Maritime Adventure camps

Important Dates for 2024
(2025 to be announced)

• January 15:  Financial assistance applications due for priority consideration. Scroll down lower in page for more info.
• February 8 (12pm): REGISTRATION OPENS
• March 1 (12pm): Early registration discount ends
• April 1: Counselor in Training (CIT) Applications due. Scroll down lower in page for more info; refer to CIT Handbook for application instructions.

About Maritime Adventure Camps

Campers make memories and build skills at the Waterfront!

• Sail aboard dinghies, catamarans and keelboats with an instructor and your friends as crew.
• Learn to safely operate a powerboat with hands-on training. 
• Earn your New York Boating Safety Certificate (10 years and up). 
•  Explore marine science through fishing and seining for marine organisms, learning the fundamentals of naval architecture, and much more.
• Paddle in kayaks and balance on stand-up paddleboards.
• Swim, dive and reach for the sky on the climbing wall in the pool. Test your balance and build confidence on the pool log roll. 
• Splash in the East River on a water trampoline and other water toys. 
• Enjoy games and activities that foster self-confidence, communication and teamwork skills.
  
  Download our Parents Manual

Splash Camp

Splash Camp is for youth entering 3rd & 4th grade in the fall.

1-week program, 9am-2:30pm. Extended Day is available from 2:30pm-5pm. Campers will get a taste of many waterfront activities! Six sessions are available.

Boat Camp

Boat Camp is for youth entering 5th through 9th grade in the fall.

Choose from three 2-week, 9am-5pm sessions of water-based fun & learning. Or, sign up for multiple sessions and keep the adventure going all summer long!
 

Our Staff

Waterfront Adventure Camp is led by industry professionals with decades of experience managing waterfront programming. Camp directors, instructors, lifeguards, counselors, and counselors-in-training are specially trained and certified to deliver safe, fun, and enriching activities for youth.

Our Facility

Camp activities take place across the SUNY Maritime College campus, boat basin, and on the East River and Long Island Sound.

McMurray Hall: The camp's home base, the waterfront building houses marine environmental science programming,  indoor games, and additional on-shore activities. 
Boat Basin: Campers kayak, stand-up paddleboard, sail, fish, and powerboat in the basin.
East River: Boating adventures to NYC and into the Long Island Sound start in the East River, where campers enjoy fun on a water trampoline.
Mess Deck & Quad: Lunch is provided at the main campus dining hall. Color War games and after-lunch recreation take over the grassy Quad.
Maritime Academic Center (MAC): Boating safety certification courses take place in the classrooms of the Maritime Academic Center.
Riesenberg Gym: Diving boards, a climbing wall, log rolling, and SCUBA are found at the pool in the gym.
 

Our Campers

Our campers return year after year for fun and adventure, and to learn new skills. Whether attending with schoolmates or trying out activities for the first time with new friends, our focus is on safety and education. Campers come from all over the Bronx, Westchester, Manhattan, northern New Jersey and Long Island to join in the fun!

Campers are grouped by age and sometimes skill level at the discretion of the staff. During registration, campers may request a mutual friend with whom to be paired on their team. However, we emphasize camaraderie and relationship-building with new friends throughout the camp experience.

Our Day

Each day is dynamic and packed with learning and adventure. 

Core programming includes:

• Skill development in sailing, powerboating, paddling, and seamanship
• Lessons about the marine environment and ocean science, fishing, and local ecology
• Team building, leadership, and problem-solving through games

Special programming includes:

• Boating excursions on the East River
• Water toys and trampoline
• Field trips

No boating or sailing experience required! 

All activities are suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards, but we do not offer formal swimming lessons during the camp day. Learn to swim at Maritime.

Camp photos are available on our Facebook page.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Maritime Adventure Camp is for everyone! The Dr. DeAngelis Financial Assistance and Scholarship Program helps families access all the fun our program has to offer. This opportunity is meant for young people interested in getting out on the water this summer who may not otherwise have the resources to participate. Awards are granted based on application and range from 10-80% of the registration fee.

Applications for financial assistance are currently being accepted. Financial Aid is awarded on a rolling basis, space permitting, with priority consideration given to applications received by January 15, 2024. Contact the Waterfront for registration instructions.

Financial Assistance Application
 

Counselor in Training (CIT) Program

Former campers and others entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade are invited to apply for the CIT Program. CITs enjoy the perfect mix of participating in camp activities while acquiring professional work experience, community service hours, and leadership skills. CITs work alongside counselors under the guidance of camp directors. The application process is similar to applying for a job. In order to make this part of the experience valuable for prospective CITs, applicants must complete their own application.

CIT Handbook, Application & Policies
 

2024 Session Dates, Rates & Times
(2025 to be announced)

Maritime Adventure Splash Camp
A one-week program. Drop-off is at 9am and pick-up at 2:30pm, or add on Extended Day with pick-up at 5pm. Lunch, afternoon snack, and all equipment provided.

Maritime Adventure Boat Camp
A full-day, two-week program. Drop-off is at 9am and pick-up is at 5pm. Lunch, afternoon snack, and all equipment provided.

Early Registration Discount: $75 off each session of Boat Camp and $50 off each session of Splash Camp. Available until March 1st at noon.

Registration

Be sure to register your camper based on the grade they will be entering in Fall 2024. Registration is first-come, first-served. When sessions sell out, please sign up for the online waitlist and we will do our best to accommodate you. 
Register here.
 

Additional Information

Updated protocols are subject to change as COVID-related conditions develop. View the Waterfront's current policy here.

Email the Waterfront at waterfront@sunymaritime.edu or call (718) 409-2992.

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What Parents are Saying

“What may seem minor to one child is a monumental accomplishment (for my son). This is the first feeling of an individual accomplishment.  Which he will remember forever.  He will be able to use this experience as his reference point of ‘I did it’ at Maritime, I can do it here!  The confidence he gained in two weeks is priceless!”

“Thank you for the phenomenal experience at Maritime Adventure Camp! My child enjoyed it and learned so much! Memories and lessons for life! We look forward to returning next year!”

“This year has been my son’s best camp season thus far. He’s always coming home excited to share his fun-filled day of activities and learning lessons, while up bright and early the very next day to do it again. He has shown a sense of independence, strength, confidence and has learned so much!!! We want to thank you and all the camp counselors for your dedication and patience.”

“What my child liked best was being with friends on the water while learning how to use different types of boats. The scuba diving was really exciting too! He learned boating on different types of boats, rules of the water, water safety and the basics of scuba. He had a lot of fun! Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience for my son!"

"My daughter loves every minute spent @ Waterfront Camp. She learned Water safety, how to operate a boat, and confidence in her ability to function on the water."

"My 9 year old son really enjoyed his summer camp experience at Maritime. It was his first time there and he talked every day about the activities he participated in. He has been to other camps but I can honestly say he was really excited about this one!! The staff was friendly and welcoming ...they made it fun all the time."