More than 30 camps will be showcased at the Suffolk County Camp Fair on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Stony Brook University. The event, which is free to attend, allows families to meet with camp directors and learn about summer programs ranging from sports and arts to outdoor adventures.
Sponsored by Coast-To-Coast Camp Fairs, the event gives parents and students the chance to meet directors and staff, ask questions about offerings, and discover a variety of camps, including some they may have never considered.
From Aloha Beach Camp in Hawaii to Long Island Aquarium camp, Art League of Long Island, and School of Rock Port Jefferson, the camps cover a wide range of interests. Exclusive offers and materials will be available for attendees, who can also enjoy games, food, raffles, and door prizes.
The fair will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. in the university’s Student Activity Center Ballroom, 100 Nicolls Road.
While attending the fair isn’t required for finding the right summer experience, Coast-To-Coast co-founder Eric Naftulin spoke to South Shore Press about why it’s a valuable resource for making an informed choice.
“The Suffolk County Camp Fair at Stony Brook University offers parents and children the unique opportunity to meet face to face with camp directors and representatives from day camps, sleepaway camps, specialty programs and more—all in one convenient location,” he said. “Families can explore a variety of options to find the perfect camp experience for their child, whether they're interested in sports, arts, STEM or outdoor adventure. The event also includes free admission, interactive activities for kids and special giveaways, making it both informative and fun for the whole family!"
Naftulin noted that Coast-To-Coast has been organizing camp fairs for many years. Although this is the first fair at Stony Brook University, the company has seen substantial growth in the Northeast and expects success.
“Last year, we hosted the Long Island Camp Fair at Hofstra University for the first time, and the feedback from both camps and families was overwhelmingly positive—many expressed a strong interest in seeing a similar event at Stony Brook,” he said.
According to Naftulin, the idea for the first camp fair came from the realization that families often struggle to navigate the overwhelming number of camp options available.
“By providing a centralized event where parents can gather information, ask questions, and compare programs in person, these fairs were created to simplify the decision-making process and make it more personal and accessible,” he said.
To get the most out of the experience, Naftulin advises parents to come with a list of questions, reflect on their child’s interests and needs, and consider bringing their child to explore options together.
“Gathering brochures, speaking to the camp representatives, and following our Family Participation Guide at the fair can also help make an informed choice,” he said.
Naftulin believes that every child is unique, and as such, parents often need assistance finding the right summer program where their child can grow, gain confidence, and make lasting memories.
“Often, families discover programs they’ve never heard of before,” he said. “For example, The Story School, a regular attendee at many of our past events, will also be joining us at the Suffolk County Camp Fair. This unique camp specializes in live-action role-playing games—a type of program many families may not have previously considered. However, after meeting The Story School representatives at our events and learning more, families are often eager to sign up.”
For more information on the event, check out the website at: https://www.coasttocoastcampfairs.com.