A Day in the Life at Camp Corlears: NYC Summer Camp for 3- and 4-Year-Olds

When children step through the doors of Camp Corlears each June, they embark on a fun-filled summer journey of  friendship-making, learning, and growing. Curious as to what your camper will be up to each day? Look no further — let's join our risings 3s and risings 4s campers on a typical day at Camp Corlears and learn more about the development approach we bring to our summer programming.

1. Arrival and Morning Meeting: Separation, Routines, and Belonging

Grown-ups may join their children for the arrival routine, which includes putting belongings away and looking at the schedule of activities for the day. The consistency and predictability of routines support emotional regulation for young children, and encouraging their independence in completing these routines supports their cognitive development and time management skills. Since we know summer mornings can get so busy, families are welcome to drop off their campers anytime during 8:30–9 a.m. arrival window.

The camp day begins with Morning Meeting at 9 a.m., which is a mainstay of the Corlears School curriculum. This important ritual, which is differentiated by age level, allows children to come together ais a community, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages social and emotional development.

2. Sprinkler Time: Sensory Fun and Friendships

For our 3s and 4s, each morning kicks off with a camper-favorite activity: sprinkler time in our school's yard! Added bubbles and foam make this a sensory-rich experience for children to enjoy. 

4. Soccer and Music + Movement: Gross Motor Development

Mornings continue with either soccer or music + movement class, with each special activity taking place on alternating camp days. Soccer is the perfect sport for teaching coordination, gross motor skills, sportsmanship, and awareness of others. Running and kicking a ball at the same time is a tricky skill to master, so this activity also supports our young campers' cognitive development. 3s and 4s always have a blast in our movement + music classes,  where they can shake out the sillies by dancing, singing, and playing with shakers and colorful scarves.

6. Activity Time: Arts, Crafts, and Multi-sensory Experiences

During Activity Time, the 3s engage in multi-sensory experiences that are responsive to the children's emerging interests. This is "emergent curriculum" in action, which is a cornerstone of Corlears School's Early Childhood curriculum. When classroom topics are driven by student curiosity, children are empowered to become agents of their own learning. This progressive approach to education supports school readiness skills in young children by fostering their ability to think critically and solve problems.

In the 4s, the same principles apply through the lens of that week's theme. For example, during Under the Sea week, children may learn about different sea creatures and ecosystems through coloring, collage, finger-painting, and more!

7. Backyard Play: More Fun with Friends

One of the best parts about Camp Corlears  is our natural backyard playground, which has been intentionally designed as an extension of the classroom environment. Through different spaces built into the yard, students are able to engage in playful tactile experiences, explore their curiosities in the natural world, and develop motor skills. 

8. Closing Circle: Reflection and Saying Goodbye

Closing Circle is the way we end the day at Corlears, whether during the school year or summer camp. This is an opportunity to gather, connect, and reflect on an exciting day. At Closing Circle, children may share their favorite moments from the day, which has the added benefit of helping counselors continue to refine daily programming to meet their campers' interests! Like the morning routines, Closing Circle creates consistency and predictability, cueing an end to the day for our young campers.