SUMMER DISCOVERY
FREE
StreetSquash’s FREE six-week Summer Discovery program offers rising 5th through 8th graders in Harlem an exciting summer experience. Participants will explore the sport of squash, receive swim instruction, engage in academic enrichment, and take part in college and career exploration. The program also provides cultural experiences and field trips throughout New York City, creating a well-rounded and compelling summer adventure. You can see more details about our summer program below.
Please read our FAQ for more important information.
Want to volunteer at Summer Discovery? Sign Up Here
Summer Discovery is no longer accepting participants for 2026.
Summer Discovery Schedule:
Start Date: July 6*
End Date: August 14*
Days/Times: Monday – Friday | 9am – 4pm
*Camp will run in three two-week sessions. Campers can sign up for one, two, or all three sessions
| SESSION 1 | SESSION 2 | SESSION 3 |
| July 6 – July 17 | July 20 – July 31 | August 3 – August 14 |
Squash
A key part of our programming, squash is a fast-paced indoor racquet sport that boosts fitness, agility, and hand-eye coordination.
Enrichment
Through hands-on workshops, creative projects, and engaging games, campers participate in project-based learning that keeps their minds sharp and fosters curiosity about the world around them.
Swimming
Campers receive swim instruction twice a week at a nearby facility, building confidence and essential water safety skills.
Field Trips
Every Friday, our campers explore destinations in and around New York City, experiencing a variety of activities and new opportunities.
Squash
Our summer squash program introduces campers to the exciting, fast-paced world of squash. In the U.S., access to courts is often limited to expensive private clubs, but we are committed to making the sport accessible to all. Many of our participants experience squash for the first time at our facility, and countless players develop a passion for the game, aspiring to compete at higher levels.
Through our multi-year pathways program during the fall, winter & spring, our world-class coaches have guided students to compete at the collegiate level, with some even earning scholarships through the sport. Our summer camp provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals, giving participants an advantage if they choose to continue through our school-year pathways program.
Academic Enrichment
At StreetSquash, we keep young minds active and engaged all summer long! Through interactive activities like games, art, scavenger hunts, and more, our campers continue learning in a fun and dynamic environment. We also collaborate with partners to introduce students to STEM, local culture, history, and other exciting topics—sparking curiosity and inspiring a love for learning.
Swimming
Through a partnership with Lehman College, we provide comprehensive swim instruction as a core part of Summer Discovery. Campers begin with a swim assessment and are grouped by skill level to ensure they learn at a pace that suits them. As an essential life skill, swimming is a crucial part of our program, and we’re proud to offer this mandatory instruction twice per week at no cost to participants.
Field Trips
At StreetSquash, we believe in giving our campers the opportunity to experience New York City beyond Harlem. Every Friday, participants embark on exciting trips to destinations across NYC and the surrounding area. A highlight of each summer is our annual visit to an amusement park. Other past adventures have included:
• Concrete Safari – Outdoor exploration and environmental learning
• Bowlero – Bowling and arcade fun
• The Color Factory – A vibrant, interactive art experience
• Jungle Gym – Indoor play and obstacle courses
• SpyScape Museum – An immersive look into the world of espionage
• Urban Air – High-energy trampoline and adventure park excitement
• Escape Rooms – Team-building through thrilling puzzles and challenges
These trips provide our campers with unforgettable experiences, fostering curiosity, teamwork, and a sense of adventure!
FAQ
Please click on a question below to see the answer.
What is the cost to participate in Summer Discovery?
Summer Discovery is completely free for participants. All campers get access to all of our programming opportunities as well as a t-shirt. Campers will also be given a squash racquet and squash shoes for use during our programming. However, if your child loses his/her t-shirt, or you would like your child to have a second or third t-shirt, there will be a fee for additional shirts.
Who is eligible to participate in Summer Discovery
Summer Discovery is open to rising 5th-8th graders in New York City who qualify for free or discounted school lunch.
