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TRAIL BLAZERS MORNINGSIDE PARK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
MORNINGSIDE PARK CONSERVANCY
Morningside Park Awaits!
JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL INFO SESSION (zoom)
NEXT SESSION IS Wednesday, May 17th 2023 at 7PM
Develop a love for the great outdoors every day, right in your neighborhood. Our day camp program at Morningside Park helps your camper develop an appreciation for the environment while making memories and learning skills to last a lifetime.
Our days are filled with hands-on science experiments, group play and group challenges, team building, nature exploration, art, and lots of singing. More than that, each day your camper will develop their ability to care for themselves, their friends, our community, and the environment.
Our programs are designed around small group experiences. Campers enroll into the same small group for the full summer. We believe that challenges are essential to a child’s ability to grow and include team building activities each day. Through these activities, campers learn how to work together, how to problem solve, and in turn build more meaningful relationships with one another.
why choose us?
Looking for an exciting summer camp where your loved ones will develop valuable life skills, build meaningful relationships and have a ton of fun as they spend their days completely outdoors? Look no further than Trail Blazers.
Many camps are planned down to the second and don’t allow time to wander off course, whereas at Trail Blazers we encourage this curiosity and desire to explore. We are the pioneers of decentralized programming. Each small group develops their own personalized schedule that can be tailored to meet the needs of the group. Happen upon some tadpoles in the park, let’s stop and observe for a bit. Exploration is a great way to learn.
Each week offers an environmentally focused theme, from “Camp ROCKS” to “Call of the Wild.” We’ll learn all about our planet, all the living things it is home to, and how best to take care of it! Campers will engage in hands-on activities focused on developing hard and valuable life skills. We’ll practice basic survival skills, knot-tying, plant and animal identification, and more! At Trail Blazers we fully embrace the outdoors. Rain or shine, provided it is safe, we will opt outside. We spend our days exploring Morningside Park, another nearby park, or engaged in an exciting excursion.
We strive to make camp accessible to everyone! We serve a diverse community of campers and search for staff from all backgrounds that bring unique skills and experiences with them to camp. We believe there is tremendous value in learning to interact with those that are different from us.
Your child’s group will have the same two group leaders each day throughout the summer. We hire local staff, many of whom work for our recess and after school programs during the year, to join our summer team. We have a diverse team of staff from many different backgrounds, but they all share at least one thing in common – they cannot wait to meet your camper!
Central to our philosophy has always been the small camp experience. Small camps will consist of no more than 12 campers with two group leaders each week. Over the course of the summer, these groups will plan their days collaboratively and overcome challenges together, allowing for deeper relationships and connections that last a lifetime.
Trail Blazers at Morningside Park is designed for campers entering Pre-K through 4th grade, ages 3-9.
We believe, and research agrees, that children need to have time and space to play with each other. Unstructured play helps children develop important lifelong skills, such as communication, cooperation, self-management, and other social and emotional skills proven to lead to long-term development. Our staff are trained to allow real play to happen, so children can learn and grow together.
We have been unplugged for over 135 years so you can leave tall electronics at home! We have always been – and now more than ever – a program that emphasizes connecting to each other, through experience outdoors.
By signing up for our day camp at Morningside Park, you are committing to joining an electronics-free community. Without their devices, our campers learn how to build relationships through meaningful conversations, and to be present in their environment.
One hundred thirty-four 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.
Our Day Camp at Morningside Park offers:
Trail Blazers Camps are American Camp Association accredited. All leadership staff are trained professionals in their area of expertise.
Each staff member undergoes an intensive interview and reference check process. We run criminal and sex offender background checks on every person employed by our organization. Before children arrive, our staff completes a thorough training, covering all aspects of the Trail Blazers program, to prepare for the important job of looking after your child’s physical and emotional safety. This training has been expanded to meet all New York State, CDC, and ACA guidelines surrounding COVID-19.
We are also a partner and worksite for NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program. This summer, our SYEP participants will be receiving all necessary training to work as junior group leaders.
Each day at our Morningside Park Day Camp is spent in ‘small camp’, a group of up to 12 campers with 2 dedicated group leaders. Because each child’s group remains small and consistent throughout the summer, our campers and staff form very strong bonds!
Each day includes the same mix of components, which your child’s group leaders will customize in real-time response to the group’s needs, likes and dislikes. These building blocks include:
Summer 2023 will feature an exciting Skills Mastery built into the theme of each week, as well as a brand new climate lens that will help shape the way we think about our camp experience. Campers will be given opportunities to learn and develop a wonderful variety of hands-on skills that they may never have tried before:
Week 1 (July 10 – July 14):
You’ve Arrived at Your Destination
Skill of the week: Orienteering
You are here and you belong here! An introduction to all things Trail Blazers. Let’s explore our park as a team and learn about the different ways we can navigate towards adventure. There’s 526 acres to discover, so let’s do it together!
Week 2 (July 17 – July 21):
Plant Power
Skill of the week: Plant ID, Plant life cycle, Gardening
We’re rooting for you, there’s so mulch to learn about plants. As true Trail Blazers we need little encourage-mint to play in the dirt, but thistle be one exciting week as campers spend a little extra thyme in the garden, learning hands on how plants grow.
