Summer STEAM Day Camp

A Fun, Enriching, and Active Summer Experience

Manhattan University's Summer Day Camp provides elementary-aged children (ages 5-10) with a safe, engaging, and well-structured summer experience that blends academic enrichment, creative arts, and activities on a beautiful university campus.

Designed for families seeking a high-quality, full-day program, our camp emphasizes learning through exploration, creativity, teamwork, and activities, helping children grow socially, intellectually, and physically while having fun.

The Summer Day Camp is a 6-week, full-day program that supports curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and healthy movement. Campers rotate through academic enrichment, visual arts, and activities in small, age-appropriate groups led by trained educators, staff, and tutors.

• Dates: July 6 to August 13, 2026
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Location: Manhattan University campus, Riverdale, NY
• Ages: 5-10 years old

After the 4:00 p.m. pick-up time, campers who remain at Manhattan University are charged an additional $10 every fifteen minutes (latest pick-up is 4:30 p.m.). Parents who need to drop off campers before 9:00 a.m. are charged an additional $10 for every fifteen minutes earlier (earliest drop-off is 8:30 a.m.).

Attend one of our information sessions to learn more.

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Academic Enrichment

Children participate in hands-on learning activities that promote problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking through weekly rotating enrichment themes.

Science & Technology Activities

• Mini Mad Scientists Lab: Children conduct safe experiments such as volcano reactions, color-changing liquids, and density jars while learning how scientists observe, predict, and record results.
• Weather Watchers Studio: Campers build simple weather tools like wind socks and rain gauges, track daily conditions, and present short weather reports to the group.
• Unplugged Coding Adventures: Using games, floor grids, and movement, children learn sequencing, patterns, and logic without screens through activities like "Program the Robot" and "Code My Path."

Engineering & Building Challenges

• Bridge Builders Challenge: Teams design and test bridges using straws, craft sticks, and tape to see which structure holds the most weight while discussing balance and load.
• Tower Power Engineering: Campers compete in friendly design challenges to build the tallest free-standing tower using limited materials, encouraging iteration and teamwork.
• Marble Maze Masters: Children design and redesign marble runs, learning about gravity, angles, and trial-and-error through guided experimentation.

Group Projects & Guided Exploration

• Eco-City Collaborative Project: Small groups design a sustainable city using recycled materials, assigning roles such as engineer, designer, and planner to encourage collaboration.
• Inventors Workshop: Campers identify a simple problem, such as carrying supplies or organizing toys, and prototype an invention using craft and building materials.
• Mission to Mars: A week-long themed project where teams design rockets, habitats, and exploration tools while learning basic space science concepts.

Creative Arts

Visual and creative arts are integrated throughout the day to support imagination, self-expression, and design thinking.

Painting & Drawing

• Emotion Colors Studio: Children explore how colors express feelings by creating abstract paintings inspired by music and storytelling.
• Nature Sketch Journals: Campers observe leaves, insects, and outdoor spaces and create illustrated journals that blend science observation with art.
• Character Creators Lab: Kids design original characters and backstories, combining drawing with storytelling and presentation skills.

Multimedia & Craft-Based Projects

• Recycled Art Innovators: Using cardboard, bottles, and found materials, campers create sculptures while learning about sustainability and reuse.
• Texture & Materials Lab: Children experiment with fabric, foil, paper, and natural materials to create mixed-media artwork and discuss material properties.
• Mask & Costume Design Studio: Campers design masks or wearable art tied to weekly themes such as animals, space explorers, or superheroes.

Design & Creativity Labs

• Young Designers Studio: Children follow a simplified design-thinking process (imagine, create, test, improve) to design everyday objects like pencil holders or toy vehicles.
• STEAM Storybook Makers: Teams create illustrated books that explain a science or engineering concept using drawings, simple diagrams, and short narratives.
• Art Meets Engineering Gallery: Final projects combine structure and aesthetics, such as moving sculptures or pop-up art, culminating in a camper art showcase.

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Camp Schedule

Camp Fees

A $100 non-refundable registration fee (this fee cannot be applied toward weekly or other payments) must be paid when registration is submitted at manhattan.edu/paymccamp. Use the same link to make any future payments for this camp (t-shirts, tuition, add-on pick-up time). You may register for one week or more as needed.

• Tuition: $725 per week
• Early Bird Special: $645 per week by April 1, 2026

Other Costs and Discounts

Camp t-shirts cost $10 each (required every day).

Available discounts (cannot be combined with other codes):

• Manhattan University employees and alumni: $20 discount per week
• Second or third sibling camper enrolled: $20 discount per week

Register for one or more weeks while they are still available. We offer payment plans if needed.

Lunch and Snacks

Parents must provide a cold lunch and two snacks in a sealed lunch box daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the camp offer financial aid?

Our camp offers several options to support parents with their financial situations. Please get in touch with us to discuss your case.

Where is the camp located?

We are located in Riverdale, west of Van Cortlandt Park, one and a half blocks from the NYC subway (#1 train at 242nd Street) and close to several major highways. All children stay on campus.

Can we visit the camp before signing up?

We are not running in-person camp visits. Please join our virtual meetings to learn more.

What is security and safety like at the camp?

Security and safety are our top priorities. Our trained camp staff accompany participants at all times, and campers never leave our campus.

What should participants wear to the camp?

Campers should wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers are highly recommended, and no flip-flops or Crocs. Campers must wear their Manhattan University t-shirt every day. If you need extra t-shirts, please contact our staff.

Who makes up the camp staff?

Our camp staff comprises professionals with experience in education and Manhattan University faculty. Manhattan University students may also support daily activities.

Does the camp offer field trips?

All activities and classes are held on campus and in our Manhattan University labs.

Can I cancel my child's registration?

The registration fee is non-refundable. If you have paid for camp and decide not to continue, please email us at infonc@manhattan.edu and we can discuss your situation.

Does the camp provide lunch and snacks?

No. We do not provide lunch or snacks to participants.

Contact Information

If you have any questions (please check our FAQ section) or concerns, please email mcardenas01@manhattan.edu or call us at 718-862-6401.

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