Camp Kadia - Free 2 Week Camp

Camp Kadia is a scholarship-based, overnight summer program for New York City teenagers. The camp is located in Liberty, New York.

Campers explore their creativity through visual and performing arts; learn basic skills for survival in the wilderness; develop strong, trusting relationships with their peers and adults; discuss social issues that affect their communities at home; and work together to create a self-sufficient community in a natural setting. When the summer ends, the young people are left with a network of adults and peers who support them throughout the year informally and at organized monthly activities.

You can find the application here. Please submit ASAP in order to provide your child with the best chances of getting in.

Girls Quest - SEED Summer Camp

Our Summer Experiential Education and Development (SEED) Program is our signature program, the fulcrum of all of our programming and the point of entry for all girls who join Girls Quest. Each year, over 300 girls attend this two-week program at our bucolic summer site, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah, in East Windham, NY. This goal-oriented summer camp program helps to lessen the Summer Learning Gap by providing activities that stimulate girls' learning and emotional development in an environment that is safe and nurturing while challenging girls to strive to their best potentials.

Program activities include swimming, boating, hiking, ceramics, archery, low and high ropes course, and outdoor education. Please visit Girls Quest for more information.

You can find the application here.

There is a $40 non-refundable application fee. We accept only money orders or cash. No personal checks, please.

SEED tuition is on a sliding scale dependent upon family income and number of people in the household. SEED tuition ranges from $110 to $500.

New York Botanical Garden - Explainer Program (13+)

Are you are a middle or high school student between the ages of 13 and 17 who's looking for an exciting and rewarding activity? Do you want to learn about plants, nature, and science? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Would you enjoy mentoring and working with young children? If you answered yes to any of these questions, check out The New York Botanical Garden's Explainer Program.

The Garden's Intern Explainer Program offers a great opportunity to make new friends, learn about plants, develop new skills, and receive personal mentoring and hands-on training. In return, you volunteer your time in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden to help facilitate programs and offer assistance to visitors of this world-class institution.

Expectations of an Explainer:
Volunteer 125 hours over a six-month period (at least one 4 1/2 hour shift once a week.
Attend four training sessions (hours are counted toward the required 125)

Visit their open house on May 22 at from 2-4 pm for more information.
Download an application here.

Lehman College - Pre College Summer Program

Lehman College Continuing Education has a well-established program of educational, creative and athletic courses specifically developed for young people. They offer classes for all ages - from kindergarten readiness to college prep. Class sections are available by age and skill level, so students will always feel comfortable and confident. Academic courses supplement school subjects by providing intensive, focused learning with small class sizes and attentive teachers. The early childhood and teen test preparation courses give students the tools and the skills they need to achieve academic success. Through creative arts and computer classes, young people are able to explore their own imaginations and build valuable skills that they might not have the opportunity to develop elsewhere. Lehman also offers a wide range of physical fitness classes that help students gain agility, strength, and coordination.

Call (718) 960-8512 for more information.

Summer Youth Police Academy

The New York City Police Department seeks to provide innovative and effective programs for the City’s young people. The Community Affairs Bureau, Youth Police Academy, is such a program. It is designed to establish a positive relationship between the Police Department and the City’s youth.

The Youth Police Academy will provide those participating in the program with lunch and uniform shirts. The 2009 Youth Police Academy is a six (6) week program that will hold sessions four (4) days a week. The Academy will open at 8:30 am in the morning and dismissal will be 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Students will attend classroom sessions with lectures, role-plays and topical demonstrations by police officers in the areas of law, behavioral science, drug prevention and gang resistance. Field trips to a Police Department facility or a City park are also part of the curriculum.

Apply between April 24 - June 16. Mail completed applications to:
N.Y.P.D. Youth Services Section
YPA 2009
189 Montague Street
Brooklyn NY 11201

Academy begins Monday, July 7 and ends on Thursday, August 14.

New York City residents, attending school, between the ages of 10 and 17 are eligible to attend.

Applications can be found here.

Bronx Location
Harry S. Truman H.S.
750 Baychester Ave
Bronx, NY 10475

This is a free program.

Next Generation Center

The Next Generation Center (NGC) is a one-stop center designed to meet the needs of young people transitioning to adulthood and self-sufficiency.

The mission of NGC is to provide support, guidance, training and opportunities to young people, ages 14 to 24, in the Bronx.

We offer youth leadership and life skills training, technology instruction, job readiness & job development services, educational guidance & tutoring, legal advocacy, housing assistance, creative and visual arts, and recreation.

