Frequently Asked Questions
With so many exciting programs to make sense of, we have compiled a list below of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
If you do not find answers to your questions here, we encourage you to reach out to us at enrollment@usdan.org or 631-643-7900.
HOW WILL MY CHILD GET TO CAMP?
WHAT IS A RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY?
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY AT USDAN LIKE?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUNIOR DIVISION AND SENIOR DIVISION STUDENTS?
IS USDAN AN OVERNIGHT CAMP OR A DAY CAMP?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS OR THERE IS SEVERE WEATHER?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR QUALITY IS UNSAFE?
DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN LUNCH?
ARE THERE VENDING MACHINES ON CAMPUS?
WHAT HELPFUL ITEMS SHOULD STUDENTS BRING OR WEAR TO CAMP?
DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN INSTRUMENTS?
CAN STUDENTS BRING THEIR CELL PHONES?
WHAT ATTIRE DO STUDENTS NEED FOR CLASS?
WHAT ARE THE WITHDRAWAL REFUND AND SESSION CHANGE REFUND POLICIES?
ARE THERE PERFORMANCES ON CAMPUS?
WHAT IS YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURE?
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY REGARDING VACCINATIONS?
HOW WILL MY CHILD GET TO CAMP?
Bus transportation via central pickup locations is included in tuition for Usdan’s 8-week, 4-week, and 1-week sessions.
Door-to-door bus service is available for Usdan’s 8- and 4-week sessions in certain areas in Suffolk and Nassau Counties for an additional fee.
For more information, please visit our Transportation page.
WHAT IS A MAJOR?
Classic and Allegro Program students in grades 2 through 12 choose one subject to be their primary focus, or Major. Students spend two periods, or approximately two hours, in their Major each day. A musician, for example, might choose Junior or Senior Vocal Ensemble as a Major, a dancer might choose Hip Hop, and an art student might choose Painting & Drawing.
Please visit our Classes page for more information on your child’s departments or classes of interest.
WHAT IS A MINOR?
A Minor is a student’s secondary subject interest. Classic and Allegro Program students in grades 2 through 12 spend one period, or approximately one hour, in their Minor every day. Many Usdan students enjoy a variety of interests and learn skills across multiple subjects, especially art forms they’ve never tried before. Minors may be entirely different from Majors: for example, someone might choose Comic Art as a Major and Nature, Ecology & Design as a Minor.
Please visit our Classes page for more information on your child’s departments or classes of interest.
WHAT IS A RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY?
Classic and Allegro Program students in grades 2 through 12 choose a one-period Recreational Activity, which supports campers’ creative development by encouraging movement and play, as well as finding inspiration in the natural world. Recreational courses include Archery, Chess, Dance, U Time (which includes swimming), and Yoga.
Please visit our Classes page for more information on your child’s departments or classes of interest.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY AT USDAN LIKE?
Programs run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. (five hours) every weekday.
Students in grades 2 through 12 who are part of the Usdan Classic Program or Allegro Music Program attend a two-hour Major, a one-hour Minor, and a one-hour Recreational Activity. Students in grades K and 1 in our Discovery Program and grades 2 through 8 in our Recreational Camp Program have different schedules.
Discovery Program (Grades K–1)
A typical day for our Discovery Program (start and end times may vary):
9:30 a.m.: Children are welcomed by their counselor when they arrive on their bus.
10:05 a.m.–10:40 a.m.: Music
10:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Snack
11:05 a.m.–11:45 a.m.: Art / Nature & Sustainability
12:00 p.m.–12:45 p.m.: Swim
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch / Supervised Play
2:05 p.m.–2:45 p.m.: Dance
3:05 p.m.: Ice cream, followed by children being walked to their bus by their counselor
Classic & Allegro Music Programs (Grades 2–12)
A sample student schedule for our Classic Program or Allegro Music Program (start and end times may vary):
10:00 a.m.–11:55 a.m.: Major
12:05 p.m.–12:25 p.m.: Lunch
12:35 p.m.–12:55 p.m.: Festival
1:15 p.m.–2:05 p.m.: Recreational Activity
2:15 p.m.–3:05 p.m.: Minor
3:05 p.m.: Ice cream and Dismissal
Recreational Camp Program (Grades 2–8)
A typical day for our Recreational Camp Program (start and end times may vary):
10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.: Archery
11:05 a.m.–11:55 a.m. General Recreation
12:05 p.m.–12:25 p.m.: Lunch
12:35 p.m.-12:55 p.m.: Festival Performance
1:15 p.m.–2:05 p.m.: Swim
2:15 p.m.–3:05 p.m.: Art or Nature & Sustainability
3:05 p.m.: Ice Cream and Dismissal
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUNIOR DIVISION AND SENIOR DIVISION?
