In 1873 in New York City The Children’s Aid Society leased and then equipped a large house on Staten Island, establishing the first “Fresh Air” type of vacations for city children and mothers. The rural surroundings offered an escape from hot city streets and stifling tenements that the children faced every day.

Then, in 1884 The Children’s Aid Society developed summer health and vacation homes in Brooklyn, New York’s Bath Beach and on Coney Island to help poor, sick children recover from illness.The sea air was considered an effective cure for the diseases and malnourishment of city life where children lived in unsanitary and overcrowded tenements.

New York’s Children’s Aid Society today continues not only help to keep children safe, but introduce engaging and stimulating activities at camp. It’s important to have fun, but also to try to counter the “summer slide,” when students lose educational ground during summer vacation. Learning is fun and invigorating at these many camps, including:

Country Day Camps and City Day Camps – These programs combine summer activities with field trips to recreational, cultural and historic destinations, bringing children from different neighborhoods and cultures together.

Dance Camp - Alvin Ailey Camp combines typical day camp activities and field trips, along with the unique opportunity to learn and use dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem. Creative expression and critical thinking skills follow.

Respite Camp – A year-round Respite Camp for physically and developmentally disabled children from low-income families. Respite campers participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them because of their disabilities and limited financial means.

Tags: Alvin Ailey, Bath Beach, Children's Aid New York City, Coney Island, Dance Camp, early show, Respite Camp, summer camps, summer slide