback Riding Camp, 171 Oakview Highway, East Hampton
Ages: 3+ | Session dates (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday): June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22 | Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Registration: Text Jen at 631-276-7836 or learn more online
Beginners and more experienced riders are welcome at this camp that calls East Hampton its home and backdrop.
Hidden Lake Farm Riding Pony Camp, 37250 Route 48, Southold
Ages: 5+ | Session dates (Monday-Friday): July 1 – September 2 | Times: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Campers learn equine care like grooming and horse handling, get a daily riding lesson and participate in horse-related crafts from New York State certified teachers Miss Jackie and Miss Lia (who are both dedicated horse pros, too). Helmets provided, but BYO sunscreen, towel, water, snacks and, they suggest, a shower cap as a helmet liner. Registration: call 631-495-3000. Learn more here.
