In the summer of 2025, the Camp Dream Director program brought together Jersey City children ages 5 to 13 to share a collective experience of learning, creativity, and growth. Hosted at 409 Martin Luther King Dr., the camp provided a holistic daily blend of academic support, STEAM enrichment, outdoor play and excursions.

“Camp DREAM gave my child a summer full of learning and fun. She finished her assignments and made new friends—what more could I ask for?” declared a camper parent.

With the intent to prevent summer learning loss, a daily routine starting with a healthy breakfast, quiet reading, and summer school homework proved effective.  Over 75% of campers finished their assignments, with notable improvements in reading, math, and problem-solving confidence.

In addition to core academics, regular outdoor activity boosted healthy habits and minimized screen time, while STEAM and arts projects encouraged creativity and teamwork.  Music, financial literacy workshops, and weekly library excursions added variety and excitement.

With a total of 12 camp participants, the staff was able to provide personalized attention, closely track growth, and strengthen strong family bonds by issuing weekly camper progress reports.

As one parent noted, “I appreciated the weekly updates and knowing my son was safe, active, and happy.”

0

AngelaCARES launched the Bridging Generations Through Art program, an intergenerational initiative in the summer of 2025 that brought together seniors and 5 youth (ages 12–16) for a series of creative, collaborative activities.

Participant activities included creating vision boards, storytelling and memory mapping, music sharing, paint and sip sessions, bracelet making, and digital training. Music and storytelling provided a forum to share history and culture, while sessions in mobile phone use and sign language built bonds through a shared learning experience.

As expressed by a senior participant, “Thank you AngelaCARES for having this program. I enjoyed spending time with the youth — I did my first paint and sip!”.

With every brushstroke, bracelet, and shared story, Bridging Generations Through Art demonstrated that creativity knows no age limit and fosters connection and mutual understanding.  During the summer, several youth attendees volunteered at nearby senior centers to assist with congregate group meals and support neighborhood food distribution.

Through art, laughter, dialogue, empathy, and mutual encouragement, young and old created genuine relationships and friendships that extended beyond the program, enriching our Jersey City community.

‍

Centered on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and violence prevention, the 2025 Youth Peace Builders Enrichment Program was conducted over a 4-week period for 20 Jersey City youth, ages 8–18. The Coalition collaborated with several Jersey City partner organizations, like New Hope and ShopRite, to build a comprehensive and intentional curriculum.

Attendees participated in sessions covering mindfulness & emotional wellness, physical fitness & nutrition, mentoring, self-defense, conflict de-escalation, and financial literacy. These sessions were complemented by creative expression workshops, local recreational outings, and community service projects.

“Before this summer, I didn’t think people in my community cared about us. Now I have mentors and friends who believe in me.”   – 16-year-old participant

Each week brought opportunities for students to express themselves, support one another, and reflect on their role in creating peaceful futures.

“I used to get into arguments with my friends a lot, but now I know how to talk it out instead. This program showed me I can be a leader and still be myself.”  – 14-year-old participant

Youth formed lasting friendships, gained confidence in their leadership potential, and strengthened their communication skills — both at home and among peers.

“My son came home every day excited to tell me what he learned. I’ve seen a big change in how he communicates with his siblings and friends.”  – Parent of a 13-year-old.

‍

The 2025 ABC Summer Camp brought together 59 children from across Jersey City for six weeks of growth, learning, and fun.

Campers enjoyed daily fitness routines at local parks, splash pads, and swimming facilities, building physical stamina and teamwork through relays and games. Workshops led by the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services addressed mental health, self-esteem, and wellness, while creative sessions with the Jersey City Free Public Library, Community Awareness Series (CAS), and Uplifted Talent & Productions (UTAP) empowered children to express themselves through acting, improvisation, and writing.

To foster leadership skills, older campers (ages 12–13) were assigned as mentors and activity leaders for the younger children. And weekly field trips introduced participants to the Bronx Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and local Jersey City theaters.