Students attend courses with similarly aged peers; the age divisions are called Discovery, Junior Division: Partners in the Arts, Junior Division, and Senior Division. Discovery students have just completed grade K or 1, Junior Division: Partners in the Arts students have just completed grade 2 or 3, Junior Division students have just completed grade 4, 5, or 6, and Senior Division students have just completed grade 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Students who have just completed grade 6 may choose to be in either the Junior or Senior Division.
WHAT IS PARTNERS IN THE ARTS?
Partners in the Arts is a subdivision of Usdan’s Junior Division for students in grades 2 and 3 that supports their growing independence. Partners campers choose a Major, Minor, and Recreational Activity just like older campers but are escorted from class to class by counselors. Partners in the Arts participants meet their counselors at the McKinley Amphitheater each morning of camp and then proceed to their classes together. The Partners in the Arts Division helps young students feel comfortable and confident as they learn, make friends, and have fun.
DO I HAVE TO AUDITION?
The Usdan Troupe, Intermediate Piano, and Jazz Ensemble are the only Majors in which admission depends on a successful audition. Other Majors have prerequisite experience and/or a placement video or form required; these include Concert Band, Orchestra, and Junior/Senior Piano.
See our Classes page for more information.
For questions about auditions, please email enrollment@usdan.org or call us at 631-643-7900.
IS USDAN AN OVERNIGHT CAMP OR A DAY CAMP?
Usdan is a day camp. We do not offer overnight facilities for students.
DO STUDENTS SWIM?
Discovery Program (Grades K–1)
Students swim every day.
Classic & Allegro Music Programs (Grades 2–12)
Students who choose U Time as their Recreational Activity get to experience free or instructional swim in Usdan’s magnificent outdoor pools. Junior Division and Junior Division: Partners in the Arts campers receive instructional swim, and Senior Division campers have free swim.
Recreational Camp Program (Grades 2–8)
Campers experience free swim in Usdan’s magnificent outdoor pools.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS OR THERE IS SEVERE WEATHER?
We recommend that all students carry an umbrella, rain jacket, or poncho with them in case of rain. Usdan is open every day, regardless of weather. Students are held in their studios if there is severe weather or lightning.
The safety of our campers and staff is of the utmost importance. Due to the design of our campus, we do not have adequate indoor space to shelter all our campers. If it is determined that the weather makes it unsafe for our campers and staff, we reserve the right to cancel camp. Notification of camp cancelation will be posted on our social media, website, and an email will be sent to enrolled families. As per our refund policy, you will not be issued credit for day(s) that the camp is closed.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR QUALITY IS UNSAFE?
As large-scale wildfires become more common, even if they are not local, the impact on the air quality on Long Island can be felt for days or possibly even weeks.
During the summer, Usdan administration will be monitoring air quality daily via “Air Now” (AirNow.gov). We are also part of multiple networks of camps that are also navigating these circumstances and sharing information.
The safety of our campers and staff is of the utmost importance. Due to the design of our campus, we do not have adequate indoor space to shelter all our campers. If it is determined that the air quality makes it unsafe for our campers and staff, we reserve the right to cancel camp. Notification of camp cancelation will be posted on our social media, website and an email will be sent to enrolled families. As per our refund policy, you will not be issued credit for day(s) that the camp is closed.
ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
Yes! You may visit our Dates, Tuition & Scholarships page for more information.
ARE THERE COUNSELORS?
Discovery Program (K–1)
The Discovery Program (for students who have just completed Kindergarten or Grade 1) has full-day counselors.
Classic & Allegro Music Programs (2–3)
The Partners in the Arts Division have counselors who guide students through their day. As students progress, they gain independence and the responsibility to walk to class on their own, supervised by staff members stationed across campus.
