Park Slope Reader

Kara Goldfarb

Dog Fight

By Filed Under: Community, Park Slope Life Tagged With: , ,

Advocating for a Dog Park in Prospect Park: The Start of a Journey 

Why doesn’t Prospect Park have an off-leash dog run? And how do we get one? Let’s find out. 

Though all the ways— both big and small— in which COVID changed the flow of life can hardly be quantified, one category with some concrete data revolves around pet adoptions. The Animal Care Centers of NYC shared that about 25 percent of people who had taken in dogs to foster at the start of the pandemic had adopted them permanently by June 2020. In May of 2021, a nationally representative poll of over 5,000 respondents by the ASPCA revealed that since the start of the pandemic, close to one in five households acquired a dog or cat. Based on the 2019 U.S Census, that would account for around 23 million households— with between 85-90 percent of those households reporting that they weren’t considering rehoming their pets. 

Another quantifiable change in lifestyle: as of November, only 28 percent of Manhattan office workers had returned to their desks. While we can’t predict how and when that number will change, there is an undeniableness in the ubiquitous embracement of more flexible hours and remote work. 

So what do these two things have in common? Well, with more dog owners and fewer in-office hours, it begs the question: Are there enough places where their pets are able to roam free? In some areas, yes. The Kensington Dog Run, which allows dogs to roam off-leash, opened in July 2020. The 7,000 square feet fenced-in space in the Parade Ground along Coney Island Avenue has separated areas for large and small dogs and canine-friendly turf. Though smaller in size, Jemmy’s Dog Run (currently undergoing renovations) in Madison Square Park, located near 5th Avenue and 24th street in Manhattan, is a year-round dog run with double-entry and exit gates, a ground of smooth pebbles, plenty of trees for shades, and lined with spigots to keep dogs hydrated. 

One park glaringly absent of this kind of area reserved for off-leash recreation is the hub of Prospect Park itself. And the question posed by the publisher of the PSR was: Why? The 586-acre park is surrounded by families with dogs. Yet the off-leash rules are surprisingly rigid. In the designated areas for dogs, dogs are only permitted to run free between 6am–9am, and then from 9pm–1am. Particularly in the winter, when daylight hours dwindle, the opportunity for people in the neighborhood to give their dogs off-leash exercise throughout the course of the day is a difficult task. Why exactly is this the case? Or perhaps, to jump ahead, a better question would be: How does a community— like other communities around NYC have done in the past— go about establishing a fair and proper dog park. 

That’s the mission we’ll be starting with this article series. Namely, the steps that have to be taken, the people and groups who are part of the process, the money involved, and the time scale for which a project like this needs to come to fruition. Talking to advocates and officials, digging into data, and examining past precedents along the way. 

As per the American Kennel Club, the initial stages involve creating a proposal that contains the goals, proposes location, funding, maintenance, and enforcement. According to The Bark, an award-winning publication that was started in 1997 after the two founders adopted a dog and discovered it was illegal for her to go unleashed at their local park, a task force is helpful in centralizing the process, while conducting open, public meetings.

Demonstrating need and support are vital as well. With valid statistics on dog owners, the community, and park-goers, a worded request, as well as a circulating petition, are strong documents that can be brought to the attention of local officials in a concise way, which could lead to the request for a hearing. Ultimately, patience seems to be a key component throughout. As anyone who has advocated and fought for something before knows, the combination of various opinions with the nuances of bureaucracies and the process of congealing support into a cohesive unit can feel time-consuming. It can feel frustrating.  Futile, even, at times. But something worth championing doesn’t always come easy. And hopefully the people and groups we talk with along the way will help in streamlining the major things that need to be done. 

“The new Kensington Dog Run is a testament to what our community can achieve when it comes together over a shared interest, like providing a space for our canine companions to enjoy,” Borough President (now mayor-elect) Eric Adams said in the press release when the dog run opened. He also added, “Amid an unimaginably difficult period for our city, it’s a small — but powerful — reminder that empowering communities at the grassroots level can deliver results.”

