Recreation
Scheduled Period of Recreational Sports
One part of your camper’s day is spent in a recreation group where he or she participates in a period of instructional swim and a period of recreational sports.
A qualified recreation counselor remains with each recreation group of 8-10 campers (same grade and gender) for the duration of camp. Each recreation group participates in scheduled team games such as baseball, soccer, kickball, volleyball, basketball, and other major sports. All campers are given the opportunity to improve and develop their abilities in an enjoyable and nurturing environment. Our expert staff and their emphasis on individual achievement help contribute to each child’s improved athletic skills and greater self-esteem.
Note: You may request (on the Registration Form) that your child be placed with a friend who is in the same grade. To ensure your request, please submit recreation group requests before June 1st.
Instructional Swim (Part of Recreation)
In addition to recreational sports, each camper (excluding campers in Sports Academy Camps) enjoys a terrific swimming program for one period every day. Part of the time is devoted to an American Red Cross instructional swim program; the remainder is fun time in the water. Hofstra’s 50-meter, Olympic-sized, indoor pool allows campers the opportunity to swim every day. Campers are evaluated on the first day of each session and are placed in the appropriate swim level group. At the conclusion of camp, American Red Cross swim level cards are sent home.
Club Recreation
In addition to the scheduled recreational period, campers entering 2nd through 5th grade participate in Club Recreation. Campers select their own activity each day and participate at their own pace. A variety of games and sports are offered: volleyball, football, kickball, relays and more. Campers may even choose to relax under a shady tree with friends, engage in a board game, sketch a drawing, jump rope, weave a lanyard or engage in any age-appropriate activity.
Special Event Days
Each session has one Special Event Day organized during recreation hours. Festivities in the past have included: carnivals, crazy water relays, DJ parties, concerts, and Olympics. These days are the recreational highlight of each session.
Your Child's Day at Sports Academy Camp
At Hofstra Sports Camps, your child is immersed in a chosen sport for the full day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Each day is an exciting, intensive and fun-filled day of fundamentals, skills development, drills, practice and play. Swimming will be scheduled for all sports academy camps.
These programs offer expert instruction from Hofstra University's Division I coaching staff, as well as participation and professional lectures in a fun and exciting atmosphere.
The facilities used by the campers are state-of-the-art, college-level playing fields, stadiums and arenas. It is our mission to provide an enriching experience through the development of competitive spirit, athletic skill and good sportsmanship.
You may choose a different Sports Camp each week or combine your camper's registration with one or more of Hofstra's Specialty Camps.
'Stop Camp Bullying'
Here at Hofstra Summer Camps, bullying is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated on any level. Our camp mission is to provide the most fun, exciting, and SAFE camp experience for every child. With hard work and dedication we take all the necessary steps to make sure bullying is NOT a part of the camp experience.
Goals of Hofstra Summer Camps
- Recognize warning signs that a camper is being bullied
- Learn appropriate responses to bullying behavior
- Create a camp culture that does not tolerate bullying and aggressive behavior
Getting Your Child Ready for Camp
Parents' Handbook [PDF]
Please read this entire handbook. You may view it online or print it to keep on hand. (Files below are in PDF format. If you do not have the Acrobat Reader to view PDF files, (download a PDF viewer.)
What to Bring to Specialty Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, sneakers, and sweat socks. They should also bring a bag with a bathing suit, a towel and a water bottle. Please label all items: first and last name.
