We believe our program is the best – but is it the best fit for you?

We really care about being outside and are passionate about the program that we offer. If you are new to Trail Blazers or new to our day camps, please try to attend one of our info sessions. Info sessions are held on the third Wednesday of each month and are a great opportunity to learn more about our Brooklyn Bridge Park day camp and to ask any questions you may have!

Because we do things differently from most other camps, we hope that you will take time to consider the following in order to ensure that we are a good fit for you and your family:

LITTLE LEGS AND BATHROOMS – Being in the park means we may not be directly next to a bathroom all the time. Sometimes, we have to walk a little, but our staff knows to map their program around bathroom locations. Your camper should be able to recognize the need for a bathroom trip, communicate this need to their group leader, and then possibly hold on for a few minutes!

INDEPENDENCE AT A YOUNG AGE – Throughout the program, our campers learn a lot about self-management: packing their own backpack, getting ready for lunch, hiking in the park, etc. Your camper has to be ready to take on those challenges in increasingly more independent ways.

UNSTRUCTURED PLAY – We believe that children learn best from things they experience on their own, and that the process of figuring out an activity is of equal or greater value than the activity itself. Unstructured free play allows kids to learn more – and learn differently – than during highly structured, instructor-led activities. Each day has lots of play built in, during which we explicitly train staff to step aside into the role of an observer and facilitator, but not teacher.

OUTDOORS, RAIN OR SHINE – As a nature-loving outdoor adventure program, we opt-outside whenever possible. Our program will operate almost entirely outdoors – so long as conditions are safe we will remain outdoors and seek shelter within the park. Indoor spaces are available for all camp locations, but are only used in severe weather.

LOUD SINGING – Your camper will come home and sing camp songs incessantly, and will more than likely require you to participate. Are you ready for that fun?!

WE ARE READY!

Registration for our day camp at Brooklyn Bridge Park opens January 1st.

Minimum Registration: 1 Week

Ages: 4-10 years old, campers should be entering grades K-5.

Campers who are age 4 must be entering Kindergarten and turning 5 by Dec 31st.

The Trail Blazers approach relies heavily on the social experience within the group – this is why sessions are a full week at a time, so your camper can get used to the group and get to know their group leader.

How to Register:

As you begin the registration process, you will select a small camp at your desired location that is suitable to your campers age. Then you will select the weeks you wish to enroll. Campers must enroll into the same small camp for all weeks.

Our program is designed to ensure that all small camps have an awesome (and consistent) experience – groups will engage in similar activities, team builders, and games throughout the season. All camp groups will have two classes with BBP educators and one scheduled field trip or special activity each week.

Once a small camp is full, a wait list for that week will begin. If you have questions about a wait list, please contact our registration team at info@trailblazers.org.

If you wish to be placed with a friend, simply select the same small camp when you enroll.

Registration for the 2024 season opens January 1st. A non-refundable down payment of 30% is due at the time of enrollment to secure your space in the program.

We strive to make camp accessible to all! If you cannot access the registration system online, please call our registration team to enroll over the phone or to schedule an in-person appointment.

REGISTER TODAY

Please familiarize yourself with our Terms and Conditions, which includes our participation waiver. These documents will also be available on your ACTIVE enrollment portal.

If you have have any questions, please contact our office.

Terms and Conditions

What ages can attend day camp?

Our day camp at Brooklyn Bridge Park is designed for campers entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 (ages 5-10).

Our youngest campers must turn 5 years old by December 31st 2024. Please review the ‘Is Your Child Ready’ tab to make sure your camper is ready for our program.

Please contact our registration team at (212) 529-5113 if you have questions.

Do you accommodate requests for friends to be grouped together?

You will select your child’s group during the enrollment process. If you wish to be placed with a friend, simply coordinate to select and enroll into the same small camp group.

Do you offer payment plans?

A non-refundable down payment of 30% is required at the time of enrollment to secure your space into the program. Payment plans are available, as you enroll you can select a payment plan of either 2 or 3 installments. Full payment is due May 1st.

What do I need to pack?

Hiking backpack – all campers in our program will receive a hiking pack. Packs are fitted to campers and are a great way for campers to carry around their belongings. These hiking packs must be used each day.

Lunch and snacks – Pack enough for a full and active day.

Water bottle – Campers will need a refillable water bottle each day. We will refill our bottles often as we travel around the park. Our backpacks can also accommodate water bladders.

A change of clothes – We recommend packing a full change of clothes for all campers, including our older groups. We are outdoors all day and there is always the possibility that campers’ clothes will get wet or dirty.

Rain gear – We spend time outside every day – rain or shine. If the weather predicts light rain please pack a water-proof jacket and shoes. If there are extended periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms, we will move to our indoor locations.

Sunscreen – even on the cloudiest of days. A hat is also great for protection from the sun.

Sturdy, closed toe shoes – Comfort is key! We will be active throughout the day walking all over the park. We suggest something that is water resistant as well.

Layers – If the weather predicts cool temperatures in the morning or early evening we also recommend packing or wearing layers. Campers may get chilly and want a light sweater or long sleeve shirt.

Where and when is drop off and pick up?

Drop off is between 8:30 and 9 am each day, all groups will have a unique drop off and pick up location just inside the park at your selected location. Details of your group’s location will be communicated via email before beginning the program.

Regular pick up is between 3:30 and 4:00 pm each day to the same location as drop off. Aftercare is available for a flat fee of $65 per week to extend your child’s camp day as late as 6 pm. Aftercare will be in the same location as regular drop-off and pick-up, check your site’s tab for details. Pick up during aftercare is rolling, campers can be picked up anytime until 6:00 pm.

My cart is showing full tuition prices, how can I apply tier discounts?

Tier discounts are applied as a coupon. During the enrollment process you will receive a coupon code based on your selected tier. Apply this coupon code to your shopping cart to add the tier discount. Please reach out to our registration team if you are having trouble.

How can I apply for a scholarship?

We strive to make our programs affordable for all through a tiered pricing system – simply select the tier that best describes your household. Additional scholarships are available for families that identify as tier 1. To apply you must first enroll into the program, you will be provided a coupon code during the enrollment process that will allow you to register without making payment. Upon registering, you must complete the scholarship application and SFSP form in Active. Our staff will follow up about additional scholarship funds.

When and where can we pick up our hiking pack?

Hiking packs are available for pick up at our administrative office starting June 5th. Our office is located at 495a Flatbush Avenue and is open weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Packs are available at drop off each Monday.