Hiking
Considering we live in a huge metropolitan area, it’s surprising how much hiking one can do within the city’s borders. We clamber over rock out-croppings, sit alongside rushing streams and feel far removed from the city.
Swimming
Kim’s Kids takes advantage of the numerous choices for swimming in and around New York City. We like to vary our swims. Riis Beach is a favorite for jumping waves and swimming in the ocean. We use two pools; one located on the Palisades where the water is icy cold and another at a private, spring fed pool in New Jersey containing a sandy beach. Shallow wading areas, for our non-swimmers are a must in both of these pools. For more advanced swimmers there is a diving board and slide.
Brooklyn Bridge & Chinatown
We begin our walk on the Brooklyn side of the bridge while counselors point out the bridge’s distinctive features along with the magnificent views of New York. As we continue along, the children are treated to explanations of how this suspension bridge was constructed as well as problems faced in building this edifice in the late 1800’s. We follow this walk with lunch in Chinatown at one of their many authentic Chinese restaurants. The meal is predetermined and served family style. And, after spending our summer sitting on grass and rocks, eating our meals out of lunch boxes, there is something special about being in an air conditioned restaurant, sitting on chairs, at a table while served delicious food by a waiter.
Zoos and Museums
Here in New York, we are fortunate to have one of the great zoos of the world. Besides viewing the animals at the Bronx Zoo, we always add to our excursion one or two of the many paid attractions, like the train through ‘Wild Asia’ or maybe a ride on a camel. And what could be more exciting about living in New York City than taking advantage of the many museums intended for children? The Hall of Science in Queens, the Museum of Natural History, the Staten Island Children’s Museum are just some of the museums we might call upon.
Playground Hopping
Robert Moses might have built many of the playgrounds in New York but he would be amazed by the improvements the city has made. They are no longer simple climbing apparatus with a few swings. They are now a cornucopia of equipment designed to excite the children’s imagination. They contain a never ending variety of shapes, sizes and functions. Being a travel camp we take advantage of many of them, spending at least two of our days hopping from one to another. Of course getting wet in the sprinklers is just an added treat.
Counselors In Training
For campers who are 12, 13 or 14 years old who and who have previously attended Kims Kids Camp.
The CIT program at Kim’s Kids is a paid program that offers children ages 12, 13 and 14 the opportunity to experience work while still being a camper. When ‘working’, CITs are expected to play with campers and assist the counselors. When not ‘working’, they are like campers, free to play with whomever they choose. The program imparts a sense of responsibility and importance, while still allowing for these children to be children. We have often witnessed enormous growth and maturity in CITs and the program has become a great source of quality staff members.
- CITs have their own counselor and have to report each morning at 8:45.
- Once a week CITs take an exclusive trip reserved only for the CITs that usually extends beyond 3 PM. Transportation is by a mini coach bus.
- There is no charge for CITs to attend the Early and Late programs.
- Regardless of the sessions and weeks chosen, all CITs may attend the Sesame Place trip.
- At the end of the summer, each CIT receives a small cash award.
