Deerkill has been owned and operated by the Rhodes family since 1958. Today, they have a magnificent campus, superb facilities and a highly diverse program designed for children 3-14. C.I.T.’s are 15. Counselors know that self-esteem and self-confidence are gained through the achievement of valued skills. Deerkill believes in careful coaching and individual growth rather than competition. Their highly professional staff has been selected for its ability to create a relaxed and caring atmosphere. Each individual group is led by a teacher (or college graduate attending professional school). Each specialty activity is led by a professional. Campers spend over half their time with specialists at swimming, archery, arts & crafts, computers, gymnastics, ropes course and climbing wall, karate, nature, tennis, woodworking, and the creative arts - ceramics, dance, photography, and theatre arts. Group counselors assist the specialists and coach softball, basketball, soccer , volleyball and other sports. All campers swim twice daily and receive 40-minute lessons in one of the four heated pools. Instruction takes place in small groups of about six children with comparable swimming skills. Each group is supervised by a certified Red Cross instructor. Deerkill also offers a free family weekend club and is just one-half hour from the George Washington Bridge. Transportation is door-to-door. Each mini-bus is supervised by a professional driver and a counselor. Deerkill has children from almost all of NYC’s private, and many of its public schools.