A Guide to Newport & Hamilton Park Summer Camp
- Feb 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Summer is just around the corner, and for parents in the Newport and Hamilton Park area of Jersey City, that means one exciting thing: summer camp planning! From nature-based adventures to enriching academic programs and classic camp fun, our vibrant community offers a fantastic array of options for every age and interest.
We’ve compiled a handy guide based on popular local camps, giving you a snapshot of what to expect in terms of age range, timing, and pricing. Let's dive in and find your child's ideal summer escape!
Steve & Kate’s Camp | 175 8th St.
Ages: 4 – 13 years
Timing: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$119/day or ~$655/week
Why it's great: Located conveniently at the Hamilton Park Montessori Upper Campus, Steve & Kate's offers incredible flexibility. You can purchase daily passes and get refunds for any unused ones, making it perfect for families with unpredictable schedules. Kids have the freedom to choose their own activities, from arts and crafts to sports and performance, fostering independence and self-direction. Lunch and snacks are included!
VIBGYOR Creations | 111-101 River Dr
Website: https://vibgyorcreations.com/
Ages: 18 months – 13 years (with specialized toddler drop-off sessions)
Timing: Flexible options—Full Day (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM), Half Day, or "Pick n Play" sessions
Estimated Pricing: $450 – $600 per week (varies by age group and session length)
Why it’s great: Tucked right in Newport, VIBGYOR is a sanctuary for the creative soul. They use a Montessori-art-based approach to teach everything from sketching and watercolors to acrylics and 3D art. For the youngest campers (18 months–3 years), their "Toddler Creative" sessions are perfect 2-hour drop-offs that build social skills through self-expression. For older kids, it’s a deep dive into color theory and artistic technique that feels like a professional studio experience rather than just a playroom.
Scandi School | 210 9th St
Website: https://www.scandischool.com/
Ages: 1 – 9 years
Timing: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (half-day option ends 1:00 PM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$700–$850/week
Why it's great: If your child thrives outdoors, Scandi School is a dream come true. Known for its nature-based, "forest" camp approach, older kids (4-9) venture out on a school bus to local nature habitats and parks for immersive mornings. They also provide delicious, plant-forward, organic meals prepared by an on-site chef. A truly unique and enriching experience!
Steven's Cooperative School | 100 River Dr S
Ages: 3 – 8 years (Jersey City location)
Timing: Full day ( 8:30/9:00 AM – 3:00/3:30 PM)
Estimated Pricing: $695 – $865/week (varies by program: Traditional, Enrichment, Adventure)
Why it's great: Steven's Coop offers a variety of themed camps, allowing children to dive deep into subjects like science, arts, or sports, or enjoy a more traditional camp experience. Their programs are designed to be engaging and educational, building on skills while having fun.
The Garden Preschool Cooperative | 242 10th St
Website: https://gardenpreschoolcoop.org/
Ages: 3 – 5 years (must be 3 by July 1st and potty trained)
Timing: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM (no after-care)
Estimated Pricing: ~$650/week
Why it's great: Specifically designed for preschoolers, this cooperative focuses on sensory play, building activities, and creative themes. It's a wonderful environment for little ones to explore, socialize, and learn through play in a supportive setting.
The Brunswick School
Website: https://www.thebrunswickschool.com/
Ages: PreK 4 – 3rd Grade
Timing: ~9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (varies by program)
Estimated Pricing: $350 – $650/week (varies by sport/duration for older kids)
Why it's great: With programs starting from infancy, Brunswick caters to a wide range of young children. Their summer camps often include specialized sports camps for older preschoolers and elementary students, alongside general programs. They are also known for providing organic meals, adding an extra layer of care.
Hamilton Park Montessori | 1 McWilliams Pl
Website: https://hamiltonparkmontessori.com/
Ages: 12 months – 8th Grade
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Full Day), 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM (Half Day)
Estimated Pricing: ~$800/week (booked in 2-week sessions for Bridge/Early Childhood)
Why it's great: Hamilton Park Montessori extends its nurturing and child-centered approach to summer camp. With options for toddlers all the way through middle school, they provide a consistent and enriching environment.
Next Step Broadway | 233 9th St
Website: https://nextstepbroadway.com/
Ages: 3 – 17 years (with specific tiers for different age groups)
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM (2-week commitment per session)
Estimated Pricing: ~$625 – $650 per 2-week session (Early bird discounts available)
Why it’s great: If your kid spends their day singing Disney hits or practicing TikTok dances, this is their stage. Each 2-week session is themed (think Tangled, Wicked, or K-Pop Demon Hunters). Campers dive into singing, acting, and dancing, culminating in a performance. They even weave in outdoor play at Hamilton Park to keep things balanced. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence and stage presence in a high-energy, creative environment.
Miss Yvonne Swim School | 161 Erie St
Website: https://www.missyvonneswimschool.com/jerseycity-classes
Ages: 3 years and up (Must be potty-trained)
Timing: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Bus pickup starting around 8:30 AM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$140 – $155 per day or ~$700+ per week (Discounts for consecutive weeks)
Why it’s great: This is more than just a splash pad. MYSS offers a serious "learn to swim" curriculum with two hours of swim instruction daily. Campers spend part of their day at the Secaucus Swim Club (transported via school bus) and part in Downtown Jersey City for sports and crafts. They are so confident in their method that they often offer a "learn to swim" guarantee for those who book three consecutive weeks!
The Little Gym | 380 Newark Ave
Website: https://www.thelittlegym.com/new-jersey-jersey-city/
Ages: 3 – 10 years
Timing: 3-hour sessions (typically 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$56 per session
Why it’s great: Perfect for kids who need to burn off serious steam. Their "Super Quest" camps are themed (think superheroes or space missions) and combine gymnastics with creative games. It’s a 3-hour drop-off, which is the perfect window for parents to run errands or grab a quiet coffee at Lackawanna while the kids master their forward rolls.
Note: Children must be bathroom independent.
My Gym | 252 9th St
Website: https://www.mygym.com/jerseycity/
Ages: 2.5 – 10 years
Timing: Morning (9 AM–12 PM), Afternoon (1 PM–4 PM), or Full Day options
Estimated Pricing: ~$45 – $60 per session
Why it’s great: My Gym is the king of "buy more, save more" flexibility. You can purchase a "Camp Card" and use sessions whenever you like throughout the summer. They even offer a "Summer Camp in the Park" morning session where kids start outdoors at Hamilton Park before heading inside for zipline rides and crafts. Need a full day? You can add their "Lunch & Story Time" hour for a small fee to bridge the morning and afternoon sessions.
Important Tips for Camp Registration:
Act Fast: Popular camps fill up quickly, so don't delay!
Check Websites: Always visit the official camp websites for the most up-to-date pricing, exact dates, and registration details.
Ask About Discounts: Many camps offer early bird discounts, sibling discounts, or multi-week enrollment savings.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the exciting world of summer camps in Newport and Hamilton Park. Whichever you choose, your child is sure to have an unforgettable summer filled with learning, laughter, and new friendships!
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