The summer experience elicited positive feedback from both kids and their parents. “I love camp,” said Kylie, age 7.

Camp programming provided an engaging and holistic experience focused on physical health, mental wellness, leadership, cultural exposure, and community engagement.

‍

From July 19 to August 17, 2025, Bergen Hill Park came alive with energy, color, and connection as residents gathered for Yoga in the Park for Youth and Digital Art for Kids — two free summer programs that blended mindfulness, movement, and creativity for Jersey City families.

The weekly yoga classes, led by a trained instructor, encouraged kids and teens to calm down, breathe deeply, and enjoy movement in nature. Parents and older siblings often rolled out their mats too, turning the program into a family affair that inspired community wellness.

“As a parent, I appreciated that these programs were free and accessible. It made it easy for us to participate and helped my child build confidence in trying something new.”

Young artists worked on digital art inspired by nature in the shade of the park's trees. Using tablets and drawing apps, children learned how to transform their surroundings into vibrant works of art. Guided lessons helped kids see technology as a tool for creativity rather than distraction.

Program metrics showed that Bergen Hill Park became a true community hub of movement, art, and connection—with neighbors often gathering to participate or support. By the end of the summer, it was clear that programming successfully promoted youth wellness, built creative skills, and encouraged positive, multi-generational use of public space.

‍

The 2025 Summer Empowerment Program brought together 25 youth to provide a safe, nurturing space for growth, healing, and leadership.

Throughout the summer, participants engaged in daily workshops, creative arts, team-building games, and trauma-informed sessions. Core activities included discussions on identity, body positivity, violence prevention, and mental health, as well as hands-on projects like painting, jewelry-making, journaling, and talent showcases. Guided counseling and Trauma to Peace Circles supported emotional wellness, while leadership activities encouraged goal-setting and peer mentoring.

A particularly meaningful session required kids to create vision boards filled with positive affirmations and words that the children chose to guide and inspire their lives. Youth openly discussed sensitive topics, built confidence, and developed coping skills.

One participant shared, “When we talked about body positivity, I realized I don’t have to change who I am to fit in. I learned to love myself more.” Another reflected, “The session on anxiety and depression showed me I wasn’t alone. Talking about it and doing meditation made me feel calmer and understood.”

‍

Common Courts For Kids Summer Enrichment conducted a program for 28 young Jersey City participants ranging in age from 10 to 12. Held Wednesday evenings at the Sacred Heart Recreation Center, the program blended elite basketball training from renowned coach Sandy Pyonin based on the 'Ten Terms To Success®' life skills curriculum.

Designed to build confidence, character, and resilience, this youth sports training framework is based on ten values: Accountability, Endurance, Resiliency, Respect, Commonality, Trust, Self-Confidence, Skills, Empathy, and Self-Control.

“I’ve taken my son to other basketball programs, but none taught the game with as much skill and care,” shared one parent. “He learned so much... and had fun doing it.”

Throughout the program, children played basketball and received educational lessons that emphasized the values of trust and respect, promoting teamwork, accountability, and constructive relationships. The program also nurtured leadership and mentorship through the involvement of high school students who served as assistant coaches.

By the end of the program, kids reported feeling more empathetic, respectful, and in control, both on and off the court.  In fact, every participant could recite the 'Ten Terms To Success' in order... evidence that they were indeed listening!

‍

From July 14 to August 22, 2025, the Rose Avenue Urban Farm united 76 youth primarily from Jersey City for a transformative summer experience. The program addressed the lack of free summer activities and access to healthy food, offering children and teens ages 4 to 21 a safe and engaging space to learn and grow.

Participants took part in gardening and composting sessions led by SustainableJC, and sustainable living workshops on rainwater harvesting and solar energy. They harvested produce, cooked healthy meals, and closed the loop by sharing community dinners featuring food they helped grow. High school students earned stipends for community service, while college interns gained valuable paid work experience.