Recreational Camp Program (Grades 2–8)
Students in Usdan’s Recreational Camp Program have one counselor per group who stays with the students all day.
DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN LUNCH?
Yes. Lunch is not provided; each student is required to bring their own. We recommend packing your child’s lunch in an insulated bag with an ice pack.
An ice cream snack is provided to all students each day. Lactose-free and gluten-free frozen treats are provided to those students who require them. Discovery students must bring an additional snack.
ARE THERE VENDING MACHINES ON CAMPUS?
As part of Usdan’s commitment to sustainability, there are no vending machines on campus. Students are advised to bring their own reusable water bottles; water filling stations are located throughout camp for student use.
WHAT HELPFUL ITEMS SHOULD STUDENTS BRING OR WEAR TO CAMP?
- Reusable water bottle
- Lunch (Please use reusable containers and wrappers when possible.)
- Swimsuit and towel (if your child is swimming that day)
- Sneakers or walking shoes (Please do not send your child in flip-flops or sandals.)
- Snack (Discovery students only)
- Bug spray (We encourage natural products to keep the animals and plants at Usdan safe.)
- Sunblock (We encourage natural products to keep the animals and plants at Usdan safe.)
- Hat
- Umbrella, poncho, or raincoat
- Mask (optional; Usdan will assess our summer 2025 COVID-19 safety protocols closer to the summer season and will update you on what we are planning)
- Hand sanitizer
DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN INSTRUMENTS?
Yes. Students studying all instruments except piano, percussion, and string bass must bring their own instrument. Instruments not provided by Usdan can be rented from local music stores. For the convenience of musicians, Usdan provides twenty-four-hour instrument, locked storage at our Instrument Check building.
CAN STUDENTS BRING THEIR CELL PHONES?
Usdan believes that while mobile devices such as phones and tablets can be tools for creativity, camp is a place to disconnect from the frenzy of technology — to enjoy the plants and wildlife that surround us and to interact with the friends in front of us.
Usdan is a device-free campus. Students are not permitted to use their devices on campus, unless they have a health need that requires them to stay connected. In this scenario, the Health Office will supply them with a “device pass” which they can show upon request. With their teachers’ permission, students can use their device in class to record a sample or take a picture. In this scenario, the device must be returned to the students’ backpack immediately afterwards.
Students are permitted to use mobile devices on the bus.
If you need to contact your child during the camp day, please call the Usdan Administration Office at 631.643.7900.
WHAT ATTIRE DO STUDENTS NEED FOR CLASS?
Some departments or courses require dress conducive to their activities. Please note that Usdan does not discriminate based on gender identity and encourages students to dress in the attire they feel most comfortable in.
ART
A smock or old shirt to protect clothes.
Recreational Arts
U Time (If student chooses to swim: Swimsuit and towel. There are all-gender changing areas at the pools.
Yoga: Comfortable clothing without buttons or zippers that is easy to move in. Students will be notified in advance which days they will take yoga.
DANCE*
All classes: Hair that falls to the shoulders or below should be pulled back off the face.
Dance Adventure: Comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing—e.g., shorts (no jeans), leggings, dance pants, yoga pants, sweatpants, T-shirt, tank top.
Ballet: Form fitting, nonrestrictive clothing – e.g., leotard, tights, leggings, dance pants, yoga pants, T-shirt, tank top. Feet: Ballet shoes/slippers. Pointe shoes are welcome but not required and will be the teacher's decision if they are used (Majors only)
Broadway Jazz: Comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing—e.g., shorts (no jeans), leggings, dance pants, yoga pants, sweatpants, T-shirt, tank top, leotard, tights. For the safety of the dancers, please restrict overly loose or baggy clothing. Feet: Jazz shoes.
Hip-Hop: Comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing—e.g., shorts (no jeans), leggings, dance pants, yoga pants, sweatpants, T-shirt, tank top, For the safety of the dancers, please restrict overly loose or baggy clothing. Feet: Sneakers.
Tap: Comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing—e.g., shorts (no jeans), leggings, dance pants, yoga pants, sweatpants, T-shirt, tank top, leotard, tights. For the safety of the dancers, please restrict overly loose or baggy clothing. Feet: Tap shoes. Students may wear socks or no socks with tap shoes, depending on comfort.
