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Wide Array of Summertime Activities at Harvey Cavalier Camp

March 5, 2017 by Matt Smith

At Harvey Cavalier Camp, it’s possible to find the “Perfect Fit” for your child, from actor to athlete.

“A great program, ultimately, centers around the right fit for your kid. The camper has to connect [with the offerings] and be the right camper for the program.”

Sure, it’s the dead of winter, but Vinny Alexander, current director of Harvey Cavalier Camp in Katonah, is all smiles, as he looks forward to next summer, where he’s got several wheels in motion for the multi-faceted Katonah day camp to go “full steam ahead” and enter its 22nd year in business.

But for now, he throws his hands back and laughs while candidly discussing his views on why choosing the “right camp”–child’s success within the given program. “Picking a camp is almost like a lifelong commitment,” he continues. “Once you find the camp that you love, you’re more than likely to stay with it.”

And no one knows this fact to be more true than Alexander, having been an integral part of the camp in its development over 20 years ago, before taking over the reins full-time from its founder and longtime director Chris Del Campo in 2016. He recognizes firsthand how valuable dedicating one’s self to a camp–nay, a community–can be, and the extent to which it can impact both current campers and alums alike. Says Del Campo: “We have people who actually work for us who went to the camp…. people who’ve been with us for almost 20 years, and raised their own kids through the camp, and then stayed on as staff.”

He adds: “We don’t have much of a turnover in staff from year to year; it’s a real testament to what the camp offers,” speaking in terms of external and internal offerings. Del Campo, who founded the camp in 1996, and served as director through summer 2015, also heavily praises the professionalism of the instructors, all of whom are artists in their own right.

Teachers range from accomplished photographers and New York Times bestselling authors to visual artists whose work hangs in the Brooklyn Museum, and more. With all this to choose from, it’s really not hard to see why people return.

“There’s just so much variety…. so many different things to do,” echoes Del Campo, on the subject, “and that appeals to parents, especially if they want to nudge their kids toward trying something new. Kids can feel free to explore this and explore that–without the threat of report cards, tests or grades–and it really adds to the experience.”

“It opens them up and awakens them to things they may not be aware of,” adds Alexander, on the subject of exploration, adding that his son, through his prior connection to the camp via Alexander, is now going to school for art. “Me too,” Del Campo pipes in. “[The experience here] inspired my daughter to major in theatre.”

“It allows the child to really dig into what they love, and seek out activities they may not get to try out during the school year,” Alexander continues. To that end, he says, “what makes our camp unique, too, is the fact that campers create their own schedule. They pick from a list of activities and they choose what they’re passionate about. So, in terms of finding your perfect fit,” he adds, calling back to the earlier question posed to him, “I can’t think of a camp that does that better… in that [here] you pick a program that fits you personally. What more could you want?”

“Our philosophy is simple,” reiterates Del Campo, describing the feeling of watching prospective campers’ eyes “brighten up” as he explains to them the dynamics of the program. “You tell us what you want to do, and we just tell you where and when you’re going to do it.”

And the Harvey campers certainly have an array of eclectic activities to choose from. Primarily based in the arts, the camp offers workshops in the visual fields ranging from painting, printmaking, cartooning, and graphic design to doll-making, mask-making, pottery, puppetry, and woodworking. Performing arts offerings include workshops in acting, playwriting, and stage makeup, to name a few. But there are also offerings for the budding scientist, the tech whiz, and the sports fan, so you’re sure to be satisfied no matter what your child’s interests are.

What’s more? It’s all laid out within a vast 125-acre campus, complete with an arts center and newly built 20,000-square foot athletic facility, to carry out some of the aforementioned activities, in addition to full access to all the academic classrooms, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, and (yes, you’re reading right!) even an indoor ice rink!! “That element is what makes us probably the most unique day camp in Northern Westchester,” Del Campo proudly states. (Adds Alexander, with a laugh: “Where else can you swim in the morning and skate in the afternoon?!”)

They also point out the many hands-on projects, with Del Campo deeming it “the ultimate maker-space.” “Everything is learning through doing,” Alexander explains. “Kids try it until they get it.” In that sense, he asserts, “the works of art that come out of here at the end of the summer–be they productions or craft projects or songs that are written…. they’re all a real celebration of the power of the individual.”

