I have enjoyed reading the blog posts about the great programs for kids on Roosevelt Island and wanted to mention one more: Island Kids. Our son started Island Kids this past summer for the first time and he had a terrific experience.
The camp program was excellent and varied. Our son especially enjoyed the sports activities, which took place on Capobianco Field.
Image of playing at Capobianco Park From Frank Farance
Every week at camp included swimming, sports, arts,
Image of Art Class Activity From Frank Farance
theater,
Image of Acting Activity From Frank Farance
and reading. Wednesday’s were Field Trip Day, and the kids have been all over the city, including to a nature preserve, a working farm in Queens, and the Victorian Gardens amusement park in Central Park.
The camp also took advantage of the many great facilities on the Island.
Image of Trip To Southpoint Park Opening Day From Frank Farance
In addition to using Capobianco Field, the kids swam at Westview and used the playground down behind Blackwell House. Best of all the main camp facility was in the basement of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, exposing the kids every day to this wonderful landmark.
We can’t say enough about the counselors, who were upbeat, dedicated and really in tune with the kids.
Image of Science Class Activity From Frank Farance
The camp had a great ratio of counselors to kids so there was good coverage and supervision.
Image of Island Kids Camp Counselors From Frank Farance
Island Kids Summer Day Camp was not free, but very reasonably priced. We looked at other city camps and most were double or more the cost of Island Kids. Nikki Leopold, the camp director, has established a well-run program and we are happy our son had such a great resource available to him this summer.
Image of End Of Summer Island Kids Picnic From Frank Farance
Mr. Farance adds:
Just like JPH, I have been very happy with Island Kids: the camp has the right mix of activities (sports, cognitive, freeplay, etc.). This is their fourth year, Emilia and David have made new friends and have enjoyed the familiarity of old friends. After camp, many of the kids hang around and play in the plaza. Regardless of the shift in venue and the plaza work, this was really a great summer at Island Kids … the kids loved it!
