Summer Camp Fun Heats Up at Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester

This summer, campers at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) are being treated to one-of-a-kind experiences including a field trip to Yonkers’ Hudson River Museum and dance lessons through the American Ballet Theater’s “Project Plié.”

On July 30, the Club participated in Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) “Project Plié,” an initiative which aims to introduce ballet to a broad range of children through educational and activity-based master classes. Master Instructor Paige Levine of Putnam Dance Center, along with Putnam Dance Center students, taught basic ballet moves to the Dolphins (third and fourth grade boys and girls), Leopards (sixth and seventh grade girls), and Jaguars (eighth and ninth grade girls).

The classes, conducted in partnership with the American Ballet Theater, home of soloist and Boys & Girls Club of America alum Misty Copeland, serve to identify gifted children and connect them with ballet teachers and schools in their community. The BCGNW campers who demonstrate an affinity for ballet, according to Levine, will be offered a scholarship to Putnam Dance Center.

On Aug. 1, third and fourth grade boys from the Sharks camp group visited the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, where they spent the day exploring and discovering the solar system. Campers also watched “We Are Aliens,” an epic ride through space, in the museum’s Andrus Planetarium. The field trip was graciously sponsored by the Bedford Rotary.

“We are thrilled to give our campers the opportunity to experience something new and exciting every summer,” said Barbara Cutri, director of operations, BGCNW. “We truly appreciate the American Ballet Theater and the Bedford Rotary for their roles in supporting our youth and opening their eyes to such unique career possibilities and hobbies.”

BGCNW summer programs run through Aug. 15. For more information, visit www.bgcnw.com.

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester campers in the Leopards (sixth and seventh grade girls) and Jaguars (eighth and ninth grade girls) groups, along with students from Putnam Dance Center, participate in the American Ballet Theater’s “Project Plié,” July 30.

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester campers in the Sharks group (third and fourth grade boys) thank the Bedford Rotary for sponsoring their recent trip to the Hudson River Museum, Aug. 1.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
Celebrating its 75th year, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester remains dedicated to its mission to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. A non-profit organization established in 1939, the Club has served more than 100,000 youth and welcomed nearly 10,000 volunteers, staff and board members over the years. Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the Club’s 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, game room and two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester currently serves 1,700 boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.