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SCHOOL VACATION CAMPS, WINTER/SPRING 2012
Register online, pay using PayPal or mail a check. We hold the registration for 10 days pending full payment. We will send a Receipt/Confirmation via email that includes general summer camp info (lunches, clothing, etcetera).
Our camp day is 9am to 3pm. Doors open for drop-off at 8:40. We can offer an extended day to 5pm for an extra $20/day. If interested, please add a note to the Comments section on the registration form.
Important Note About Age
Because of the random nature of registration, the week may have a range of ages. We staff and arrange the workspace and activities accordingly. It has always worked well, children often work together and make new friends of all ages. We will contact you if a week is disproportionately age or gender imbalanced. Feel free to email us with questions.
At the younger end, children must have completed a pre-K full day program and be 5 years old. Older children, up to grade 4, will be given special challenges and additional tools to learn: we have a workshop full of things to build and take apart and no shortage of stuff which with peek your child’s curiosity.
Our Cancellation Policy
We do not refund or pro-rate fees. You may cancel up to 3 weeks prior and apply that fee to another week (if available) or a birthday/afterschool program.
April Vacation Camp, April 9-13, 9am-3pm $450
Extended day 3-5pm, $20/day or $85/week
We welcome Spring by building with nature in mind. We go to the Botanical Garden and Prospect Park to find signs of spring and then build what we saw. We build flowers and gardens and bird nests and bird houses, we look for fish and build fish, and we build houses for ourselves! New and experienced builders will work at their own pace. April Vacation Week is a creative and active week both indoors and out, we go out rain or shine, send your child with boots and raincoats.
Extended day 3-5pm, $20/day or $85/week
We welcome Spring by building with nature in mind. We go to the Botanical Garden and Prospect Park to find signs of spring and then build what we saw. We build flowers and gardens and bird nests and bird houses, we look for fish and build fish, and we build houses for ourselves! New and experienced builders will work at their own pace. April Vacation Week is a creative and active week both indoors and out, we go out rain or shine, send your child with boots and raincoats.
ConstructionKids' Summer Camps are known for the dynamic projects kids build. Each program encourages collaboration as well as the advancement of individual building skills. As a group, we construct large-scale projects that we play with in the workshop (or take outdoors); while individually each child is free to build smaller projects on his own. We teach safe and appropriate tool usage, along with drawing, painting, and creative play. Above all, our goal is to foster each child's confidence, confidence that their skills at designing, making, repairing, and revising are unlimited, like their imaginations. Summer camp is about having fun, making new friends, bonding with staff, and building really cool stuff.
Register online, pay using PayPal or mail a check. We hold the registration for 10 days pending full payment. We will send a Receipt/Confirmation via email that includes general summer camp info (lunches, clothing, etcetera).
Our camp day is 9am to 4pm. Doors open for drop-off at 8:45. We can offer an extended day to 5pm for an extra $15/day. If interested, please add a note to the Comments section on the registration form.
Register online, pay using PayPal or mail a check. We hold the registration for 10 days pending full payment. We will send a Receipt/Confirmation via email that includes general summer camp info (lunches, clothing, etcetera).
Our camp day is 9am to 4pm. Doors open for drop-off at 8:45. We can offer an extended day to 5pm for an extra $15/day. If interested, please add a note to the Comments section on the registration form.
WORKSHOP IMPROVEMENTS
FOR SUMMER 2012
- Sound-deadening renovations—acoustical tiles on the ceiling and walls!!!! Need we say more?
- Improved security
- Flatscreen video technology for demonstrating project themes and details
- Children's individual toolboxes (option to purchase)
- An office manager and expanded staff training
- New material for each week's theme
Important Note About Age
Because of the random nature of registration, the week may have a range of ages. We staff and arrange the workspace and activities accordingly. It has always worked well, children often work together and make new friends of all ages. We will contact you if a week is disproportionately age or gender imbalanced. Feel free to email us with questions.
At the younger end, children must have completed a pre-K full day program, be 4/5 years old, and entering K in fall 2012. Older children, up to grade 4, will be given special challenges and additional tools to learn: we have a workshop full of things to build and take apart and no shortage of stuff which will peek your child’s curiosity.
Our Cancellation Policy
We do not refund or pro-rate fees. You may cancel up to 3 weeks prior and apply that fee to another week (if available) or a birthday/afterschool program.