“The new Kensington Dog Run is a testament to what our community can achieve when it comes together over a shared interest, like providing a space for our canine companions to enjoy. I was so proud to work with my colleagues in government and the local community to help fund this project through the participatory budgeting process. Amid an unimaginably difficult period for our city, it’s a small — but powerful — reminder that empowering communities at the grassroots level can deliver results,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Stay tuned as we continue to dig down, and “bone” up on this topic. Hopefully in the end every dog will have its day. 

A True & Genuine Companionship: Thanks to Isolated New Yorkers, Dog Adoptions Surge

By Filed Under: Bark Slope, Feature, Pandemic Diaries Tagged With:

Artwork by Dean Russo

The very real Coronavirus Pandemic has led to a very real Loneliness Epidemic. In a survey by the AARP, two-thirds of adults said they’re experiencing social isolation and 66 percent said their anxiety has increased during the pandemic. Essentially, one public health crisis gave rise to another.

There has been, however, one positive outcome in response to the isolation fatigue in Brooklyn and on a national scale. With flexible work schedules, more time at home, and a universal desire for companionship, one notable response has been a startling increase in dog adoptions. The double win of providing homes to a multitude of shelter animals and comfort to lonely residents may be one of the only good things to come out of the pandemic.

The ASPCA reported over 600 online foster applications in New York City and Los Angeles during the second half of March, compared to the average 200 applications. Reported by the AP, New York based nonprofit Foster Dogs Inc. saw the number of applications in the month of August increase from 140 the previous year, to 3,000. Muddy Paws Rescue, an NYC foster-based nonprofit, reported that, after receiving ten times the number of applications in a two week period, the shelters they partnered with were essentially empty. 

For Toni Bodon, the increased interest in adopting a dog is palpable as well. Bodon is the cofounder of Stray from the Heart, a New York-based nonprofit dog rescue organization aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating neglected dogs. “If I had to guess, I’d say 25 percent more this time than last year,” Bodon said in regards to the number of applications the organization received. Stray from the Heart has partners in Puerto Rico and Ecuador who care for the dogs until they are matched with the perfect owner and well enough to travel. Bodon is thrilled with the uptick. However, with an emphasis on making sure a candidate is the right fit for a particular dog, the organization’s thorough vetting process makes it a time-consuming mission as well. “We are entirely volunteer-based,” Bodon notes, adding, “it really is a labor of love.”

Max and Kate with their rescue puppy “Appa” from Puerto Rico (Stray from the Heart).

In going through the multitude of applications, the team looks for stability within potential owners. For instance, they may receive an application from someone who is currently working from home due to the pandemic. But if the person doesn’t know whether they’ll have to return to the office in five months, their application likely won’t be approved. “If they live alone, who is going to take care of the dog then?” Bodon asked. Her core responsibility is in ensuring each dog they rescue finds a solid home.

Because Stray from the Heart doesn’t have a foster center and the rescues are abroad, they’ve also had to work with the COVID travel restrictions when it comes to uniting an adopted dog with an owner. The normal adoption process takes 4-8 weeks, with the added process of flying the dogs over. A rescue in severe conditions will take longer as the dog undergoes necessary rehabilitation procedures, which the organization relies primarily on donations to cover the cost of. Bruno and Gracie are two recent examples of rescues found in critical condition. Bruno needed chemotherapy as well as treatment for skin lacerations. Gracie, an abandoned poodle found on the roof of an empty house in Ecuador, needed emergency care after spending an unknown amount of time unsheltered from the heat and rain without food or water. They named her Gracie “because by the grace of God she was rescued.”

Though the volunteers work tirelessly, it pays off, as evident by the universally satisfied owners upon receiving their new family members. “We have settled in well with our little love bug Hachi,” the parents of a recent rescue wrote via Facebook. “So far his favorite activities are curling up on the couch, sleeping on our laps, and eating cheese treats. He enjoys our walks as well, but not quite as much when it is raining hard — we think he’s still got memories of the hurricanes in Puerto Rico,” they also wrote; a reminder of the hard times these animals have been through.

A happy and healthy Bruno (Stray from the Heart).

