~Ithaca Frolic Summer Camps 2026~

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All of our camps are run by experienced local educators and focus on important childhood skill building such as gross and fine motor skills, social skills, imaginative and cooperative play, arts and crafts, and creative expression.  The camps will run for 9 weeks, from June 29th to August 28th.  This year, we will be offering two sessions each day:  Session 1 from 9 AM-Noon, Session 2 from 1 PM to 4 PM.  You can sign up for as many weeks as you'd like. 

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Cost:  $180/week for our Members*,  $200/week for Non-Members

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Week 1: Frozen Camp June 29th-July 3rd

Week 2: Little Builders Camp July 6th-July 10th

Week 3: Fairies and Frolic Camp  July 13th -July 17th

Week 4: Princess Camp July 20th-July 24th

Week 5: Dinosaur Dig Camp July 27th-July 31st

Week 6: Bluey Camp August 3rd-August 7th

Week 7: Critter Camp August 10th-August 14th

Week 8: Art Camp August 17th-August 21st

Week 9: Pre-K Prep Camp  August 24th-August 28th

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*To maintain the member discount for summer camp(s), you must maintain membership until camp begins.  If you decide to cancel your membership, it's not a problem, we will simply bill you a separate invoice for the remainder of the camp cost.  Thank you for your understanding!​​​

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 Give us a call at (607)252-6756 or e-mail us at ithacafrolic@gmail.com to ask us any questions or to sign up!

 

Week 1: Frozen Camp-June 29th-July 3rd

Spark your own magic! Step into a world of sparkling snow, crystal palaces, and heartwarming adventure! Our camp invites little dreamers to explore a land where the power of friendship can melt even the deepest freeze. While the air might be chilly in our imagination, the fun is just heating up!

Daily Adventures Include:

Ice Palace Architecture: Grab your blueprints! Campers will use "glacier blocks," sugar cubes, and "snow-clay" to design and build their very own shimmering mountain fortresses.

The Northern Lights Science Lab: Discover the science of light and color! We’ll create "glowing jars" and conduct fizzy "snow volcano" experiments that mimic the dancing lights of the arctic sky.

Royal Winter Wardrobe: Campers will design their own frost-dusted accessories, from icy crowns to snowflake badges, using sustainable fabrics and sparkling gems.

Snow Pal Friend-Making: Campers will craft their own plush or clay "frost friends"—whimsical snow-beings with big personalities.

"Melt the Heart" Games: From "Frozen Statue Tag" to "Reindeer Relay Races," our outdoor and indoor games focus on teamwork.

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Frozen Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Frozen Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

  

Week 2: Little Builders Camp-July 6th-July 10th    

Do you love to design, create, and build? Come join us for a week of hands-on discovery at our Little Builders Camp! We'll step into a world of blueprints, hard hats, and architectural wonder as we explore how things work and create structures from the ground up.

Camp Description

This camp is designed to spark curiosity, encourage logic-based creativity, and nurture a love for engineering and design. Through collaborative projects, structural challenges, and tactile building materials, campers will develop:

• Construction & Engineering: We'll encourage campers to design their own structures, experiment with stability, and see their blueprints come to life.

• Problem-Solving & Logic: Building involves trial and error! Collaborating on city layouts and fort designs helps children develop skills like critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and persistence.

• Fine Motor Skills: Working with LEGOs, blocks, and building components involves intricate movements that develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.

• Gross Motor Skills: Designing cities and "roads," and constructing full-sized forts will help develop gross motor skills, physical coordination, and balance.

• Physics and Math: Exploring concepts like weight distribution, height, and counting materials for a project fosters a natural connection to early STEM principles and mathematical thinking.

• Self-Expression & Confidence: Through open-ended challenges and design sessions, campers will have the opportunity to express their unique ideas.

At Little Builders Camp, we lay the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity. Every day is a new project, and every child is a Chief Engineer! Get ready for a week of constructive fun!

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Building Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Building Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

 

Week 3: Fairies and Frolic Camp-July 13th-17th

Do you believe in fairies? Come join us for a week of enchanting fun at our Fairies and Frolic Camp! We'll flutter into a world of magic, imagination, and creative play!

Camp Description:

This camp is designed to spark imaginations, encourage creativity, and nurture a love for nature and all things magical. Through whimsical crafts, enchanting stories, playful games, and outdoor adventures (weather permitting), campers will develop:  

• Imagination and Creativity: Campers will create their own fairy tales, design their own fairy wings, and let their imaginations take flight.

• Social-Emotional Skills: Playing together, sharing ideas, and collaborating on fairy projects will help children develop essential social skills like cooperation, communication, and empathy. 

• Fine Motor Skills: Creating fairy crafts will involve activities like cutting, gluing, painting, and working with embellishments, which help develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.

