Jonathan Geller, Aquatics Director

I have attended both day and residential camps as a child and learned to be a lifeguard when I was CIT.  Since 2003, I have been both an Aquatics and Waterfront Director and have implemented and facilitated a variety of programs.  As an Instructor Trainer in both Lifeguarding and Water Safety for the American Red Cross, learning how to swim and knowing how to be safe in any aquatic environment is very important. I am very passionate about the Buckley Day Camp Aquatic Program and enjoy seeing campers improve their swimming skills throughout the summer with the help of the best aquatic staff around!

This is my 9th summer at Buckley Day Camp, where both of my daughters also attend.  Buckley is a very magical place for everyone who attends.  My daughters love Buckley and are always talking about camp, even during the off season. Buckley is more than a camp, it is a 2nd home where everyone is family.  The Summer of 2024 will be amazing and I look forward to seeing all of you very soon.

I Can Swim!

  • Small camper-to-instructor ratios
  • Age-appropriate facilities
  • Daily instructional swim period for all campers entering Nursery-7th grade
  • Campers enrolled in the Full Day program (for entering Nursery through 4th grade) have a 2nd scheduled recreational swim daily, and 5th-7th have an optional recreational swim as a workshop choice

Buckley Day Camp takes great pride in its outstanding swim program. Within a supportive environment, campers of all abilities are challenged to improve. Campers are split into small teaching groups with campers within their own age group who are working on the same skills. Our swim Instructors stay with the same group each day they have instructional swim. The ratios are typically 1:4 or better for our early learners and slightly larger for campers as they advance.

At Buckley Day Camp we believe swimming is one of the most important skills a camper should learn and we pride ourselves on teaching campers how to swim through the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim instruction program.  Whether your child has mastered swimming or is a fearful beginner, our mature, nurturing staff of trained,  Nassau County Certified lifeguards and highly experienced American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSI)  will be able to teach your child new skills and new levels of confidence. Our aquatics staff will guide and challenge swimmers of every ability as they advance their strokes and skills each day.

Our impressive aquatics facility includes four outdoor temperature controlled pools, a Kid Wash water playground, water slides and a diving board. Our private pond is also available for campers to enjoy paddle boating and peddle boating.

Mini Day campers will receive a 30 minute instructional swim period, Monday – Friday. Full Day campers entering Nursery through 2nd grade will receive a 30 minute instructional swim AND a 30 minute recreational swim period Monday – Friday.

Campers entering 3rd grade and 4th grade receive a 30 minute instructional swim period every day.  Campers entering 5th grade – 7th grade receive a 30 minute instructional swim period every day.  Campers in 3rd grade – 7th grade are able to choose advanced swim instruction as one of their workshops.