There are also stories of people who were simply able to slow down enough during the pandemic to complete the adoption process. Joni Wildman, a local Brooklyn resident, adopted a dog earlier this year from Muddy Paws. “I had been looking to adopt before the pandemic hit, but I struggled with elaborate adoption applications,” Wildman said. She was able to find more time for herself during the pandemic, which included more time to work on her paintings. A friend who was fostering for Muddy Paws had one pup in particular named Catch who stood out to Wildman. “Catch looked like the dog in the painting I was making, so I applied. Had to be fate, right?” she said. “He’s been my hiking, beach, running, going everywhere buddy ever since.” Wildman says the added time in her day has given her the opportunity to train catch and help him really adjust to her home.

There’s an underlying beauty in these kinds of matches. The rise in stray dogs who have found warm, loving homes over these past eight months is undoubtedly a wonderful thing. But beyond that, the notion of an owner who has had a difficult time during COVID finding solace with an animal who has likewise had a tough row to hope, makes the relationship between the two a true and genuine companionship.

The Battle for 227 Abolitionist Place, part two

By Filed Under: Feature, Park Slope Life Tagged With: , ,

In This Fight to Preserve History, Black Lives and Black Landmarks Matter

READ PART ONE HERE

In mid July, the Landmark Preservation Commission of New York City held a public hearing. It took place over Zoom due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. It it had been in person, it would have been a packed room. For nearly three hours, members of the community gave testimony in support of Item 1 on the docket, LP‐2645, also known as the proposal to give landmark status to 227 Duffield Street.

The battle for 227 Duffield Street has been ongoing (a deeper history is chronicled in part one of this series.) During a virtual Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) meeting at the end of June, the commission calendared 227 for an official hearing on whether it should be given Landmark Status. They then set that hearing for just two weeks later. It may sound fast-moving for those familiar with NY bureaucracy standards. On the other hand, those who have had a stake in this fight might say it took closer to two decades.

In her testimony during the hearing, the Attorney General for New York, Letitia James, said, “I’ve been involved in this effort to preserve 227 Duffield Street,” before stating that the building is “actually known as 227 Abolitionist Place.” As previously reported, Duffield Street was renamed Abolitionist Place in the Fall of 2007 to commemorate the numerous buildings and people on the block active in the anti-slavery movement during the Civil War era. As for 227, the building was the home of two prominent abolitionists named Harriet and Thomas Truesdell, and is long thought to have been part of the Underground Railroad. That same year, the building was saved from demolition when its owner Joy Chatel (lovingly known as “Mama Joy”), narrowly won a court settlement in which the city agreed the property wouldn’t be taken by eminent domain as part of the Downtown Brooklyn Development Plan. However, the LPC’s decision to not landmark the home left it vulnerable for future developers to try the same thing again. And that’s exactly what’s happening now.

So what’s happened between now and 2007?

In 2014, Joy Chatel passed away. A longtime champion of 227 Duffield’s preservation, Chatel was responsible for drawing many activists and organizations to the cause. Leading up to the 2007 settlement, Chatel and Lewis Greenstein— whose property on Duffield Street was also at risk of being seized and was also thought to be part of the Underground Railroad, formed the Duffield Street Block Association. They also connected with the activist group Families United for Racial and Economic Justice.

Of those who spoke during the recent July hearing, few went without mentioning “Mama Joy” Chatel in their testimonies. “She treated me like a son. Her compassion is why I’m here right now,” said Local activist Raul Rothblatt. In her fight to save 227 Duffield, Chatel created a legacy of her own. “I believe her history should be included in the LPC designation of 227 Duffield,” said Rothblatt.

In 2017, Samiel Hanasab, a developer, brought the property under an entity called 227 Duffield Street Corp. And as feared when the building was initially rejected for Landmark Preservation Status, Hanasab applied for a demolition permit in the summer of 2019, citing plans to replace the two-story building with a 13-story mixed-use structure.

Though Chatel was no longer there, the momentum she helped build had not lost steam. Those still dedicated to 227’s preservation held a rally outside of the Landmarks Commission building on Centre Street in Manhattan in August 2019. In a Facebook event, organizers called it an “Emergency Rally” and provided instructions on how to contact Lisa Kersavage, the LPC’s Executive Director. As it Read:

“Tell her:

– Please do not demolish 227 Duffield Street, located in Downtown Brooklyn
– We need to landmark 227 Duffield, because it is well-documented that it was used as a meeting house for the abolitionist movement as well as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
– We strongly believe that the site needs to be turned into a museum to preserve this important historic contribution to the fight against racism in the US.”

