NYCHA’s recreation programs encourage young people to get
outdoors, have fun and get fit. We offer a wide variety of
recreational programs and events including our summer carnival, overnight
camping excursions and our annual fishing contest. Programs run year-round,
with an additional complement of special summer events, getaways, and
activities.
NYCHA’s Community Centers also offer summer day camp, and selected centers
operate evening programs for teens. Join thousands of other youth who already
participate in our recreation programs every day. See the full listing of
programs below, then stop in at your local Community Center or contact NYCHA’s
Community Coordinators at (212) 306-3341, 3388, or 3342 to sign up.
The Gateway Overnight Camping Program
is a two-day tent camping experience at Gateway’s Floyd Bennett Field in
Brooklyn. Every summer, this program offers young people ages eight to 14 the
opportunity to learn about composting and recycling at Ecology Village.
Participants also explore the natural and cultural resources of Floyd Bennett
Field. The program is an outdoor experience stressing the importance of
environmental awareness and group cooperation. Through ranger-led activities and
the exploration of uplands and the marine environment, young people will
discover the joys of camping and the great outdoors.
This event is offered during the
summer to youth of all ages residing in NYCHA developments. The catch and
release fishing event is held at Clove Lake Park in Staten Island. Each
participant is provided with a fishing pole and bait for the day. In addition,
we offer an opportunity to take part in our educational topics including fish
identification, bait and tackle, rules and regulations and casting. The event is
a one-day contest offering trophies and various prizes to the participants.
Summer Carnival The Summer Carnival is a fun festival
of games and lighthearted competition. Youth from all five boroughs compete in
traditional carnival-like games, such as sack races, bean bag tosses, and
three-legged races.
The annual Kids Walk event gathers youth from summer camp programs in all
five boroughs who participate in a mile and a half walkathon to promote healthy
living. Before the event, kids make banners promoting eating right and exercise,
which they carry during the walk. Following the walk everyone enjoys a healthy
lunch and prizes are awarded for the best banners. 2010 Kids Walk
Video Watch the
video in broadband (duration 1:57) NYCHA Kids Walk Photos (Flickr) Video Of NYCHA's Children In Action (NY1)
NYCHA in collaboration with the New York Therapeutic Riding Center provides
the nine-week Therapeutic Horseback Riding "Equestria" Program to children with
physical disabilities, between the ages of 6 and 15. For disabled children,
therapeutic horseback riding leads to improvements in balance, posture,
coordination, mobility, and most importantly, self-esteem, because riding a
horse is considered such a difficult task for anyone to do. Read the
story
