Get ready for an exciting summer! Registration for our camps opens in mid-March. In the meantime, explore our offerings below and reach out with any questions at programs@necspace.org
Our Nature Connection summer programs offer a variety of creative and hands-on learning experiences for young explorers. This program invites children to engage with the natural world through project-based lessons in painting, eco-art, mixed media, and movement while spending time outdoors hiking, exploring, and creating. This immersive experience fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for nature in a safe and nurturing environment, culminating in a special presentation for family and friends. In addition to Nature Connection, we also offer a theater program and a media skills development program, each designed to inspire self-expression and build valuable skills.
July 7-August 1
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
203 Esther Street, Peekskill, NY
Next to Bean Runner Cafe
Grades 1-2
Nature Connection program offers our young Explorers hands-on opportunities to explore nature and develop their skills as artists and scientists. Broadly, this program will provide a safe, nurturing environment that enables children to develop creative skills while connecting with the natural world around them.
Activities will be centered around project-based lessons in painting, eco-art, mixed media, nature exploration, and movement to inspire creativity. We will take to the outdoors each day, as much as the weather allows for hiking, exploring, and creating. The 4-week session will culminate with a presentation for parents on the last day of camp.
Grades 3-5
Nature Connection program offers our young Discoverers hands-on opportunities to explore nature and develop their skills as artists and scientists. Broadly, this program will provide a safe, nurturing environment that enables children to develop creative skills while connecting with the natural world around them.
Activities will be centered around project-based lessons in painting, eco-art, mixed media, nature exploration, and movement to inspire creativity. We will take to the outdoors each day, as much as the weather allows for hiking, exploring, and creating. The 4-week session will culminate with a presentation for parents on the last day of camp.
Grades 6-8
Nature Connection program offers our young Pathfinders hands-on opportunities to explore nature and develop their skills as artists and scientists. Broadly, this program will provide a safe, nurturing environment that enables children to develop creative skills while connecting with the natural world around them.
Activities will include but are not limited to creative nature art and science projects, stories, games, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, farming, and community service. The 4-week session will culminate with a presentation for parents on the last day of camp.
July 7-July 25
4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 7-12
NECS-203 Esther Street, Peekskill
Dancing Through a Dream – A Short Original Musical by Leela Kumar
In this inspiring musical, Eva, the song writer, battles of fear of judgments as she yearns to share her music with the world. When a special “show & tell” project comes along, she seizes the opportunity to perform her heartfelt song. Unfortunately not everyone reacts positively, and she faces a harsh reality of high school judgment. In the end, the story conveys a powerful message about the complexities of human reactions. People respond differently, due to their unique fears and insecurities, making it challenging to predict their responses. Eva learns a powerful lesson about the courage it takes to pursue her dreams.
Instructors: Kate Hales & Patricia Johnson
July 7-July 25
4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 7-12
NECS-203 Esther Street, Peekskill
Dancing Through a Dream – A Short Original Musical by Leela Kumar
In this inspiring musical, Eva, the song writer, battles of fear of judgments as she yearns to share her music with the world. When a special “show & tell” project comes along, she seizes the opportunity to perform her heartfelt song. Unfortunately not everyone reacts positively, and she faces a harsh reality of high school judgment. In the end, the story conveys a powerful message about the complexities of human reactions. People respond differently, due to their unique fears and insecurities, making it challenging to predict their responses. Eva learns a powerful lesson about the courage it takes to pursue her dreams.
Instructors: Kate Hales & Patricia Johnson
July 7-August
TIME: TBD
Ages 16-25
NECS-203 Esther Street, Peekskill
NECS offers a media-based career and skills development program that equips youth with hands-on experience through community client projects and original creative filmmaking.
Training includes:
Students will gain hands-on experience creating original narrative shorts and Public Service Announcements while working with clients on commercial video projects. Completed films will be submitted to various international film festivals this summer, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their work on a global stage.
Participants who are selected will earn $16.50/hr.
For more information email programs@necspace.org
July 7-August
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Ages 16-25
NECS-203 Esther Street, Peekskill
NECS offers a media-based career and skills development program that equips youth with hands-on experience through community client projects and original creative filmmaking.
Training includes:
Students will gain hands-on experience creating original narrative shorts and Public Service Announcements while working with clients on commercial video projects. Completed films will be submitted to various international film festivals this summer, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their work on a global stage.
Participants who are selected will earn $16.50/hr.
For more information email programs@necspace.org
June 28-July 5
Grades 9-12
Hawaii
THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN ONLY TO REGISTERED EMPOWER-ED STUDENTS.
Since 2022, NECS has taken students beyond Peekskill for cultural immersion and service-learning experiences. These transformative journeys have included trips to The Gambia, West Africa; the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota; and a Civil Rights Journey to Alabama.
Through these experiences, students have engaged in
This year, our EmpowerEd Girls Program will travel to Hawaii from June 28 to July 5 in collaboration with Something Good in the World to experience the rich traditions of Hawaiian indigenous cultures and engage in community service.
Help us make these life-changing journeys possible. Your support allows us to empower and inspire youth through transformative experiences that foster leadership, cultural appreciation, and a commitment to service.
Leading this cultural experience will be NECS Executive Director Ridvan Idara.
For more info, email ridara@necspace.org
June 28-July 5
Grades 9-12
Hawaii
Since 2022, NECS has taken students beyond Peekskill for cultural immersion and service-learning experiences. These transformative journeys have included trips to The Gambia, West Africa; the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota; and a Civil Rights Journey to Alabama.
Through these experiences, students have engaged in
This year, our EmpowerEd Girls Program will travel to Hawaii from June 28-July 5 in collaboration with Something Good in the World to experience the rich traditions of Hawaiian indigenous cultures and engage in community service.
Help us make these life changing journeys possible. Your support allows us to empower and inspire youth through transformative experiences that foster leadership, cultural appreciation, and a commitment to service.
Leading this cultural experience with be NECS Executive Director, Ridvan Idara.
For more info email ridara@necspace.org