Week 3 (July 24 – July 28):
Making Tracks
Skill of the week: Animal Identification, Adaptations, Migrations
‘What’s that sound? Whose tracks are these?’ Bird calls, track identification and more! The investigation is on as we learn about all the wildlife that shares our world. The fauna of the park await!
Week 4 (July 31 – August 4):
Stronger Together
Skill of the week: Community Service, Stewardship
As our summer comes to a close, we’ll take a closer look at one of our core values, care & respect for our community – what does this really mean and what this might look like in action? Groups will engage in service projects throughout our local communities. Putting to use the skills we’ve developed this season, campers will work together to brainstorm, plan and execute community projects of their own!
Special Events & Trips
Throughout the summer we partner with a handful of our favorite excursion locations and local environmental educational experts to join us right in Morningside Park and offer special events. In the past, this has included outdoor yoga with Karma Kids.
In addition to park based special events, groups will be going on field trips this summer. Each week will include at least one special event or field trip. Transportation varies by trip, either via subway or within walking distance. Details and scheduling for special events, and field trips will be provided later this Spring.
Drop off and pick up for our day camp at Morningside Park is at 123rd Street and Morningside Avenue.
Drop off and regular day pick up is fully outdoors. Each small camp group is assigned a unique drop off and pick up location just inside Morningside Park .
Indoor space is available, but will be used only for severe weather. Indoor space is located at JCC Harlem, 318 W 118 ST.
Each camp group will have a unique location for drop off and pick up just inside the park at their selected location.
Drop off is between 8:30 and 9:00 am.
Regular pick up is between 3:30 and 4:00 pm.
Aftercare pick up is available between 4:30 and 6:00 pm.
During the registration process you will be asked to list adults authorized to pick up your child. Your child will only be released to individuals on the list.
Registration for our outdoor day camp at Morningside Park is OPEN.
All Trail Blazers programs are offered on a tier basis, loosely linked to family income, with additional scholarship opportunities available. Your tier is self-selected during the application process.
Weekly pricing:
TIER 1 (family income up to $50,000)- $333 per week
TIER 2 (family income $50,000-$75,000) – $481 per week
TIER 3 (family income $75,000-$100,000) – $592 per week
TIER 4 (family income over $100,000) – $665 per week
FULL FEE – $740 per week
We encourage you to select the tier that makes the most sense for your family. Additional scholarships are available on a limited basis for families in the tier 1 range to further reduce the cost.
Tier discounts are applied as a coupon, you will receive a coupon code during the enrollment process. Apply this code to your cart to receive the tier discount.
If you are interested in being considered for additional scholarship assistance, first submit your registration, then complete the Scholarship Request Form and the Summer Food Service Form on your dashboard. Scholarship allocation is made on a rolling basis and as available. Please speak to our registration staff if you have additional questions or needs.
We strive to make camp accessible to all! If you cannot access our registration system online, please call our registration team to enroll over the phone or to schedule an in-person appointment.
Payment due in full June 1.
We believe our program is the best – but is it the best fit for you?
We really care about being outside and are passionate about the program that we offer. If you are new to Trail Blazers or new to our day camps, please try to attend one of our info sessions. Info sessions are held on the third Wednesday of each month and are a great opportunity to learn more about our Brooklyn Bridge Park day camp and to ask any questions you may have!
Because we do things differently from most other camps, we hope that you will take time to consider the following in order to ensure that we are a good fit for you and your family:
LITTLE LEGS AND BATHROOMS – Being in the park means we may not be directly next to a bathroom all the time. Sometimes, we have to walk a little, but our staff knows to map their program around bathroom locations. Your camper should be able to recognize the need for a bathroom trip, communicate this need to their group leader, and then possibly hold on for a few minutes!
INDEPENDENCE AT A YOUNG AGE – Throughout the program, our campers learn a lot about self-management: packing their own backpack, getting ready for lunch, hiking in the park, etc. Your camper has to be ready to take on those challenges in increasingly more independent ways.
UNSTRUCTURED PLAY – We believe that children learn best from things they experience on their own, and that the process of figuring out an activity is of equal or greater value than the activity itself. Unstructured free play allows kids to learn more – and learn differently – than during highly structured, instructor-led activities. Each day has lots of play built in, during which we explicitly train staff to step aside into the role of an observer and facilitator, but not teacher.
OUTDOORS, RAIN OR SHINE – As a nature-loving outdoor adventure program, we opt-outside whenever possible. Our program will operate almost entirely outdoors – so long as conditions are safe we will remain outdoors and seek shelter within the park. Indoor spaces are available for all camp locations, but are only used in severe weather.
LOUD SINGING – Your camper will come home and sing camp songs incessantly, and will more than likely require you to participate. Are you ready for that fun?!
Registration for our day camp at Morningside Park is open.
Minimum Registration: 1 Week
Ages: 3-9 years old, campers should be entering grades Pre-K through 4th grade.
The Trail Blazers approach relies heavily on the social experience within the group – this is why sessions are a full week at a time, so your camper can get used to the group and get to know their group leaders.
