Mosholu Day Camp

Welcome to Mosholu Day Camp, a beloved and long-standing institution providing exceptional summer experiences for children in the New York region. Nestled in the beautiful natural setting of Southfields, NY, our camp offers a vibrant and nurturing environment where young New Yorkers can thrive, discover new passions, and build lasting friendships. We understand that parents in New York seek quality, safe, and engaging opportunities for their children during the summer months, and Mosholu Day Camp has proudly delivered on this for over 80 years. We are not a traditional "campground" in the sense of public-access camping sites, but rather a dedicated, structured day camp facility that operates on extensive, well-maintained grounds. Our focus is squarely on youth development, providing a diverse array of activities that foster confidence, independence, and social skills. From the moment children arrive, they are welcomed into a fun-loving camp family, supervised by caring and attentive staff who are often former campers themselves. The testimonials from delighted parents and partners speak volumes about the positive impact our program has on children, creating "priceless moments" and building a foundation for future growth.

Mosholu Day Camp is conveniently located at 261 Arden Valley Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This prime address places our camp within the expansive and picturesque Harriman State Park, a jewel of the New York State Parks system. For families across New York, particularly those in the Bronx, Manhattan, Rockland, and Westchester counties, our location offers a refreshing escape from urban environments without the need for extensive overnight travel. Mosholu Day Camp distinguishes itself by providing bus service (often included in the tuition) from these central pick-up locations, making accessibility incredibly convenient for busy New York families. The journey from the city to the natural beauty of Harriman State Park is part of the summer adventure, transitioning campers from cityscapes to lush forests and sparkling lakes. While deeply immersed in nature, our Southfields location ensures that the camp grounds are private and secure, specifically designed for children's activities and safety. This strategic placement allows for easy daily commutes for campers while providing them with a true "sleepaway camp" feel during their daily activities, all within the natural splendor that defines New York's outdoor heritage.

Mosholu Day Camp offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of services and programs designed to cater to the holistic development of children. Our offerings are far beyond what you'd expect from a typical public campground, focusing on structured activities and comprehensive care, as reflected in our strong community ties and excellent reviews:

• Traditional Day Camp Programs: We provide full-day summer camp sessions for children typically aged 5-12 years, with specialized programs like "Young Blazers" for 8-9 year olds, and "Teen Travel" for children aged 12-15 years, offering a mix of on-site activities and exciting trips.
• Comprehensive Transportation: A significant service for New York families is our included bus service, with central pick-up locations across Westchester, Upper Manhattan, The Bronx, and Rockland, ensuring convenient and safe daily transport for campers.
• Experienced and Nurturing Staff: Our counselors are often college-aged and older, many having grown up in the camp themselves. They are supervised by adult professionals from fields like education and social work, ensuring high-quality guidance and individual attention for each child.
• Instructional and Recreational Swim Program: Set on beautiful Lake Cohasset, swimming is a priority. We offer daily instructional swim lessons (Red Cross certified) and free swim periods, utilizing 5 swim bays, deep water areas, water trampolines, and slides.
• Boating Program: Campers enjoy activities like paddle boating and canoeing on Lake Cohasset.
• Diverse Activity Specialists: Our staff includes specialists in a wide range of fields, offering activities such as:
  • Arts & Crafts: Including pottery, drama, dance, and music.
  • Sports & Fitness: Basketball, tennis, soccer, football, baseball, field hockey, martial arts, fitness, gaga, and more.
  • Nature & Adventure: Engineering, orienteering, challenge and adventure courses (including a ropes course, rock wall, zip line, and tree climbing), nature exploration, and hiking on gorgeous nature trails.
  • Special Programs: Native American culture, science, giant games, broomball, floor hockey, team handball, kite flying, and more.
  • Indoor Facilities: In addition to vast outdoor spaces, we have large indoor facilities for activities on rainy days or for specialized programs.
  • Outdoor Dining Pavilion: A dedicated pavilion for comfortable outdoor dining.
  • Archery Range: A supervised area for learning and practicing archery.
  • Nutritious Snacks: The camp provides afternoon snacks for campers.
  • Emphasis on Growth and Confidence: Our programs are designed to help children build confidence, independence, social skills, and develop physically and socially through new experiences.
  • ACA Accreditation: Mosholu Day Camp is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association, ensuring compliance with high standards for health, safety, and program quality.

