Program Units

Program Units

Our 14 specialized units are run by creative, passionate, and experienced teaching artists and educators that build curricula rooted in nature and guided by Jewish values. As campers get older at NCDC, they have increased opportunities to choose how they spend their time in unit programming.

Campers in TumbleRoot rotate through all NCDC activities and are provided the option to engage in each of our 14 program units at least once per session. Each day, campers also work with TumbleRoot staff who run early childhood-friendly activities, on top of their twice-daily swim periods.

Campers in FeatherStone rotate through each of our NCDC program units during daily scheduled activities with their Featherstone groups so they can get a taste of everything that NCDC has to offer—including the programs they didn’t know they would love!

In addition to signing up for their weekly elective unit (week-long progressive programs), Thundercreek campers have the added privilege of choosing a 30-minute daily unit activity in order to participate in multiple programs they are passionate about.

Build

Campers in Build learn how to use found objects and materials in the vast wilderness around them to bring to life creations such as rock labyrinths, magical forest paths and tunnels, mini cityscapes, and even giant dragons’ nests! 

Movement

In Movement, campers use their bodies in all kinds of expressive ways– dancing, tumbling, bouncing, racing, and rolling- in activities ranging from ballet to yoga to gymnastics to parkour! 

News

Campers will investigate, interview, and report on all the goings-on at NCDC! They’ll do their reporting in writing, photography, and contribute to our weekly NCDC newspaper!

Theater

Bravo! Our young thespians will learn theater games, stage acting techniques, and improv, and have the chance to write and perform original works for their fellow campers! 

Art & Design

In Art & Design, campers will express themselves through Fine Art such as painting, drawing and sculpture and create incredible Crafts from found objects or up-cycled materials.   

LABA

Laba is the Hebrew word for lava, and LABA is the place at NCDC where ideas bubble up! Here, campers learn about camp’s Jewish values and our weekly themes, and reflect on them through physical activities, and hands-on projects. Each Friday, we’ll honor our learning together at our Shabbat celebration! 

CCG (Cooking, Camping, and Gardening)

Campers in CCG will hike and explore our gorgeous setting in Staten Island’s Greenbelt, study the environment around us, and tend to our beautiful garden featuring native fruits, vegetables, herbs and pollinator plants. Campers will expand their culinary skills using these fresh ingredients.

Music

Music lovers will write their own songs, play a variety of instruments, and have opportunities to help lead camp music programming in the NCDC band! 

Martial Arts

Learn the ancient practice of self-discipline and physical strength. Campers will practice real, safe moves on breakable boards and pads, while learning tumbling as well! 

Sports

Campers will learn rules for and play a variety of team sports and field games- soccer, kickball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, capture the flag, and more–all with an emphasis on fair play and fun! 

Imagination

In our Imagination program, campers will invent characters and explore unknown worlds in role-playing games inspired by fantasy, science fiction, and, well- anything in their imagination! 

Mad Science

Science is always in the air! Our mad scientists will conduct all sorts of experiments that include the natural world of camp and some unexpected visitors like snow in July!

Questions? You can email our team at newcountry@14streety.org