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.
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: What?
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.
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
Children
(7-12-year-olds/2nd-5th graders)
Of After School Per School Year
(5-days/week)
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
