Summer Camp
Swimming
At the center of the Badger campus is an Olympic size pool. The pool, the heart and soul of Badger, is where the internationally recognized Badger swim team has been training since 1972. The Badger swim team is coached by John Collins Jr who has produced Olympians, American and National record holders and World champions. The team trains in the pool before and after Camp in the summer and many of the team members are on the swim staff and camp teaching to the campers how to swim. With the help of the Badger Swim team and John Collins, Badger's aquatic program is the finest in Westchester, teaching all levels of swimmer from beginner to advanced ages 3 through 12.
Since swimming is such an important part of the Badger program, campers swim twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon, for a total of two hours a day. In each one hour block, campers are given 35 minutes of instruction from USA Swim Coaches and/or professional swimmers themselves, where they are taught the fundamentals of the four complex strokes, free-style,butterfly,backstroke, and breast stroke.
After working so hard for those 35 minutes, the children are allotted free time where they take part in group games, play with floats, noodles, diving rings, or time to brush up on diving technigue's with the instructors. Once a week each group is given one swim period to play on the water slides, practice diving on the diving board, or just have fun doing cannon balls and playing games of their own creation. At this time there are counselors in the water at each station and life guards at posts around the pool.
Diving
At the deep end of the pool you will find our 2 Olympic diving stands and water slides. During the summer each group is taught by an instructor the art of Diving. Under strict supervision children are first taught to dive from the side of the pool, then to our smaller diving board and finally to one of our olympic diving stands. Demonstrations are given every day by the instructors and trampolines are utilized to teach advanced divers how to flip and turn in the air.
Gymnastics
Overall fitness begins here at the Gymnastics area. Parallel bars, balance beam, tumbling and more are all taught under the supervision of qualified instructors. Children are taught balance and control through a fun program that includes trampoline and floor exercises.
Dance
Campers are taught to become aware of their movements while learning to keep fit. Taught by seasoned professionals, the Badger dance program is an excellent part of the badger fitness philosophy.
Games
It can get hot in the summer and sometimes campers just want to relax in the shade in the games area and play miniature golf, board games and air hockey- to name a few! On staff we have chess instructors who can teach the art of playing chess and other games to campers who want to better understand game strategy.
Field Sports
When soccer is not being played on the field, you can be sure something else is being played! Other popular field sports include dodge ball, lacrosse and kickball.
Field sports are a great way for campers to relax and have fun in the sun.
Baseball
In the corner of the Badger field the little league baseball diamond sits in the shade. A skilled staff instructs all age groups about the rudiments of hardball and softball. Swinging basics, ball techniques and the rules of the game are all taught throughout the summer.
Groups participate in full games against each other learning America's past time the way it was meant to be played.
Martial Arts
Under the supervision of Hiawatha's Martial Arts School, campers will learn the ancient art of Tae Kwon Do. Tae kwon-do means the "way of the hand and foot." Made popular by the Ninja Turtles and the Power Rangers, Tae Kwon Do at Badger helps increase discipline, self confidence, self defense and fitness. Many children spend hours playing video games at home and Tae Kwon Do can help children become interested to improve their strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance.
If you have any questions regarding the Martial Arts program you can contact Hiawatha's Martial Arts at 914-834-1971 or visit their website at
Tennis
The two clay, or Hartru, courts located on the Badger campus are overseen by a qualified pro who instructs tennis basics to all ages. Each group is taught to serve, volley and smash through a comprehensive set of lessons throughout the summer. For those kids who are already excellent players our pro can give them instruction to make their game that much better. Advanced tennis players at Badger have the opportunity to take part in ladder events, singles and doubles, for prizes at the end of the year.
Basketball
One of the most used areas at Badger, the basketball court utilizes adjustable basketball nets that can be used for even our smallest campers. As the skills of the children increase the instructors can adjust the height of the nets so that the children gain confidence and ability during the course of the summer. Along with core instruction or dribbling, passing and shooting the children can play against each other, other groups or counselors in friendly games teaching the children team work and letting them have fun.
Other Activities
Badger offers a wide variety of activities to ensure that there is something for everyone. Some of the other popular activities for campers include Arts & Crafts, Yoga, Rock Climbing, scheduled time on the playground, and special activity days throughout the summer such as the Badger Olympics, Talent Show and July 4th dance party! There really never is a dull moment when you're a Badger!
