Looking to keep your children occupied during your stay on Fire Island? There are organized camp options where children can meet peers of similar ages from a wide range of locations, including Long Island, New York City, and beyond. This experience can enrich them throughout adulthood and become the beginning of lifelong friendships. The camps often double as first-time job experiences on Fire Island, as some become junior counselors in their teenage years. All camps on this list operate on a day camp basis, and residency requirements may apply.
Saltaire Day Camp
Operated by the Incorporated Village of Saltaire, registration priority for the Day Camp is given to Saltaire homeowners and legally permitted Village renters from May 15 to June 1, and then transitions to open enrollment to neighboring communities after that on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must be four years of age to enroll. Camp dates are June 30-August 22. The enrollment can be as short as one week or up to eight weeks. For more information, visit saltairerecreation.com.
Fire Island Junior Lifeguard Program
Presented by Open Water Swim LI, this course will not certify you to become a lifeguard, but will prepare you for the New York State Level 1 Ocean Lifeguard Test. Participants ages 8-16 will learn life-saving techniques, water safety protocol, how to use rescue equipment, and more! Camp dates: July 5, 12, 19, 26; and August 2, 9, 18 at Atlantique Beach, Fire Island, from 7:40-9:30 a.m. Ferry transportation out of Bay Shore is available for mainland children to participate in the program. The fee is $225 for Town of Islip residents and $275 for out-of-town residents. Ferry tickets must be purchased separately, directly from Fire Island Ferries. To register, visit openwaterswimli.com or call (631) 224-5404.
Ocean Beach Youth Group Camp
Ocean Beach Youth Group is a non-profit community day camp that provides an engaging array of activities for children ages 3-14 and a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for 15-year-olds. The camp’s staff comprises teachers, art professionals, certified coaches, college students, and older teens, providing a comfortable environment for campers to enjoy exciting and meaningful summers. Camp dates: June 30-August 22. Like the Salatire camp, children from neighboring communities are welcome, and enrollment durations are flexible according to your stay on Fire Island. For registration and more information, visit obyg.org.
Patricia Ann J. Mooney Memorial Beach Camp
This popular and well-supervised summer program at Atlantique Beach consists of fun-filled summer activities such as swimming, scavenger hunts, team sports, sand sculptures, and more! Middle school-aged children are invited to weekly sessions from July 7-August 15 from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-inclusive fee includes a light lunch, a camp T-shirt, and ferry transportation from Bay Shore Marina. All participants are required to complete a yearly swim assessment. Fee: $400 for Islip Town Residents, and $500 for out-of-town residents. Contact the Town of Islip Recreation Office at (631) 224-5406 for more information.
Dunewood Yacht Club Sailing Lessons
The Dunewood Yacht Club offers youth sailing lessons every summer, both in full-summer group classes and one-on-one private lessons. All skill levels are welcome. Children from neighboring communities are welcome, with enrollment fees at a slightly higher cost than those of Dunewood residents. Visit dunewoodfi.com/dunewood-yacht-club for more information. For inquiries, reach out to info@dunewoodyachtclub.com.
