Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts Usdan

Usdan is the nation's preeminent not-for-profit day Camp for the Arts. the Camp has been profiled in the new york times and time magazine, and has been named a "best of" Camp by timeout ny/kids and ny metro parents. Usdan's parents and students describe Usdan as "magical," "transforming, and "inclusive." Nestled in a 140-acre forested oasis, Usdan's mission is to invite people of all ages to experience the natural beauty of our campus and the transformative power of the Arts. for over 55 years, Usdan has welcomed approximately 1,500 students each Summer from across long island and nyc to participate in rigorous educational programs in theater, dance, music, visual Arts, Creative writing, nature and sustainability, chess and recreation taught by world-class instructors and professional artists. (see schedule o)usdan's student population represents all different races, religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Roughly a third of Usdan's students are people of color, and roughly a third identify as neuro-divergent, broadly defined. the impact of Usdan's 45,000+ alumni extends far beyond the region with the vast majority of alumni becoming educators or practicing artists.

Rooted in principles such as inclusivity, sustainability, and freedom of Creative expression, Usdan actively engages with the community. Usdan offers multi-season access to our pristine woodland site and facilities to a diverse range of community partners. These partnerships include Creative residencies for artists, cultural and nature-based programming available to the general public, as well as providing space for community members and organizations to host their own festivals, performances, celebrations and cultural events.

Since Usdan's founding in 1968, a guiding value has been to provide access to Usdan's Arts education experience to students of all economic backgrounds. To continue to welcome as many children as possible regardless of their family's financial resources, Usdan offers a robust scholarship and tuition assistance program each year. Usdan's generous scholarship initiatives are designed to enrich our community by making sure that no child who wishes to attend Usdan will encounter cost as a barrier. In 2023, Usdan offered $2.4 million in scholarships and tuition assistance to 60% of the student population.