Frequently Asked Questions

What ages and grade levels does camp serve?

Smithtown Summer Camp serves campers ages 4 to 16. We have five program levels grouped by age and grade: Early Program (ages 4–6, Pre-K to Kindergarten), Lower Camp (Grades 1–3), Middle Camp (Grades 3–5), Upper Camp (Grades 5–8), and our CIT Program (ages 14–16, entering 8th–11th grade).

When does camp run in 2026?

Camp runs for 8 consecutive weeks, Monday through Friday, from June 29 through August 21, 2026. You can pick any combination of weeks, with a minimum of one week.

Where is camp located?

Camp is held at The Knox School, 541 Long Beach Road, St. James, NY 11780, on the North Shore of Long Island, easy to reach from across Suffolk County.

What are the hours of camp?

Our camp day begins at 9:00 AM and goes until 4:00 PM! That's right, an entire day of fun! We also provide flexible before care and after care.

How long does my child need to commit to camp?

The minimum amount of time that you need to register your child is for 1 week of fun!

Does camp follow weekly themes?

Yes. Each week carries a fresh theme that weaves through games, arts, and special events, so campers who stay multiple weeks never have the same summer twice.

Is camp permitted or licensed?

Yes. Smithtown Summer Camp is permitted and inspected by the Suffolk County Department of Health.

What activities will my child do each day?

Every day, campers rotate through five core activity areas: swim with certified instructors, team sports, camp games, arts, and STEM. Each activity is modified for the age and ability of the group.

Does camp have a swimming pool? How often do campers swim?

Yes. We have an on-campus pool, and campers swim every day with certified swim instructors. The pool program includes Learn to Swim, Water Safety, Free Swim, and Pool Games.

Does my child need to pass a swim test? What if they can't swim?

No pass/fail test. At the start of camp, our certified swim instructors evaluate each child's swimming ability so we can meet them where they are and help them take the next step. All swimmers, from beginners to advanced, are welcomed and supported at their level.

Are the indoor spaces air-conditioned?

Yes. Bancroft Phinney Hall, the heart of our indoor program, houses the gymnasium, theater, classrooms, dance studio, music room, and game room, and is fully air-conditioned, so camp runs comfortably rain or shine.

What happens in the event of weather?

Camp will always run! With extensive indoor space throughout the entire campus, camp is open rain or shine!

What is the CIT Program?

Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is for motivated teens ages 14–16 (entering 8th–11th grade). CITs develop leadership skills, gain hands-on camp experience, mentor younger campers, and build abilities in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Spaces are limited and CITs pay a reduced tuition rate.

What kind of training does camp staff go through?

Our counselors are carefully selected for maturity, energy, and experience with children. They go through thorough training sessions guided by our supervisory team and experts in youth development so they can serve as trusted mentors. Head Counselors and Supervisors bring years of education experience, and our Camp Directors and Administration have decades of combined experience in camp management, education, and athletics.

How much does camp cost?

For 2026, camper tuition ranges from $569 to $659 per week depending on how many weeks you bundle and which pricing window is active. CIT tuition runs from $469 to $559 per week. Early Bird pricing (through March 31, 2026) offers the deepest savings, up to $90/week off when you bundle 6–8 weeks. See the Dates & Rates page for the current active rate.

What's included with my tuition?

Every week of camp includes lunch and snacks prepared daily by Culinart, daily swim with certified instructors, sports, games, arts, and STEM activities, and access to our Knox School campus. Before care (from 8 AM) and after care (until 6 PM) are available for a small additional fee.

Do you offer any discounts?

We offer both an early bird discount and a multi week discount.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes. Each sibling automatically receives a 5% discount, applied on the registration form.

Do you have payment plans?

Yes. The first payment is due upon registration and the following are the 1st of every month.

When does the payment plan end?

The first payment is due at registration, and remaining installments are billed on the 1st of each month through 7/1/2026.

Are payments refundable?

No. All payments are non-refundable.

Can I rearrange my camp weeks after I register?

Yes. Register now to lock in your pricing, and you can rearrange your weeks later as your summer plans come together. The flexibility is built in.

How do I register?

Register online through our CampSite enrollment system at smithtown.campmanagement.com/enroll. Early Bird and Multi-Week discounts apply automatically at checkout. The first payment is due at registration, and the remaining balance is split across our monthly payment plan.

Do we have transportation?

Campers will be dropped off and picked up by their parents/guardians at Knox School 541 Long Beach Rd, St James, NY 11780. Flexible early drop-off and late pick-up will be available by special request.

Do you offer before and after care?

Yes! We offer a flexible before care that's as early as 8 AM and an after care program as late as 6 PM for a small fee.

What paperwork do I need to complete before camp?

Before your camper's first day, we'll ask for a completed health form, current immunization record, emergency contacts, photo release, and pickup authorization.

What's your medication policy?

All medications must be in their original packaging, non-expired, and accompanied by a doctor's note.

Where do campers eat lunch?

Campers eat in Houghton Hall, known to campers as "The Restaurant," a historic 1914 dining room with granite flooring, a grand chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Nissequogue River and the Knox School grounds.

Who prepares the food at camp?

All meals are prepared on site by Culinart, a professional food service organization that serves Knox School year-round. The hot kitchen rotates daily (pizza, chicken fingers, chicken parm, hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, plus sides like rice, pasta, potatoes, and steamed vegetables) and the cold bar is available every day (salad, bagels, sandwiches, seasonal fruit, yogurt, vegetables). Juice and water are available throughout the day.

Do we offer lunch?

Yes! A professional caterer provides us with lunch and snacks daily. A weekly camp menu will be sent out prior to the start of camp.

Do you accommodate special diets or food allergies?

Yes. Our camp staff takes allergies seriously and we work with families to accommodate special diets. Any special food needs are carefully monitored and delivered. The entire camp is nut-free.

Are we nut-free?

Yes. And we ask that if you participate in bringing your own lunch and snack that you be respectful of our 'nut-free' atmosphere.

Can I bring my own lunch?

Yes! As long as the lunch is 'nut-free'. We recommend a nutritious sandwich and healthy snacks. No refrigeration is available for packed lunches.

What should we pack?

All campers should arrive with a backpack that includes a water bottle, sunscreen, towel and one of their favorite nut free snacks.

What should we wear to camp?

All campers should be ready to play when they arrive. Please drop your campers off with sunscreen applied, athletic apparel and athletic footwear.

What should my camper bring for swim?

Pack a bathing suit, goggles, and a towel. Campers swim every day.