Happy Days Summer Camp (HDSC) offers children a safe yet fun environment where they can enjoy their summer vacation.
“We’re very safety-oriented,” said owner and director Andy Foss. “Kids here build confidence, learn character and social skills and have a great time.”
Located at the Bayside Jewish Center, the all-inclusive camp, which opened in January, begins with door-to-door service in which supervised buses pick up children from their homes.
“Bus counselors get off the bus, escort the child from the door and make sure they make it safely on the bus and wear their seatbelt,” said Foss.
The children then go to a private pool club in Forest Hills four days a week for free swim and instructional swim time. Each day also hosts a special activity. Mondays are designated as movie day in which all children see a new movie after their swim. Wednesdays are spent bowling, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are spent at Cunningham Park for a barbecue and organized sports. Foss added that sometimes there will be music and clowns to entertain children in addition to arts and crafts. Every Friday, campers take a “big trip.” Foss said upcoming Friday trips include visits to Adventureland Amusement Park and Funzone Family Entertainment Center.
“Basically their days consist of pool, lunch, and a fun activity every afternoon,” said Foss. “We keep the kids busy!”
When asked what sets HDSC apart from other day camps, Foss said the experience, care, and structure of the program is a primary factor and “the fact that kids are always engaged, happy, busy, and safe is a priority.” He said the highly-trained staff members at HDSC enforce all rules and regulations and that there is no tolerance for bullying.
“All kids are treated fairly and have a good time,” he said. “We are looking forward to giving kids a fun-filled, safe experience.”
Foss, who has been in the camping business for 30 years, said his inspiration for starting his own day camp came when he had his own vision of what a camp should be and acted upon it. Foss directed another local camp for 10 years.
The camp is open to children of all ages and one to eight-week sessions are offered. Special rates such as sibling discounts and referral discounts are available. For early bird specials and more information on HDSC, call 718-888-0264.
– Alexa Mae Asperin
