Big Chief School and Camp

Big Chief School and Camp offers a combined school and camp program in a beautiful park-like setting with air-conditioned facilities. The program operates with separate schedules for school and camp throughout the week.

• Ages: 0–14 years old
• Schedule: School operates Monday–Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm, and camp operates Monday–Friday from 7:30am to 5:15pm

Big Chief School and Camp was established in 1954. It is a family-owned business founded by Ruth Eleanore Picinich and her husband Joseph Picinich. Their daughter Luanne Picinich joined the business full-time in 1978, and her three children, Katya, Zhenya, and Andrey, have now joined her.

The program states that it creates an atmosphere where children can grow physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally. It is licensed by OCFS and the Board of Health and is a member of the Long Island School and Camp Association. Big Chief is described as a family-owned and operated camp with owners who are very hands-on, an excellent, dedicated staff that has been with the owner for many years, an outstanding reputation, a park-like setting, and air-conditioned facilities.

Parent feedback includes comments such as, “Thank you for an amazing experience for my family. Your school and camp have had a profound impact on my most precious gifts, my children. Thank you for all you do!” Another parent states, “You run an amazing school and your staff is exceptional as well! I can’t express how great I feel knowing that my children are safe when they are at Big Chief. Peace of mind is priceless.”

Last updated May 27, 2026.