Bronx Zoo - Animal Kingdom Camp

This summer your 8 to 12 year old child can explore the wonders of wildlife during an unforgettable week at Animal Kingdom Camp. Whether setting out on an African safari to see lions, wild dogs, and giraffes; exploring tropical forests in search of endangered lowland gorillas; or trekking through mountains in search of a rare, spotted Himalayan cat, children will discover the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom.

This year’s Animal Kingdom Camp is chock-full of new activities, so last year’s campers are welcome to return.

During five days of exploration and excitement, your child will:

discover rare animals in our new Madagascar! exhibit

visit the zoo's boisterous pack of African wild dogs

explore the beautiful Butterfly Garden

travel through Tiger Mountain

journey to the spectacular Congo Gorilla Forest

ride the Wild Asia Monorail

design their own day of zoo adventure

observe mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians up close each day

learn ways they can protect animals and habitats

Children will not be admitted to camp unless parents have submitted a health form signed by a physican four weeks prior to the selected session.

Sessions are available throughout the summer. Visit the zoo's website for more information.

Cost: Members - $335, Non-members - $350

Botanical Gardens Summer Program

Experience the joy and satisfaction of gardening. Guided by instructors, children tend plots of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The plant, weed, water, harvest fresh produce, taste-test their hard work, and observe nature first-hand. They cook, create nature crafts, explore the Garden grounds, make new friends, and make a lasting connection to nature.

Each gardening season--spring, summer, and fall--has its own special delights and activities. Register for one, two, or three seasons. The program runs rain or shine, and regular attendance is required.

The summer program is 6 Tuesdays and 6 Thursdays (July 6 - August 12) from 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Cost:
$180 for Non-Members and $165 for Members
Partial Scholarships are available. Scholarship Applications can be found here.

Mail your registration form to the Children's Gardening Program, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. Payment must be received two weeks prior to the start of the program. Make checks payable to the New York Botanical Garden. Those paying by credit card may register by phone at 718-817-8181 or fax at 718-817-8829 (Attention Children's Gardening Program).

Bronx River Art Center

Art Classes for youth (ages 9-21) are offered at the Bronx River Art Center (located at 1087 E. Tremont Ave). The classes are taught by professional artists, and they span the areas of Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Ceramics, Digital Media and Special Teen Project Studios.

Registration for Summer 2009 semester is held Saturday, June 27th – Saturday, July 4th
Sign up for our FREE art classes for youth ages 9-21, and affordable adult classes and workshops! First come, first serve

Classes are held on Saturdays from 12:30pm-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday from 3:30pm-6:30pm

Please bring the following to registration.

• Your child's school name and address.
• The name and number of your child's doctor/health care clinic, or your requirements for an emergency.
• An emergency contact person's name and number.
• A copy of your child's most current report card. Our mission is to help them educationally, as well as artistically.
• Include the best way to contact you, whether it's via email, mail, or by telephone.
• Please give current functional contact information.
• Most importantly, at the time of registration, please bring your child with you and help them pick their own classes. It has been shown that students will not attend classes if it has been chosen for them and they do not like the subject. This leads to them cutting classes, telling you they are coming here when they are not.

Explorers Program - Urban Park Rangers

Every weekend in all five boroughs there's an Explorer Program in a park near you. Families, adults and seniors are welcome at these evening and weekend programs. Developed in conjunction with the National Geographic Society, these programs help you experience New York City's vast acres of parkland as you never have before and discover areas you never knew existed. You'll forget you're in the city entirely! Programs last about an hour and a half unless otherwise specified, and are guaranteed to bring out the explorer in everyone. Activities include canoeing, fishing, hiking, and arts.

Find upcoming programs here.

This is a free program.

Junior Rangers

Imagine your child paddling a canoe in quiet blue waters edged with bright green marsh grass, exploring nature from a whole new perspective. Junior Rangers are immersed in a natural setting, participating in fun and educational activities and games. As a Junior Ranger, your child will canoe, fish, learn to use a map and compass, observe wildlife, and even camp out in the park! This low-cost opportunity continues to be extremely popular around the City, so get your application in today.

Dates:
June 29, 2009 – August 20, 2009

Ages:
8-11

Cost:
$65* per week for Regular Hours (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Includes lunch. 1 week minimum.
$10* per week for Extended Hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Add-On Camp-Out: $10* additional. Camp-out dates: July 9, July 23, August 6, August 13.
1/2 price scholarships available.

Locations in Inwood Hill Park (Northern Manhattan), Marine Park (Brooklyn), Crotona Park (Bronx) & Blue Heron Park (Staten Island)

For more information and to download an application, visit the Junior Ranger website here.

CityParks Track & Field

CityParks Track & Field gives New York City kids the chance to learn the basics of the sport, from hurdles and relay races, to long jump, shot put and javelin throw.