Calendaring a building for consideration is the first official step the LPC takes in granting it Landmark Status. The Buildings Department had approved Hanasab’s demolition permits, and the LPC hadn’t calendared the Duffield home. So the sense of urgency was palpable. And the campaign persevered on. A petition was created, a GoFundMe page was set up, and the marches continued.

On February 22 of this year, during Black History Month, activists organized another rally outside the Barclays Center. Together they held a large sign that read, “Black Landmarks Matter,” with the hashtag #Save227Duffield. On May 25, 2020, almost exactly three months later, George Floyd was killed.

In that June meeting that took place over Zoom, the LPC voted on calendaring 227 Duffield Street. The decision to do so was unanimous.

And that led to the July hearing.

Of the dozens of people who spoke and wrote letters, there was one who testified on behalf of Hanasab: His lawyer, Garfield Heslop. Heslop asserted that “no one is more attuned to historical significance of the building as we are” and that “part of the development of the property was the creation of a museum that would honor the legacy of the building.” Rothblatt, however, disagreed, stating that “the new owners have never reached out to any of the historical advocates.” He added, “We have a vibrant community of people willing to save this history and they have not shown any interest in that…as far as I can tell they’ve had contempt.”

The hearing was a monumental step in this story. And, as the outpouring of support it received made evident, one that many have been waiting on for a long time. It was maybe best summated by a man named Michael Henry Adams from Harlem, who was there at the beginning. Adams said, “I’m gratified by the outcome today, finally, after 17 years.” But he didn’t neglect to mention the kind of destruction that can be done when steps aren’t taken to preserve important landmarks in a timely manner. Referencing recent comments made by Mayor de Blasio about systemic racism throughout city departments beyond the Police Department, Adams said he hopes this designation can be an acknowledgement that, “justice delayed is justice denied.”

The timelines of the LPC hearing as it converged with the George Floyd protests was undeniable. “Of course Black lives matter, of course, Black landmarks matters,” Adams said, continuing, “They matter because Black people are not just Black people. We are Americans. we are the people who built this nation and so our history is second to none.”

The Protests Heard Around the World, part one

By Filed Under: Persisting in Park Slope Tagged With:

As Black Lives Matter Protestors Make History, Some Are Fighting to Save A Historic Black Site From Demolition 

Photos by Paul English

Following George Floyd’s death this May, thousands of Brooklynites, just like community members from so many cities across the country, gathered. Congregating at Grand Army Plaza, the protestors marched and chanted in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, calling for police reform and fundamental changes to end systemic racism. 

The protests heard around the world are historic in their own right. However, just four months prior, and less than two miles away, activists were rallying for a separate cause. Their chant: “Black landmarks matter.” Assembling outside the Barclays Center this past February, the activist marched to fight the demolition of, and grant Landmark Status to 227 Duffield Street— a building long believed to be an entrance and safe-house along the Underground Railroad. 

What You Need To Know About 227 Duffield Street 

227 Duffield Street

Located between Fulton and Willoughby Street, Duffield Street was co-named Abolitionist Place in 2007. The unassuming redbrick building has long been in jeopardy. It was built circa 1848 and was owned by Harriet and Thomas Truesdell. The Truesdells were abolitionists who moved to Brooklyn from Rhode Island in 1850— a time when anti-slavery sentiment wasn’t prevalent in New York City and the same year the Fugitive Slave Law was passed.

Because there had to be a secrecy to Underground Railroad activity, documentation is limited. Which makes it more difficult to officially verify who and what was involved. Much of Duffield’s history has been passed down through oral history. There are several insights, however, that strengthen the building’s ties to to the Underground Railroad. For starters, it’s in between Plymouth Church on Ocean Street and Bridge Street AME Church on Stuyvesant Avenue, two noted Underground Railroad stops. Then there are maps and property records from the mid 1800s with lines running east to west that link buildings on Duffield Street to each other. 

