Summer Afternoon

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; 

to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
― Henry James

I have always looked forward to the Summer. As a child, I would eagerly await the last day of school, when we would simply burst out of class with an almost wild abandon onwards towards . . . Summer! 

Our days were filled with playing in the park, building forts in the woods, selling lemonade, wearing matching sundresses, learning in our family garden, going out for ice cream, fishing with our dad, dealing with insect bites, riding horses and so on.

Every child should have the opportunity to explore all that nature has to offer. I truly appreciate the organizations who make it their mission to get kids out of the concrete jungle and into the fresh air. There they can explore the world beyond . . . expanding their understanding of the options that exist for them and appreciate nature. 

There are so many great organizations providing this (truly) life-changing option to our urban youth.  

Check them out. 
Support them. 
Volunteer. 

Below are just a few great New York programs that are making a huge difference in the lives of so many!

FRESH AIR FUND
Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has been providing free Summer programs to over 1.7 million kids.

KATCHKIE FARM
Katchkie Farm is the home of the Sylvia Center where school groups throughout New York visit to plant in the Children's Garden and learn about eating healthful foods.

WYCKOFF ASSOCIATION
Bringing it home. This Brooklyn-based association is focused on a specific aspect of urban gardening; providing students the principles of gardening and farming as well as an understanding of Brooklyn’s historic farming culture and modern urban landscape.

LOWER EASTSIDE GIRLS CLUB
A club focused on girls, includes a Summer Camp program that brings the participants together through teamwork, laughter and some good singing.