TRAIL BLAZERS After School at PS 399
Come Out and Play!
130 years, and counting…
Since 1887, Trail Blazers’ programs have served young people, helping them to develop essential skills and values that enable them to step into the world ready to thrive. We are excited to join the PS399 community, with a program design, focused on the right mix of play, challenge, and exciting content. This specific program is supported by 21st Century Community Learning Center funding, a federal program.
We believe in the importance of…
Our Approach
One hundred thirty-five years is a long time to perfect the art of youth development. Formal metrics confirm what anecdotal reports have always shown us: building strong social and emotional foundations sets children up for true long-term success.
Every Trail Blazers program is designed with the same five building blocks – research-backed strategies, seamlessly woven into each day’s plan:
This approach – which looks different every day, within every program, and for every group – delivers a uniquely powerful youth development experience.
Trail Blazers @ PS399
Site Director: Wynter Williams
Phone: 929-722-5454
Email: wwilliams@trailblazers.org
For an overview of how our after school programs are structured, please visit the School Programs page.
Grades Served: K – 5
Program Options
5 days a week
Parent Pick up Time: 5:30pm – 6:00pm
Core Components
Each day students participate in sunrise, free play, and sunset.
Our sunrise meeting takes place at the start of every program, and serves as an opportunity to frame the day. During Sunrise, each group sits together in a circle, sets/revisits group and personal goals, and reviews the schedule together.
During unstructured play group leaders are engaged with their students but not leading activities. During this time, group leaders encourage exploration, curiosity, and creativity.
Sunset closes the day. Students and group leaders will end their day with songs, games, and a reflection of the day’s challenges and successes.
Inquiry Based Environmental Science (Science Explorers)
Science Explores highlights an Inquiry-based learning approach that emphasizes the student’s role in the learning process. Rather than group leaders telling students what they need to know, students are encouraged to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas. Some of the Science Explores Club themes include but are not limited to sustainable design, composting, the built environment and nature focused community mapping.
Trail Blazers After School @ PS399 is supported by 21st Century Community Learning Center funding, a federal program. The program is free to families at the school. Limited spots are available.
Details forthcoming with details on an Info Session for families.
Registration will open by October 2022, limited spots are available. Families can register online, or can arrange to register in-person.
In the enrollment portal you can filter by your school, to only show those enrollment options.
If you have have any questions, please contact our office.
What Our Parents say
“We love Trail Blazers because they spend time getting to know the children. I’ve seen counselors playing with the children, which changes how they respond and makes them excited for after school. Thank you for loving my son and being a part of our family for the last 3 years!”
~ Parent, 2020
“Trail Blazers has a great after school program and I feel safe sending my child here. Also my son loves the outdoors now even more and is learning new and exciting things about nature I am so happy about that, go Trail Blazers.”
~ Parent, 2020