The most commonly brought up point though:  The tunnels. Chatel, who owned the building from 1998 until her death in 2014, was passionate in researching the history of her home and noted an archway in the building’s sub-basement sealed off with boulder. “Look at that tunnel! Tell me what that looks like!” she said during an interview in 2007 with the Brooklyn Rail. Likewise, Lewis Greenstein, who inherited the building at 233 Duffield Street after his mother passed in 1992, noticed alcoves that looked like fireplaces, shafts leading to the street, and a circular shape on the floor, all on the lower floor and cemented over. 

The First Fight To Keep The Duffield Properties

Chatel and Greenstein started to organize in 2004 when they learned their properties were within the scope of the Downtown Brooklyn Redevelopment Plan and at risk of being taken under eminent domain. Once the two challenged the Economic Development Corporation during an open review of the redevelopment plan, the city agreed to commission a report from the consulting firm AKRF to look into the historic merit of the buildings. 

Two years later, AKRF concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to state a clear connection between the Underground Railroad and the properties. But Chatel and Greenstein were critical about the way the firm handled the research. By this time they had formed the Duffield Street Block Association and had made connections with local activists who also found the report troublesome. These critics said AKRF left out key pieces of data, like the key to the map that showed connecting lines between the buildings. They also left out the opinions of eight of their twelve peer-reviewers, who had concerns with the evaluation. More troublesome, AKRF didn’t hire an archaeologist to look into the tunnels. 

In June 2007, a non-profit law firm filed a lawsuit against the city on behalf of the activists. In November, they won the case narrowly. Chatel’s lawyer, Jennifer Levy, said at the time that the city settled the case because they realized it was the fastest way to continue with the rest of the development plans. 

The battle in 2007 was a victory for Chatel, Greenstein and the other activists. But the close attempt to demolish one of the few remaining sites of Black history in Downtown Brooklyn in favor of parking garages was a sign of things to come. It also raised the question: Why shouldn’t the Landmarks Preservation Commission grant this building landmark status? 

From Traditional to Specialty: The Best Camps To Diversify Your Kid’s Summer

By Filed Under: Reader Recommendations Tagged With: ,

Art by Heather Heckel

Start Planning Your Summer with Park Slope Reader’s Summer Camp Guide

Traditional camps, which have been around since at least the late 19th century, have continued to be a summer staple for kids from all corners.  Classic summer camps tend to offer a range of diverse activities, usually have a heavy focus on the outdoors, and promote a warm camp culture that fosters deep friendships. But in recent years, there has been a consistent rise of specialty camps. Camps that focus on activities in one area are beneficial to kids who want to explore an interest in more depth or for those who don’t feel like they fit the mold of a “standard” camper.

Traditional camps, which have been around since at least the late 19th century, have continued to be a summer staple for kids from all corners.  Classic summer camps tend to offer a range of diverse activities, usually have a heavy focus on the outdoors, and promote a warm camp culture that fosters deep friendships. But in recent years, there has been a consistent rise of specialty camps. Camps that focus on activities in one area are beneficial to kids who want to explore an interest in more depth or for those who don’t feel like they fit the mold of a “standard” camper. 

However, in today’s tech-heavy society,  the consequences of kids missing out on the free-spirited outdoor environment of traditional camps could be more dramatic. On another note, with the interminable pressure parents feel to make sure their kids are utilizing every opportunity to get a “leg-up” at an early age, it’s worth it be circumspect when considering how your children are going to spend their summer. 

Balancing these two types of camps has led to a new camp trend: creating patchwork summers that combine traditional with one or several specialties. 

“Parents are opting out of the conventional route of one camp for the whole summer,” says Charlotte Brown, former Camp enrollment manager at the 92nd Street Y. “Instead they’re choosing to diversify their kids’ experience by sending them to a traditional camp for one half of the summer, and several specialty camps for the other.” 

Biocitizen campers in New York harbor

This way, kids get the benefit of exploring individual passions and discovering new interests, without sacrificing the physical and emotional benefits that come from “green exercise.” 

And camps are responding to this by doing things like providing flexible schedules for campers, offering shorter sessions, and creating partnerships. In the list of selected camps below— a mix of traditional and specialty— we highlight the booking options for each one to make it easier for you if you decide to send your child to several smaller programs instead of one camp for the entirety of the summer. 