How to Register:
As you begin the registration process, you will select a small camp at your desired location that is suitable to your campers age. Then you will select the weeks you wish to enroll. Campers must enroll into the same small camp for all weeks.
Our program is designed to ensure that all small camps have an awesome (and consistent) experience – groups will engage in similar activities, team builders, and games throughout the season.
Once a small camp is full, a wait list for that week will begin. If you have questions about a wait list, please contact our registration team at registration@trailblazers.org.
If you wish to be placed with a friend, simply select the same small camp when you enroll.
We strive to make camp accessible to all! If you cannot access our registration system online please contact our registration team to enroll over the phone or to schedule an in-person appointment.
Registration for the 2023 season is OPEN. A non-refundable down payment of 30% is due at the time of enrollment to secure your space in the program. Payment due in full May 1.
Please familiarize yourself with our Terms and Conditions, which includes our participation waiver. These documents will also be available on your ACTIVE enrollment portal.
If you have have any questions, please contact our office.
What ages can attend our outdoor day camp?
Our Morningside Park day camp is designed for campers entering Pre-K through Grade 4 (ages 3-9).
All 3 year old campers must be entering Pre-K and turn 4 years old by December 1st. Please review the ‘Is Your Child Ready’ tab to make sure your camper is ready for our program.
Please contact our registration team at (212) 529-5113 if you have questions.
Do you accommodate requests for friends to be grouped together?
You will select your child’s group during the enrollment process. If you wish to be placed with a friend, simply coordinate to select and enroll into the same small camp group.
Do you offer payment plans?
A 30% deposit is required at the time of enrollment to secure your space into the program. Payment plans are available and can be selected while enrolling. Full payment is due May 1st.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?
Hiking backpack – all campers in our program will receive a REI hiking pack. Packs are fitted to campers and a great way for campers to carry around their belongings. These hiking packs must be used each day.
Lunch and snacks – Pack enough for a full and active day.
Water bottle – Campers will need a refillable water bottle each day. We will refill our bottles often as we travel around the park. Our backpacks can also accommodate water bladders.
A change of clothes – We recommend packing a full change of clothes for all campers, including our older groups. We are outdoors all day and there is always the possibility that campers’ clothes will get wet or dirty.
Rain gear – We spend time outside every day – rain or shine. If the weather predicts light rain please pack a water-proof jacket and shoes. If there are extended periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms, we will move to our indoor locations.
Sunscreen – even on the cloudiest of days. A hat is also great for protection from the sun.
Sturdy, closed toe shoes – Comfort is key! We will be active throughout the day walking all over the park. We suggest something that is water resistant as well.
Layers – If the weather predicts cool temperatures in the morning or early evening we also recommend packing or wearing layers. Campers may get chilly and want a light sweater or long sleeve shirt.
Mask or Face Covering – campers are required to wear a face covering when indoors only. For more information about our safety protocols you can view our full safety plan here.
Where and when is drop off and pick up?
Drop off is between 8:30 and 9 am each day, all groups will have a unique drop off and pick up location just inside or along the park at your selected location. Details of your group’s location will be communicated via email before beginning the program.
Regular pick up is between 3:30 and 4:00 pm each day to the same location as drop off.
Early drop off is available starting at 8 am for a flat fee of $30 per week.
Aftercare is available for a flat fee of $65 per week to extend your child’s camp day as late as 6 pm. Aftercare will be in the same location as regular drop-off and pick-up, check your site’s tab for details. Pick up during aftercare is rolling, campers can be picked up anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 pm.
My cart is showing full tuition prices, how can I apply tier discounts?
Tier discounts are applied as a coupon. During the enrollment process you will receive a coupon code based on your selected tier. Apply this coupon code to your shopping cart to add the tier discount. Please reach out to our registration team if you are having trouble.
When and where can we pick up our hiking pack?
Hiking packs are available for pick up at our administrative office starting June 6th. Our office is located at 397 Rogers Avenue and open weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also pick up your pack at any of our June open house events or the day you begin the outdoor day camp program. Packs are available at drop off each Monday.
After successfully running in-person programs throughout this pandemic, including day camp in 2020 and 2021, we learned a thing or two about keeping families safe. All our counselors have been trained on COVID best practices, following CDC and DOH regulations, and strictly adhere to our Safety Plan and guidelines to ensure the safety of our campers, families, and staff. Below is our 2021 safety plan, our 2022 plan will be available this Spring pending the latest guidance from the American Camping Association and NYC DOH.
What Our Parents say
” My son’s camp experience is something he will remember forever. Every single counselor is kind and enthusiastic, and every activity so well planned. As a single parent who struggles to find a work-life balance, I truly do no know how I would manage without Trail Blazers. My son is excited for camp each and everyday, and can’t wait to tell me about his adventures each evening.”
~ Parent, 2020
“Even when it poured unexpectedly, my kid had a great time. He was clearly convinced that being outdoors, even in the rain and wind, was the best — I thought he’d be tired and want to take the bus home, but he walked the whole way! I think Trailblazers helped him build some stamina and resilience!”
~ Parent, 2021
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