Poly Summer Camp — Local services in New York

This was the end of our first summer at Poly (2 boys 7 and 10) and they are devastated that camp is over. It was an incredible experience for both of them.

My first interaction was the tour, I had to reschedule because I wasn’t available for parent orientation and they were super accommodating. I’ve lived in the neighborhood my whole life and had no idea this campus was so fabulous!

When camp began, the staff really took the time to get to know my boys, (and all the kids) from day 1. They gave them nicknames, which I thought was really helpful in understanding each child’s interests. My boys were excited to go every single day, and I picked them up just as happy- but exhausted.

Starting at the front gate, security was an absolute pleasure. Everyone was so kind and helpful, drop off and pick up could have been absolutely chaotic but they kept complete control of it, even on the rainy day pick up. (The ease of drop off alone would keep me, as a parent, sending my kids back)

They played tons of sports (some I never even heard of), art, shows, projects…. Every day there was at least 3 favorite things that “made their day”

And the lunch. (Always a favorite of theirs) I was super hesitant about not being allowed to send food but my boys LOVED everything! And, not having to pack lunch made me so happy!

Communication was incredible. We did have a few nurse visits, but nothing serious. I was impressed that they took everything so seriously and always acted out of precaution.

Communication with the counselors was perfect. They told me the good, the bad and everything in between. They were super transparent and made sure to create parent relationships. The praise they gave my boys created a confidence in them over this summer that I’ve never seen before!

One event that stood out to me was a day in the beginning of camp when one of my boys was having a bad day… I got the phone call and was like, oof, I guess I have to go pick him up. But, It wasn’t like that at all. Instead, the phone call was to make me aware of the problem and then the group leader listed a set of ideas they had to solve the issue, and was just looking for my feedback on which (all wonderful ideas) I thought would be most successful, because I know my kid best. In the past, at other camps, situations like this always shook out very negatively. And, I’m happy to say, it was handled so well, it never happened again.

My boys had the greatest summer. There is so much love, talent and support in every aspect of every day. They select the most energetic and friendly counselors, the grounds are immaculate, the organization and thoughtfulness on every detail is evident.

Thank you for a fantastic ‘25!!! My boys can’t wait to be back...

I can confirm many of what was mentioned by J V's review. I attended the camp probably around 2009/2008 when I was 8 years old. The counselors were nothing but children watching other children. Not qualified at all. My younger brother and I experienced bullying from the other students and even the counselors. I remember being shouted at by a counselor in front of everyone in my camp group and called a goat. I was also made fun of/threatened by the counselors for being the only kid in my group that couldn't swim. As for my brother, there was one kid in his group that had a learning disability and was also physically larger than the other kids in his group. Because of his disability, he never really spoke but was unable to regulate his emotions and would easily get stimulated into a physically aggressive state. The counselors let this child freely walk around with other children 2-3x smaller than he was without any adequate supervision. I saw him approach my brother and push him to the ground so hard his slipper flew off his foot an into the air, with his head landing inches away from a protruding tree root. Instead of disciplining the child, a counselor grabbed my brother, dragged him to sit aside while his other friends played as a punishment when he did nothing wrong. To this day I still think about that horrible place, filled with snobby counselors and entitled kids. NOT A SAFE PLACE TO SEND YOU...

My 4-year-old daughter joined Poly Prep’s Nursery Division (for kids entering Pre-K) for the first time this summer — and of her many camp experiences, this was by far her favorite! She can’t wait to return.

Poly Summer is thoughtful across all fronts. From day one, I was impressed by the level of care and communication. Transportation was seamless: kids rode in small buses with a dedicated bus attendant who not only ensured their safety but also shared live locations and communicated with parents throughout the day.

The programming was incredible. My daughter swam daily in one of the camp’s three beautiful pools, receiving lessons that helped her grow into a more confident swimmer in just six weeks. She also enjoyed art projects, tennis lessons, a variety of sports, and fun weekly themes that kept her excited every morning.

This camp truly combines warmth, structure, and creativity. I’m so grateful for the caring team and the memorable summer they gave...