Rolling River Day Camp - East Rockaway, New York

Amanda Stubbs

Editing this review to take out any personal feelings. Was contacted by one of the owners over a point in my review about the shadow, so to be fair will stick to facts about kids with neurodiversity.

If you have a typical child who enjoys a lot of activities and being kept busy all summer, then this is a great camp. Especially if you have plenty of extra income to spend on camp, because the camp is at a minimum between $7-9k a kid if they over 6. Then you also need to tip counselors at the end of the season large sums of money. The camp is pretty transparent about the costs from the get go, so mostly just the tipping at the end of the season for newcomers might be new information.

If you have any child with special needs, be prepared to pay for a shadow. They will most likely recommend a shadow and if you refuse and your child does anything that is deemed inappropriate they may be kicked out or asked to leave. This did not happen to me, but has happened to others that I know. You also risk any refund if your child is kicked out.

The shadow you will need to find on your own, hire outside of the camp, and if the shadow is sick or can’t attend, neither can your child. Despite the large sums of money shelled out to the camp, they cannot accommodate your child who may need extra attention for a day without their shadow.

Also, the shadows are requested to wear a different color shirt than the other counselors, so everyone knows that your kid is there with a special adult. This may be fine for the little kids, but as my son got older the kids asked why the counselor had a different color shirt.

Just trying to leave a very honest review about having a child with more needs than the average child. My older son with special needs did love this camp, but he was also so obsessed with his shadow that he mostly loved camp for the shadow.

Camalle Wellington

Rolling River Day camp is like Disney world to my son. This place is a wonderland. Every summer my son gets excited to go to camp. The staff are amazing, the activities and trips that they plan for the kids are top tier. Every day my son gets off the bus I get so jealous when he starts to tell me all the fun activities he does at Rolling River. It’s pricey but so worth every penny.

Lee Mull

We love our Rolling River family! This is our third summer and the way they run this establishment is truly unmatched. From the amazing Goodman family, to Colleen answering any issue immediately to Lonnie making sure things are run smoothly and safely for each Mariner. They do a wonderful job ? my daughter cries and cries every time it ends and I know it’s due to the love and friendships she has acquired through this experience. Excited for Summer ‘24!

brenda walters

What a great summer camp. My son has been going to Rolling River for several years now and loves it. He only has one more year before he is too old to go as a camper but he is hoping to maybe become a CIT next. He just cant get enough RR:) The staff is great and very responsive. Love it!

Jenna Lehman

My kids are 9 and 11 and have been going to Rolling River since they were 3. It’s a fantastic, family run day camp. My kids absolutely love it. They have had wonderful experiences there and have made amazing memories. We are so grateful for RRDC!

Steven Heyers

My step-daughter was dreading Summer 2023 and begged us to allow her to stay home. She loved camp when she was younger; but following three COVID-19 summers and a few lackluster experiences at different camps, I totally understood her apprehension (I didn't really like camp, either, growing up). Nevertheless, she is only 11, so staying home alone for the better part of 2 months was out of the question. Rolling River was the only game left in town we weren't already familiar with, so we went ahead and enrolled her. Scarlett absolutely loved it, and her mother and I couldn't have been happier. What a joy it is to put your child on the bus in the morning without that knot of anxiety in the pit of your stomach, unsure if your daughter is going to enjoy the day or come home upset. We are most appreciative!

Kathryn Jussen

Rolling River is the BEST summer experience your child can have! It builds confidence, awareness, and friendship bonds that last long after Camp is over. Absolutely recommend allowing your child having such a wonderful, positive experience!!

Denise Gagliano

My 3 and 6 year olds had an incredible time at camp last summer and made great friends. The staff at Rolling River have been at it for literally decades and the place runs like a well-oiled machine. It's so nice to see a family business with such passionate staff. I knew my kids were in good hands.