Read Our Summer Camp FAQ
Still looking for more information about our summer camp programs? Read our answers to your Frequently Asked Questions.
Because of the random nature of registration, the week may have a range of ages. We staff and arrange the workspace and activities accordingly. It has always worked well, children often work together and make new friends of all ages. We will contact you if a week is disproportionately age or gender imbalanced. Feel free to email us with questions.
At the younger end, children must have completed a pre-K full day program, be 4/5 years old, and entering K in fall 2012. Older children, up to grade 4, will be given special challenges and additional tools to learn: we have a workshop full of things to build and take apart and no shortage of stuff which will peek your child’s curiosity.
Our Cancellation Policy
We do not refund or pro-rate fees. You may cancel up to 3 weeks prior and apply that fee to another week (if available) or a birthday/afterschool program.
Read Our Summer Camp FAQ
Still looking for more information about our summer camp programs? Read our answers to your Frequently Asked Questions.
A favorite ConstructionKids program, Buildings & Cities focuses on the construction of structures and dwellings. We build a playhouse and several of the following: a wigwam, log cabin, fort, Empire State Building, bridge, apartment building. Each day we also create smaller structures that can be taken home. New builders learn how to hammer on the first day, while experienced builders are challenged by large structures which require planning and collaboration.
What's new in 2012: In age-appropriate groups, we explore the growth and composition of towns and cities. Then we plan, layout, and build towns based on the evolution of water, electricity, roads, and mass transit systems. Using old maps and photographs, we study Brooklyn's growth from the late 19th Century to today.
What's new in 2012: In age-appropriate groups, we explore the growth and composition of towns and cities. Then we plan, layout, and build towns based on the evolution of water, electricity, roads, and mass transit systems. Using old maps and photographs, we study Brooklyn's growth from the late 19th Century to today.
One of our most popular programs, Vehicles Week is all about building fun stuff that moves—especially go-carts! Children learn about cars, boats, airplanes and build small models of each using their own designs. We build go-carts, learn the rules of the road on a controlled course in our large workshop, and then hit the car-free trails of Prospect Park.
What's new in 2012: Advanced levels of go-cart technology for experienced and older builders. We have added 2 new go-carts with progressively more sophisticated brakes and rack-and-pinion steering systems. We will also include brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
What's new in 2012: Advanced levels of go-cart technology for experienced and older builders. We have added 2 new go-carts with progressively more sophisticated brakes and rack-and-pinion steering systems. We will also include brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
What's more fun that riding a skateboard? Designing one. Every child designs and builds a unique skateboard to take home at the end of the week. Each year we are blown away by the imaginative designs our kids dream up in the workshop. Starting with a raw wood blank and using a checklist and an assembly diagram, children design the deck and install the wheel hardware using a variety of tools. Designing the deck hones each child's drawing, painting, and woodcraft skills. Children who think they can't draw learn tricks for realizing their ideas. At the end of the week, we head to Prospect Park to ride and show off our one-of-a-kind skateboard creations.
What's new in 2012: More fun, more paint, more innovative skateboard designs.
What's new in 2012: More fun, more paint, more innovative skateboard designs.
The best of both worlds: build stuff, then feature your project in a short film! Most animation programs for children use Lego® as the building component. We build projects out of wood, then draft a story (script) and film the story using stop-motion animation. Children work at age-appropriate levels and learn basic camera skills. We emphasize that the creation of the short films is just one component of this week. The built projects and process of making them, as well as the story lines and creative play that evolve, are what make CK's week of animation different from other animation programs. (Much as we love computers, we don't want to spend all our days in front of computer screen.) For ages 6 and up (must be starting 2nd grade in Fall 2012).
What's more fun that riding a skateboard? Designing one. Every child designs and builds a unique skateboard to take home at the end of the week. Each year we are blown away by the imaginative designs our kids dream up in the workshop. Starting with a raw wood blank and using a checklist and an assembly diagram, children design the deck and install the wheel hardware using a variety of tools. Designing the deck hones each child's drawing, painting, and woodcraft skills. Children who think they can't draw learn tricks for realizing their ideas. At the end of the week, we head to Prospect Park to ride and show off our one-of-a-kind skateboard creations.
What's new in 2012: More fun, more paint, more innovative skateboard designs.