The program’s impact was powerful—youth developed teamwork, responsibility, and environmental awareness. One camper shared, “The Rose Avenue Urban Farm gave me something to do instead of staying inside.” A parent added, “My daughters built emotional connections and created beautiful art while getting plenty of fresh air.”

By summer’s end, attendance and feedback confirmed the farm’s success in cultivating wellness, learning, and community spirit across Greenville.

‍

Camp Liberty’s 2025 summer program, held from June 23 to August 22, welcomed Jersey City children ages 6 to 12, as they've done for decades of summers. With generous grant support, 47 full and five half scholarships—including transportation—were awarded, along with 11 additional full scholarships funded by the HealthierJC summer grant.

Campers explored art, dance, theater, music and recreation, building friendships and confidence along the way. Surveys showed that all families noticed improvements in their children’s creativity, social skills, and self-esteem, while the scholarships eased financial stress. One parent shared, “The scholarship made a huge difference—it allowed my daughter to attend camp, which I otherwise couldn’t afford. She absolutely loves Camp Liberty.”

The 2025 program expanded access and equity, giving every child the chance to learn, create, and grow in a safe, supportive community.

‍

“Before this bootcamp, I didn’t see myself as a leader. Now I know my strengths and how I can use them to make an impact.” – 17-year-old participant

This free 3-day bootcamp for Jersey City youth ages 8–18 focused on building leadership, confidence, and communication skills. Each day focused on 3 core pillars of community leadership.

Leadership Identity & Self-Awareness started off the program. Students discovered their leadership style, built elevator pitches, and explored their personal strengths.

On day 2 with the focus on Emotional Wellness & Communication Skills, the group engaged in role-play, group challenges, and “Build Your Business” sessions helped participants learn conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and persuasive speaking.

Teamwork & Community Impact rounded out the bootcamp with kids participating in the Mini Model Activity, which pushed teams to design and present community-centered initiatives, addressing real issues in their neighborhoods — from youth safety to environmental justice.

Said one 16-year-old, “The Mini Model Activity made me feel like my ideas matter.”

As an investment in the next generation of community changemakers, participants were taught to use AI tools for note-taking and proposal writing, and the program distributed two laptops and monetary awards to students in need.

‍

“Learning to make my own video game in just a few weeks was amazing! I want to keep coding after this.” — Martha, age 12

With 25 participants ranging from ages 7 to 18, the 2025 Gotta Go Gaming Camp provided Jersey City youth with equitable access to advanced tools, instruction, and hands-on exposure to everything from coding and robotics to digital art and eSports.

Each week featured a new theme—such as Digital Citizenship, Animation, or Leadership—with activities delivered via hands-on workshops, collaborative labs, and field trips to local tech hubs and museums. The program culminated in a student showcase, attended by families and community partners.

The fundamental goals of the camp were to promote digital literacy, boost student confidence, foster mental wellness through mindfulness, encourage students to explore creative technology career paths, and narrow the technology access gap for underserved youth.

HealthierJC staff observed students using 3D printing technology to design and produce original robotic creations. It was impressive to see how effectively the teaching staff blended video gaming with STEAM education to create interactive and alternative learning experiences. The facility has a number of learning stations that are intended to inform, amuse, and expose young minds to cutting-edge technology.

‍

The eCode Summer Learning Program, held from July 7 to August 8, 2025, was a transformative experience for 60 young learners in Jersey City. Through hands-on STEM activities in LEGO robotics, mobile game development, and AI-driven micro computing, participants ages 8–17 built robots, designed games, and explored emerging technologies while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. The program achieved a 97% completion rate and concluded with a lively community showcase where families celebrated the students’ innovative projects. Personal stories and testimonials shared on ecodelearningcenter.org highlight how the program inspired creativity, confidence, and a lasting passion for STEM.