Off-Season Camp Traditions at Rolling River Day Camp
If you thought the Rolling River Day Camp experience was only for the summer, you would be mistaken! As our camp is centrally located in our Long Island community, Rolling River hosts a plethora of year-round events for all ages. We have developed loving traditions that serve as an extension of the camp season and children, staff and parents look forward to these events each year. Since we adjusted many events this year due to COVID19, we wanted to look back on our favorite year-round activities and relive the moments that keep us connected in the off-season.
Top 8 Off-Season Activities at Rolling River:
8- Mariner Movie Night- Hollywood comes to Rolling River in March during Mariner Movie Night! Children entering 1st through 4th grade are invited to camp after dark to view their favorite movie on the big screen in a slumber party atmosphere. Campers wear their pajamas, bring their favorite stuffed animal and blanket/sleeping bag, and snack on popcorn, all while reuniting with their campmates. What will be the next flick?
7- Navigator/CIT Reunion Trip– We ring in the New Year and reunite with old friends during our Navigator and CIT Reunion. Each February, our oldest campers and CITs unite in an off-campus location to catch up and hang out with their camp buddies. They never know where the mystery reunion will take place each year and look forward to this special trip.
6- Skipper Social- Campers in our youngest division love to get their dancing shoes and singing voices in high gear during the Skipper Social! Skippers and their parents love to come and play at camp in the spring as they count down the days until camp. The Divisional Supervisors Jill and Ali always start the event with their usual “Good Morning Skippers!” cheer and then children and parents are treated to an interactive show in our Sea Breeze Theater.
5- May Play Day- We know camp is near when May Play Day comes around! This event was created as a transitional way to get new campers comfortable with the camp facility. The play day is open as an exclusive event for enrolled families to play on Pebble Playground. It has become a perfect way for new families to meet other kids and ensure there is a familiar face on the first.
4- Holiday Camp- Started in 2010, Holiday Camp has grown into the perfect staycation for campers when school is out. Rolling River offers children the opportunity to take advantage of the camp’s facilities and activities in the winter and spring months. A staple tradition during this week is “Lonny’s Game Show Surprise” event when Mariner Division Supervisor Lonny sets up a mini version of his beloved summer game shows. Children of all ages look forward to competing and winning a special surprise.
3- Great Date Night- This highly popular event was created over 10 years ago to give parents the opportunity to go out on a “child-free date” while Rolling River took care of the babysitting. While parents dine at local restaurants, children have a blast playing at camp “after dark” with fun, age-appropriate activities. To celebrate the holiday season, everyone comes dressed in their favorite pajamas and bring a toy to donate for our holiday toy drive.
2- Fall Festival- For over 20 years, Rolling River has hosted the Annual Fall Festival, a large-scale, fall-themed, carnival open to the entire surrounding community. The Festival includes a wide array of rides, merchandise vendors, BBQ cookout, performances and music. The event’s focus on kids makes it a perfect local activity for families. Many of our staff and CITs volunteer to work at the Fall Festival and they always get to choose their favorite “Halloween” costume hat to wear for the day. Who will wear the turkey hat next year?
1- Meet Your Mateys Day- Argh, matey….are you ready to set sail for camp at “Meet Your Mateys Day”? MYMD is a camper orientation that takes place in June prior to the start of the camp season. Each group meets with their new campmates and counselors during a specified time. Campers always look forward to what new icebreakers the counselors have in store and who will hold the “group sign”. You know the camp season is officially here for Meet Your Mateys Day!
This unprecedented year has caused Rolling River to “think out of the box” to give our camp population the same feelings of community, joy and family fun while in a safe and healthy environment. Therefore, we are excited that new traditions have been started including the Halloween Spooktaular, Turkey Trot Fun Run and Santa’s Holiday Meet and Greet. We are sure there will be many more traditions in store for us all if we continue to keep the spirit of camp alive!