• Language and Literacy: Storytelling, reading fairy tales, and singing enchanting songs will expand vocabulary, develop listening skills, and foster a love of reading.

• Connection to Nature: Exploring the outdoors (weather permitting) to find "fairy homes," gather natural materials for crafts, and learn about plants and flowers will foster a connection to nature and an appreciation for the environment.

• Self-Expression: Through dress-up, dramatic play, and creating their own fairy characters, campers will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively and build confidence.

At Fairies and Frolic Camp, we'll sprinkle a little magic into every day, creating unforgettable memories and fostering a love for all things whimsical. Get ready for a week of fairy fun and frolic!

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Fairy Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Fairy Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

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Week 4: Enchanted Princess Camp-July 20th-24th 

Get ready for a week of royal fun, magical adventures, and creative expression at our Enchanted Princess Camp (For girls and boys)! We'll immerse ourselves in a world of sparkle, tiaras, and happily ever afters, all while learning valuable skills and making new friends.

Camp Description:

Our Enchanted Princess Camp is designed to ignite imaginations and foster a love of storytelling, creativity, and friendship. Through enchanting activities, games, crafts, and dramatic play, children will develop:

• Social-Emotional Skills: Sharing, cooperating, taking turns, and building friendships are at the heart of our princess adventures. 

• Creative Expression: From crafting sparkling crowns to acting out princess stories and singing enchanting songs, campers will have endless opportunities to express their creativity and imagination.

• Language and Literacy: Storytelling, reading princess tales, and engaging in dramatic play will help expand vocabulary, develop listening skills, and foster a love of reading.  

• Fine Motor Skills: Creating crafts like beaded necklaces, decorating crowns, and practicing graceful dance moves will help strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

• Gross Motor Skills: Dancing, playing princess-themed games, and participating in outdoor activities (weather permitting) will encourage gross motor development and coordination.  

• Self-Confidence: Dressing up as their favorite princesses, performing in mini-plays, and showcasing their creations will build self-confidence and encourage self-expression.

• Imagination and Pretend Play: We'll create a magical world where anything is possible, fostering imagination and pretend play, which are crucial for cognitive development.

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Royal Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Royal Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

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Week 5: Dinosaur Dig Camp-July 27th-July31st

Roar! Get ready for a prehistoric adventure at Dinosaur Dig Camp! Little paleontologists will explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs through hands-on activities, exciting discoveries, and dino-sized fun.

Camp Description:

This camp is all about digging up fun and learning about dinosaurs in a playful and engaging way. We'll combine imaginative play with educational activities to create a memorable experience for every young explorer. Campers will develop:

• Fine Motor Skills: Using small tools for "excavations," painting dinosaur fossils, and creating dinosaur crafts will help develop hand-eye coordination and strengthen little hands.

• Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, and stomping like dinosaurs during our movement activities will get those little bodies moving and grooving. We might even have a dinosaur egg hunt!

• Sensory Exploration: Digging in sandboxes filled with "fossils," exploring different textures like sand, dirt, and paint, and creating dinosaur footprints will provide rich sensory experiences.  

• Cognitive Skills: Learning about different types of dinosaurs, their habitats, and what they ate will expand their knowledge of the prehistoric world. 

• Social Skills: Working together on "excavations," sharing tools, and playing dinosaur-themed games will help children develop important social skills like cooperation and communication.

• Imagination and Creativity: Acting out dinosaur stories, creating dinosaur puppets, and imagining life in the prehistoric era will spark their imaginations and encourage creative expression.  

Dinosaur Dig Camp is the perfect adventure for any child who loves dinosaurs! Get ready to unearth some fun and make some dino-mite memories!

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Dino Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Dino Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

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Week 6: Bluey Camp-August 3rd-August 7th 

Join us for a bonza week of play-based learning where we'll explore themes from the show through imaginative games, crafts, storytelling, and outdoor activities (weather permitting), campers will develop:

• Social-Emotional Skills: Learning to share, cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts through group games and collaborative play, just like Bluey and Bingo! We'll focus on building friendships and empathy.

• Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, skipping, and balancing during our active games and obstacle courses. We'll get those little bodies moving and grooving!

• Fine Motor Skills: Developing hand-eye coordination and dexterity through crafts like making Bingo-inspired flower crowns, Bob Bilby puppets, and other Bluey-themed creations and games like Keepy Uppy.

• Language and Literacy: Expanding vocabulary through storytelling, reading Bluey books, singing songs, and engaging in imaginative play with puppets and props.

 

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Bluey Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Bluey Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

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Week 7: Critter Camp-August 10th-14th

Get ready for a week of furry, feathered, and scaled fun at Critter Camp! We'll explore the amazing world of animals, and learn about their habitats, diets, and how to care for them. And the best part? We'll have real animal visitors throughout the week!

