General Lab Information

photo of kids with archery equipment

Summer Recreation Program

The summer recreation program is for the children of Laboratory employees. Intended for children ages 5 to 13, the program includes general arts, crafts and recreation/sports with gym and swim time each afternoon. The program returns July 2025.

$285/wk.

Standard Fee

The Program fee is $285 per week, per child (except for week 1, which will be $175).

$65

Day Pass

This is in place of a Hybrid membership.

$250/wk.

Counselor-in-Training

Campers who are 13 years old and want to become role models for younger campers may participate in a Counselor-in-Training program. See 'Requirements' below.


  • You may sign up for as many or as few weeks as you’d like.
  • All payments are due by June 17, 2024.
  • Enrollment will only be accepted online using our new registration software. We are only accepting payments through this system. Please do not mail cash or checks. If a special arrangements need to be made please reach out to BERAoffice@bnl.gov.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be used. Direct questions regarding FSAs to Human Resources, Ext. 2877. Letters for income tax or flexible spending reimbursements will be mailed in September.
  • Refunds will not be issued for cancellations.

Register for the Summer Recreation Program

You will be redirected to bnl.funjoin.app to register.

Program Hours

Daily program hours are 7:45 a.m.—5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campers should be brought to the front entrance of the Recreation Hall, Bldg. 317 (See on map), each morning, no earlier than 7:45 a.m. (sign in is mandatory). Each camper must be picked up/signed out at the pool entrance, Bldg. 478 (See on map), at the end of the day, no later than 5:30 p.m. Prompt pick-up is expected at the end of each day.

Parents must notify staff, before the start of each day, of their intentions to take their child for lunch (sign out and back in will be required), or early pick up.

Requirements

Children must be between 5 and 12 years or going into 7th grade in September 2024 and must be the dependent child of a Brookhaven National Laboratory employee or Lab-appointed Guest currently working on-site. Contractors, Job Shoppers, and American Physical Society employees are not eligible. All applications will be verified.

Appropriate behavior, language, and dress code are expected of all campers at all times. Failure to adhere to the rules set forth will result in dismissal from camp without refund.

Camper in Training Program

This program is designed for young individuals who are interested in developing their counseling skills, gaining hands on experience, and making a positive impact on their community. Our CIT program provides participants with the opportunity to shadow experienced instructors, assist in day-to-day activities and learn fundamental counseling techniques. Members of our CIT team will receive training in real life scenarios such as active listening, empathy, conflict resolution skills, and ethical practices under the supervision of seasoned mentors. This program offers opportunities for personal and professional development. Campers who are 12 years old may participate in our “Counselor in Training” program by assisting the counselors with organized activities at a reduced rate of $250.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)

Children should bring a bag lunch (cold lunch preferred, microwave is not available). Refrigerators are available for the children’s lunch bags. Please label, everything. You may sign your child out for lunch. Snacks and drinks will be provided twice daily, with water available at any time during the day.

Please supply your child with sun block, a hat or visor, pool towel, bathing suit, and a sweatshirt, and please make sure everything is labeled.

It is strongly recommended that each child wear sunscreen and insect repellant with DEET to prohibit insect and tick bites.

No electronic devices, iPods, Pokémon, cell phones, or collectibles of any kind are permitted.

If your child requires medication

If your child requires medication during the day, please arrange an appropriate time with the staff for you to administer the medication at the Rec Hall. Counselors and staff will not administer medications. If your child is sick or becomes injured, the counselor will call you to ask you to pick up your child. If an Epi-pen is required, two sets must be provided, one to be kept at each location, Bldg. 317 and Bldg. 478. Be sure that your current office phone number and alternate phone number are accurate on the application. A copy of your child’s application with this information will be kept on file at the Rec Hall, pool, and gym.

Swim Lessons and Use of the Pool

  • Campers will be transported from the Rec Hall to the pool by school bus every afternoon. Pick your child up at the pool entrance adjacent to the parking lot off Bell Avenue. It is required that you sign out your child. Park in a designated parking space in building 400 parking lot. Do not idle or double park!
  • Red Cross Certified swimming instructors will offer group swim lessons once a week. Swim lessons are included in the Summer Recreation Program fee. Each child will receive a group swim lesson once a week on a designated day for 7 weeks between 3—4 pm. There will be no make-up classes for missed swim lessons. Lessons consist of groups of 7-12 children with similar swimming abilities. Daily open swim will be scheduled between 4—5:15 pm for all campers. Unless a note is submitted for someone to be excused, all must participate in pool activities. If your child is only enrolled in a few weeks and you would like to bring them for swim lessons on the weeks they will not be attending camp, please be sure to check off the box on page 5 and they will be included.
  • Pool time and swimming lessons are not optional; all must attend afternoon swim.
  • We request that the children dress modestly, in good taste and prepared for physical activities. Sneakers or sandals should be worn. Flip-flops may prevent children from playing specific games or sports. Please supply your child with sun block, a hat or visor, pool towel, bathing suit, and a sweatshirt, and please make sure everything is labeled.
  • Locker rooms are for changing only – showers will be closed.
  • All pool rules must be adhered to during swim time.

If you have any questions, please contact Quality of Life Office Supervisor Adam Merone.