Our mission is to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play. Kids in the Game is a sports-based youth development organization offering school programs, summer camps, and sports programs to New York City's youth. Our vision is to encourage active lifestyles and character-building, to develop the integrity of a generation.
An energetic and experienced group, our coaches are athletes, coaches, educators, dancers, musicians, and mentors, all working together to develop New York City's youth. Kids in the Game provides a physical outlet that focuses on dually improving athleticism and positive character-building. Kids in the Game recognizes the benefit and long-term impact that balanced, sports-based youth development has on future communities.
An energetic and experienced group, our coaches are athletes, coaches, educators, dancers, musicians, and mentors, all working together to develop New York City's youth. Kids in the Game provides a physical outlet that focuses on dually improving athleticism and positive character-building. Kids in the Game recognizes the benefit and long-term impact that balanced, sports-based youth development has on future communities.
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Michael has dedicated his life to teaching sports and physical education to the youth of New York City. A former college basketball coach at Columbia University and SUNY Geneseo, Michael has over 15 years of experience in the field of physical education, athletics, and recreation.
In 2003, Michael founded Kids in the Game to help improve the quality of athletic and recreational opportunities for children in the greater New York City metropolitan area.Prior to Kids in the Game, Michael held senior positions at Asphalt Green and other NYC-based sports organizations. Michael holds a BA in Philosophy from Hamilton College as well as a Masters in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.
In 2003, Michael founded Kids in the Game to help improve the quality of athletic and recreational opportunities for children in the greater New York City metropolitan area.Prior to Kids in the Game, Michael held senior positions at Asphalt Green and other NYC-based sports organizations. Michael holds a BA in Philosophy from Hamilton College as well as a Masters in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.
Our story started in 2003 with one coach and a dream. Michael Murphy always had a heart for youth sports and fitness, and he wanted to make sure every kid had the same opportunities as he did growing up. With a bag of used basketballs and soccer balls, Kids in the Game was born. After years of on-the-ground coaching and meeting in hotel lobbies, Michael teamed up with Matt Murphy (and no, they aren't related).
Welcome to Behind the Game, the Kids in the Game official podcast. We cover the intersection of youth development, sports, education and technology in the New York City landscape. Welcome to the first episode of Countdown to Camp; your one-stop-shop to learn everything about the Kids in the Game summer camps!
We want to provide a new perspective on sports culture that exceeds pure athletics and introduces both creativity and character building. Our summer camps offer fun and multidimensional programming for campers, including activities such as swimming, creative and performing arts, outdoor adventure, field trips, themed days, and of course, sports!
At Riverdale Neighborhood House, Kids in the Game utilizes the gym, outside basketball courts, the playground area, an on site pool, baseball fields, and Vinmont Park. Kids in the Game and Physique Swimming are partnering to offer a swim and sports camp at Riverdale Neighborhood House! This camp will include swim instruction 5-days a week for campers and a variety of sports offerings to keep campers active and engaged with plenty of summer fun!
Reviews (25)
Priscilla P.
Sep 01, 2021
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Megan F.
Aug 20, 2021
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Second year of camp in a row at the UES location. An outstanding program. My young daughter has tried a ton of activities, gone on field trips, introduced our family to parts of central park we didn't know existed. They worked in swim instruction as well, that my daughter was nervous about, but with the encouragement of the whole KING coaching staff, she now loves. On its own, this is a great day camp experience for any child-- but to give this "normalcy" to a child during Covid, completely magical. Plus the ease to signing up, providing documentation, etc., is unparalleled
Sanj S.
Aug 14, 2021
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My pre-school age son had a great time at Kids in the Game UES location for 4 weeks this summer. Each week was full of activities outdoors and indoors, and he returned each day happy and looking forward to the next day. Coach K, Coach Lisa, and Coach Sam deserve special kudos for how enthusiastic they are and how happy snd welcome my son was at the camp, especially since he was in one of the younger age groups. Coach K and Coach Lisa were also extremely responsive to any questions that we had, Thank you for my son's wonderful experience!
