Camp Kinderland: A Progressive Summer Camp with a Conscience for NYC Families

Introduction / Overview

For nearly a century, New York families seeking a summer camp experience that is both deeply rooted in progressive values and rich with cultural heritage have turned to Camp Kinderland Inc. More than just a typical recreational 'campground,' Kinderland is an established, independent non-profit organization that operates a renowned summer sleepaway camp and maintains its year-round administrative and community hub right here in Brooklyn. Founded in 1923 by Jewish labor activists, the camp’s original vision was to provide a recreational escape from the tenements of New York City for the children of working people, while simultaneously fostering a commitment to social justice, peace, and secular Jewish culture.

This unique institution, whose motto is "The Summer Camp with a Conscience Since 1923," offers children and teens (ages 9 to 16) an experience that seamlessly blends traditional camp activities—like sports, swimming, and arts—with a distinctive, integrated cultural program. Camp Kinderland is a multicultural community that honors its progressive secular Jewish roots through an unwavering commitment to social, economic, and racial justice. Instead of competition, the camp emphasizes cooperation, community, and active world citizenship. Campers live in bunks named after social justice heroes like Ella Baker and Joe Hill, learn Yiddish folk songs, and participate in activities that promote global peace and civil rights. It is an oasis where New York kids are encouraged to think, to question, and to act on their values in a compassionate and caring environment.

Location and Accessibility

While the actual summer camping facility is nestled on a beautiful 300-acre property in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, the organizational heart and primary point of contact for New York-based families is conveniently located in the downtown Brooklyn area.

The year-round office for Camp Kinderland Inc is situated at: 16 Court St #2200, Brooklyn, NY 11241, USA.

This location is strategically chosen for its accessibility to the vast network of New York families that the camp serves.

For local New Yorkers, the Brooklyn office location offers:

Easy access via numerous NYC Subway lines, including the 2, 3, 4, 5, R, A, C, and F trains, which all service the nearby Court Street / Borough Hall station complex. This makes consultations, meetings, and registration effortless for parents commuting from any borough.
The office acts as the central hub for administrative support, community engagement, and year-round programming, including the Kinderland Shule (secular Jewish after-school program).
During the summer months, the camp organizes dedicated bus transportation from the New York City area directly to the Massachusetts campground, ensuring a straightforward and secure travel experience for campers.

This organizational footprint in Brooklyn ensures that Camp Kinderland remains deeply connected to the New York communities from which the majority of its campers originate, making it feel close to home even though the summer grounds provide a necessary, refreshing escape to nature.

Services Offered

Camp Kinderland provides a comprehensive sleepaway camp experience alongside year-round educational and community services, all managed from their Brooklyn office.

Diverse Summer Camp Sessions: Offered for children aged 9 to 16, with sessions ranging from two-week introductory periods for younger, first-time campers, to four-week, three-week, and full seven-week stays. The Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program is available for older teens.
Need-Based Scholarships: As a non-profit, Camp Kinderland is dedicated to accessibility, providing significant need-based financial assistance annually to offset tuition expenses for families.
Year-Round Educational Programs (Shule): The organization runs a secular Jewish after-school program in the city, the Kinderland Shule, focusing on a rich heritage of history and culture, separate from religious observance, and always guided by social justice principles.
Integrated Cultural Programming: Educational themes of peace, human rights, labor, civil rights, and social activism are woven into daily camp life, discussions, and arts projects.
Family-Style Dining & Health Care: Meals are served family-style in the Pete Seeger Dining Hall, with an emphasis on balance, nutrition, and accommodating various dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergy management, etc.). A live-in nursing staff is available 24/7 at the Health Center.
Transportation Services: Convenient and safe bus service is available between the New York area and the camp facility in Massachusetts at the start and end of sessions for a nominal fee.

Features / Highlights

Camp Kinderland distinguishes itself from conventional summer camps through a powerful blend of nature, culture, and ethics.

A Focus on Social Justice and Activism: Campers engage in projects and discussions about contemporary and historical social issues, ensuring a profound and unique learning experience integrated with fun. The 'Peace Olympics' is a beloved three-day event where teams compete in sports while also learning about and creating cultural presentations on social justice movements.
Progressive Secular Jewish Roots: The camp actively celebrates a cultural identity and history rooted in ethical responsibility and progressive activism, incorporating Yiddish language, folk songs, and history into the daily program.
Dedicated Camp Facilities: The Massachusetts location features a private lake fully encircled by the camp’s property, a dedicated waterfront area for swimming and boating, various sports fields, and specialized facilities like the Paul Robeson Playhouse for drama and the Kathe Kollwitz Arts and Crafts Studio.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: Committed to inclusion and diversity, Kinderland is a gender-inclusive camp that respects and affirms all campers’ identities, creating a safe, judgment-free space where children can truly be themselves.
Emphasis on Cooperation over Competition: Sports programs—including soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and softball—stress skill-building, teamwork, and fun, minimizing competitive pressure to encourage participation from all skill levels.
Historical Legacy and Community: With a history stretching back over 100 years, the camp has a deep legacy and a multigenerational community, creating a strong sense of belonging and solidarity among campers and alumni.

Contact Information

The year-round administrative office is the best contact point for New York families interested in enrollment, scholarships, community events, or the Kinderland Shule.

Address: 16 Court St #2200, Brooklyn, NY 11241, USA

Phone: (718) 643-0771

Mobile Phone: +1 718-643-0771

Note: Due to the seasonal nature of the camp, all non-emergency correspondence and administrative inquiries should be directed to the Brooklyn office.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York City parents, Camp Kinderland Inc offers a transformative opportunity that transcends the typical summer experience. In a city where children are often exposed to intense academic and social pressures, Kinderland provides a crucial counterbalance—an oasis that prioritizes emotional and ethical development alongside traditional fun. Local families value that the organization's administration is rooted right here in Brooklyn, ensuring easy communication, access to the year-round Shule, and convenient transportation arrangements.

Most significantly, this is a camp that reflects the progressive and multicultural values cherished by many New Yorkers. It’s a place where children from diverse backgrounds—many with secular Jewish, activist, or union roots—find a community that validates their family's worldview and encourages them to be active agents of change. By immersing them in an environment dedicated to peace, justice, and critical thinking, Kinderland helps cultivate the next generation of engaged, compassionate citizens. For the New York local, it is the premier choice for a summer camp that not only builds confidence and resilience but also instills a lifelong "conscience." It is a camp that allows a child to escape the city's concrete jungle, while still feeling profoundly connected to the city's enduring spirit of diversity and activism.