But whatever your motivation to enroll, the two maintain the “best fit” argument is the most important of all. “I think it’s important for the kids to take away a sense of self, and the sense of self-expression,” Alexander says, of his goal for the campers that filter through year after year.

“We aim as a camp to develop the individual, and our mission is clear: we want the individual to succeed. [Therefore,] I hope they leave here at the end of the summer having developed their voice in one way or another.”

Again, there’s no doubt the Harvey Camp provides them with the tools to do just that, and Alexander is the first to agree the staff members do it all. “If you asked any family connected to the camp, they’d say it’s about the professional people who put the time in,” he concludes. “We have real committed staff members, who just really care about what they’re doing and care about the kids. It makes for an awesome program.” Indeed it does, and it’s for those reasons, among the plethora of others aforementioned, why we see Harvey Cavalier Camp as–aptly–“the perfect fit.”

The Harvey Cavalier Camp is located at 260 Jay Street in Katonah, NY. The camp’s next open house is scheduled for March 4th, with another set for April on an exact date to be announced. For more information, please visit harveycavaliercamp.org.

Matt Smith is a writer and contributor to The Inside Press. For information or inquiry, please visit www.mattsmiththeatre.com.

Keeping it Fun

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

I’m so dizzy, my head is spinning–with all the fun stuff we’ve packed into this edition. First and foremost, I’m super proud of having covered the Democratic National Convention together with reporter Susan Youngwood. A four-page glimpse of our experience begins on page 28. We are also delighted to deliver a “back to fun” theme–to chase away any end of summer, back to school doldrums. Matt Smith’s cover feature is a celebration of the Rotary Club members who faithfully meet every Monday at Kittle House to discuss plans–including New Castle’s much anticipated Community Day–host guest speakers and otherwise focus on “Service above Self.”

We also set out to spotlight exciting plans and esteemed authors for another amazing day of celebrating books and reading and children at the 4th annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF); there’s Save the Date info and a fun memory from New Castle’s much beloved Ragamuffin Parade, the Shop for a Cause Boutique, the 2016 Dewey Election Edition at the Chappaqua Library, and this year, please save the date for and learn about “The Concert for America to End Gun Violence.”

New York Senator Chuck Schumer being most gracious at the Democratic National Convention

For your absolute reading pleasure, enjoy a variety of thoughtful essays–one, in the nick of time, “Mindfulness in a Crazy World,” by Jodi Baretz; a painful recollection of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing by Dana Y. Wu (who wrote the CCBF story too!); the magic of playing field hockey by Greeley student Lauren Neff; and finally, a personal journey buoyed by the power of unconditional love by the Reverend Dr. Martha R. Jacobs.

Yet more articles: the shift soon to reusable bags in New Castle, the DeCicco’s supermarket coming to Millwood, the town’s Exceptional People Committee, Northern Westchester Hospital’s Junior Leadership Council and a profile of ‘Ms. Carol’ and ‘Ms. Dina’ at the much loved Dance Emotions.

Finally, we have two special reports: a story about Evan’s Law, written by our wonderful summer intern Justin Ellick; and an in-depth look at affordable housing efforts as they have played out (very, very differently) in both Chappaqua and Armonk–true community journalism prepared by Andrew Vitelli, our editor for Inside Armonk.

Due to this embarrassment of riches, we had to save other wonderful submissions, so as not to ‘break up’ an amazing compilation of essays produced by a group of local teens exclusive to Inside Chappaqua. So, stay tuned for more great reading in your next, November 2016 edition too!

Playgrounds: Ready, Set, GO!

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

The author’s twin boys’ tandem sliding at the smaller playground at Gedney Park. Photo by EJ Rose Photography

By Heather Skolnick

What is the one place where everyone has fun (besides Disney)? The playground! What could be better than good, old fashioned fun outside?

Playgrounds offer an opportunity for children to be children. Playgrounds are one of the few places left where batteries are not needed, and there is nary an IPad, IPhone, or Playstation in sight. Kids can run around to their hearts’ content and can use their imaginations galore.

Playgrounds offer more than a place to just play. For moms and caretakers, they are a place to meet others.

