In the bustling, adventurous state of New York, where skyscrapers scrape the sky and the subway system resembles a giant’s spaghetti dinner, there is a gaggle of creatively explosive kids known as the Doodle Dynamos. These plucky young artists are not your run-of-the-mill crayon carriers, oh no! They are the champions of color, the maestros of murals, the wizards of watercolors, and the superheroes of sketches. The Doodle Dynamos are led by their fearless leader, Sir Sketch-a-lot, a mysterious figure who has the magical ability to bring his drawings to life with just a flick of his pencil. He wears a red beret perched jauntily on his head, a rainbow-spattered cape and boots that squelch with paint whenever he walks. Each day, in the midst of the honking taxis and hotdog carts, these kids gather in their secret loft overlooking Central Park, brimming with a gazillion paint tubes, a mountain of multi-colored pencils, and an army of blank canvasses, ready to be turned into mesmerizing masterpieces. And boy, oh boy, the things they create! From paintings that make the Statue of Liberty dance, to sketches that turn hot dogs into rocket ships, to collages that make unicorns frolic in Times Square. Their creativity knows no bounds. The Doodle Dynamos are more than just a group of kids participating in visual arts. They’re a hilarious, inspiring and magical part of New York, spreading their creativity and laughter wherever they go. So, when you see a giant pizza slice flapping its way through the city sky, or a chalk dinosaur roaring on the sidewalk, remember those aren’t just doodles, they’re the work of the Doodle Dynamos, the most artistic kids in New York!
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Welcome, craft enthusiasts, to the Crafts Zone! This is your gateway to a world where creativity meets learning. With our specially designed crafting sessions, we aim to cater to not just your artistic side, but also your intellectual curiosity. We dedicate 20% of our sessions to learning, so you can always stay updated with the latest crafting techniques. Get ready to create and network as these form the bulk of our sessions, a whopping 70%! You'll have plenty of opportunities to bring your imaginative ideas to life and also meet fellow craft lovers. Enjoy the shared experience of creating something beautiful while making friends who share your passion. And let's not forget about relaxation! At Crafts Zone, 10% of our time is devoted to unwinding. Crafting can be therapeutic, and we believe in the power of creativity to relieve stress. So, come and enjoy the tranquil, artistic atmosphere. Don't forget to take a look at our upcoming workshops. With Crafts Zone, let the creative journey begin!


At the Capital District Albany YMCA, we are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for families from all backgrounds. We are committed to making a positive difference in our urban, suburban, and rural communities through our unique programs, services, and initiatives. Our four pillars—inspiring children to reach their highest potential, helping teens prepare for college and career, providing families with opportunities to connect, and empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit—are just a few of the reasons why we are a leader in strengthening our communities. We invite you to join us in this important mission and help everyone reach their fullest potential. At the Capital District Albany YMCA, we are passionate about providing a safe haven for families from all walks of life. We understand the power of our programs, services, and initiatives to make an impact in our urban, suburban, and rural communities. Our four pillars—nurturing kids, preparing teens for college and future careers, giving families the chance to bond, and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to become healthier in body, mind, and spirit—help set us apart as a leader in community building. We invite you to join us in our mission to make a difference in people's lives and help them reach their full potential. At the Capital District Albany YMCA, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for families from all backgrounds. We believe in the power of our programs, services, and initiatives to make an impact and provide support to those in need. Our four pillars—inspiring children to reach their potential, preparing teens for college and careers, providing families with opportunities to connect, and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to be healthier in body, mind, and spirit—are what make us a leader in strengthening our communities. We invite you to join us in our mission to make a difference in people's lives and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential.


DPF 4-H Camp is the perfect place to send your child this summer! Located on the majestic Long Island Sound in Riverhead, NY, our 140-acre co-ed camp is designed for campers ages 5-16. We are dedicated to providing an environment that allows campers to reach their full potential, with high-quality 4-H educational programs and a commitment to safety and fun. As one of the oldest 4-H camps in the state, we are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed and inspected by the Suffolk County Department of Health. At DPF 4-H Camp, your child will have the opportunity to explore the outdoors and make new friends while learning and growing. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all campers, while helping them discover their own capabilities and abilities. Your child will gain the confidence and skills that will help them succeed in life. At DPF 4-H Camp, we understand the importance of family. We also offer a day camp option, so that your child can experience the fun of camping without the overnight stay. Whether your child is looking for an adventure-filled overnight stay or a more relaxed day camp experience, our camp has something for everyone!


Main Street Arts is the perfect place to explore the arts and learn about the creative talents of the Upstate NY region! We invite you to experience the unique culture and beauty of the Finger Lakes and enjoy all that Main Street Arts has to offer. Discover Main Street Arts, a nonprofit arts organization located in the historic village of Clifton Springs, NY. Our 3,600-square-foot space features two floors of art exhibitions, an art resource library, workshops, and youth programs. Executive director Bradley Butler curates an exciting calendar of thematic invitationals, national juried competitions, and solo exhibitions. In addition to our rotating exhibitions, we also have a gallery shop with jewelry, ceramics, prints, and more by local and regional artists. Whether you’re looking to explore the arts and learn about the creative talents of Upstate NY or just enjoy the unique culture and beauty of the Finger Lakes, Main Street Arts has something for everyone. Come experience all that Main Street Arts has to offer and explore the exceptional art and fine craft from emerging and established Upstate NY artists. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Parents Magazine is proud to announce the completion of Passport NYC's five-year run. This special program, which helped teens entering 9th through 12th grades explore their passions through one of five specialty programs, was a truly unique and life-changing experience. From Fashion to the Music Industry, participating teens had the opportunity to explore their interests, build community, and earn up to 30 hours of Community Service Credit while living in a supervised environment at the 92Y Residence. The legacy of Passport NYC will live on, as teens who experienced the program will carry with them the memories, skills, and values they learned over the course of their time there. As the program has been put on hold, we are hopeful that Passport NYC will return in the future, so that more teens will have the opportunity to take part in this amazing summer experience.