Buchanan Village Day Camp

- 218 Westchester Ave, Buchanan, NY 10511

For parents in New York's Westchester County and the greater Hudson Valley region, finding a reliable, community-based summer program is key to a successful season. The Buchanan Village Day Camp, operated by the Village of Buchanan Recreation Department, is a local, accessible option designed to keep children engaged, active, and safe during the summer break. Rooted in community values, this day camp provides a structured and varied program for children entering kindergarten through 8th grade.

The camp aims to offer a classic summer experience, incorporating elements of sports, swimming, and creative play to prevent summer learning loss and promote a healthy lifestyle. It runs for a substantial portion of the summer, offering flexibility with three-week and six-week session options. Reviews from satisfied families highlight the friendly and caring nature of the administration, nurse, and general staff, often praising the variety of activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, from freestyle swimming and sports to water safety education and community participation. The convenience of amenities like large water slides, sprinklers, and an after-care program further enhances its appeal to busy local parents.

However, as with any program involving youth, parents must exercise due diligence. While many experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a deeply troubling review explicitly details allegations of severe bullying of a small, pre-term child and a distressing lack of appropriate administrative response, including an alleged refusal to meet with parents or address the abuse, summarized by a "boys will be boys" sentiment. Such serious concerns about safety, policy adherence, and staff responsiveness stand in stark contrast to the positive reports of activities and must be thoroughly investigated by prospective families, as they reflect a significant potential risk to child well-being. Potential campers are strongly advised to contact the camp directly to inquire about their explicit, up-to-date anti-bullying policies, staff training protocols, and specific procedures for conflict resolution.

The Buchanan Village Day Camp is a cornerstone program of the Buchanan Recreation Department. It provides a comprehensive summer day camp experience for children entering grades K through 8. The program typically runs for approximately six weeks from the beginning of July to the middle of August, offering both full-session and partial-session enrollment options, providing flexibility for local New York families' summer schedules. The camp’s primary focus is on fun, safety, and community, with activities designed to be interactive, engaging, and suitable for the diverse age groups in attendance. The activities are primarily held outdoors on camp grounds, utilizing the local facilities like the Village pool and recreation areas, with indoor options for art and rainy-day activities. The camp is structured to be accessible to both Village residents and non-residents, though residents are offered priority registration and a substantial fee discount, which is a significant benefit for families residing in the 10511 zip code.

The Buchanan Village Day Camp is centrally located within the community, making drop-off and pickup straightforward for local families in the Cortlandt and Peekskill areas.

Address: 218 Westchester Ave, Buchanan, NY 10511, USA

The camp utilizes facilities located in and around the Village of Buchanan, NY, which is situated in the northwestern corner of Westchester County, directly on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. This location places it in the heart of the scenic Hudson Valley, just a short drive from major regional transportation routes. The physical location on Westchester Avenue is easily accessible and provides a community hub setting for the daily camp activities. This proximity also offers excellent opportunities for community engagement, such as the noted Fire Department water days, making the camp feel deeply integrated into the fabric of the Village. The location is also relatively close to other popular Hudson Valley destinations, including Croton Gorge Park, Bear Mountain State Park, and river towns like Peekskill, where families can find additional attractions like Spins Hudson.

The Village of Buchanan Day Camp is designed to meet the needs of working parents by providing a full, engaging day of supervision and activities, as well as extended hours.

• Age Groups Served: The program caters to children entering Kindergarten up to those entering the 8th grade.

• Flexible Enrollment: Enrollment options typically include both 6-week and 3-week sessions, requiring full payment at the time of registration.

• After Camp Care: An After Camp Care program is available from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, which often includes quiet time, movies, and additional swimming time at the pool, offering extended hours for parents.

• Registration Priority and Discounts: Village residents (10511 zip code) receive priority registration and discounted rates. A sibling discount (typically 10%) is also offered for multiple children from the same family.

• Health and Safety Protocol: All necessary medical information must be fully completed on registration cards, as mandated by the Westchester County Health Department, with a nurse typically on staff.

The camp's program is structured around a variety of engaging activities and special events that ensure a fun and memorable summer.

• Aquatic Program: This includes swim lessons, afternoon free swim sessions, and water safety activities conducted at the Village pool. The pool area also features large water slides and sprinklers.

• Sports and Athletics: Organized sports activities are offered for all groups, utilizing an outside field and a pavilion for basketball and other games.

• Creative and Indoor Play: Art activities are conducted indoors. Rainy days and free time feature brand-new board games, hula hoops, Legos, and craft kits like bracelet making, ensuring fun continues regardless of weather.

• Special Events: The camp features weekly themed activities, water balloon games, Color Wars (campers vs. counselors), a Fire Department water day, Carnival day, and visits from special guests like magicians.

• Food & Treats: Ice pops are provided every Friday, with ice cream offered on selected dates, and special food days featuring items like pizza, hot dogs, or cheeseburgers.

For all registration inquiries, program details, and to review the camp policies and required forms, prospective participants are encouraged to contact the Village of Buchanan Recreation Department.

Address: 218 Westchester Ave, Buchanan, NY 10511, USA

Phone: (914) 737-3668 (Buchanan Recreation Department main number)

Mobile Phone: +1 914-737-3668

Buchanan Village Day Camp is fundamentally suitable for local New York families, particularly those residing in Buchanan and the surrounding Westchester communities, because of its unique position as a municipal, non-profit, community-oriented program. The camp’s significant fee discount and priority registration for residents provide an invaluable, cost-effective service for the 10511 area code. It offers a structured and engaging six-week schedule that covers a full spectrum of classic camp activities—from essential swimming and water safety to sports, arts, and special events—addressing the need for reliable, local child supervision during the summer months.

However, local families must approach enrollment with a critical eye. While the positive aspects of the program’s amenities, dedicated after-care, and general atmosphere are evident, the extremely serious and detailed allegations of unchecked bullying, coupled with a reported dismissive administrative response, cannot be overlooked. For a New York parent, the safety and emotional well-being of their child is paramount. Therefore, this camp is only suitable after a prospective family takes direct and rigorous steps to verify that the Recreation Department has implemented strict, updated anti-bullying policies, improved staff training, and established concrete procedures to handle all incidents with the seriousness and sensitivity they deserve. A municipal camp is an asset, but only if it fully commits to upholding the highest standards of child safety and parental trust.

Buchanan Village Day Camp

218 Westchester Ave, Buchanan, NY 10511, USA