*Usdan Dance welcomes all interested students. If the dancewear or shoe requirement hinders you from taking a class, please reach out to the Dance Chair for assistance.
ARE THERE SPORTS?
For students who want to spend more time playing sports outdoors, Usdan’s Recreational Camp Program provides an opportunity for students to experience the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus and recreational spaces for three periods, or three hours, a day, while having fun, being active, and making new friends. Each day, students have one period of swimming, one period of archery, and one period of general recreation, including activities and games such as cornhole, four-square volleyball, badminton, gaga ball, and more. For more information on Usdan’s Recreational Camp Program, visit our Programs website page.
While Usdan’s Classic Program is an arts camp, each camp day is enriched by a one-period Recreational Activity to support campers’ creative development by encouraging physical activity, play, and an appreciation of the natural world.
Children swim in two large outdoor pools; play sports including gaga, basketball, and badminton; and practice yoga and archery. Recreation at Usdan is focused on building confidence and mindfulness, fostering teamwork, and having fun. For more information on Recreational Activities, visit our Recreational Arts page.
WHAT ARE THE WITHDRAWAL REFUND AND SESSION CHANGE REFUND POLICIES?
2025 CLASSIC, DISCOVERY & ALLEGRO MUSIC PROGRAMS
Withdrawal refunds will be made according to the following rules:
- Up to and including April 15, 2025: $150 administrative fee will be retained by Usdan. Remaining tuition will be refunded.
- Beginning April 16, 2025: $1,000 administrative fee will be retained by Usdan. Remaining tuition will be refunded.
- After the third day of the student’s session, counting from the listed start date: No tuition refund.
- The date of withdrawal will be the date on which Usdan is notified.
- An applicant who does not receive a Major, Minor, or Recreational Activity requested at the time of enrollment due to it being full or not the appropriate level will receive a full tuition refund.
- Convenience fees are not refundable at any time.
If changing sessions from Usdan Classic 8-week to 4-week A or 4-week A to 4-week B:
- Up to and including May 31, 2025: No fee.
- Beginning June 1, 2025: $1,000 administrative fee will be added to your balance or retained from any refund.
- After the third day of the student’s session, counting from the listed start date: No tuition refund.
- The date of session change will be the date on which Usdan is notified.
- Convenience fees are not refundable at any time.
2025 RECREATIONAL CAMP PROGRAM
Withdrawal and session change refunds will be made according to the following rules:
- Up to and including April 15, 2025: $150 administrative fee will be retained by Usdan. Remaining tuition will be refunded.
- Beginning April 16, 2025: $150 administrative fee will be retained by Usdan per Recreational Camp week. Remaining tuition will be refunded. (e.g.: If you are registered for four weeks of Rec Camp and withdraw from all of them, Usdan will retain $600. If you are registered for four weeks of Rec Camp and withdraw from two weeks, Usdan will retain $300.)
- After 5:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the first day of the student’s session: No tuition refund.
- Convenience fees are not refundable at any time.
ARE THERE PERFORMANCES OR SHOWINGS ON CAMPUS?
- Students in Classic and Allegro Music Programs and Recreational Camp who have just completed Grades 2 through 12 see a Festival Performance every day.
- Discovery campers see a select number of developmentally appropriate performances throughout their session.
- Parents are welcome to attend Festival Performances.
WHAT IS YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURE?
Your child’s safety is a top priority, and we want to keep you informed and updated.
Usdan follows current CDC guidelines as reported here.
If you have any questions, please contact us at questions@usdan.org.
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY REGARDING VACCINATIONS? (NEW FOR 2025)
Because of our focus on maintaining health and protecting the camp community as a whole, Usdan now requires all students, faculty, and staff to be up-to-date with all standard immunizations in accordance with the update to Public Health Law Section 2164 passed by the New York State legislature on June 13, 2019. Usdan will not accept any exemption including a doctor-issued medical exemption. All health forms are required by May 31 for prescreening.
We are encouraging all staff and faculty to be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations. At this time, we are encouraging, but not requiring, COVID-19 vaccination for students, but we are analyzing the situation and reserve the right to change this policy.