Arts to Aquatics: Immersive Summer Programs for Uptown Youth
From creative arts camps to STEM education sessions, explore these Uptown summer programs.
The summer season is fast approaching, and beyond the beach visits and barbecues, it's the perfect time for youth to immerse themselves in recreational and educational activities. Whether you're looking for a Washington Heights-based STEM education program to inspire your future scientist or you're in search of a culturally immersive arts camp in the heart of Harlem, the Uptown community is home to a multitude of nonprofit organizations and institutions offering enriching opportunities that will make the season one to remember.
From day camps to college prep courses, there are so many exciting experiences to explore. Columbia Neighbors has rounded up a few summer programs to keep on your radar.
Summer Camps at the Harlem YMCA
Age Group: Ages 4 through 15
Dates: June 30 through August 22
Price: Varies ($748 - $859 with discounts for YMCA members and financial assistance available.)
Location: Harlem
Application Deadline: April 26
The Harlem YMCA has been a community cornerstone for local recreational activities. During the summer season, the Uptown organization hosts an array of programs for youth of all ages. Whether you’re in search of a dynamic camp for your pre-teen that merges STEM education, the arts, and wellness, or your sports star wants to solely focus on honing their basketball skills this summer, the Harlem YMCA offers several options to suit your camper’s interest. The nonprofit provides need-based financial support for families.
Harlem Grown’s Summer Camp
Age Group: K-8th grade students
Dates: July 7 through August 15
Price: Free
Location: Harlem
Application Deadline: May 16
Immerse your scholar in a summer of sustainability education with Harlem Grown. The Uptown nonprofit—dedicated to expanding access to eco-driven experiential learning and uplifting food justice—is hosting its annual camp for local youth that will explore the different facets of urban farming and food.
Under the banner of this year’s theme, What You Water Will Grow, campers will reflect on what it means to “nurture” different areas of their lives; whether it be in the form of caring for budding plants in their neighborhood garden, fostering friendships, or pursing a personal aspiration. This summer experience—geared toward K-8th grade students—will illustrate how agricultural activities can teach youth valuable lessons about life and leadership.
Scientific Enrichment Month (SEM) Program
Age Group: High School
Dates: July 1 through July 31
Price: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: June 23
The Washington Heights-based Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center has historically been at the helm of groundbreaking research, and this summer, it is giving Uptown youth a unique look into the STEM innovation that’s brewing in their community. Through its month-long virtual Scientific Enrichment Month (SEM) program—part of its YES in THE HEIGHTS initiative—local high school students will learn about the building blocks of public health projects by engaging in lectures and peer-to-peer education sessions centered on cancer research, health inequities, and advocacy.
Participants will also partake in professional development workshops covering everything from resumé writing to public speaking skills. The SEM summer program aims to expand access to STEM education in Upper Manhattan and inspire the next generation of leaders in the realm of medical research.
Harlem School of the Arts: Harlem Summer Arts Experience
Age Group: Ages 5 through 12
Dates: July through August
Price: Varies ($1,000 - $1,300 with financial assistance available.)
Location: Harlem
Application Deadline: July 1 (Session A), July 21 (Session B), August 4 (Session C)
Harlem School of the Arts—a Columbia Community Service (CCS) grantee—has a rich legacy of ensuring world-class creative programs are accessible, and the Uptown institution is continuing to carry that mission by introducing youngsters to the power of artistic innovation through its Harlem Summer Arts Experience.
Blending culture, creative expression, and community building, HSA’s program—geared toward youth ages 5 through 12—includes a summer packed with field trips and classes that explore different disciplines within the arts, including dance, theatre, visual artistry, and more. The summer program is comprised of three two-week sessions with financial aid available for families in need.
Advancing the Community of Tomorrow’s Summer Camp
Age Group: Ages 3 through 14
Dates: June 30 through August 22
Price: $720
Location: Morningside Heights
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The nonprofit Advancing the Community of Tomorrow—another CCS grantee—has been dedicated to curating programs that foster connection through new and enriching experiences. At its Morningside Heights-based summer camp—for youth of all ages—days will be far from one and the same. Every week, the camp focuses on a specific theme youth can learn about through a lineup of fun-filled activities, including outdoor sports sessions, art workshops, water games, team-building exercises, and more. The program aims to encourage children to build connections with their peers while immersed in the fun of the summer season.
Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation's Summer Gymnastics Camp
Age Group: Ages 6 through 17
Dates: July 7 through August 1
Price: $424 - $1,442
Location: Harlem
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Flip into the world of gymnastics this summer at Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation's camp! Launched nearly 30 years ago by decorated Olympic gymnast Wendy Hilliard, the Uptown nonprofit—a CCS grantee—empowers local youth to use the sport as an avenue for physical and emotional wellness. From tumbling to cartwheels, these summer sessions cover the fundamentals of gymnastics. Campers are also encouraged to tap into the power of creative expression and add their own flair to what they've learned. Whether your youngster is just embarking on their gymnastics journey or is competition-ready, this immersive experience will help them expand and hone their skills.
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park’s Summer Camp
Age Group: Multiple ages
Dates: Multiple dates
Price: $550
Location: Hamilton Heights
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is a recreational haven along the scenic Hudson River in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights, and it will deliver a myriad of enjoyable ways for youth to spend their summer season days. Whether your youngster wants to dive into the world of aquatics and learn how to swim or take a swing at baseball through the T-Ball league, the park offers a wide range of programming for youth at all age levels.