What are the requirements to sign up for Summer Discovery?
Campers must be starting the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th, grade in the Fall of 2026. All campers are also required to submit an updated physical from their primary care doctor. Any participant who does not have an updated physical will not be able to begin our program until their documents are submitted. The New York City Department of Health requires us to gather updated physicals from all our campers, staff, & volunteers. The date of the physical should be on or after Aug. 14, 2025.
When is the deadline to apply for Summer Discovery?
Registration ends on May 29. But we often run out of spots before then.
Where is StreetSquash located?
We are located at 41 West 115th Street, New York, NY 10026. We are right around the corner from the 116th street stop on the 2/3 lines. We are about a 15-minute walk from the 116th street stop on the 6 line.
Are all aspects of Summer Discovery mandatory?
Yes. Campers who participate in Summer Discovery must engage with all activities from squash, to swim instruction, to academic enrichment, and field trips. Campers may not opt out of any of our offerings.
Who will be supervising my child/children?
Summer Discovery activities are led by full-time staff members who also work in our school-year programming. While interns & volunteers will be part of the program, your child will always be supervised by a full-time adult staff member. Additionally, many of our staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross. Staff will escort students to our partner facility for swim instruction and remain there for the entire session. Swim instruction is conducted by certified lifeguards.
Will there be meals?
Campers are provided with breakfast and lunch from a public school one block away. A staff member picks up breakfast before campers arrive, typically offering cereal and fruit, which participants can eat onsite at our facility. Campers may also bring a healthy breakfast from home. Breakfast must be eaten between 9am and 9:30am. For lunch, campers are escorted by staff members to the school next door, where they receive a hot meal in the school’s cafeteria. Campers are also welcome to bring their own healthy lunch. A microwave is available onsite for heating breakfast or lunch if needed.
What should my child wear?
Your child will be playing squash every day, so we recommend that campers wear athletic clothing such as shorts and T-shirts. They should also always wear socks. Campers may also participate in art projects, food-based activities, and visits to local green spaces. Therefore, we advise against wearing expensive clothing or anything you wouldn’t want to get dirty or damaged. Students must wear special non-marking sneakers on the squash court that StreetSquash will provide. However, even when not playing squash, students must wear closed-toe, and closed-heeled sneakers. No sandals, slides, flip-flops, crocs, open-toed shoes etc.
We recommend campers always have a second set of clothing with them to change into/out of before and after playing squash or if their clothes get dirty from another activity.
On days that your child has swim instruction, they must bring a bathing suit to change into as well as a towel. Participants may bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops to be worn only inside the pool facility’s locker room and on the pool deck (and not inside StreetSquash or during the commute to or from the pool facility).
On field trip days, students are required to wear their camp-issued StreetSquash t-shirt.
Campers who show up to the facility unprepared or without the proper attire on any given day will immediately be sent home.
What else should my child bring?
• A backpack or other bag to keep their bathing suit, towel, and other items such as cell phones in.
• A water bottle. We have several water fountains throughout the building but it is recommended students bring a refillable water bottle so they can always have water with them in the various spaces.
• An extra set of clothing so that way after playing squash, they can change into clean, non-sweaty clothing.
What amenities does the StreetSquash facility offer?
The SL Green StreetSquash Center is a 19,000-square-foot facility with three levels. Our building is comprised of:
• 4 classrooms
• 1 library
• 8 squash courts
• A boys locker room
• A girls locker room
• A boys restroom
• A girls restroom
• A gender-neutral restroom (only one student allowed in at a time)
• Multiple water fountains, including one with a bottle filler
• An elevator
What time should my child arrive each day?
Campers should arrive between 9am and 9:30am. Programming each day will officially begin at 9:30am so if your child wants to eat breakfast before things get started, we recommend showing up at 9am. Please keep in mind that we will not let anyone into the building before 9am so there is no need to show up earlier than that.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please email summer@StreetSquash.org or call 212-289-4838