Summer 2025 Camp and Activities Guide
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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With the wind howling and snow on the ground, it’s hard to imagine that summer will ever be here - but it will – and now’s the time to start making plans for your children’s summer activities. Fortunately there are a wealth of terrific programs where kids can explore their passions, all within range of Scarsdale. Sports, theater, music, dance, nature, martial arts, language arts, academic enrichment and even sewing are all summer possibilities.
We reached out to many to participate in our Summer Guide and here are some programs for your consideration:
Day Camps
French American School
The French-American School of New York (FASNY) offers a unique summer camp option for FASNY and non-FASNY students. Our Manor Camp is provided for children ages 3 to 11 at our expansive Manor Campus in Larchmont, NY. Camp is designed for new experiences, adventures, and life-long memories, we make languages and learning fun! Students participate in age-appropriate and theme-based activities using music, science, arts and crafts, cooking, and the outdoors to help with language acquisition. Camp is open to all students in grades N through rising 5th grade in both English and French of any level, no previous French is required. Join us today! French American School, email kgoldstein@fasnyorg, or call 914-250-0415.
Future Stars
Future Stars Summer Camps are the perfect blend of specialized sports training and FUN from 9am-4pm for campers aged 5-16!! Conveniently located at the beautiful SUNY Purchase College, there are outstanding facilities available to maximize the experience for each camper including 3 turf fields, 3 air-conditioned gymnasiums, 16 outdoor tennis courts, 3 outdoor basketball courts, swimming pool and diving well and more. Choose from individual camp offerings in soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, diving, lacrosse, volleyball, multisport, softball, art, adventure, circus and many more - there is something for everyone this summer.
Contact: purchase@fscamps.com or call (914) 273-8500 for more information or click here.
Sportime
Serious Tennis, Serious Fitness, Serious Fun! The John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) team is very excited for Summer Training Camp! The JMTA, where we train 52 weeks a year, is specifically designed for players ages 5-18 looking to continue their tennis training through the summer or simply spend their camp days focused on tennis. Participate in drills, instruction and matchplay in age and level appropriate groupings. Players train at JMTA Westchester’s home, SPORTIME Lake Isle, outdoors on our meticulously maintained har-tru courts and now on the brand new hard courts at Leewood Park.
Green and Yellow Ball (ages 9+) Camp Hours: 
Yellow Ball 14+ years old/ High School: 9am-1pm at Leewood Park
Yellow Ball U14: 10am-5pm
Green Ball 10am-5pm
Extended Day Available
Red and Orange Ball (ages 5-9) Camp Hours:
Half Day AM: 9am-12:30pm
Half Day PM: 12:30pm-4pm
Full Day: 9am-4pm
Extended Day Available
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling (914) 777-5151 or by emailing jmtawestchester@sportimeny.com. Visit us here. We are here to help!
Squire Advantage and Sports Camps
Squire Advantage and Squire Sports Camps at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale is celebrating over 50 years and is the proud recipient of the first ever Westchester County Inspector Choice Award! Squire Advantage Primary (grades K-3) and Advantage Choice (grades 4-9) is created for campers who wish to custom design their own schedule by choosing activities like swimming, sports, fine arts, science, cooking, martial arts, archery and more. There are more than 60 different activities to choose from! Squire Camps programs run from July 1st until August 16th, 2024. Courses are taught by certified schoolteachers, and hot lunch and early drop off is included. Extended day and transportation available. Attend our open house on February 1 from 1-4 PM.
Matt Davanzo, Director, Squire Camps, Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale, NY, (914) 328-3798.
Camp Ramaquois
Camp Ramaquois is not like every other camp. Our day camp for boys and girls ages 3 to 15 in Pomona, NY (only 30 minutes from the 
George Washington Bridge and 15 minutes from the Mario Cuomo Bridge) provides a truly authentic camp experience. Our magnificent 44 acres, 5-acre lake, 9 heated swimming pools, and exceptional facilities and programs allow us to provide children with a dynamic and memorable summer filled with love, warmth, and being part of a special community. Our campers are encouraged to take healthy risks, learn new skills, develop relationships with their peers and counselors, develop independence and assume responsibility.
Camp Ramaquois, 30 Mountain Road. Pomona, NY 10970, 845-354-1600.
