2024 Lunch, Learn + Play is a free summer program for Salem students entering kindergarten through sixth grade. LLP Summer Theater Camp at Fort Salem Theater is a free program for sixth grade through twelfth grade.

This FIVE-week program (five days per week and five and a half hours per day) will run this year from Monday, July 8th- Friday, August 9th from 11:30am- 5:00pm for Salem area children. We are limiting the number of students we accept into the program and are only allowing children in the Salem School District. If there is enough room, we will accept children that are living with their grandparents in Salem during the summer. However, permanent residents will take priority. We will adhere to all NYS guidelines and safety regulations posted for summer camps. This program gives parents a safe, healthy, and educational place for their children to enjoy for the day. LL+P takes place in the Youth Barn and on the side yard of the Courthouse. Offsite venues include field trip sites to places like Merck Forest, Salem Art Works, Bancroft Library, Fort Salem Theater, and many community walks in town.

Campers will start the day by enjoying a nutritious lunch, which will be served at 11:30 am. This year lunch will be served at the Salem Central School. We ask students be dropped off at the school if they are coming for the lunch portion. Most of the day will be spent outdoors in the fresh air with great teachers and counselors, making new friends and practicing good social skills with a focus on safety and health. Local individuals and organizations present educational, creative, informational, and fun activities for the children over the summer.

The details for this year’s program will be released in the month’s ahead but here is a recap from our amazing 2023 summer!

Kindergarten Program

This is a unique and separate experience with counselors and teachers concentrating exclusively on this age group. Several artists and teachers arrive to offer a variety of programming in the areas of music, math, puppetry, bookmaking, painting, literature, and science. One special focus will be a nature study. This is a great opportunity to help kindergartners get ready for the beginning of the school in the fall. Only fifteen children are accepted into this program.

1st-2nd & 3rd-4th Grade Program

The 1st- 4th grade programs are strong and varied. Many art and literacy activities continue – visits to the Bancroft library, bookmaking, murals, creative writing, photography and more. The older campers have exposure to farm tours, sports games, visiting pets, floral designs, lip balm making and so much more! Many Salem business owners and residents provide super experiences for our kids.

5th & 6th Grade Program

The focus for this age group is art, cooking, hiking and swimming at Salem Art Works, and nature studies at Merck Forest or the Georgi, visits to Lake Lauderdale, Pembar Museum, 4 square tournaments, kick ball and so much more. (6th graders can only sign up for the regular LLP with K-5th or Theater 6th-12th grade, they cannot do both)

6th-12th Grade Theater Camp at Fort Salem Theater

Lunch, Learn + Play joins forces with Fort Salem Theater. Over the course of five weeks, students will study acting, music, choreography, culminating in a full-scale production of The Little Mermaid! Kyle West (Fort Salem Theater), Susi Thomas, and Zak Eastman will lead this program, which will only run from 12-3 pm. Fridays are optional. Campers will need to walk home or be picked up after the program is over. There are no activities after 3pm for the 6th-12th graders (6th graders can only sign up for the regular LLP with K-5th or Theater 6th-12th grade, they cannot do both).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Historic Salem Courthouse at 518-854-7053. This program is fully funded by donations and grants. Thank you, to all of our past sponsors, for making Lunch, Learn and Play such a success!