Little Lions Camp

Camp Quick Info: 

Drop off: 8:15-9 AM, Pick up: 3 PM

Lunch: not provided on site, please bring your camper's NUT FREE Lunch and we will refrigerate

Snacks: we will provide an afternoon snack that is NUT FREE with GLUTEN FREE options

Swimming: camp day swimming is only offered at Dodge Fitness Center

Little Lions Camp, is the Columbia University Athletics Department's day camp for all children ages 6 through 12. It is located in New York City, on Columbia University's historic Morningside Heights campus and at the new Baker Athletics Complex. Campers will have access to Columbia's top-notch Division 1 Athletic facilities.

Little Lions Camp is a kid-centered, fun-based day camp that’s main focus is keeping kids physically and creatively active. Programming features an ever changing combination of classic PE games, backyard favorites, sports, and special surprises to keep kids happy, active, and engaged. A highly-trained, eclectic staff that utilizes physical education: teachers, athletes, camp veterans, creative types and child care specialists ensure that games are always changing and that counselors can tailor programming to fit children’s needs and likes.

What is kid-centered programming? Kid-centered programming means our camp staff plans daily programming with the kids likes and dislikes in mind, but daily schedules might change based on the counselors' overview of the day. Wednesday at 2 o’clock might mean a trip to the track, but if our counselors decide the group will be better working on a different activity, they are trained to be flexible and receptive. Little Lions Camp is about promoting a safe and welcoming environment that allows kids to participate in the activities that engage them.

What is fun-based? Our camp isn’t about shooting the perfect basket or running the fastest in a relay, it’s about being active and trying new things while having fun, learning to do both. Staff will recognize children’s skills and achievements, but our goal is to promote fun and positive relationships.

2026 Summer Camp Dates

Session 1 | June 15th - June 18th (no camp: June 19th | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: All About Roaree!

Session 2 | June 22nd - June 26th | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: Favorite Athlete!

Session 3 | June 29th - July 2nd (no camp: July 3rd) | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: Tour de France

Session 4 | July 6th - July 10th | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: FIFA World Cup

Session 5 | July 13th - July 17th | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: World University Games

Session 6 | July 20th - July 24th | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: Shark Week

Session 7 | July 27th - July 31st | Dodge Fitness Center | Theme: Circus/Carnival 

Session 8 | August 3rd - August 7th | Baker Athletic Complex | Theme: Tie-Dye Week

Session 9 | August 10th - August 14th | Baker Athletic Complex | Theme: Fall College Sports!

Note:

Swimming: camp day swimming is only offered at Dodge Fitness Center

Daily Schedule

Each week, campers participate in activities around a weekly theme, such as scavenger hunts, orienteering, trivia games, dance, and more! While at Dodge Fitness Center, the lineup of sports and games can include basketball, whiffle ball, volleyball, track, frisbee, dodgeball, tag, gaga ball, and much more! Swim sessions, which include group lessons and recreational swim, occur four times a week for 45 minutes.

Little Lions Camp at Baker Athletics Complex takes advantage of the private outdoor space, along with the range of different athletic facilities available. Popular activities include kickball, handball, flag football, track relays, water games, soccer, and enjoying the big sprinklers. Tennis sessions typically occur four times a week while at Baker. Bus transportation to and from the Baker Athletic Complex is provided at no additional cost.

Bus Transportation is available during sessions when camp is held at Baker Athletics Complex. The bus leaves from and returns to Amsterdam Avenue and W 117th Street.  We use the Academy Bus company.

Post Care Swim Lessons are available Monday - Thursday. All swimmers will have more 1-on-1 time with an instructor, lasting about 45 minutes. Intermediate and Advanced swimmers will have small group instruction lasting about 45 minutes. Swim lessons capacity is based on swim level. Campers can be picked up at 5:30pm on the third floor of the fitness center. 

Lottery (closed for 2025) is available for eligible campers.  We work with the West Harlem Development Corporation in Morningside and with the Baker Field Summer Sports Camps 

Cancellations & Refunds

• In the event that you request a cancellation, a $100 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
• All refund requests must be made no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the camp week.
• Refunds will not be given for missed days.
• Pro-rating options are available if communicated and requested before registering for camp.
• Transferring attendance to different weeks is accepted if requests are made no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the camp week, and space is available. 

Locations

Dodge Fitness Center
3030 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

Baker Athletics Complex
533 W 218th Street
New York, NY 10034

Contact Us

Matt Hall
Camp Director
Phone: (212) 854-2233
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (212)854-7397