Leagues & Teams

The Girl Scouts' credo is "Where girls grow strong," and selling Girl Scout cookies is only a small part of building girl power. On field trips and through mentorships with local employers, the girls learn about science, business, arts, and themselves. The organization also hosts spring and summer camps.

Some schools have troops already in formation, so you might check there first before calling the council. If all else fails, consider starting your own troop - the council will set you on your way with training courses. Each troop meets as often as the parents want them to and frequency can range from one to four times a month. Daisy Girl Scouts are Kindergarteners and first graders; Brownies span from grades one to three; Junior Girl Scouts are fourth and fifth graders; Cadettes are seventh and eighth graders; Senior Girl Scouts are ninth and 10th graders; and Ambassadors are in 11th and 12th grade.

The 14th Street Y is a Jewish Community Center, but it welcomes members of all faiths. It offers scores of classes, programs, resources, and services - including babysitting for members.

Classes for kids include for kids include art, dance, cooking, martial arts, basketball, tennis, tumbling & gymnastics, kindermusik, ballet, and swimming (ages six months and up).

Birthday parties with a swimming component can be held here, too. Contact 212.780.0800, ext. 252 for details and booking.

There are playgroups for young children and their parents, infant massage classes, Mommy and Me classes, messy play classes, and even Japanese toddler and preschool classes that give kids an early start in learning a new language.

The Afterschool Program provides care for kids ages four to 12 on weekdays from 3pm-6pm. Regularly scheduled activities include swimming, basketball, cooperative games, and art & music. Other activities include snack, homework assistance, and outdoor play. The Afterschool calendar corresponds to that of the Public Schools, but does not meet when schools are open on Jewish Holidays. On school half-days and holidays, extended hours are available.

The 14th Street Y offers a pick-up program from PS 40, PS 19, Immaculate Conception, Children's Workshop, the Earth School, Neighborhood School, Simon Baruch, and the East Village Community School. NEST and PS 110 require an additional transportation fee. Pickup from other neighborhood schools can be arranged with a minimum of three students. Call ext. 258 for details.

The Gani Preschool offers modern, fully equipped classrooms designed to meet the needs of children ages two to five. The large recreation room and rooftop playground give little ones ample opportunity to practice gross motor skills (and play)! Call extension 238 or 266 for details.

Parenting workshops give adults a chance to meet other parents and discuss issues in a friendly community setting.

Summer camps include:

Mini-Camp, for kids ages 17 months to 3.5 years; younger children splash and play in the sprinklers on the rooftop playground and engage in art and music activities. A parent or caregiver must accompany the child at all times. Call extension 240 for details or to register.

On Our Way, for kids ages 2.5 to 3.5 years; a twice-a-week summer program for children who have completed a separated program. Adults and children get together for a half-hour on the rooftop playground for some outdoor fun and water play, then class continues for two hours without adults. Call extension 240 for details or to register.

The New Town Day Camp, for kids ages 3.6 to six years, provides indoor and outdoor play, field trips within the city, art, drama, music, and more. Registration for new families begins in January. Call extension 241 for details or to register.

The New Country Day Camp, for kids ages five to 11, takes kids to the 75-acre Henry Kaufman campgrounds on Staten Island, set with swimming pools, hiking trails, and open meadows. Call extension 248 for details or to register.

Japanese NikoNiko Summer Day Camp, for kids ages three to seven years, emphasizes Japanese conversation and written skills for older children; younger children are exposed to Japanese through songs and play. Call extension 243 for details or to register.

When public schools are closed, Holiday Camp is offered.

The Champion Tennis Facilty offers junior and adult tennis instruction for all ages and levels.

The spacious, all-weather, cushioned outdoor courts boast spectacular views, a Tennis Museum and Pro Shop, a comfortable garden lounge with large parasol umbrellas, and more.

Kids' tennis, Pee Wee tennis, and sports academy seasonal afterschool sessions run from April through October.

Yorkville Youth Athletic Association provides basketball, baseball, roller hockey, flag football, tennis, and drama programs for youth in kindergarten through grade 11. Their motto is, "Competition, Camaraderie, Community."