RCC for Teens aged 13-17

The new session of the Ranger Conservation Corps begins on Tuesday, September 25th 2007, from 4-6pm. Our fall 2007 session will begin with a bike tour through Central Park on that day. Bicycles will be provided by the Urban Park Rangers. Please meet at the E.54th St. Recreation Center before 4pm on Tuesday. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing!

Summer Camp on the Move!

The children of our summer camp program have been having a blast all summer! Amongst other cool activities, they have gone to Adventureland, Rye Playland, New Roc City, tons of parks and pools, and one night they even had a sleepover/swim party here at the center!

Here are some of the stories that the children have written about their great experiences this summer:

Rianne and Imani said---
The best time of camp was going to New Rock City. I had fun with my friend Imani. We went on the Double Shot it was super fast. It was fun and Danielle and I played air hockey. Danielle won the game of air hockey. The whole camp had pizza and soda. We listened to music---it was a blast!! Me and Danielle and Imani played a race car game. Danielle, Imani and me went to the ticket booth and we picked out our prizes and we were very happy. After that we went to the jungle gym. The whole camp went bowling. It was so much fun. The game room is the best.

And from Caitlin--
We went to Rye Playland in Rye, New York. It was really fun. I went on a lot of rides. I think everyone’s favorite ride was the Dragon. Me and my best friend Jewel went on the Dragon about six times and we were in the front a lot. We also went on Crazy Mouse . It was scary because it felt as though you were going to go off the edge. Then we went to two Haunted Houses. The first one was boring but the second one was really fun. We went on the bumper cars and it was kind of fun but a little boring. Then we went on the Log Flume. I got really wet. Then my friend Jewel went on the Sky Flyer and I thought she was going to die because it went ALL the way upside down. But she came out alive. I love Rye Playland. I really wish we could go again.

Sean and Tyler had some fun at New Roc City--
We went bowling at New Roc city. It was the first thing we did there. We had fun there. After 1 hour of bowling we went to the arcade and had so much fun there. We played video games, we ate pizza, and drank soda until we popped. But then we should have gone go carting and mini golfing. We had so much fun there and we should go there again very very soon!!!!!

And Nick enjoyed Adventureland--
At Adventureland I went on the Hurricane 12 times and the Frisbee 9 times. Adventureland is an amusement park in Farmingdale, Long Island. The Hurricane is a rollercoaster that has a lot of turning on its side and drops. I thought the ride was awesome because it rocked you back and forth and slammed you into the side of the car. I sat in the front car twice. The Frisbee is a ride that rocked back and forth and spun around mad fast. I had so much fun.

More stories and pix later!

Teen Society Drama Club/Art Exhibit

Erica Serrano and the teens did such a wonderful job with this event; the entire staff is so proud of them. The teens showed their amazing art work that they have been working on all year, and with the help of some teachers from the Stella Adler Studio, they also performed inspired monologues as well. 40 people showed up to celebrate along with the teens and to view their exciting projects. With a little help from the Computer Resource Center, the teens also had professional-looking headshots done to show off their individuality. They also organized volunteers to come and help them serve refreshments to the parents and supporters. Great job, Teen Society, and we will be looking forward to their next art exhibit next year.

RCC goes camping

Ranger Chris Acosta and his group of teens went camping last weekend and had the time of their lives. This was an extremely important trip for some of the teens who had never gone camping or even left the city before. They did a 7-hour hike up to the top of a vista and saw some spectacular sights. They also got the chance to pitch their own tents, build their own fire at night (with a little help from Ranger Chris), and got some amazing close-up shots of a waterfall. Good job kids and thanks to Chris for making it happen.

Ranger Conservation Corps

This weekend Ranger Chris and the teens ages 14-17 will be taking an overnight camping trip with the RCC. They will be sleeping over at Berentsen Family Campground in Bloomingburg, NY, and then will move on to Sam's Point Preserve, in Cragsmoor, NY to hike and to visit some of New York's famous ice caves, in particular Sam's Ice Cave. While at Berentsen Campground, the kids will get the opportunity to set up their own campsite and work as a team to produce dinner. This should be an interesting trip for all---pictures and update later.

Youth Basketball

Last Saturday coaches Troy, Kevin, and Chief held basketball tryouts for all the youth age groups. As a result they have 3 dynamic teams that are ready to rock! Next week Monday, May 21, will be the first game for the 12-and-under co-ed team. They will be playing at Hamilton Fish Recreation Center against the team from Hansborough. Come out and support the kids!

Youth and Teens at E.54

Thanks to an awesome staff, the children's program is never boring! This year their theme is Around the World in 90 days, and they are always on the go! Here are just some of the fun activities that the children are currently excited about:

May 5-All the kids who worked hard in the soccer clinic all year had their end of year event last Saturday. The children won prizes and were given free Nike soccer balls.

June 1- The children will have an overnight camping trip with us, dinner and breakfast included.

June 8-Parents Appreciation Day--Dinner and dancing from 6-8; a night without children.

June 15-After School program end of year party.

Teen Society and Studio 54 Art Club
May 18-The teens here at E.54th are lucky to have a dedicated staff that keeps just the right balance between education and entertainment. Our Teen Society drama club, and Studio 54, our teen art club, is very proudly working on their joint final presentation for the year. The drama club, which works in collaboration with Stella Adler studio, has been getting head shots done and polishing up their monologues. At the same time that the drama club will be performing their monologues, Studio 54 art students will be exhibiting their work for all to see. We are all very proud of the commitment and dedication that the teens have shown.