The prices are also reasonable for Manhattan
The prices are also reasonable for Manhattan
Ruth Serrano
Dec 16, 2020
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Kids in the Game gets 5 stars from me! My son attended the Riverdale location this summer, and I have to say that I am beyond impressed and grateful to them for going above and beyond with the kids - ESPECIALLY during these crazy times with pandemics and blackout causing storms! Sanitizer was given at the entrance, temps. were taken daily for both parents and kids, and the coaches did a good job encouraging the kids to keep their masks on. Coach Tracey (The camp director) did a great job making sure parents were well informed all summer, Coach Tamara was amazing with my son and always made sure
Jessica Pak
Dec 09, 2020
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LOVE the KING staff and program!! The staff is excellent and takes great care of all the children. They are attentive, enthusiastic, and really seem to care about the whole child. I felt safe sending my child, even through the pandemic, because of the vast safety measures the staff has seriously taken. Coach Tracey and Tamara give the warmest welcome (always by name since day one) and quickly help if you or your child ever need anything. The program itself is also fun and engaging. My son comes home happy and teaches me new games, dance moves, and even addition that he learned at camp. He talks
TaKeesha White
Sep 23, 2020
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KING camp at Riverdale location has been phenomenal. My seven year old looks forward to camp everyday. He loves his coaches and shares stories with me daily about all the fun he is having, the support he gets from coaches and the encouragement to have fun and enjoy the games! I hear about all of the creative activities, games and sports and get daily emails from the camp leadership with updates, reminders and opportunities to ask questions and participate In activities via zoom. He enjoyed camp so much after the first week that we enrolled our niece who is 10. She raves about camp and doesn’t
Roni Roc
Aug 15, 2020
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Kids in the game summer camp has exceeded my expectations as a skeptical paranoid mother of 2 during the covert 19 pandemic. They really make every effort to assist parents and make the kids feel comfortable especially shy and reluctant ones like mine. They regularly communicate and keep parents and informed. They put out safety measures and the staff visibly adheres to them. Their energy and excitement level every morning at drop off and right through to afternoon pickup is contagious and inspiring. They learn every parent and child's name and make each individual feel special and important. My
Vanessa Power
Aug 01, 2020
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My eldest son has been attending KING Summer camps for a few years now, and they also started doing the after-school program at his school two years ago. We are extremely happy with the level of care and service they provide as an organization. They are very organized and have great structure, depth and variety to their programs and activities. We have also come to know a number of the coaches very well, and they are very caring, thoughtful and always wanting to help the kids do better and succeed.
Mia E.
Jul 26, 2020
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We had a phenomenal experience at the Riverdale camp this summer with Coach Tracey. Sending our daughter to camp in the pandemic environment caused a lot of ambivalence, and when we heard about the great lengths they'd be going to keep the kids safe, the ambivalence grew - we were both comforted and also wondered how the kids could have fun with masks and distancing and so on. Any doubts were totally allayed immediately by the out-of-this-world friendly staff, and when we picked up our daughter the first day, it was the happiest we'd seen her since March 13. Every day was even more "
Jennifer B.
Jul 26, 2020
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My 4-year-old son is attending KING Camp for a second year; this is his first year at the Riverdale location - this review is solely for Riverdale.
Their early drop-off and aftercare are what first grabbed my attention. The price is also fair. I am grateful that the center opened for the summer (COVID-19 times). Coach Tracey took the time to assure me that they were doing the very best to maintain a safe environment. The team is always available, and they are incredibly flexible. They are also very good at keeping the parents in the loop - many texts, emails at the end of each camp session, weekly
Their early drop-off and aftercare are what first grabbed my attention. The price is also fair. I am grateful that the center opened for the summer (COVID-19 times). Coach Tracey took the time to assure me that they were doing the very best to maintain a safe environment. The team is always available, and they are incredibly flexible. They are also very good at keeping the parents in the loop - many texts, emails at the end of each camp session, weekly
Conor Mcgloin
Jul 07, 2020
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Very very very very very very very fun!!!!!
I joined the Kids in the Game summer camp at the Riverdale location. It was my second year at this site. I loved it last year as well, but this year was even more special because of the pandemic. My parents were very reluctant to send me to the camp this summer, but after speaking with Coach Tracey, they felt it was worth trying. It turned out to be such a great experience...all the coaches were caring, energetic and made sure everyone was safe at the camp. Coach Tracey and his team did a wonderful job of running the camp with all the safety protocols
I joined the Kids in the Game summer camp at the Riverdale location. It was my second year at this site. I loved it last year as well, but this year was even more special because of the pandemic. My parents were very reluctant to send me to the camp this summer, but after speaking with Coach Tracey, they felt it was worth trying. It turned out to be such a great experience...all the coaches were caring, energetic and made sure everyone was safe at the camp. Coach Tracey and his team did a wonderful job of running the camp with all the safety protocols
Leila Madani
Jun 20, 2020
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We are so happy that we decided to brave the COVID summer of 2020 and send our 3 children to Kids in the Game- Riverdale campus. Coach Tracey and his staff are vigilant about keeping the children and counselors properly socially distanced and masked. Despite these atypical camp procedures, they are still incredibly successful at motivating and engaging the children in all the different camp activities. They are also excellent at communicating with parents regarding falls/boo-boos, missing items, and just to send cute photos from the kids' days at camp. And lastly, the staff does a fabulous job
Kenia Rosario
Jun 19, 2020
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For our first time experience KING camp was amazing!! Specially during these crazy scary times, they made me feel so comfortable and kids safe. My daughter and Godson had a blast and came home happy everyday. Coach Tracey was so welcoming and all the staff was always so happy and helpful. Even through the mask u can see everyone smiling.
