Review: Oasis Day Camp

This summer, we tried out two weeks at Oasis Day Camp. My two older children (Ben and Allegra) attended one week together at the Bayside location and then Ben attended another week at the New Hyde Park location. And Oasis Day Camp was a big hit! My husband dubbed it “Activity Camp” because my kids came home talking about all the great activities they did each day. My son loved the pools at both locations and my daughter was excited because she finally got to go in the pool (while I love her regular camp, she was in a blow up pool this summer). Ready to hear more about Oasis Day Camp? (Read More after the jump).

Week 1
We went to the Bayside location of Oasis Day Camp, at Queens Community College. My daughter, Allegra (who’s 4 1/2) is very outgoing, so I wasn’t worried about her adjusting. She basically smiled and cheerfully went with her counselor.

My oldest son Ben (who will be 7 at the end of September) is ADHD, has some sensory issues and low muscle tone. He also gets very upset very easily. He isn’t as comfortable in new situations and wasn’t happy to be at Oasis (at first). To calm him down, I promised him if he really didn’t like it he wouldn’t have to go back (but I had a feeling he would).

The First Day
We were late on our first day there. I wasn’t exactly sure where the camp was and didn’t map out the directions beforehand. So when we walked up to meet the staff, all the counselors and staff were busy singing and cheering for the Morning Rally, which consists of songs, cheers and announcements. All the kids and counselors were having a ball. The staff greeted us warmly and brought us up to the Rally. My daughter easily went with her counselor, but my son hung back a little and scowled. Wendy, one of the Division Heads, assured me he’d be fine. Wendy engaged him in conversation about his favorite subject, Angry Birds and I saw him visibly relax. I left him in her confident hands. I won’t tell you I didn’t worry, but I was relieved to see very happy kids when I came back for pickup at 5:30 that day.

The next morning, Ben wasn’t as apprehensive going to Oasis Bayside. He made friends during this week (more than the usual one friend he makes at a time) and really liked his counselor, Miles. Allegra, my social one, had no problem making friends. The counselors adored her also. I loved that my kids got to make cool science experiments like Lava Lamps and all sorts of arts and crafts projects, as well as playing sports, games, and swimming.The Morning Rally was also a big hit and made a lasting impression. My kids loved singing Boom Chika Boom and the Pizza Pizza song (and they’re still singing the songs).

Week 2
For the second week, Ben attended the Oasis Camp at Tully Park, in New Hyde, Long Island by himself. He’s the kind of kid that needs structure and camp (and school) gives that to him. Since Bayside Oasis wasn’t open for this next transition week, we attended Oasis at Tully Park, in New Hyde Park, Long Island. My son was apprehensive about going to a camp where he didn’t know anyone again, but he agreed to try it for one day. A few kids from Oasis Bayside were there, so he felt better when he saw them.

He also ended up loving Oasis Tully Park. At pickup the counselors let me know exactly what activities had gone on during the day (which was great to hear, because Ben doesn’t typically tell me much). I also liked that I had to sign Ben out with a staff member (security is never a bad thing).

Wondering what a typical day at Oasis is like? (courtesy Oasis’ website).

8:30-9:00am – Morning Drop Off
9:00-9:30am – Morning Rally – morning announcements, special shout outs, birthdays, songs, and of course the OASIS camp CHEER!
9:30-11:00am – Activity 1
11:00-12:30pm – Activity 2
12:30-1:00pm – Lunch.

Lunch at Oasis is a great time for children to spend time with their friends and the Oasis staff. Lunch is our version of “free time”.

1:30-3:00pm – Activity 3
3:00-4:30pm – Activity 4
4:30-5:30pm – End of Day/ Goodbye Ritual

My kids blossomed so much, even at their short time at Oasis Day Camp. I will definitely be considering this for next summer.

So, check out Oasis Day Campfor yourself! They have many locations — like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, New Jersey, etc.

Click here to check out their facebook page.

I received 2 complimentary weeks of summer camp as part of a promotion with MomSelect and Oasis Day Camps. As always, all opinions are completely my own.