Camp at Roeliff Jansen Park offers children a summer of fun

HILLSDALE — Childhood is fleeting, but its memories and friendships can last a lifetime, especially when they come from a special experience like the one at the Summer Youth Program, returning to the Roeliff Jansen Park this year after a year’s absence due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Although the final word is yet to come from Columbia County and New York State, the town is currently accepting applications for 65 campers, with plans to operate from Monday, July 12, through Friday, Aug. 20,  from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Traditional camp activities abound, but according to Program Director Joe Raco, who will be returning with Assistant Director Josh Piper for their 10th year, the favorite activity for older campers and strong swimmers is the Stream Hike, which progresses from the camp’s starting point up to nearly the edge of the park — going through water that is anywhere from ankle height to knee deep – with the return being a traditional land hike. 

The second most popular activity is a counselor-led hike to a “secret spot” consisting of an opening with a large rock where campers like to hang out, and play games such as Capture the Flag or Tag. Ping Pong finishes third on the most popular list.

Although enrollment priority is given to children from Hillsdale, residents from other towns are also accepted. Raco said the camp provides an opportunity to get “to know kids from all over the place.

 “It’s kind of neat to see the local Taconic Hills kids mix and match with campers that may be from Connecticut or New York City and become yearlong, lifelong friends,” he said. “I have a few kids who have been in the program since kindergarten. They kept in contact with each other through social media, and they’re all going to be CITs [Counselors in Training] this  year.”

While electronics can strengthen bonds outside of camp and lead to attendance at birthday parties and sleepovers, Raco noted, “We don’t do electronic devices [at camp], so we kind of unplug. For six hours a day, they play in the dirt.” 

That way campers can take advantage of the what the Hillsdale newsletter describes as a “unique location in the park, focused on nature and outdoor activities; it makes use of the park’s trails, fields, wetlands, two large open barns and working community garden.”

Raco, a teacher and coach, like several of the other counselors, recognizes the value of summer — noting that following the short break between the end of school and the start of camp it’s important to provide a certain degree of structure, keep campers busy and maintain regular hours to help combat the lag that some believe makes school re-entry difficult come fall. 

The camp is open to children starting at age 5 who have completed kindergarten up to age 13, with volunteer CIT positions open to older teens. Others may apply as counselors with priority given to former campers. Applications are available at www.hillsdaleny.com/summer-youth-program and must be submitted by Saturday, May 1.