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2nd - 5th graders learn soft and hard leadership skills by completing independent and group activities in gardening, outdoor play, photography, and field trips at Outdoor Leadership Academy - Kids. Children focus on living a healthy lifestyle and creating new ways to improve neighborhood health by transforming the environment.

Green Exercise Days
JungleGym
Outdoor Leadership Academy

AFTERSCHOOL: Who, Where, When, & How Much?

Who: 2nd - 5th graders

Where: After School will be held in the great outdoors of East Harlem with workshops and activities in Jefferson and Washington Houses, local parks, and on city streets.

Children will meet at their host organization.

When: Varies By Partnering Agency

How much: Every child and family must follow the code of conduct in exchange for one child after school slot.

OLA-Kids: What?

Activities May Include:

Bike Riding Lessons & Tours

Hiking in NYC Parks & Beyond

Health Promotion

Gardening

Obstacle Race Design & Fitness

Nature Art & Photography

Self- and Group Reflection Time

Field Trips & Nature Adventures

Homework Time

Snack Time

Note 1: If your child does not know how to ride a bicycle, your child will learn how to ride here.

Note 2: Please do not send personal bikes or scooters to the program. All gear will be provided.

OLA-Kids: Why?

Children Will Build Their:

Self-esteem by making core decisions

Health, learning fitness and healthy eating

Independence as they learn to move around their city

Problem-solving, communication, and team building skills as they transform their environment into a healthier place

Portfolio of experiences as they participate in community service and prepare for middle school readiness and admission

Build skills in:

Communication

Critical Thinking

Teamwork

Interpersonal

Professionalism

Adaptability

Decision-making

Self-management

Self-direction

Attitude

Enthusiasm

Civic engagement

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Varies by Site.

 

Note 1: If you have previously enrolled online, use your login and password HERE to apply for this program. If you lost your password, click "what's my password?" to receive a reset email.

Note 2: If you have never enrolled online, click the APPLY button below. You will receive an email once you register with your login and password.

Note 3: Make sure to click "Save" on each page so that your information is retained. You can save, log out, gather more information, and return to your saved application.

Note 4: Applications do not guarantee entry. If you removed your child or your child was suspended from the program, your child may not re-apply for one full year.

Note 5: If you need help completing this application, please email info@concretesafaris.org or call our office at 646.869.1503.

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Selection Process For OLA-Kids

For After School (September - June): Must be enrolled in 2nd - 3rd grades at PS 57

Have an interest in learning

Independence as they learn to move around their city

Commitment to being your best self and following CS' Code of Conduct

Parent or Guardian approval to participate required

Must be able to follow COVID-19 safety requirements, including mask wearing

Must complete application in full, including copies of immunizations, medical, and report card

Questions?

Still have questions? Please email info@concretesafaris.org for more information with the subject heading: "OLA-Kids: Application." You may also phone us at 646.869.1503.

Our Impact

0+

Children 
(7-12-year-olds/2nd-5th graders)

0weeks

Of After School Per School Year
(5-days/week)

0hrs

Each OLA-Kids Plays Outdoors
(during programming from September - June.)

44% of OLA-Kids demonstrate improvement in social-emotional skills compared to non-participants

21% of OLA-Kids perform better in math and science classes than non-participants.

13% of OLA-Kids have fewer school absences than non-participants. East Harlem children have some of the highest absenteeism in NYC.

Testimonials

Brenda

Participant

What I like about after school is that we go on trips, gardening, photography and biking. I loved our first trip because we went to the castle. I like biking but it’s sometimes tiring. I liked it when we do gardening because it helps us build up our teamwork. I love photography. It’s really fun. 

Granville

Participant

What I like about Concrete Safaris is biking, that we have photography and that we go on trips every Friday. We go gardening which I like best of all because we plant and work as a team which helps us with our social skills.

Nakiya

Participant

What I like about after school is that we go outside every day and do exercise. My favorite thing to do is gardening because we get to learn alot of things about plants and how it grows.

Esther

Participant

I like Concrete Safaris because every day we have something different, and it is always fun and we also get to do homework.

Andrew

Participant

They help us with homework and the trips we go on every Friday. Thank you Concrete Safaris.

Shilon

Participant

I like Concrete Safaris because we get to go fun places. I get to hang with my friends.

Alan

Participant

These are all the things I love about Concrete Safaris: 

  • The leaders are very kind
  • The activities which are gardening, bike and taking photos are educational and life styling
  • The trips are very exciting and fun