What's new in 2012: More fun, more paint, more innovative skateboard designs.
Even in 2012, 3D design, making, and building is still mostly a male-dominated world. Girls' Week is a chance to rectify this. The energy in the shop is different and the projects take on different perspectives. This is our staff's favorite week because it's so creative, energetic, empowering, and fun. Girls work closely with staff in age-appropriate small groups. We tailor projects to age and building experience. Each child gets the opportunity to collaborate on large projects as well as build small projects that they take home.
A favorite ConstructionKids program, Buildings & Cities focuses on the construction of structures and dwellings. We build a playhouse and several of the following: a wigwam, log cabin, fort, Empire State Building, bridge, apartment building. Each day we also create smaller structures that can be taken home. New builders learn how to hammer on the first day, while experienced builders are challenged by large structures which require planning and collaboration.
What's new in 2012: In age-appropriate groups, we explore the growth and composition of towns and cities. Then we plan, layout, and build towns based on the evolution of water, electricity, roads, and mass transit systems. Using old maps and photographs, we study Brooklyn's growth from the late 19th Century to today.
What's new in 2012: In age-appropriate groups, we explore the growth and composition of towns and cities. Then we plan, layout, and build towns based on the evolution of water, electricity, roads, and mass transit systems. Using old maps and photographs, we study Brooklyn's growth from the late 19th Century to today.
One of our most popular programs, Vehicles Week is all about building fun stuff that moves—especially go-carts! Children learn about cars, boats, airplanes and build small models of each using their own designs. We build go-carts, learn the rules of the road on a controlled course in our large workshop, and then hit the car-free trails of Prospect Park.
What's new in 2012: Advanced levels of go-cart technology for experienced and older builders. We have added 2 new go-carts with progressively more sophisticated brakes and rack-and-pinion steering systems. We will also include brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
What's new in 2012: Advanced levels of go-cart technology for experienced and older builders. We have added 2 new go-carts with progressively more sophisticated brakes and rack-and-pinion steering systems. We will also include brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
Greatest Hits Week offers kids the chance to work on different projects each day and choose from the many project themes our program offers. It encourages experimentation, boundary pushing, and creativity in a project-focused atmosphere. Some projects for this variety-filled week could be: building a guitar, creating simple machines, puppets, masks, basic vehicles, constructing a playhouse, a wigwam, or a skyscraper, creating a stop-motion animation of our built projects, and a wide range of small, fun projects to bring home. Children get plenty of direction and learn new building skills while they explore new creative terrain. Greatest Hits is ideal for experienced builders and children who have specific projects in mind—please share them with us! Sorry, we do not offer Skateboards or scooters this week.
ConstructionKids Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions
How is the day set up?
The ConstructionKids summer camp day is structured like a typical school day with respect to meals, rest, and activities. Our day starts with a brief full group meeting to discuss the day's projects/events. We then break into smaller groups and work on building projects. Mid-morning we take a break for snack (15 minutes), we then do more project work until lunch. Lunch is 45 minutes-1 hour and includes hand-washing, drinks, eating lunch and clean-up). Lunch is a social event; staff will encourage children to eat as they chat. We go outdoors after lunch, rain or shine. In reasonable weather we may play outdoors for 60-90 minutes. Our staff also brings books and host a quiet circle. When we return from outdoor time we have a 15-minute quiet activity, usually a staff reading aloud or giving a presentation. Children may also elect to read or take a nap. We then resume building projects. We have a second snack at approximately 3pm, the balance of the day can be a combination of playing with the built projects and/or continuing building projects.
What is the food arrangement?
Parents send 2 hearty snacks and a lunch. We do our best to encourage children to eat their meals in a polite and social setting. We provide a cold water cooler and cups. Parents may send drinks other than water. We will send a notice if there is a food allergy alert for the week. We do not have a microwave or a refrigerator for children's lunches.
What should children wear to camp?
Children can wear anything they choose, clothing should be suitable for an active day. We use washable school grade paints, parents should send a paint shirt if concerned about clothing. We go out for active play and walking; no open toe shoes, no open toe sandals. Sneakers, crocs and similar are fine. It's really important that children be able to see; long hair should be held back with elastic, scrunchie, or hat. Finally, we enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine....unless there is lightning or a total downpour. If foul weather is predicted, send boots and umbrella, and a change of clothing.
