camp at the Yard
Definitely not a hideout…
our approach & philosophy
play:groundNYC camp programs take place at The Yard, located on Governors Island - NYC’s only adventure playground. Our programs are guided by playwork principles. We create a kids-only space to allow young people to play freely, and our playworkers support them as they make their own decisions about risk-taking. To see pictures of the space, check out our Instagram. To read more about our organization’s history and approach, please click here. To experience our approach, visit us on one of our free weekends.
Camper-initiated field trip to Slide Hill
What Happens at Camp?
People often ask what happens at camp. The answer is “play!”. Our camp programs are self-directed by the campers. Much of your child’s day will be (wonderfully) up to them! They will have opportunities to play with others, spend time alone, build things, take apart things, paint, splash, imagine, dig, sing, joke, read a book, relax, write, daydream; anything they can come up with!
Campers are given reminders about self-care like bathroom breaks, lunch/snack breaks, sunscreen, etc., but each camper will have the autonomy to choose when and if they will do so. We only mandate regulatory fire drills and water breaks (particularly on hot days). We may also mandate breaks from the space to mitigate hazards.
Campers also have the option (accompanied by playworkers) to walk around, explore other programs and areas of Governors Island.
Programs, Schedules, Policies, & Registration
Please review the full range of information for each of our camp programs before registering.
Summer Camp
Our 2026 summer camp will run from June 15th - September 4th. Camp runs on weekdays with each session running from Monday-Friday for one or two weeks. Please see our Summer Camp page for the 2026 schedule including our two week sessions and Girls Week!
Mini Camps (Fall & Spring)
Mini Camps are one-day camps that take place during NYC public school closures between April and November, within the school year. We also operate a week-long camp during NYC public school’s 2026 Spring Recess (April 2-10).
WHAT PARENTS SAY
“Our daughter had the BEST time at the junkyard camp. Every time she visits the junk yard, she wants to stay longer, so the camp was the perfect opportunity for her to spend a lot of time getting dirty and creating! She loves having the freedom to do anything she wants. She feels a sense of agency and confidence that is rare for kids her age in NYC. Thanks for providing her with this great opportunity!”
“Nic LOVES this camp, primarily I think because it's an escape from the sort of over-regimented nyc lives we all lead. He loves being able to build stuff and look at goats and eat lunch whenever he chooses without too much structure.”
“We just love the camp! My daughter has been going since 2020 on a regular basis between camp and weekend visits. It has been sustaining my child's interest since she was 8 years old and now at 12 she still enjoys the outdoors' fun, the camaraderie and the freedom to build and destroy inside of the junkyard. Bike rides and visits around the island are also enjoyed and the rapport with the play-workers have always been great.”
“My children had a wonderful time playing and exploring. I was very happy with how the play workers supported my daughter when she had a conflict with another child, in a way that allowed everyone to be heard and focused on repair rather than punishment. The only thing I would change about camp is for it to be closer to our home!”
Can’t wait for Camp? The Yard is open every weekend, for free, from April into November.
Join us!
We also offer private events, field trips and can potentially organize additional Mini Camp days for schools/groups on alternative schedules. Email us at play@play-ground.nyc to inquire.