Camp Description:

Critter Camp is designed to spark a love for animals and foster respect for all living creatures. Through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and exciting animal encounters, campers will develop:  

• Knowledge of Animals: Learning about different animal species, their unique characteristics, where they live, and what they eat. We'll explore everything from cuddly mammals to colorful birds and fascinating reptiles.  

• Empathy and Compassion: Developing kindness and understanding towards animals and learning about responsible pet ownership. We'll discuss how to treat animals with respect and care.  

• Fine Motor Skills: Creating animal-themed crafts like painting rocks, making animal masks, and building bird feeders will enhance fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.

• Gross Motor Skills: Participating in animal-themed games and activities like "hopping like a frog" or "waddling like a penguin" will develop gross motor skills and coordination.  

• Social Skills: Working together on animal-related projects, sharing animal facts, and playing games will encourage social interaction and cooperation.  

• Observation Skills: Learning to observe animals carefully, noticing their behaviors, and understanding their needs will enhance observation skills and attention to detail.

• Respect for Nature: Exploring the natural world and learning about animal habitats will foster a sense of respect for the environment and all living things.  

• Responsibility: Learning about the responsibilities of caring for pets and other animals will introduce the concept of responsibility in an age-appropriate way.

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Critter Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Critter Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

 

Week 7: Art Camp-August 17th-August 21st

Do you love to splash, scribble, and create? Come join us for a week of colorful discovery at our art camp! We’ll dive into a world of vibrant paints, textures, and imagination as we explore all the ways we can express ourselves through art.

Camp Description

This camp is designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and nurture a love for creative expression. Through open-ended art projects, sensory play, and collaborative masterpieces, campers will develop:

• Imagination and Creativity: Explore color and shape, experiment with new tools, and see the world through an artist’s eyes.

• Social-Emotional Skills: Creating side-by-side, sharing supplies, and admiring each other's work helps children develop social skills like patience and cooperation.

• Fine Motor Skills: Painting, sculpting with clay, and using different brushes help develop fine motor control and coordination.

• Gross Motor Skills: Creating large-scale murals on the floor, "action painting" with movement, and participating in outdoor art games will help develop gross motor skills and physical confidence.

• Language and Literacy: Describing their artwork, learning color names and art terms, and listening to stories about famous artists will expand vocabulary and foster a love for storytelling.

• Connection to Nature: Exploring the outdoors (weather permitting) to collect natural elements and foster a connection to the environment and an eye for natural beauty.

• Self-Expression: Through open-ended projects, campers will have the opportunity to express their feelings and ideas creatively, building deep self-confidence.

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Art Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Art Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up

 

Week 9: Pre-K Prep Camp: August 24th-August 28th

Is your little one ready for the exciting adventure of Pre-K? Our summer camp is designed to make the transition smooth and fun! Through engaging activities and play-based learning, we'll help your child develop essential skills and build confidence for their upcoming school year.

Camp Description:

Our camp focuses on creating a positive and supportive learning environment where children can explore, discover, and grow. We'll cover key areas that are crucial for Pre-K success, including:

• Social-Emotional Development: Learning to share, cooperate, take turns, and resolve conflicts peacefully. We'll practice listening skills, following directions, and building positive relationships with peers and adults. These skills are foundational for a successful classroom experience.

• Early Literacy: Developing pre-reading skills through storytelling, rhyming games, recognizing letters and sounds, and exploring books. We'll encourage a love of reading and build a strong foundation for future literacy development.

• Early Math Concepts: Introducing basic math concepts like counting, number recognition, shapes, patterns, and simple problem-solving through hands-on activities and games.

• Fine Motor Skills: Strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity through activities like writing, drawing, cutting, gluing, and manipulating small objects. These skills are essential for handwriting and other classroom tasks. 

• Creative Expression: Encouraging imagination and self-expression through art, music, dramatic play, and storytelling. We'll foster creativity and build confidence.

• Following Directions & Classroom Routines: Practice following multi-step instructions and participating in typical classroom routines like circle time, snack time, and clean-up time. This will help children adjust to the structure of a Pre-K classroom.

 

Morning Schedule

• 9:00 – 9:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 9:30 – 10:00: Snack and Reading

• 10:00 – 10:30: Craft Time

• 10:30 – 11:30: Skills Activity

• 11:30 – 12:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 12:00: Pick up

Afternoon Schedule

• 1:00 – 1:30: Drop off and Open Play

• 1:30 – 2:00: Snack and Reading

• 2:00 – 2:30: Craft Time

• 2:30 – 3:30: Skills Activity

• 3:30 – 4:00: Open Play and Clean-Up

• 4:00: Pick up