Team Building Experiences
Corporate groups are welcome to volunteer and build their team spirit at Concrete Safaris from April through December. Here are opportunities to make your mark with community service. Thank you in advance for your support.
Volunteer At Your Office - In Person
Do you work in Public Health, Food Services, Media, Business, or Construction? Host children (ages 7-12) or youth (ages 14-24) for educational field trips about the world of work at your office. Conduct mock interviews, provide constructive feedback on resumes, and share how you got into your field and the breadth of opportunities available.
Commitment
- 10+ Volunteers
- Tour of your office or work space
- Point person at your company to help facilitate event and recruit volunteers
- Snacks are optional, and appreciated
A Site Visit To Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
A group of Concrete Safaris' interns came to a classroom at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to hear a talk by Ashley Gilbertson, a renowned photographer who has done freelance assignments for the Mount Sinai Health System. Mr. Gilbertson is an Australian photographer and writer living in New York City, recognized for his critical eye and unique approach to social issues.
His presentation included photography from his recent book, Coronavirus in NYC, as well as photographs taken in a Mount Sinai Emergency Department during COVID-19, and photography for Mount Sinai’s recent ad campaign, We Find a Way. Questions about the ethics of street photography, as well as protocols for shooting in a hospital were discussed with the interns.
"I found the kids to be amazing. Once we got past the initial awkward greetings and all that, we quickly got into a really thoughtful conversation - they ended up asking more thoughtful and certainly more piercing questions than classes of adults I’ve taught over the years. Personally, I was inspired by their spirit, and hope to see them in the field one day, jostling for a good spot at the press conference!" - Ashley Gilbertson, Photographer
Virtual Talent Teams Needed
We're seeking assistance from small teams on a variety of skilled projects, including construction, real estate, finance, evaluation, marketing, event planning, and fund development. Does your team have the talents, time, and commitment to serve? Email info@concretesafaris.org.
In East Harlem
Sponsor a Green Exercise Day
Did you know that 3 elementary schools within 6-blocks of Concrete Safaris' gardens have no science teachers for over 1,200 students? Our in-person mentoring is on pause. There are other ways you can support local youth. Sponsor an outdoor educational experience serving 2nd-5th graders in East Harlem so that their classes can visit our gardens on a regular basis, completing team building games and 25-minute modules of gardening, urbanism, environmental health science, and fitness. Or, volunteer on-site with your team. You will learn about the neighborhood, plant organic food for our neighbors to supplement their diets, and complete construction, painting, and maintenance projects. Work with our team to develop a custom event so that East Harlem children and youth can use CS' gardens as their science labs.
Get Active With JungleGym 2025
At Concrete Safaris' JungleGym, East Harlem children and their families will race through a 20-Obstacle Challenge and enjoy an Active Living Fair spanning commercial corridors, residential blocks, and school yards in East Harlem. East Harlem youth will help build the obstacles. Elementary school children will meet with Community Board 11 to secure permits and street closures. Concrete Safaris' Outdoor Leadership Academy Interns and volunteers have historically facilitated these family events in the summer, and this year volunteers will serve local children living in public housing developments, enrolled in camps, and looking for fun activities in the neighborhood. Local organizations will offer information on healthy, local programs.
Sponsor
Sponsor JungleGym on streets in East Harlem's commercial corridors or NYCHA developments, or in school yards.
Donate In-Kind
Make JungleGym extra special with the gift of supplies, swag, or support for our volunteers and staff.
Corporate Volunteerism FAQ
What size group can attend?
Green Exercise Days can accommodate up to 250 volunteers.
JungleGym can accommodate up to 60 volunteers.
When can our group volunteer?
Group volunteer opportunities are from April - December.
Green Exercise Days are Tuesdays - Fridays from Earth Week (April) through Thanksgiving (November). Your group can opt for a half- or full-day session.
JungleGym events are held on Fridays or Saturdays during the summer and on a variety of days (weekdays and Saturdays) in the fall and spring. Summer events require volunteers to participate from 8am-4:30pm. Fall and spring events vary in time based on location and community partners.
How do we get to the East Harlem locations?
All of our events are located between 97th and 116th Streets, and Park and Second Avenues. We recommend traveling by mass transit via the 6 or Q, depending on the location. You can also walk from the 2 or 3 or take a bus, depending on the location event.
Where are the events located?
Field trips to your office will be located in an agreed-upon location in your facility or at a related site.
Green Exercise Days take place at Mad Fun Farm (1775 Third Avenue at 98th Street) and Jefferson Gardens (300 East 115th Street at Second Avenue). Depending on the size of your group, we can host one or two events at once.
JungleGym takes place on two blocks per event in East Harlem's commercial corridors, on single blocks adjacent to public housing developments, and in schoolyards or streets adjacent to schools.
How much does sponsorship cost?
Event sponsorships range from $3,500 - 50,000, depending on the number of volunteers, and scale and scope of the activity.
What do you provide?
All sponsorships include full event planning services, an online registration tool, supplies for the event (tools, gloves, materials), and water. Complete the Sponsorship Inquiry Form, and we'll share what we offer based on your needs.
Can I register my entire group? Or does each person have to register separately?
Concrete Safaris will provide your company with an online, customized registration page. Individuals must register themselves separately through that page prior to participation.
What should volunteers wear and bring?
Concrete Safaris will plan the entire event for your team. Dress in layers prepared to get dirty and sweaty. Bring a bottle of water and a snack so that you stay hydrated. There are many bodegas, cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets with delicious food and beverage for you to choose.
Are there roles for people who want to volunteer but don't really like people or don't want to work with children?
Yes! At every event, there are roles for volunteers just like this.
Green Exercise Days are opportunities for volunteers to complete garden maintenance projects and still feel a part of the team as their colleagues mentor children or distribute food to the community.
JungleGym volunteers can set up and break down obstacles, make sure there are adequate supplies, and other tasks that are necessary for the event to flow well.
What media coverage do you offer?
There are different levels of media coverage based on the package that you choose. We do not have in-house public relations, and are happy to work with your team to develop and distribute materials.
Can my child attend?
Your child may not attend a Green Exercise Day as the focus is on the children from East Harlem who are expecting your mentorship.
Your child may attend JungleGym so long as there is an adult present with him or her throughout the event and you can also safely volunteer at your station.
Our Impact
Volunteers
Since 2008
Hours of Service
in 2019
Families & Neighbors
Impacted This Year