Bipasha Ray
Sep 11, 2019
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I and my boys loved this camp and we'll be returning this year. Last summer, every day at drop off and pickup, the kids were greeted by name and high fives, and it was clear that the staff and counselors were enthusiastic to be there. They had diverse activities to keep the kids engaged. The end summer show was cute and showed how much the staff care about a high quality camp that is also fun. From a parent's perspective, I appreciated their good communication through emails and the app, and felt comfortable that my kids were safe and stimulated.
Carmen O.
Jul 31, 2019
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Completely inept organization.
I handed the camp director my daughter's medical form in person almost two months prior to her starting the camp. I checked in with the main office numerous times over the two months asking why it still showed as still missing for my child. Every single time I was told that they were still being uploaded and that it would be fine. I was told just 24 hours before she was starting, and only because I called them, that it is in fact missing and that my daughter cannot start camp. With an extremely demanding job I was not able to track down a new form from her
I handed the camp director my daughter's medical form in person almost two months prior to her starting the camp. I checked in with the main office numerous times over the two months asking why it still showed as still missing for my child. Every single time I was told that they were still being uploaded and that it would be fine. I was told just 24 hours before she was starting, and only because I called them, that it is in fact missing and that my daughter cannot start camp. With an extremely demanding job I was not able to track down a new form from her
Crystal M.
Aug 07, 2018
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Overall I'm disappointed. This was my son's second year with KING, first summer was spent in Riverdale. He had an awesome 2017 summer. This year wasn't the best. We were both looking forward to camp this year. Womp womp womp....
This year he attended the Upper East Side camp 82nd and 1st. There were a few kids there with behavior issues. Like serious issues; oppositional defiance disorders. You know the kids that for no particular reason will spit or slap other children in their faces. The kinds of kids that can't be trusted to play nicely with other kids. UGH!!
This year he attended the Upper East Side camp 82nd and 1st. There were a few kids there with behavior issues. Like serious issues; oppositional defiance disorders. You know the kids that for no particular reason will spit or slap other children in their faces. The kinds of kids that can't be trusted to play nicely with other kids. UGH!!
Suzanne D.
Jul 31, 2018
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I sent my son and daughter for the first time this summer to KING in Riverdale. They were there for only 2 weeks and I'm already getting request to place them back next year and for more sessions. The campers are involved in outdoor play, swimming, trips, arts and craft and more. The director Mr. Lewis was extremely attentive, professional, informative, and caring. What I loved most was the structure and activities of a big camp with a very personal/intimate feel. I would definitely recommend this camp to any local residents alike.
Ayden J.
Apr 19, 2018
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Zoranlly C.
Dec 09, 2017
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B. C.
Nov 26, 2017
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Sent my niece and nephew here multiple times over the summer and again recently while they were in town visiting us. They always had a blast and came home talking about how much fun they had. Best part is they got some great exercise so it gave my wife and I some rest for the remaining part of the day. Lol. Always really organised and they have great coaches/counsellors there for the kids.
Thanks Kids in the Game.
Thanks Kids in the Game.
Joel T.
Oct 10, 2017
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My son is on their AAU team for three years now and it has been a tremendous experience. The coaches are super involved and motivating. They give each of the kids plenty of attention and are full of expert advice and improvements for the kids. But the best part is the positive environment...they take their practices and games very seriously but maintain a supportive learning environmentat all times. Really cant say enought positive things about KING,
Jessica L.
Jun 02, 2016
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We signed up our 4-year-old for one week last summer, just to try it out. She loved it so much that we promptly signed her up for two more weeks. The kids played sports and games outside everyday, and there were indoor activities like arts and crafts, and special activities like tap dance. It was what we wished school could be like. The coaches are very sweet with the kids and made sure their water bottles were always filled up and that they brought them when they went to the park. One thing that really surprised me was how kind and a accommodating the staff were - NYC can be a tough town, but
Didi N.
May 06, 2016
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This is an awesome summer camp which encourages your kids to be active and fit. Their philosophy is centered around getting kids involved in sports and physical fitness. I am a true believer of kids being active and long term effects. The staff is caring and enjoy working with kids. Children get to try different sports and learn basics of teamwork and effort. Both of my daughters, 4 and 6 participated last year and can't wait to go back this year! It is also affordable by NYC standards. This gem will not remain hidden for long!!
Chryzl G.
Apr 22, 2016
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Katherine H.
Dec 09, 2015
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The Kids in the Game Inwood location is a wonderful summer camp!! The staff is very professional and enthusiastic and the kids are always smiling :)
This is something I would recommend to other families who are in the neighborhood and are looking for a great quality camp. My godson can't wait to be a part of camp this summer!
This is something I would recommend to other families who are in the neighborhood and are looking for a great quality camp. My godson can't wait to be a part of camp this summer!