What else should children bring?
Besides a lunch and 2 snacks, children should have sunscreen in their backpack—we will help apply, although we don't spend a lot of time in direct sunlight on hot days. Younger children should have an extra set of pants/shorts, underwear, and socks. Send a book if your child likes reading. Electronic devices and personal toys will stay in the backpack for the day.
What do the children wear while traveling outside the workshop?
When traveling outside the shop the children wear high visibility reflective safety vests, (Photo of these can be seen on our website). In very hot weather the children are permitted to take the vests off in an enclosed playground.
Do you remind younger children to use the bathroom?
We remind all children to use the bathroom at appropriate intervals during the day and before going outdoors. For the younger children we ask that parents send a spare pair of pants/shorts, underwear and socks—it's an exciting day, as mindful as our staff is, sometimes the excitement runs faster than a young child realizes.
Will my child be bored if (s)he repeats a class?
Our experience is that most children enjoy repeating a class or project. The second time around, they are excited and exhibit confidence; they 'know' what to do, and use the opportunity to do or create something they didn't the first time. In the class descriptions we have included 'What's new this summer" which describe some of the new projects we develop to keep the program 'fresh'.
Can siblings be together?
Yes, if they are nearly the same age and that is your preference. We have found however that keeping siblings together "so the older one will take care of the younger" to be a detriment to the older child and often inhibits both children socially. The camp week as a whole will offer opportunities for siblings of different ages to connect with each other and 'ground' themselves. We will honor sibling requests to be together all day if they are no more than one year apart.
Can friends be grouped together?
Yes, pairs work nicely and larger friend groups have certainly worked out well. Our staff will help to strike a balance between having your child spend a fun week with buddies and giving your child the chance to meet some other nice kids.
What ages can attend camp?
Children must have completed pre-K and/or be entering Kindergarten prior to attending camp. Please contact us if you feel your underage child merits inclusion.
Do you break the children into age groups?
This year (2012) we will be sub-grouping children by age for some parts of project development. This will enable projects to be age-appropriate, and be challenging for both new and experienced builders. We also want to encourage the meeting of new friends, bonding as a group, and making friendships with counselors and young staff. That said, we have in the past very much valued the connections that children make with older or younger peers as they work on projects. The open floor area allows children to walk around and admire the work of others; we will continue to encourage this. Our system of 'building our tables' each morning and the fluid arrangement of tables gives children the choice of group or more intimate socializing.
Do you have a CIT program?
Yes, for Summer 2012 we will offer a Counselor-in-Training program for children ages 12 and 13. Children ages 14 and older are eligible per NYS Department of Labor to work as paid staff.
Do we need a health form?
After you have registered and paid for a summer camp program, you will be sent a a brief health questionnaire, we do not require a health form from your doctor.
What if my child has special needs?
By all means tell us; your honesty is the key to your child and the other children having a fun week. We make every effort to accommodate children with special physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. ConstructionKids is an alternative hands-on learning experience which may work well for children with alternative learning skills. Many children and our staff have enjoyed some special camp experiences as a result. That said, our staff is not specially trained nor qualified to meet the needs of all children. Some examples that have successfully worked are: your child has an aide, an IEP, is receiving counseling, has a diagnosis of ADHD or OCD, or is physically impaired. Our workshop is a loud, active, and social setting and may not be appropriate for all children. Please email us before enrolling in camp to discuss your child's particular needs. We will do our best to accommodate our diverse and dynamic community.
How is the day set up?
The ConstructionKids summer camp day is structured like a typical school day with respect to meals, rest, and activities. Our day starts with a brief full group meeting to discuss the day's projects/events. We then break into smaller groups and work on building projects. Mid-morning we take a break for snack (15 minutes), we then do more project work until lunch. Lunch is 45 minutes-1 hour and includes hand-washing, drinks, eating lunch and clean-up). Lunch is a social event; staff will encourage children to eat as they chat. We go outdoors after lunch, rain or shine. In reasonable weather we may play outdoors for 60-90 minutes. Our staff also brings books and host a quiet circle. When we return from outdoor time we have a 15-minute quiet activity, usually a staff reading aloud or giving a presentation. Children may also elect to read or take a nap. We then resume building projects. We have a second snack at approximately 3pm, the balance of the day can be a combination of playing with the built projects and/or continuing building projects.
