Thank you for your interest in BBY Summer Camp!
All sessions are currently full following early registration for alumni and current families. We are no longer accepting additional waitlist students for camper, CIT, junior counselor or counselor positions.
About BBY Summer Camp
BBY Summer Camp is an enriching and fun experience for kids, led by BBY teachers and supported by BBY family “big kids” serving as Counselors, Junior Counselors, and Counselors-in-Training. The daily schedule for campers includes meet and greet, announcements, challenge games, activity periods, snack, music and story time, outdoor adventure, lunch and relaxation, water time, popsicles, and goodbyes.
Registration
Schedule
Dates: June 22nd – July 31st (6 weeks)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Extended Care Available: Early drop-off (8:30 AM) & extended care (until 4:30 PM) available on most days (see handbook for exceptions).
Families can register for:
All 6 weeks OR
Any individual week(s) (no longer 2-week sessions)
Who Can Join?
Campers: Ages 3-9 (limited to 40 campers per session)
Counselors-in-Training (CITs): Ages 10-12. Supervised, paying participants who gain leadership experience while mentoring younger campers.
Tuition Costs
Camper Tuition:
- Week 1 (June 23–June 27): $380
- Week 2 (June 30–July 3, no camp July 4th): $310
- Week 3 (July 7–July 11): $380
- Week 4 (July 14–July 18): $380
- Week 5 (July 21–July 25): $380
- Week 6 (July 28–August 1): $380
- All 6 Weeks (discounted rate): $2,110
CIT Tuition:
- Week 1 (June 23–June 27): $220
- Week 2 (June 30–July 3, no camp July 4th): $185
- Week 3 (July 7–July 11): $220
- Week 4 (July 14–July 18): $220
- Week 5 (July 21–July 25): $220
- Week 6 (July 28–August 1): $220
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Payment Policy:
- 50% payment or full payment is due by April 3rd. Invoices via Quickbooks will be issued.
- Remaining balance is due by June 1.
- If you require an alternate payment schedule or financial assistance, please contact us for accommodation!
Cancellation Policy:
- Before June 1: A $50 cancellation fee per week of camp registered will be deducted from refunds.
- After June 1: Refunds will only be issued under extenuating circumstances, at the discretion of the camp director, with the $50 cancellation fee still applying per week.
Weekly Theme Descriptions
1. Into the Jungle Week
Big Backyard Camp transformed into a lush jungle as we explored Into the Jungle Week! Campers will have tons of opportunities for hands-on projects inspired by jungle animals and plants, build rich imaginative play scenarios, and move and groove to jungle-themed music and games. Together we will wonder, Who is the real king of the jungle?—sparking playful debates and learning about predator vs. prey. Along the way, children gain fascinating facts and insights into jungle habitats, discovering how animals live, adapt, and depend on one another in this vibrant ecosystem.
2. Magic and Dragons Week
Camp will be filled with wonder during Magic and Dragons Week! Young campers step into a world of imagination as they create magical projects, mix pretend potions, and bring stories of dragons and wizards to life through play. From enchanting games to creative art and dramatic play, the week encourages curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of awe—proving that a little magic can spark big ideas and joyful learning.
3. Under the Big Top
During Under the Big Top week, campers will explore what it’s like to be part of a circus. Children can expect lots of cooperative play as they work together as performers, practice simple and playful “tricks,” and discover ways to entertain an audience. Creative experiences will include making props and setting up a pretend concession stand filled with popcorn, ice cream, and other favorite treats. This week is all about imagination, teamwork, confidence-building, and plenty of circus-inspired fun.
4. Wacky World Cup Week
Get ready for a high-energy, joy-filled week as we kick off Wacky World Cup! Inspired by the excitement of our city and the spirit of countries around the world, campers will become the most enthusiastic fans ever. Each child will pick a region to represent, create a team mascot, choose team colors, and learn a fun team cheer to show their pride.
The week will be packed with wild, silly, and playful competitions designed especially for young kids—focused on movement, laughter, teamwork, and fun rather than winning. From cheering on teammates to celebrating everyone’s efforts, Wacky World Cup is all about community, creativity, and joyful play. It’s going to be energetic, wacky, and so much fun!
5. Pet Shop Week at The Big Backyard
Get ready for our most popular week of camp—Pet Shop Week! This cherished Big Backyard favorite is full of imagination, care, and joyful play. Early in the week, each camper will adopt their very own plush pet and begin learning all the things it takes to be a thoughtful and loving pet owner.
Throughout the week, children will dive into wonderful hands-on projects like designing a custom pet bowl, role-playing daily pet care routines, and preparing their pets for the spotlight. The week builds toward an exciting and playful Best in Show competition, where every pet is celebrated and cheered on. Pet Shop Week is nurturing, creative, and endlessly fun—no wonder it’s a camper favorite year after year!
6. Ocean Adventures
Our final week of camp sends us off on an imaginative journey with Ocean Adventures! Using their creativity and curiosity, campers will explore all corners of the ocean and decide who they want to be along the way—pirates, merpeople, or oceanographers.
Each child will chart their own course, creating maps, hunting for treasures, and discovering what lies beneath the ocean’s surface. Through imaginative play, hands-on projects, and shared storytelling, this week is all about adventure, exploration, and wonder. A perfect, magical way to end our camp journey—full of discovery, creativity, and ocean-sized fun!
Junior Counselor & Counselor Opportunities
Who Can Apply:
- Priority: Given to BBY alumni and BBY family teens.
- Waitlist: Non-alumni / non-BBY family teens may apply and will be accepted if space becomes available
Ages:
- Junior Counselors: Ages 13–14
- Counselors: Ages 15+
Junior Counselors and Counselors support BBY staff with camp administration, supervision, and small-group activities.
Important Dates:
- February 20: Application interest form shared with the alumni listserv
- February 27: Non-alumni / non-BBY family teens may begin applying to the waitlist via link posted to the BBY website
Acceptance:
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants will receive a follow-up email from Melissa Simpson with additional details. Waitlisted applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis if space becomes available.