The program, supported by ING Run for Something Better, is open to boys and girls ages 5-16 and runs each summer in July and August.

Schedule

Ages (5 – 7) 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Ages (8-16) 10:30 – 12:00 PM
Start Date: Monday, July 6th, 2008 or Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
End Date: Wednesday, August 12th, 2008
Registration is On-Site

BRONX Locations

Pelham Bay
Bruckner Blvd & Middletown Rd
Mon & Wed

McCombs Dam Park
161st St
Tues & Thurs

CityParks Tennis

CityParks Tennis presented by Chase, provides free tennis lessons to thousands of kids each year in more than 36 parks throughout the five boroughs.

The program promotes physical fitness while building self confidence. The program is designed to make the sport of tennis freely available to those who want to learn the game in a fun, relaxed environment.

There are three levels of instruction to meet the needs of all players: Pee Wee (ages 5-7); Beginner (ages 8 and up); and Intermediate (determined by ability). Pee Wee lessons will meet for the first hour of each session.

Registration takes place in each park while the program is in session and is first come first served.

Start Date: Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 or Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
End Date: Monday, August 17th, 2009

Bronx Locations

Williamsbridge Oval
208th St. & Bainbridge Ave.
Mon. & Wed. 9 – 12pm

Woodlawn Park
233 St. & Jerome Ave
Mon. & Wed. 1-4pm

Haffen Park
Hammersley Ave. & Ely Ave.
Mon. & Wed. 1-4pm

St. James Park
Jerome Ave. & 193rd St.
Mon. & Wed. 1 – 4pm

Van Cortlandt Park
246St. & Broadway
Beginner Lessons
Mon. & Wed. 9 – 12pm
Intermediate Lessons
Tue. & Thurs. 9 – 12pm

St. Mary’s Park
145th St. & St. Anne’s Park
Tues. & Thurs. 9 – 12pm

Pelham Bay Park
Bruckner Blvd. & Middleton Rd.
Tue. & Thu. 1 – 4pm

CityParks Golf

CityParks is proud to bring this popular program to eleven parks this summer, 2009.

The beginner program introduces students to the basics of driving, pitching and putting. Near the end of the program, participants learn how to keep score and play on a 3-hole target course set up at the park. All equipment is provided.

On the last day of the program, participants who demonstrate safety rules and basic skills are offered the chance to play at a nearby golf course.

Group lessons for children ages 6-7 are held for 1 hour twice a week and are limited to 18 participants. Proof of age is required. Group lessons for children ages 8-16 are held for 1 1/2 hours twice a week and are limited to 30 participants.

Ages (6 - 7) 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Ages (8-16) 10:30 - 12:00 PM
Session 1: Monday, June 29th, 2009 (or Tuesday, June 30th, 2009) - Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Session 2: Monday, July 27th, 2009 (or Tuesday, July 28th, 2009) - Thursday, August 20th, 2009
Registration: ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call 718-760-6999

Bronx Locations

Pelham Bay Park (Field 4)
Bruckner Blvd. and Middleton Rd.
Tues & Thurs

Haffen Park (Ball Field)
Hammersley Ave. & Gunther Ave.
Mon & Wed

This is a free program.

Willie Randolph Summer Sports Experience

The Willie Randolph Summer Sports Experience is a youth development program that provides children ages 7-15 with free, intensive, structured lessons in a variety of sports. Through sequential training and skill development in several sports, children will learn the fundamental skills in baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, track and field, tennis, and more.


Bronx Locations include:

St. Mary’s Park
144 Street & Jackson Avenue

Haffen Park
Ely & Hammersley Avenues

Mullaly Park
165 Street between River & Jerome Avenues

To register in advance, please call the Bronx borough office at 718-430-1858.

This is a free program.

Parks Department Summer Camps

The Parks Department runs summer camp programs in recreation centers citywide for children ages 6-13 (age range varies at each site). Programs include arts & crafts, sports, computers, field trips and more! Please call the individual centers for specific information.

Registration for Summer 2010 has already begun. Please note: some camps are already full. Please call the camp you are interested in for more information.

All camps run from July 6 to Aug 21 with hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (8:00 am - 6:00 pm extended hours).

Bronx Camp Locations

Owen Dolan Recreation Center - East Tremont Ave and Westchester Sq (718-822-4284)

St. Mary's Recreation Center - St Ann's Ave and E 145th St (718-402-5155)

St. Jame's Recreation Center - 192nd St and Jerome Ave (718-822-4271)

Williamsbridge Oval - 3225 Resevoir Oval East (718-654-1851)