Goldens Bridge Day Camp

- 11 Hall Ave, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526

For New York families seeking a truly special and formative summer experience for their children, *Goldens Bridge Day Camp (GBDC)* offers a unique and deeply rooted tradition in northern Westchester County. Founded in 1927 and proudly subsidized by the Goldens Bridge Community Association, GBDC is more than just a summer program—it is a community institution. The camp is consistently described by those who know it best as "the best," "small and unique," and a place where formative years are spent building character and lasting friendships.

Unlike large, commercial camps, GBDC intentionally maintains a small, intimate scale, accepting up to approximately 80 campers in total. This size fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring that every child is known, nurtured, and celebrated. The philosophy is centered on providing an opportunity for children of all backgrounds to develop respect for one another, nurture their strengths, and grow their knowledge, independence, and creativity. With an emphasis on taking full advantage of the beautiful outdoors, GBDC is committed to making each day a cherished memory for campers ranging in age from 3 to 13, plus a dedicated Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for 14- and 15-year-olds.

The highly-regarded, caring staff—many of whom are former campers themselves—create a sense of continuity and history that serves as a powerful and positive influence on current attendees. This dedicated team, which includes a high staff-to-camper ratio, ensures excellent supervision and a safe, welcoming environment.

Goldens Bridge Day Camp is conveniently located at 11 Hall Ave, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526, USA. This location places it in the heart of Westchester County, making it highly accessible for local families across the region, including Katonah, Bedford, Pound Ridge, and surrounding areas. The camp is tucked into a small, rural enclave, providing a tranquil and natural setting despite its proximity to suburban communities.

The camp's facilities are exceptional for a day camp setting, encompassing a historic barn, the picturesque Timber Lake, spacious sports fields, and 17 acres of undeveloped woodlands. This expansive, natural campus provides the perfect backdrop for a comprehensive outdoor summer experience, with campers feeling immersed in nature throughout the day.

As a day camp, operation is typically Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, aligning perfectly with local residents' summer schedules. Its location within the Goldens Bridge Colony also benefits from the community's commitment to preserving the surrounding natural spaces, ensuring a beautiful, protected environment for the children.

GBDC offers a wide range of services and programs structured to promote both skill development and creative expression for all age groups.

• Comprehensive Age Range: Programs for children aged 3 through 13, plus a Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program for 14- and 15-year-olds. Note that all campers, including those in the nursery program, must be toilet-trained.
• Nursery Program: A specialized program for the youngest campers (3-year-olds) that operates largely on its own with activities tailored to their unique needs, typically 30-45 minutes in length, with a 1:30 pm early pick-up option available.
• Expert Staff and Instruction: Program specialists, many of whom are professional teachers, offer developmentally appropriate instruction in core specialty areas.
• High Staff-to-Camper Ratio: Ensures personalized attention and excellent supervision, with at least two counselors per group (groups usually having about 10 campers).
• Daily Instructional & Free Swim: Campers swim twice daily in the pristine, eight-acre Timber Lake, receiving daily, non-pressured instruction from a WSI-certified Waterfront Director and lifeguards. Safety ratios far exceed Board of Health requirements.
• Off-Site Enrichment: Older campers may participate in day trips, community service projects, and even overnight camping trips, fostering a broader understanding of the world.
• Special Events: Visiting artists and special theme days enhance the program, providing unique and exciting experiences throughout the summer season.

The unique facilities and core program features of Goldens Bridge Day Camp create a distinct and enriching summer environment:

• Picturesque Timber Lake: The centerpiece of the camp, this eight-acre lake is used for all swimming and boating activities, offering a truly idyllic, natural aquatic experience unlike many pool-only camps.
• Historic Barn Facility: A large, historic barn serves as a central hub, providing shelter for activities, with an indoor stage for theater arts and performances.
• 17 Acres of Undeveloped Woodlands: Dedicated “forever wild” land with wooded trails that allow for extensive nature study, hiking, and exploring, encouraging campers to reconnect with the natural world.
• Specialty Activity Focus: Daily activities led by specialists include arts & crafts, nature and environmental study, music, drama/theater arts, dancing, and a variety of sports.
• Sports Facilities: The camp features well-maintained, spacious sport areas, including a soccer field, basketball courts, and beach volleyball courts.
• Community and Continuity: The camp’s status as a subsidized community organization and its high retention rate of staff who were former campers provide a unique, family-like continuity and sense of belonging that few other camps can replicate.

For registration, seasonal dates, tuition information, or to inquire about the various programs offered, you may contact the camp directly:

Address: 11 Hall Ave, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526, USA

Phone: (914) 232-9488

Mobile Phone: +1 914-232-9488

Mailing Address (For administrative/correspondence purposes): P.O. Box 157, Goldens Bridge, N.Y. 10526

Goldens Bridge Day Camp is perfectly suited for New York local families, particularly those in the Westchester and surrounding counties, because it offers an invaluable combination of history, intimacy, and a superior natural setting. In an age of large-scale commercial programs, GBDC remains a small, community-driven refuge that prioritizes personal development and a genuine connection to nature.

The camp provides the essential elements of a traditional summer—daily instructional swim in a natural lake, theater, arts, and sports—all within an easy, local commute. For parents, the extremely high staff-to-camper ratio and the longevity of the staff provide peace of mind and confidence that their child is not only safe but truly cared for and known. As one long-time attendee noted, it is a place where "most formative years were spent," deeply impacting who they became. GBDC is the ideal local choice for parents who want a unique, nurturing, and quality summer program that fosters independence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for community.

Goldens Bridge Day Camp

11 Hall Ave, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526, USA