New Chappaqua resident Nikki Cosentino has been using playgrounds as one way to meet other moms within the community. She comes with her two daughters and lets them play in an enclosed environment while she socializes. Nikki says, “We have moved twice since I had my first daughter, and I always head to the local playground right away to connect with other moms. The park was our first stop here after move-in day in April. Sure enough, I was able to chat with a local mom and get some inside tips on our new town while our kids played together.” Nannies, too, enjoy the social benefits of the playground. When my nanny started, she used the playground as a place to meet people caring for kids in the same age range.

Playgrounds also serve as a place where children can develop and hone social skills. Special Educator Janet Weingarden works with children in many of our local schools. She often uses the playground as a forum for learning. She said, “The way we learn social skills is through practice and watching others. Being in a playground is a particularly effective place to do both of those things.”

She continued, the playground “offers opportunities for sharing, turn taking, collaborating, cooperating and a fantastic opportunity to build empathy. There’s also an opportunity to practice social scripts…as well as problem solving skills.” It’s no wonder Janet often goes there with her students!

From a physical standpoint, the playground offers all kinds of ways to strengthen gross motor and motor planning skills. Play structures are also filled with opportunities to improve some sensory and vestibular sensitivities. Swinging on a tire swing provides vestibular input to help increase the ability to process movement. Jumping is an example of “heavy work” which many teachers and therapists have found to improve attention and calmness for hours afterwards. Physical activity also increases arousal level which can help raise confidence. All in all, the learning opportunities on the playground could rival the classroom!

Now that we know all the benefits of playgrounds, where can we find them within our community? Specifically in New Castle, there are five playgrounds from which to choose. According to the 2010 census, the town has an approximate population of 23,000 people, 23% of whom are under the age of 18. With about 5,300 kids to keep busy, it’s no wonder that the town has a plethora of exciting playgrounds!

Gedney Park is the first playground that comes to mind for most. It includes baseball fields, soccer fields, hiking trails and the pond. Gedney offers two playground areas. The main playground area includes two distinct playground structures (one for the bigger kids, one scaled down for smaller children) with all the standard fixings–twisty slides, bouncy bridges, things to climb, etc. There are also monkey bars, swings and even a clubhouse complete with sandbox area. What else could a child want? Town Recreation Superintendent Bob Snyder said that a new play structure offers tons of fun in a safe, updated format for children.

Still at Gedney, a short walk leads to another, smaller play structure. This area is ideal for families who might have another child playing baseball at the adjacent fields Some children like this mini playground because it’s more subdued, having far fewer children playing at a time. Lastly, Gedney Park also has clean bathroom facilities just off the path from the main playground. This is an important feature for the potty training set.

Discover the “Train Park”

Formally listed as Recreation Field Park on the Town’s website, my kids call it the “Train Park.” If someone doesn’t tell you it’s there, you’d never know. Set back behind Recreation Fields and also adjacent to the train’s rear parking lot, it’s not readily visible from the road. With its proximity to the town Library, it makes for a great combination outing. The playground itself offers lot of unique features sure to entertain the pre-school kids as well as more sophisticated activities like the “zip line” for older kids. This playground is also budgeted for an overhaul soon.

Chappaqua mother of two Dayna Lord recently had a playdate at Recreation Field Park. After her first visit there, she said, “This is one of the most kid-friendly parks around that can easily be combined with a trip into town, the library, diner or ice cream. This is a perfect park for toddlers and those learning to walk, too!” It sounds like she will be back soon!

Another fun option is Smith Park in Mount Kisco. This is a lesser known park as it is really tucked away amid residential streets. It offers a fun play structure with a well mulched ground to protect from any skinned knees. There’s a basketball court for older kids and a large grassy area for a catch or for walking your dog.

Millwood Park is another local option. Set atop the baseball field and adjacent to the tennis courts, the playground offers a standalone twisty slide, a set of swings, and a seesaw. This playground is a convenient option for families trying to entertain children while a softball game is underway.

Lastly, Amsterdam Park in Ossining also has a playground to entertain kids while a sibling is playing soccer. With so many options, there’s always a good reason to get the kids outside.

As the weather warms up, have the kids put down the electronics, and head to the playground!!

Heather Skolnick, her husband and three children live in New Castle. Heather works for a major retailer where she designs systems and processes to support Omnichannel shopping.