Piper Theatre Camp

Now in its 20th year, Piper Theatre Summer Youth Programs run throughout the month of July and offer one week, two week, and four week workshops. The workshops are catered to theater enthusiasts from age 6-16. The educators/directors are experienced professionals who guide and support the young actors in performing plays and ensemble work with an emphasis on physical theater.  They’ve been known to put on a range of shows from original full length plays, shakespearean works, and creative play workshops for younger age groups. 

Youth Education Program

Booking: One week workshops (four sessions total) for ages 5-9 are available starting June 29, July 6, July 13, and July 20. 

  • Two week workshops (two sessions total) are available for ages 8-11, starting June 29 and July 13, ages 8-11. 
  • Two week workshops (two sessions total) are available for ages 10-16, starting June 29 and July 13, 
  • Four week session for ages 10-16 runs from June 29-July 25.
  • The Peper Musicans for ages 11-15 runs from June 29-July 25. 

Location: Old Stone House of Brooklyn, 336 3rd St. 

Kim’s Kids Summer Camp

Living in a metropolitan area like New York City makes it more of a challenge to seek out nature. That’s where Kim’s Kids comes in. Operating as a traditional camp,  Kim’s Kids incorporate activities for the that revolve around explore the outdoors, like hiking and climbing.  But they are constantly switching it up, so that no two days are the same. The enthusiastic counselors take their campers, ages 4 ½ to 12, on a trip every day to different areas of the city, giving campers the opportunity to explore a variety of adventures and attractions, including swimming pools, bowling, zoos, museums, amusement parks, historic landmarks, and more. 

More info on their website. https://kimskidscamp.com/

Booking: Kim’s Kids emphasizes their flexibility when it comes to schedules. They offer everything from two-week sessions to six-week sessions, with the additional option of three, four, or five days a week. 

Location: PS 321 on 7th Ave & 1st St.

Cirque d’Été  

It’s more than just clowning around. Cirque d’Été (Circus of the Summer), is a specialty program within the Park Slope Day Camp. This performance camp offers two-week sessions, with each session concentrating on a different set of skills. The experienced staff members introduce acrobatics, circus skills, costumes, music, and yes, clown-comedy. Campers are encouraged to practice discipline in order to excel at the skills they’re taught, but the atmosphere remains fun and non-competitive. At the end of each session parents and friends are invited to watch their children perform a GALA Performance. 

More info on their website.

Booking Options:  There are three sessions total and campers can choose to sign up for one, two, or all. 

Campers can also supplement weeks of Park Slope Day Camp’s Traditional Camp with Cirque d’Été sessions.

Sessions dates: July 6 – 17, July 20 – 31, August 3 – 14

Location: Carrol Gardens, Hannah Senesh Community Day School 342 Smith Street, between 1st Place and 2nd Place*

* Express bus services provided to and from the other Park Slope Day Camp locations.

Dancewave

Dance can be a powerful and creative way for children to express their emotions. Dancewave’s summer programs gives young dancers the opportunity to do this, while simultaneously improving on their skills. With a range of intensity levels and styles of dance, there’s something for everyone. Students age 4-18 can explore Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Choreography, and African, and compositional techniques. Part of Dancewave’s mission is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. The members of Dancewave aim to build a positive overall culture by implementing the social science of restorative practices,  which is all about increasing social capital and improving relationships. 

https://dancewave.org/summer-dance/

Booking: Ages 4-6 can register for a one week session of half days. 

  • Ages 6-11 are offered full day options for one, two, or three weeks. Also an extended day option that includes non-dance related games and crafts. 
  • Intensive and Advanced Intensives are offered to older students, contingent on auditions. (Audition dates listed on website.) 
  • Programs run from July 6 – August 16

Location:182 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

SkateYogi

No need to be a skating pro to enjoy this camp— SkateYogi offers an All Levels camp for ages 6-13, and an Intermediate + version for ages 9-15. Within in each camp, students are grouped based on their specific skill level. So no need to worry if your child is a complete beginner, there’s a place for everyone. Likewise, more advanced skaters don’t have to worry about getting bored, as they are taught new tricks and techniques. Plus, all levels will get to experience more of the city with regular field trips to skateparks in all different areas. 