Weinberg Nature Center
August Animal Visions: Participants enjoy animal time, hiking, ice sculpture, outdoor adventures, water fun, games, planting, yoga, lots of arts and crafts! For: 4-11 year old's Dates: August 4th - August 22nd [register for 1 - 3 weeks] Cost: $465 1 week $795 2 week $1435 3 week {Mamaroneck Strip is resident rate x 15% or Non-resident is resident rate x 20%}
Little Ferns Nature Program: (forest preschool education): Students develop early scholarly and life foundations through nature education (80% outdoors) For: 2.5 - 5 year old's Dates: Spring Semester April 1st - June 13th 2025 Fall Semester Sept 15-dec 12 2025 Winter Semester Jan 12- March 27th 2026 Spring April 6- June 12 2025 Cost: Price measures (pay semesterly) Scarsdale $65 per class, Mamaroneck Strip $75 , non-resident $78. Observe Scarsdale School calendar holidays. Interview and Tour: Required
Afterschool Forest Adventures: Hiking, Nature Arts, Animal Time, Ecology and Planting. FOR: 2 - 10 year old's. Dates: Every semester $250 resident $288 Mamaroneck Strip $300 non-resident.
Birthday Events: Enjoy live animal presentations, fire-making/roasting marshmallows, hiking, scavenger hunt, other possible activities/themes. For 2+ year old's. Cost: $450 up to 14 children 15-25 children $550 26-35 children $600
Register online with the Scarsdale Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, 914-722-1160 or online here:
Pre- College
Adelphi Summer Pre-College Program
Adelphi’s Summer Pre-College Program will take place from July 13-August 2, 2025 and is open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school. Our credit-bearing program allows students to explore an academic area of interest, participate in college readiness workshops, and discover all that Adelphi University has to offer. Both residential and commuter options are available.
This summer's courses include:
Art Foundations: Drawing and 2D Design
Business and Entrepreneurship
Communications and Critical Thinking
Computer Science and Coding
Creative Writing Workshop
Digital Media Production: Filmmaking and TV
Introduction to Nursing as a Career and Profession
Music Production and Sound Mixing
Pre-Law: Understanding the Bill of Rights
Pre-Med: Microbiology, Nutrition, and Human Disease
Psychology and Pop Culture
Quantum Engineering
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Take an amazing class, make new friends, and earn college credits all in our summer program tailored just for you! Visit us here to learn more and to apply today!
The Arts
Central Park Dance
Central Park Dance's extraordinary 2025 summer programs are held at our new state of the art facility equipped with five inviting studios! We offer full class schedules for children and adults as well as performing arts dance camps and accelerated workshop programs. We pride ourselves on our team of experienced and reputable teachers skilled in teaching a wide variety of dance styles and training all ages.
Central Park Dance, 165-171 South Central Avenue, Hartsdale, 914.723.2949. Learn more and register at centralparkdance.com.
Hoff Barthelson
The Summer Arts Program at Hoff-Barthelson Music School offers two dynamic 2-week sessions designed for students entering grades 1-9. Co-directed by Donna Elaine and Rie Matsumoto, this program runs from July 7 to August 1, 2025, with students able to attend one or both sessions. The program provides a wide range of creative opportunities in music, movement, and visual arts, allowing children to explore new instruments, hone performance skills, immerse themselves in different artistic forms, and make lasting friendships. Students benefit from personalized attention by an exceptional faculty of top teaching artists in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Morning, afternoon, and full-day options are available, with early drop-off and late pick-up for convenience. Each session culminates in lively performances, allowing students to showcase their learning. Courses offered include group lessons in various instruments, chorus, orchestra, jazz band, world drumming, music history, music technology, and visual arts. Early-bird registration discounts are available until April 4, 2025.
In addition to the Summer Arts Program, Hoff-Barthelson offers specialized offerings in vocal performance and musicianship during the summer months:
• The Summer Vocal Institute, running from August 11-15, 2025, is an immersive program for students entering grades 8-12. It provides comprehensive vocal training, focusing on a range of styles, including Italian art songs and Broadway hits. Students will have the chance to perform in a special concert at the end of the week.
• Summer Musicianship Lab is designed to enhance music theory and aural skills for students in grades 3-12. Meeting weekly on Wednesdays from June 11 to August 13, this program combines independent learning and group discussions to build a deeper understanding of music. Additionally, the Summer Advanced Placement Prep helps students prepare for the AP Music Theory exam, offering focused training on key concepts and aural skills.
These summer programs at Hoff-Barthelson provide a rich, engaging experience for young musicians, fostering growth, creativity, and performance skills in a vibrant community.
