Lifelong friendships — research-backed importance of camp social bonds
Recent research shows the importance of childhood friendships on mental and physical health. A young child's friendships are important in developing social and emotional skills, increasing a sense of belonging, and decreasing stress. Children with 'good' friends do better in school, have higher self-esteem, and can cope with life's stresses and transitions. Studies show that camp develops and nurtures lifelong friendships.
Eights program — Activ8 elective program, choice scheduling, Pierce Sharks Swim Team
Eight is when Pierce campers get more input into determining their own camp activities. Through our 'Activ8' elective program and expanded choice scheduling, campers can choose preferred activities from a tremendous range of athletic and creative possibilities. Eights also enjoy weekly League Play in soccer, basketball and baseball/softball. Now swimming in our two largest pools, Eights can participate on our Pierce Sharks Swim Team and even try the high dive!
In Pierce's exhilarating adventure program campers bounce, zoom, jump, climb and zip their way to FUN! Pierce uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide authentic, safe experiences. Our highly-trained adventure Specialists ensure maximum safety at all times. Campers participate at their own comfort level in our non-competitive environment. Activities include: Treemendous Aerial Treehouse, American Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course, Treetop Trail Ropes Course, Quad bungee trampolines, Sky Fly Triple Zipline, Pony Rides, and more!
Program breadth — broad-based curriculum of athletics, aquatics, arts and adventure
Pierce Country Day Camp's program offers a broad-based curriculum of athletics, aquatics, arts and adventure activities, intentionally structured around child development principles — a break from screen time, outdoor physical activity, unstructured play, skill-building, and opportunities to gain independence, confidence and resilience while forming lasting friendships.
Special Events — Color War, Broadway, celebrity visits, Water Carnival and more
At Pierce, no two days are ever alike, yet every day is filled with FUN and new surprises. Pierce's Special Events have included: Carnival, Color War, Broadway Shows, Mets and Yankees baseball games, Professional Athlete visits and clinics, DJs, surprise guests — sky divers 'jumping' into a full camp assembly, Concerts, Water Carnival, Camper and counselor Talent Shows, Pierce Idol, Pierce Theater productions, Magic Shows, and TONS more!
Lasting impact — resilience, confidence, independence from camp experience
Studies show that camp helps kids build a 'positive identity' in which they feel more confident, more independent, and proud of themselves. This increase in confidence is shown to lead to more success in school, college, and career. Research shows that factors that lead to resilience include: supportive adult-child relationships, building a sense of self-efficacy, providing opportunities to strengthen adaptive skills, and encouraging traditions — all of which take place and are nurtured at camp.
Leadership team — average 20+ years of Pierce experience
The Pierce Country Day Camp leadership team is second to none. Our day camp Supervisors and Directors have an average tenure of 20+ years of Pierce experience. They are the expert eyes and ears of camp, overseeing every aspect of our program. Our Group Leaders also provide an incredible level of supervision, constantly interacting with campers and staff. All of our leadership team members are college graduates who are teachers, coaches or parents.
Aquatics program — American Red Cross curriculum, ability grouping, weekly progress tracking
Pierce Country Day Camp follows the American Red Cross swimming program. Campers are grouped in the water according to ability. Our swimmers are tested on a weekly basis at a minimum. Our goal is to have all of our campers progress in the water. Swim instruction is taught by our large, talented certified lifeguard staff. We pay close attention to each camper's progress and make the necessary adjustments so all campers grow and succeed. When one-on-one attention is needed, we will make sure that it happens.
Arts program — state-of-the-art dance studio, professional stage, Karaoke studio
Pierce Country Day Camp offers so many ways for campers to expand horizons and uncover new talents. Our state-of-the-art dance studio, professional stage and sound system, theatrical back-stage area and karaoke music studio are the ideal places to develop skills and showcase talents. Our beautiful Arts and Crafts facilities, including our Imagination Station and Studio Art areas, provide an inspiring backdrop for artistic expression.
Daily schedule — arrival, activity start, dismissal times
Buses begin to arrive at 8:50 a.m. The camp daily activity schedule begins at 9:30 a.m. Our daily schedule concludes at 3:45 p.m. with dismissal at 4:00 p.m. Our Mini-Day program for 3 & 4 year olds ends/dismisses at 2:00 p.m. each day.
