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- July 8-12—iBuild, iFilm
- July 15-19—Vehicles Week--FULL
- July 22-26—Boatbuilding Week
- July 22-26—Buildings & Cities--FULL
ConstructionKids is proud to offer four week-long vacation camps at The Blue School. Camp weeks run Monday through Friday, from 9am to 4pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. An extended day until 5pm is available for an extra $15 per day. The Blue School is located at 241 Water Street, New York, NY 10038.
July 8-12, 9am-4:00pm
$600
Extended day 4:00-5:00pm, $15/day or $55/week
Children entering grades 2-4
Fee includes all materials, tools, and iPod touch use for the week.
For some examples of what our previous filmmakers have created, check out our YouTube stop-animation playlist.
July 15-19, 9am-4pm
$575
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
To see our go-cart riding and building in action check out our YouTube video:
(Go-carts are available for purchase ($60), though they are pretty big and not an ideal fit for urban living.)
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL US:
"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
—The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
—The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
July 22-26, 9am-4pm
$700
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
Limited to 12 children, entering grades 5-7
July 22-26, 9am-4pm
$575
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
Children entering K-4
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL.
*** 4 EXTRA SUMMER CAMPS ADDED! ***
Early Summer Vacation Camp
June 10-14, 9am-4:00pm
$500
Extended day 4:00-5:00pm, $15/day or $55/week
June 10-14, 9am-4:00pm
$500
Extended day 4:00-5:00pm, $15/day or $55/week
Vehicles Week—FULL
July 8-12, 9am-4:00pm
$475
Extended day 4:00-5:00pm, $15/day or $55/week
July 8-12, 9am-4:00pm
$475
Extended day 4:00-5:00pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: Brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
To see our go-cart riding and building in action, check out our latest video. And there's another one on our YouTube channel.
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL.
Skateboards Week—FULL
July 15-19, 9am-4pm
$500
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
July 15-19, 9am-4pm
$500
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: More fun, more paint, more innovative skateboard designs, and a great staff to teach you skateboarding basics.
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL US:
Buildings & Cities—FULL
July 22-26, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
July 22-26, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: 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.
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL.
iBuild, iFilm
July 29-August 2, 9am-4pm
$500
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
July 29-August 2, 9am-4pm
$500
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
For ages 6 and up (must be starting 2nd grade in Fall 2013).
For some examples of what our artists have created, check out our YouTube playlist.
Buildings & Cities
July 29-August 2, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
July 29-August 2, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: 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.
Vehicles Week—FULL
August 5-9, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
August 5-9, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: Brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
To see our go-cart riding and building in action, check out our latest video. And there's another one on our YouTube channel.
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL.
Skateboards Week--FULL
August 12-16, 9am-4pm
$500
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
August 12-16, 9am-4pm
$500
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: More fun, more paint, more innovative skateboard designs, and a great staff to teach you skateboarding basics.
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL.
Buildings & Cities
August 12-16, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
August 12-16, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: 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.
Toy Building Week—FULL
August 19-23, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $65/week
August 19-23, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $65/week
THIS CAMP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL.
Vehicles Week
August 19-23, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
August 19-23, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: Brief video presentations about the evolution of vehicles and the innovations that have improved transportation through the years.
To see our go-cart riding and building in action, check out our latest video. And there's another one on our YouTube channel.
ConstructionKids Greatest Hits
August 26-30, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
August 26-30, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
Buildings & Cities
August 26-30, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
August 26-30, 9am-4pm
$475
Extended day 4-5pm, $15/day or $55/week
What's new in 2013: 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.
About Our Summer Camp Programs
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 to play with in the workshop (or take outdoors); while individually each child is free to create smaller projects on his own. We teach safe, appropriate tool usage, along with drawing, painting, and creative play. 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 registrations for 10 days, pending full payment. We will send a Receipt/Confirmation email that includes general summer camp info (lunches, clothing, etcetera).
Our camp day is 9am to 4:00pm. Doors open for drop-off at 8:45. Extended days to 5:00pm are an extra $15/day. If interested, please add a note to the Comments section on the registration form.
Shuttle Bus
This summer, the Brooklyn Navy Yard will once again provide a shuttle bus for ConstructionKids' exclusive use between Borough Hall and our workshop. Details about the shuttle coming soon.
Important Note About Age
Because of the nature of open registration, particular weeks may have a range of ages. We staff and arrange the workspace and activities accordingly. Our experience has been that children of different ages work well together and often make new friends. We will contact you if a week is disproportionately age- or gender-imbalanced.
At the younger end, children must have completed a pre-K full day program, be 4/5 years old, and entering K in fall 2013. Older children, up to grade 4, will be given special challenges and additional tools to learn, our workshop is full of interesting things to build and take apart which will certainly peek your child’s curiosity.
Our Cancellation Policy
We do not refund or pro-rate fees. If you must cancel, up to 3 weeks prior to a camp's start date, we will attempt to fill your space from the wait list. A service fee of $75 will be deducted from the refund amount.
Read Our Summer Camp FAQ
Still looking for more information about our summer camp programs? Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Register online, pay using PayPal or mail a check. We hold registrations for 10 days, pending full payment. We will send a Receipt/Confirmation email that includes general summer camp info (lunches, clothing, etcetera).
Our camp day is 9am to 4:00pm. Doors open for drop-off at 8:45. Extended days to 5:00pm are an extra $15/day. If interested, please add a note to the Comments section on the registration form.
Shuttle Bus
This summer, the Brooklyn Navy Yard will once again provide a shuttle bus for ConstructionKids' exclusive use between Borough Hall and our workshop. Details about the shuttle coming soon.
Important Note About Age
Because of the nature of open registration, particular weeks may have a range of ages. We staff and arrange the workspace and activities accordingly. Our experience has been that children of different ages work well together and often make new friends. We will contact you if a week is disproportionately age- or gender-imbalanced.
At the younger end, children must have completed a pre-K full day program, be 4/5 years old, and entering K in fall 2013. Older children, up to grade 4, will be given special challenges and additional tools to learn, our workshop is full of interesting things to build and take apart which will certainly peek your child’s curiosity.
Our Cancellation Policy
We do not refund or pro-rate fees. If you must cancel, up to 3 weeks prior to a camp's start date, we will attempt to fill your space from the wait list. A service fee of $75 will be deducted from the refund amount.
Read Our Summer Camp FAQ
Still looking for more information about our summer camp programs? Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
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 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 2013 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.
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 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 2013 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.
