If you’re searching for 2026 performing arts sleepaway camps near you, you’re likely looking for more than just a fun summer — you want a place where your child can thrive creatively, gain confidence, and feel truly understood.
At Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York’s scenic Adirondack Park, kids ages 8–16 design their own schedules, work with professional instructors, and perform in world-class theaters — all in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or prefers to create behind the scenes, this is a camp where passion and potential come to life. Read on to learn more.
A Camp That Understands the Performing Arts
At Long Lake, the arts aren’t a side activity — they’re the heart and soul of the experience. Campers between the ages of 8 and 16 come here because they want to perform, express themselves, and explore their creativity in a real, professional environment.
The camp offers a jaw-dropping array of 2026 performing arts summer programs, all taught by passionate, and experienced instructors. Each camper gets to design their own daily schedule, choosing from an exciting lineup that includes:
- Theater (Musicals, Dramas, and Plays)
- Acting
- Film production (with experienced instructors and industry-grade equipment)
- Dance (ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and more)
- Rock bands and live concerts
- Circus arts (including a full 3-ring flying circus!)
- Vocal performance
- Stand-up comedy
- Technical theater, stage management, and assistant directing
This freedom to build their own program means your child isn’t stuck doing just one thing — they can try new passions or go deep into what they already love. Whether they want to star in a Broadway-style production or work behind the scenes as a film editor or stage manager, Long Lake gives them the tools, support, and space to explore it all.
A Non-Competitive, Confidence-Building Environment
Unlike other 2026 performing arts sleepaway camps in New York that might focus on competition or casting hierarchies, Long Lake offers something incredibly rare: a non-competitive, supportive culture where every camper is encouraged to shine in their own way.
There are no auditions to get in, and while there are incredible performances and productions every session. Every camper is celebrated for their individual progress, not just the final product.
It’s an environment that fosters self-esteem, creativity, and friendship — the kind of place where kids feel seen, safe, and inspired. And the impact lasts far beyond summer. According to the American Camp Association, 92% of campers say that camp helped them feel good about themselves — showing just how powerful a supportive camp experience can be.
World-Class Facilities in a Scenic Location
One of the most striking things about Long Lake Camp for the Arts is its stunning campus. Located right on the shores of Long Lake in the Adirondacks, the setting is both peaceful and invigorating — perfect for letting creativity flow.
The camp boasts:
- Four professional theaters with live orchestras
- Five theater directors and three music directors on staff
- Four dance studios with professional flooring and mirrors
- A fully equipped film studio with editing workstations
- A 3-ring circus rig with aerial equipment
- Rehearsal spaces, music rooms, costumes, and prop shops
And that’s just the performing arts side. Campers can also enjoy fine arts, land sports, and more.
So, even if your child spends their mornings in rehearsals, their afternoons can be filled with painting by the lake, trying archery, or jumping into water sports with new friends.
Long Lake Camp is operated out of Dobbs Ferry, NY, and draws creative campers from across Westchester County and beyond.
A Place Where Kids Truly Belong
At its core, Long Lake Camp is about community. It’s a place where kids who love the arts — and may not have found “their people” back home — are surrounded by like-minded peers and supported by adults who genuinely care. Whether it’s a young actor, singer, drummer, or stagehand — boys and girls alike find their place at Long Lake.
Long Lake’s values are captured beautifully in the acronym C.R.E.A.T.E.:
- C: Community – A small, supportive environment where everyone belongs
- R: Respect – Fostering kindness and understanding in all relationships
- E: Empower – Helping campers feel confident and secure in who they are
- A: Arts & Adventure – Inspiring exploration and growth in a safe space
- T: Trust – Building a secure foundation for campers and parents
- E: Expression – Encouraging every camper to feel seen and celebrated
These aren’t just words — they’re the guiding principles that shape every interaction at Long Lake.
A Legacy of Creativity (and Some Pretty Impressive Alumni)
Since 1969, Long Lake has welcomed campers from across the country and around the world. Many return year after year, building lasting friendships and deepening their creative skills.
While some former campers have gone on to become Broadway actors, Oscar winners, musicians, writers, and filmmakers, the camp is just as proud of the kids who simply discovered more about themselves, found their voice, and built confidence that stays with them long after summer ends.
It’s not about “making it big” — it’s about growing into yourself, surrounded by people who get it.
Alumni have gone on to incredible creative careers — including Adrien Brody, Cristin Milioti, and Rumer Willis — all of whom once found their artistic voice at Long Lake.
Ready to Learn More?
If your child is excited to explore the performing arts summer program, make lifelong friends, and spend a meaningful summer in a supportive, creative environment, Long Lake Camp for the Arts could be the perfect fit.
Sessions for summer 2026 begin June 28, July 20, and August 10. Families can choose from three-week or six-week options, and all sessions take place at our private lakefront campus in the beautiful Adirondack Park.
While our camp is located in Long Lake, NY, our year-round office is based in Dobbs Ferry, NY — right in the heart of where many of our camp families live. This helps us stay closely connected to our community.
Whether your child is passionate about theater, music, dance, circus, or film, they’ll create their own daily schedule and explore what inspires them most — all with expert support and care.
Don’t wait, spots fill out fast. Enroll your child now or call us. We’re happy to guide you through the next steps.
