Shine Summer Camp: The Hamptons Summer Camp Creative Kids Will Actually Be Excited About

Finding a Hamptons summer camp sounds easy until you realize your child isn’t necessarily dreaming of spending eight straight weeks playing competitive sports.

For the kids who would rather paint, build, garden, dance, explore nature and come home carrying a creation they cannot wait to show you, there’s Shine Hamptons Summer Camp.

Running through September 4, with programs for children ranging from 20 months to 13 years old, parents can choose individual days instead of committing to an entire summer, which is especially helpful when your Hamptons schedule includes travel, visiting grandparents, etc.

More Than Arts and Crafts

Yes, there is plenty of art, but Shine goes beyond the standard summer-camp craft table.

Depending on the child’s age and program, activities can include sensory projects, music and movement, gardening, outdoor science, nature exploration, yoga, sports and workshops with visiting artists and performers. Full-day campers also receive weekly visits from the South Fork Natural History Museum and participate in special experiences led by local artists, artisans and other East End specialists. They also have weekly field trips and once a week pop-up at the LongHouse Reserve - so things never get boring.

Best of all the camp is super creative but somehow your kids never come home messy. And unlike the mystery pile of glitter and popsicle sticks that sometimes comes home from camp, these are projects you will actually want to keep. Plus, they get plenty of time to run around and have carefree fun, too.

A Camp That Moves Around the East End

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, camp takes place at The Shine Studio in Bridgehampton. Tuesdays are held at Long House Reserve in East Hampton, while Thursdays involve field trips to different East End destinations. Rainy outdoor days are moved indoors to the Bridgehampton studio. That variety is part of what makes Shine feel less like a traditional day camp and more like a summer filled with small adventures.

There is also an automatic 10% sibling discount and discounts for booking three or more full weeks.

I've had a few friends signup - and three more joining next week! - and so far everyone has said it has been their best experience yet.