Question 1

What is the day-to-day schedule?

Accepted Answer

Every day starts with an all-group morning meeting – a time to connect, sing, and settle into the day with some mindfulness. From there, children move through their program's individual schedule, which includes instructor-led small group crafts and games, visits to our outdoor creative studio, snack and lunch, and plenty of free time to explore! The day winds down with a reflection period, where each child looks back on what they discovered or made that day.

Question 2

Which program is right for my child?

Accepted Answer

We offer three programs:
Pre-K (Ages 3-5): Please note that children must be fully potty trained to participate.
School-Age (Ages 6-8): If your child is in Kindergarten through 2nd grade for the 2025/26 school year, they’re eligible for our School-Age Program.
Budding Leaders (Rising 6th-10th graders): Open to Manitou students and alumni only.

Question 3

I see that children must be fully potty trained to attend the Manitou summer program. What does "fully potty trained" mean?

Accepted Answer

To join us, children should be able to:

Use a regular-sized toilet independently, without adult assistance
Recognize when they need to go, and let an adult know with enough time to get there
Pull their bottoms and underwear up and down by themselves
Get on and off the toilet independently
Use toilet paper to wipe
Flush, pull up their bottoms, and wash their hands with soap

If your child is still working toward these milestones, we'd love to welcome them in a future summer!

Question 4

What does Spanish immersion mean for my child? Does my child have to speak Spanish to attend?

Accepted Answer

Spanish immersion at Manitou isn't a formal lesson, but is generally woven into the day. Our team converses naturally in Spanish, and vocabulary is integrated into songs, activities, games, and everyday routines. Children are encouraged to participate at whatever level feels comfortable, with no pressure.

Through songs, games, and daily routines, children will pick up Spanish vocabulary and phrases naturally. Our program isn't a structured language class, but the immersive environment means your child will leave with new words and a growing comfort with the language.

At the heart of it, our Spanish immersion reflects one of Manitou's core values: we want our staff to show up as their full selves and share their language and culture with every child in our community. ¡Qué divertido!

Question 5

What if my child doesn't know anyone?

Accepted Answer

Every child new to Summer at Manitou is paired with a buddy (or a few!) who share similar interests, so they have a friendly face from day one.

Our summer community draws families from Cold Spring, Garrison, Beacon, Newburgh, Cornwall, Fishkill, Hopewell Junction, New York City, and beyond. Building community – within our school and beyond it – is something Manitou cares deeply about!

Question 6

My child attended previous summers but has aged out of the School-Age program. Can they still come? Can they join Budding Leaders even if they're not a Manitou student or alum?

Accepted Answer

The Budding Leaders program is designed for Manitou students and alumni, so it isn't open to children outside our school community, and we're unable to accommodate children who have aged out of the School-Age program. We hope the summers they spent with us stay with them – and we'd love to stay connected as they grow!