Chapter 7: The Rock Climbing Rebels of New York In the grand ol' state of New York, where skyscrapers scrape the sky and pizzas are as wide as wagon wheels, there exists a super squad of kids, known far and wide as the Rock Climbing Rebels. Oh, they're not your everyday, run-of-the-mill kind of children, mind you. They're a bunch of vertically-inclined adventurers, positively mad about climbing! Their leader, Captain Crimp, is a real hoot. Picture this - a nine-year-old in a bright orange helmet that’s two sizes too big, knee pads worn on the wrong side, and a cape made out of a curtain. A curtain, I tell you! But boy, can he scale a boulder like a squirrel on sneakers. Every day, at the crack of dawn, Captain Crimp and the other Rebels gather in the heart of Central Park. Their mission: to conquer each and every rock formation that dares to stand in their path. With their trusty climbing shoes, chalk-caked hands, and an unbreakable spirit, they scramble up surfaces as smoothly as a pancake sliding off a hot griddle. They climb not just for the thrill or the challenge, but for the sheer joy of it. For the feeling of the wind ruffling their hair when they reach the top, the earth far below looking like a jumbled box of toys. They climb because in New York, the city of giants, they too can touch the sky. So, if you're ever in New York and spot a group of kids defying gravity, don't be surprised. Just wave at the Rock Climbing Rebels, champions of the vertical world, and maybe - just maybe - you'll catch a glimpse of Captain Crimp, his cape fluttering in the wind, leading his team to new heights.
Read morebest rock-climbing programs in Rush, NY
What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp is a special place for kids with disabilities and their families. Located on 157 acres in Rush, N.Y., the camp has been providing incredible experiences since 1922. Every year, more than 2,500 children are able to take part in activities designed to meet their needs, in an environment where they can simply have fun without any barriers. At Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, kids with disabilities are able to enjoy a unique summer camp experience. With more than 2,500 children passing through its doors each year, the camp provides a safe and supportive environment where these kids can participate in activities designed to meet their individual needs. Since 1922, this 157-acre camp has been providing a barrier-free camping experience that is simply not available anywhere else. At Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, children with disabilities get the opportunity to have a summer camp experience like no other. Spread out over 157 acres in Rush, N.Y., this camp has been providing an unforgettable experience since 1922. Every year, more than 2,500 kids with disabilities and their families get to enjoy the barrier-free environment and activities specifically designed to meet their needs.