SUNY New Paltz Kids on Campus: Summer Programs That Spark Lifelong Interests

Every summer, SUNY New Paltz transforms from a college campus into something unexpected: a launching pad for kids who want to make things, perform, and explore. The Kids on Campus program brings together several enrichment offerings under one roof, giving families a single destination for quality summer programming right here in New Paltz.

Broadway Arts Collective: For the Kid Who Won't Stop Singing

The Broadway Arts Collective Summer Musical Theatre Workshop runs July 27 through 31 and targets students in grades 4 through 12. This isn't a watered-down camp experience. Kids work with college faculty and visiting artists on vocal technique, movement, and scene study, culminating in a real performance. If your child has been the one belting show tunes in the car since they could talk, this is the program.

The Art Effect Ulster Arts Camp

For visually inclined kids, The Art Effect Ulster Arts Camp offers a different kind of creative immersion. This program focuses on visual arts, design, and multimedia projects, giving young artists the space and materials to experiment. The camp leverages SUNY New Paltz's renowned art department facilities, which means kids are working in real studios with real equipment.

Why College Campuses Matter for Youth Programs

There's something about setting foot on a college campus that shifts how kids see themselves. They're not just at day camp. They're in a place where people go to become something. SUNY New Paltz's Kids on Campus programs tap into that energy, giving young people a taste of collegiate life while they're still in elementary or middle school.

Registration for summer 2026 programs opens in spring 2025. These programs fill quickly, especially the theatre workshop, so mark your calendar. For families in New Paltz and the surrounding Hudson Valley, it's one of the best-kept secrets in summer enrichment.