  Mosholu Day Camp offers a multitude of features and highlights that consistently receive glowing praise from families and partners alike. These elements contribute to our reputation as a premier summer destination for New York's youth:

  • Stunning Lake Cohasset Setting: The camp's location on the beautiful 64-acre Lake Cohasset within Harriman State Park is a major draw. It provides a picturesque backdrop for all water activities and a tranquil environment for learning and play.
  • Exceptional Staff and Nurturing Environment: As highlighted in reviews, our staff are "super friendly and professional," "caring and attentive," and create a "fun, welcoming atmosphere." Campers often refer to staff as "friends," underscoring the strong positive relationships built.
  • Comprehensive Swim Program: Our focus on swimming, with Red Cross certified instructors, daily instructional and recreational swim, and age-appropriate swim bays, ensures that children develop vital water safety skills and confidence while having fun. The "water park fun" with slides and a water trampoline is a definite highlight.
  • Dynamic Challenge and Ropes Course Area: Featuring a rock wall, zip line, and tree climbing, this area provides exciting opportunities for campers to push their boundaries, build physical skills, and develop problem-solving abilities in a safe, supervised setting.
  • Vast and Varied Campgrounds: With large, spacious grounds, ball fields, nature trails, and multiple activity zones, there's always something new to explore and ample room for play and adventure.
  • Focus on Individual Growth: Reviews consistently emphasize how children build confidence, independence, and social skills, making friends and having "adventures." This developmental focus is a core strength of the camp.
  • Seamless Experience for Parents: The professional and supportive staff make the entire process "so easy" for parents, from communication to ensuring smooth event operations for partners.
  • Unforgettable Moments: Our programs are designed to create "priceless moments" for kids, from lighting up with excitement during animal shows to celebrating new achievements and friendships.
  • Traditional Camp Values with Modern Activities: We blend classic camp activities with contemporary interests, offering everything from Native American culture and pottery to engineering and gaga, keeping campers engaged and exposed to new experiences.
  • Commitment to Safety and Cleanliness: Our operations handbook details rigorous cleaning protocols, small group sizes, and adherence to health guidelines, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all.

  For more information about Mosholu Day Camp, or to inquire about enrollment for your child, please use the following contact details:

  Address: 261 Arden Valley Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

  Phone: (718) 882-4000

  Mobile Phone: +1 718-882-4000

  We encourage prospective families to reach out directly to our friendly staff, or visit our official website (often associated with the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center) for detailed program information, rates, dates, and to schedule a camp tour. Our team is eager to assist you in making the best summer plans for your child.

  For residents of New York, Mosholu Day Camp stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for their children's summer experience. Its prime location within Harriman State Park offers a refreshing dose of nature that is conveniently accessible from various urban and suburban areas, thanks to its comprehensive bus service. This means less logistical stress for parents and more quality time for children to enjoy an enriching summer. The camp's long-standing history (over 80 years) and accreditation by the American Camp Association speak to its commitment to safety, quality, and child development. Unlike a typical public campground, Mosholu Day Camp provides a structured, supervised, and diverse program tailored specifically for children, focusing on building confidence, fostering independence, and creating a strong sense of community. The glowing testimonials from parents and external partners consistently highlight the caring staff, exciting activities, and the genuine joy and growth children experience. Choosing Mosholu Day Camp means providing your child with a "funtastic" summer filled with adventure, learning, and lifelong friendships, all within the beautiful and familiar landscapes of New York State. It's an investment in your child's well-being and a cherished local resource that truly offers "the best 8 weeks."