Booking: Sessions are weekly, but anyone is welcome to register for multiple weeks, with discounts available to those who register for two or more weeks. 

All Levels run from June 16-September 4. Intermediate+ (Urban Shredders) run from July 6-September 4

More info on their website.

Locations: All Levels, SKATEYOGI, 140 Empire Blvd  – Intermediate+, Golconda Skate Park, Downtown Brooklyn (near the B/Q Dekalb Ave stop) 

Mill Basin Day Camp

Offer day camps for children ages 3 – 14, Mill Basin places a special emphasis on choosing the right counselors to make sure your campers are in the best hands for a fun and interactive summer. Also counselors are certified in CPR and First Aid, undergo reference and background checks, and attend mandatory training sessions before camp begins. The staff is also trained in methods to integrate new campers into the routine, making them feel comfortable and at home right away. Campers follow a pre-structured schedule made up of a wide variety of activities. Sports, fashion design, legos, magic, computers, swimming, and more. So campers can enjoy their favorite activities and pick up new ones along the way. 

More information.

Booking: The sessions range from four weeks to eight weeks, with the option for three day, four day, or five day weeks. 

Location: 5945 Strickland Ave 

Trail Blazers Camps

 A well established camp, with a strong focus on the environment and the outdoors. Campers enjoy exploring and appreciating nature. It’s a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), teaching campers life skills on working through challenges. They also take campers on trips around other areas of the city. Overnight options are available too. 

Day Camp Website

Location: Park Slope, 394 Rogers Ave 

Spoke the Hub

Looking for a multi-arts summer program? Spoke the Hub gives interested campers the chance to advance their skills in theater, dance, fashion, film-making, and circus. Field trips are part of the curriculum as well. Ages 5-15. 

Booking: Full day and half day options available 

Locations:  Gowanus Arts, 295 Douglass Street (between Third and Fourth Avenues) — 748 Union St. (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)

Sweetly Brooklyn

This small batch Brooklyn bakery that specializes in custom cakes and puts on private events and parties will be offering a baking and decorating camp for the first time this summer. They are still working out the dates, but it’s sure to be a sweet time. 

More info on Sweetly Brooklyn

Location: 447 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Biocitizen’s Our Place Summer School

First opening ten years ago in Western Massachusetts, Biocitizen when on to open a location in Los Angelos, before opening additional locations in Chile and New York.  Biocitizen’s Our Place Summer School is for “6-12 year olds who like to walk & want to know how the(ir) world work.” With a mission of preparing the youth for climate change, this summer program combines adventure learning, fun, and education. Our Place’s sessions are five day-long each with a 5 to 1 staff to student ratios. During each session the teachers, who are all are certified first responders and carry medical kits, lead students on Field Environmental Philosophy walks around New York City, visiting places like waterways, transportation systems, landmark parks, and cultural and architectural nodes. To give a frame point for each adventure, teachers pose a question at the start of the day. Give your child the experience of being an active part in their community. 

More info on the website.

Booking: Each session runs M-F, 9am-3pm, Starting the week of June 29 until the week of August 25

Location: Drop off and pick-up at the Brooklyn Public Library 

Sleepaway recommendation

 Farm and Wilderness Camp

For something a bit different, the Farm and Wilderness summer camp, located in Vermont, offers family camp and overnight camp options and is a quaker based camp, founded in social justice. On 4,800 acres of land, Campers learn how to contribute to and be a part of a community while participating in activities that center on living off the grid,  like backpacking and building shelters. They also offer activities like guitar playing, skit performances, and blueberry picking.

Campers range from age 4-17,  with different programs divided by age group. As a gender inclusive camp, Farm & Wilderness offers choices for boys, girls, and gender non-binary campers, to ensure your child feels supported in their environment.  

More information.

Location: Farm & Wilderness Foundation Inc. 401 Farm and Wilderness Road Plymouth, VT   05056

https://www.gofundme.com/f/park-slope-reader-covid19-relief

Help us keep Park Slope Reader FREE and LOCAL throughout this time!