What to Bring to Sports Academy
Hofstra University Cheer Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts with no pockets, flat-soled sneakers/cheerleading sneakers, and sweat socks. Players must bring their own water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Richard Nuttall and Simon Riddiough Soccer Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, shin guards and soccer cleats or sneakers. Campers must also bring a water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
New York Baseball Academy
Each camper should wear daily: baseball cap, baseball shoes or comfortable athletic shoes, sweat socks, baseball pants, and a cotton T-shirt. Players must bring their own glove and water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Speedy Claxton Elite Boys Basketball Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, basketball sneakers and sweat socks. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Players must bring their own water bottle. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Hofstra University Dance Academy
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, and flat-soled sneakers. Dancers must bring their own water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Danielle Atkinson Girls Basketball Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, basketball sneakers and sweat socks. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Players must bring their own water bottle. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Hofstra University Girls Lacrosse Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, sneakers, sweat socks, cleats. Please bring a lacrosse stick, goggles, and mouthguard. All goalies are responsible for bringing their own equipment. Bathing suit and towel are needed on assigned swim days. Campers must bring their own water bottle. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Seth Tierney Boys Lacrosse Camp
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts, sneakers, sweat socks, gloves, cleats and arm pads. Each camper should bring a lacrosse stick, helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, mouthpiece, athletic supporter and equipment bag. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Campers must bring their own water bottle. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Note: All equipment must be brought home daily.
Hofstra University Softball Camp
Each player should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts and sneakers/cleats. Players must bring their own glove and water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Emily Mansur Volleyball Camp
Each camper should wear daily: comfortable athletic shoes, socks, shorts, and a cotton T-shirt. Players must bring their water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Dennis Papadatos Wrestling Camp
Each camper should wear daily: shorts, T-shirts, socks, and wrestling shoes. Campers must bring an extra set of shorts, T-shirt and socks, as well as running shoes and a bag with a bathing suit, towel and water bottle. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Courtney Veiotte Girls Field Hockey Camp
Each camper should wear daily: shorts, T-shirts, socks, and sneakers. Campers must bring an their own stick, an extra set of shorts, T-shirt and socks, as well as running shoes and a bag with a bathing suit, towel and water bottle. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Hofstra University Halftime Show
Each camper should wear daily: cotton T-shirt, athletic shorts with no pockets, flat-soled sneakers/cheerleading sneakers, and sweat socks. Players must bring their own water bottle. Bathing suit and towel will be needed on assigned swim days. Please label all items clearly with first and last name. Hofstra is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What NOT to bring to Hofstra Summer Camps
- Pocket knives and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
- Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are strictly prohibited, except prescription medications in original containers left with our nurses.
- If you choose to send your child to camp with a phone, or any electronic devices, please know that we strongly discourage campers from using them during the camp day. In the event we would need to contact you, a member of our Office Staff will reach out.
- Hofstra is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items
Medical Form and Camp Infirmary
RNs and certified nurses are in our camp infirmary full time. Each camper must have a physical examination within one year prior to their first day of camp. These forms must be completed by your pediatrician and returned to the camp office.
The parent of any child needing medication must meet our RNs with the child’s medication in the original container (dates TBD).
If you haven't received your medical form or have not yet submitted one, download the PDF form.
During the hot days, parents can ensure their child's comfort better by dressing them with:
- Light-colored clothing – reflects radiant heat
- Loose clothing – assists in evaporation of sweat
New York State Notice
New York State law requires that each parent be aware of the following:
- It is mandatory for all camps to receive an operating permit from the New York State Department of Health each year.
- Camps are required to be inspected twice a year.
- Inspection reports are filed at the Nassau County Department of Health at 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola NY 11501.
- Inquiries can be made Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Hofstra Summer Camp's American Camping Association and Board of Health certifications are on display in the camp office.
Covid-19 Policy
CAMPERS WITH SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS MUST STAY HOME
The most efficient way to keep COVID and all other illnesses out of camp is being diligent in keeping sick campers (and staff) home.
POSITIVE CASES
Parents of campers and staff must notify Hofstra Summer Camps of any child or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19.
ISOLATION and QUARANTINE
Campers or staff who test positive for COVID-19 prior to camp must be excluded from camp for at least five days. Date of symptoms onset or positive test result is considered day zero. The earliest date to return is day 6.
CONTACT TRACING
Hofstra Summer Camp will notify parents of campers when there is a positive case in one of their groups or when a camper has a known close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Hofstra Summer Camp may decide on additional health procedures if more than one case in a group occurs.
Hofstra Summer Camp is also required to follow any New York State Department of Health guidance, which can change at any time.
Please know that all Hofstra Summer Camp staff members have received the COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots prior to the start of camp.
