Chappaqua Summer Friends
A summer of play and creativity for young children — open to all.
Join us for a joyful, nature-filled summer at Chappaqua Friends Nursery School. Children explore, imagine, and make new friends through art, outdoor and water play, and hands-on activities.
We offer flexible one-week sessions from June 29 through August 14. Sign up for as many weeks as fit your family’s schedule
Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with an optional extended day until 1:00 pm for $50 per day
Camp is open to children turning 3 by September through those entering Kindergarten
Camp tuition is $400 per week.
10% non-refundable due at time of enrollment
balance due by April 1st
Weekly Themes
Each week at Chappaqua Summer Friends is inspired by a beloved illustrated children’s book. These stories spark our creativity and guide the week’s art, cooking, play, experiments, and games.
By gathering around the shared experience of story, campers and counselors build connection and a sense of community that makes Chappaqua Summer Friends so special.
As a child-led program, we encourage counselors to follow the children’s curiosity and ideas, allowing their interests to shape where each story takes us.
Here are some examples of books that will inspire our work:
Home by Carson Ellis
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel
A Day at Camp
Arrival
Children are warmly welcomed by their counselors as they say goodbye to their caregivers.
They then settle into play in our classrooms, which are thoughtfully arranged to invite exploration of a variety of materials, activities, and games. Children might build with blocks in the block corner, experiment at the sensory table, or explore art materials in the studio.
Morning Circle
Morning Circle is a special part of the day when children come together to connect through our hello song, group games, and shared stories. We’ll sing songs, explore musical instruments, and enjoy movement activities together.
Playground & Meadow
Children spend an hour outside each day on our playground and in the meadow. Outside, they work in the mud kitchen, play at the water table, sing songs in the fields, and engage in group games..
Snack
Campers enjoy snack time outdoors in the meadow or on our porch. Teachers use these relaxed moments to connect with campers through conversation and shared read-alouds.
Closing
At the end of camp, the different age groups will gather for a sing-along or story. We are very excited to have the unique opportunity to end our day together as one big community.
After Camp
Children who stay for extended day will eat lunch and then have more time to play and explore outside and in the classrooms.
Our Staff
Camp is led by Sasha Siegelbaum, Director of Chappaqua Friends. Sasha brings over 10 years of experience as co-director and co-owner of an arts- and play-based summer camp in Brooklyn. She loves camp and is excited to share the joy of summer camp with the Chappaqua Friends community!
Our counselors are skilled and creative teachers, college students, and specialists. They are trained in CPR/First Aid, peaceful conflict resolution, and supporting children in a play-based, child-centered environment.