Brooke Nuzie 
There is no shortage of options when it comes to kids’ summer day camps in the area. Anyone who has done any research, or asked in a mom Facebook group, can get overwhelmed pretty quickly with the number of responses. To help save you some time (and stress) researching, below is a round-up of some of the most suggested camps in the local mommy groups, what ages they have programs for, and what they offer. Read on for a guide to kids’ summer camps in Essex County.
Dream Martial Arts Summer Camp (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @Dream Martial Arts Summer Camp)
Ages 4 and up can connect with nature during this martial arts summer camp. It is a fully outdoors camp that features martial arts, exploring nature, hiking, and more. The camp runs June and July with several different week options.
MLC Summer Camp (Bloomfield)
(Photo credit: @montclairlearningcenter)
MLC is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Learning Center that continues sharing its love of these subjects with kids over the summer. There are three separate programs: Little Engineers for kids ages 2-5, STEM+ for kids entering grades 1-8, and Girls-only STEM+ for girls entering grades 1-8. Each program is nine weeks long.
Montclair Culinary Academy (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @montclairculinary)
The Montclair Culinary Academy has an eight-week summer program for kids ages 10-15. Each week is a separate topic (that you can sign up for individually) and culminates with a Chop’t Jr Finale Cooking Camp.
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Montclair History Center Farm Camp (Montclair)
(Photo credit: Montclair History Center Farm Camp)
With different groups and options for kids ages 6-9 and 8-11, they can learn all about farm life at the Montclair History Center. There is also a special Counselor In Training (CIT) program for an older group, anyone ages 13n to 15 who attended camp there as a kid. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about nature, historical living, and agriculture.
Sharon Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @smapa_dance)
SMAPA has full and half-day programs for kids ages three to fourteen, specializing in the performing arts. The academy also offers a dance intensive for students ages 13 and up. There are three separate two-week sessions that all are different, so each little performer could do all six weeks without repetition.
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The Best Summer Camp in Caldwell (Caldwell)
Kids ages 5-12 are welcome at this camp where they can participate in martial arts, dance, tumbling, outdoor sports, educational classes, and so much more.
USA Sport Group (Montclair)
(Photo credit: USA Sport Group)
USA Sports Group is a national organization that has 90 options when narrowed down to camps within five miles of Montclair. With a mix of ages and sports (starting from 3-years-old and including soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and many more), this is a great option for a sports-focused kid.
YMCA of Montclair (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @montclairymca)
With different options for ages 5 to 14, 3 to 8, and 4-10, the YMCA in Montclair has something for everyone. All three programs start on 6/28 and run through 8/25 or 9/3. Space is limited due to COVID-19, so early registration is encouraged.