What is the food arrangement?
Parents send 2 hearty snacks and a lunch. We do our best to encourage children to eat their meals in a polite and social setting. We provide a cold water cooler and cups. Parents may send drinks other than water. We will send a notice if there is a food allergy alert for the week. We do not have a microwave or a refrigerator for children's lunches.
What should children wear to camp?
Children can wear anything they choose, clothing should be suitable for an active day. We use washable school grade paints, parents should send a paint shirt if concerned about clothing. We go out for active play and walking; no open toe shoes, no open toe sandals. Sneakers, crocs and similar are fine. It's really important that children be able to see; long hair should be held back with elastic, scrunchie, or hat. Finally, we enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine....unless there is lightning or a total downpour. If foul weather is predicted, send boots and umbrella, and a change of clothing.
What else should children bring?
Besides a lunch and 2 snacks, children should have sunscreen in their backpack—we will help apply, although we don't spend a lot of time in direct sunlight on hot days. Younger children should have an extra set of pants/shorts, underwear, and socks. Send a book if your child likes reading. Electronic devices and personal toys will stay in the backpack for the day.
What do the children wear while traveling outside the workshop?
When traveling outside the shop the children wear high visibility reflective safety vests, (Photo of these can be seen on our website). In very hot weather the children are permitted to take the vests off in an enclosed playground.
Do you remind younger children to use the bathroom?
We remind all children to use the bathroom at appropriate intervals during the day and before going outdoors. For the younger children we ask that parents send a spare pair of pants/shorts, underwear and socks—it's an exciting day, as mindful as our staff is, sometimes the excitement runs faster than a young child realizes.
Will my child be bored if (s)he repeats a class?
Our experience is that most children enjoy repeating a class or project. The second time around, they are excited and exhibit confidence; they 'know' what to do, and use the opportunity to do or create something they didn't the first time. In the class descriptions we have included 'What's new this summer" which describe some of the new projects we develop to keep the program 'fresh'.
Can siblings be together?
Yes, if they are nearly the same age and that is your preference. We have found however that keeping siblings together "so the older one will take care of the younger" to be a detriment to the older child and often inhibits both children socially. The camp week as a whole will offer opportunities for siblings of different ages to connect with each other and 'ground' themselves. We will honor sibling requests to be together all day if they are no more than one year apart.
Can friends be grouped together?
Yes, pairs work nicely and larger friend groups have certainly worked out well. Our staff will help to strike a balance between having your child spend a fun week with buddies and giving your child the chance to meet some other nice kids.
What ages can attend camp?
Children must have completed pre-K and/or be entering Kindergarten prior to attending camp. Please contact us if you feel your underage child merits inclusion.
Do you break the children into age groups?
This year (2012) we will be sub-grouping children by age for some parts of project development. This will enable projects to be age-appropriate, and be challenging for both new and experienced builders. We also want to encourage the meeting of new friends, bonding as a group, and making friendships with counselors and young staff. That said, we have in the past very much valued the connections that children make with older or younger peers as they work on projects. The open floor area allows children to walk around and admire the work of others; we will continue to encourage this. Our system of 'building our tables' each morning and the fluid arrangement of tables gives children the choice of group or more intimate socializing.
Do you have a CIT program?
Yes, for Summer 2012 we will offer a Counselor-in-Training program for children ages 12 and 13. Children ages 14 and older are eligible per NYS Department of Labor to work as paid staff.
Do we need a health form?
After you have registered and paid for a summer camp program, you will be sent a a brief health questionnaire, we do not require a health form from your doctor.
What if my child has special needs?
By all means tell us; your honesty is the key to your child and the other children having a fun week. We make every effort to accommodate children with special physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. ConstructionKids is an alternative hands-on learning experience which may work well for children with alternative learning skills. Many children and our staff have enjoyed some special camp experiences as a result. That said, our staff is not specially trained nor qualified to meet the needs of all children. Some examples that have successfully worked are: your child has an aide, an IEP, is receiving counseling, has a diagnosis of ADHD or OCD, or is physically impaired. Our workshop is a loud, active, and social setting and may not be appropriate for all children. Please email us before enrolling in camp to discuss your child's particular needs. We will do our best to accommodate our diverse and dynamic community.
