Green Ivy Summer Camp at Battery Park Montessori

For 2 year olds, our ratios are 3:1. Children ages 3+ are in mixed-age groups for which ratios are 5:1 in the first few weeks of camp, and then we allow those ratios to grow over the remaining weeks of camp to no more than 8:1, depending on the balance of younger and older children in a group. Generally, the younger the group, the smaller our ratios.

There are no "classes" in camp, but children participate in camp activities in groups that vary from 5 children to 10, depending on the nature of the activity (eg, indoor focused activity vs outdoor play).

We typically confirm staff in May. Historically, the staff include current (and former) teachers, returning camp staff from prior years, and one or two new staff members. We select camp staff with the same emphasis on nurturing and health and safety that we use when hiring classroom teachers.

Yes. Those who are 2 will be together. However, older children will be mixed to some extent and where it is age-appropriate.

Yes! 5 year olds are welcome to attend camp. They should be prepared to be among the oldest campers and understand that there may only be a few fellow campers their age.

Camp staff always makes sure that older children have the type of support and experience they deserve and need for that age, and always invites their leadership as older members of camp.

Spending time with peers and supervised by camp staff. This includes a variety of light activities, including art, soft play in the movement room or on the patio, and storytime. 

Yes. With advanced notice to ensure proper staffing, children can extend to full day.

Lunch is not included in the half-day or full-day camp fee. If a half-day camper chooses the lunch add-on ($50/week), that means it will be provided by Little Green Gourmets and they stay until 12:35pm to eat with their peers. Full-day campers can choose the lunch add-on ($50/week) to have their lunch provided by Little Green Gourmets or bring their own nut-free lunch from home.

Yes, we share camp menus by connecting you directly to our provider - Little Green Gourmets. Details will be shared as camp gets closer.

Yes, snacks are provided and included in camp fees.

We support children who are not yet potty trained or in the process of potty training.

Payment is due in full at the time of registration. Refunds of 50% are possible if you cancel before May 1, 2021. If camp is canceled by Green Ivy, full refunds will be issued.

Yes, you can add or change weeks after registration provided there is space in the week(s) you would like.

Yes. Everyone in camp must wear a mask except while eating/drinking. You can read more about our COVID practices here.

Yes. All staff must be fully vaccinated (COVID and otherwise). No exceptions.

Absolutely no COVID cases at Battery Park Montessori this year.

As you will see in our COVID practices, all drop-off must take place outside our facility.

Due to space limitations this year, we are not allowing storage of strollers, scooters, etc, at drop off.

Outdoor activities are central to our camp as we are located in one of NYC's most beautiful landscapes!  Campers are outside daily (weather permitting). We focus physical activity on the coolest times of day to prevent dehydration and too much sun exposure.  So most outdoor activity takes place during morning hours or late afternoon hours.

Campers enjoy our beautiful riverfront patio, two nearby playgrounds (historically with water features but we shall see what NYC does there this summer!), the promenade, Battery Park, the Urban Farm, and dozens of grassy lawns all along the promenade and within each access to camp.

All outdoor activities (except use of our patio) involve walking to a location that is within a reasonable walking distance for a young child. We do not travel via any form of transportation.

Visiting: We discourage this, as it is quite disruptive to the camp experience, both for your child and for other children. But we are always open to discussion and very supportive of your relationship with your child.

Photos/Videos: Yes! We share photos/videos daily with families.