ACT355

ACT (Adults and Children in Trust) offers a broad range of year-round, affordable, non-sectarian, educational programs for tots through teens, in and around the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

ACT's Indoor Play Station provides a playground alternative for children ages five and younger during chilly season. Child-size equipment includes slides, balls, and places to crawl - all on a safe mat area. Open Monday through Thursday from noon to 3pm, parents or caregivers must accompany and stay with their children at all times.

The ACT Toddler Program offers a first-time group experience for children 18 to 36 months and their parents/caregivers. Each 90-minute class begins with an open play gym time followed by circle time with games and songs. After snack in the kitchen - which kids often help prepare - it's off to the art studio for various projects, winding up with a story and closing song.

ACT Early Childhood Programs offer various first-time school options for children ages 2.3 to 4.5. Two-day and three-day a week nursery classes as well as a part-time and full-time five-day a week preschool program are available.

A selection of programs help working parents when schools are not in session. Afterschool programs for grades K-4, vacation camp for ages 4.9 to twelve, and summer camp programs for kids three and a half through teen age are available.

Long lasting friendships, new games and songs, outdoor art and play, planting in the vegetable garden, participating in assemblies, and following the Cathedral's resident peacocks are just a few samples of what ACT participants experience.

Mini-ACT Summer Camp, for children ages three and a half to five and a half, offers a schedule filled with sports, art, music, storytelling, dance, gardening, water play, and more. Assemblies and camp wide events bring all facets of the ACT camp together. Weekly themes add a flavor to each activity period and event.

Day Camp for kids ages five and up is divided into age appropriate groups - the Preps Division (1st-2nd grades), Voyager Division (3th-5th grades), and Pioneer Division (6th-9th grades). A five-week session, beginning in July, costs $1,980; a two-week August session is $785.

The younger crowd are prepared (hence the word "Preps") to participate in everything from swimming and sports to art, performing arts, gardening, and more. The camp day includes structured periods as well as time for campers to talk, relax, and choose their own games. Club periods present campers with an opportunity to join an activity with campers in other groups.

Weekly field trips are scheduled to destinations such as lakes, beaches, and amusement parks. Fifth-graders can choose to go on a two-day camping trip or remain at ACT and take a day trip to Mountain Creek.

August Specialty Camps offer opportunities for campers who are interested in developing or honing their talents and skills in basketball, performing arts, and arts & crafts.

Assemblies and camp wide events bring all facets of the ACT camp together. Sessions wrap up with a camp wide celebration day.

A Counselor-In-Training program and other community service opportunities are open to high school students.

ACT birthday parties offer kids the opportunity to run, jump, and climb on ACT's special equipment, play party games, and create crafts until they cut the cake.

Basic parties include a choice of food entree and beverage, paper goods, a host who takes care of the details and a party activity specialist who leads activities. All you need to bring is a camera - and the cake. Balloons and other decorations can be provided for an additional fee.

A variety of theme parties are available including Art, Lawn Party, Gym, and Sports. Facilities are available for floor hockey, basketball, football, volleyball, and dodgeball.