Our History

Shibley Day Camp began in a station wagon on the way to Jones Beach in the 1930’s. The driver was an ambitious young woman named Jeanne Shibley who had already made her name as one of Long Island’s best-known private dance and etiquette teachers. Her passengers were young pupils whose parents recognized Jeanne’s inventiveness and asked her to expand her program and keep the children entertained a little longer.

“Keep them a little longer” she did – first in a station wagon, then in her home, then on a magnificent Roslyn estate she purchased to accommodate her growing business. Other big land purchases followed until she had assembled the expansive acreage Shibley operates on today. At her side during this time of rapid expansion was the man she married in 1949, John C. Bell.

Toward the end of the 1950’s, a young physical education teacher named Harvey Kulchin came to work at Shibley as a Group Leader. Mr. Kulchin’s natural talent for creating dynamic athletic programs was just what the camp needed. He became Shibley’s Director at age 26 and, over the next half-century, virtually changed the direction of the camp. Under Harvey’s leadership, we became not only “The Day Camp with the North Woods Atmosphere,” but also “The Day Camping Leader in Sports Education.”

Harvey’s son, Bob Kulchin, who grew up at Shibley Day Camp, proceeded to serve in a variety of rolls, including director, and led the camp into the 21st century. Bob continued the Shibley/Bell/Kulchin legacy of providing excellent summer programming for children and top notch customer service for their families and all members of the Shibley community.  Bob continues to work closely with the Shibley leadership team in planning and executing our dynamic program each summer.

After three generations in the Shibley Bell family, Shibley Day Camp became a part of the CampGroup Family of Camps in 2015. Our Leadership Team is committed to preserving Shibley’s rich heritage and continuing the legacy for future generations.