Hoff-Barthelson School of Music, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, 914-723-1169, summerarts@hbms.org. Learn more and register here.
Honest Art
Discover the joy of creativity at Honest Art's Summer Camp! Our engaging program offers kids a fun-filled experience where they explore painting, sculpting, candle making, and so much more in a vibrant, inspiring environment. With hands-on projects and outdoor activities, campers will unleash their imagination while making new friends and lasting memories. Morning, afternoon, and full day options available - book today at honestart.com. Honest Art, 708 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY 10502, 914-309-9334.
Play Group Theater
The Play Group Theatre in White Plains is preparing kids for every stage of life while giving them the tools they need to succeed on stage today. Play GroupTheatre offers a fun-filled, non-competitive performing arts program that provides actor training at the highest level while fostering friendships and building skills that last a lifetime. To sign up for spring programs and summer camps, please visit playgroup.org. Play Group Theatre, One North Broadway, White Plains, 914-946-4433, info@playgroup.org.
Random Farms Kid’s Theater
Random Farms Kids’ Theater brings the drama to the summer camp experience with their Summer Workshop Intensive program for children in grades 3 - 9 (as of fall 2025). Our inclusive program requires no prior theater experience, and features four different, two-week long sessions, that include crafts and theater games along with rehearsals for a musical theater production at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater!
This summer’s offerings include:
Newsies, JR. - Session 1 July 7 - 18 and Session 2 July 21 - August 1
The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition - Session 3, August 4 - 15
The Lion King, JR. - Session 4, August 18 - 29
New families can use the code NEWSUMMER for $100 off tuition.
Visit RandomFarmsNY.org/SWI for more information and registration.
Rye Arts Center
The Rye Arts Center invites all ages to register for a variety of enriching arts programs this summer! Teaching artists and expert instructors will guide participants through a multitude of courses and disciplines such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, musical theater, music lessons, and STEAM programming. With flexible week-to-week availability and morning and afternoon options, there’s a perfect fit for every schedule! Join The Rye Arts Center for a summer where creativity takes center stage, and all are welcome to learn and create in a supporting, welcoming environment. Financial aid is available, please inquire. Scan the QR code to stay abreast of imminent registration for our extremely popular summer arts programs!
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road. Rye, NY 10580, (914) - 967- 0700, info@ryeartscenter.org
Sew Happy
Get ready for a fun packed summer! Sew Happy is pleased to offer half day and full day summer camps for ages 5-14 this summer. Join us for Me & My Doll, Hand Sewing, Machine Sewing, or Fashion Design. Kids love mastering the basics like threading a needle; tying a knot; or sewing on a button, and we have tons of fun projects that they’ll take home at the end of the session. If you’re looking for a little break from the sun and the screens, this may be your happy place.
NEW! Are you *Sew Ready* for Kindergarten? Come spend a week playing with us. Kids have so much fun that they hardly notice they’re practicing fine motor skills; sequencing; following directions; and problem solving. Look out elementary school. We are Sew Ready!!
Sew Happy Studios - 154 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY - 917-885-7716 - info@sewhappyusa.net.
Steffi Nossen School of Dance
A Summer Experience you do not want your dancer to miss - one- and two-week camps and intensives for various ages, levels and interests. Pre-school weeklong morning Story-Book Camps throughout the summer explore the pages of a new book each week, creating dances and building crafts based on the story and 
performed at week’s end. In Dance Camp (grades 1-5) and Dance Intensive (grades 6 and up) beginner and intermediate campers explore diff dance styles - Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Musical Theater dance history and create their own choreography leading to in-studio performance on Friday. Musical Theater Camp Grades 1-5) and Intensive (grade 6 and up) are targeted to the musical theater dancer/ actor/singer working with professional voice, acting and dance teachers on techniques to enhance vocal and acting training while honing dance technique and performance ability. Campers take daily acting, voice, and dance classes, participating in theater games, exercise, and technique classes in a nurturing environment; recommended for actors needing dance training and dancers who want to explore singing and acting. Each week campers learn music and choreography from a different musical, culminating in a Showing at week’s end. Our exciting new Dancing Through the Movies Camp (grades 1 –5 ) blends the joy of singing and dancing with the magic of NEW movies: Moana 2, Inside Out 2, Spellbound, The Smurf Movie, and If. The movie of the day serves as inspiration for singing, acting, Jazz and Musical Theater classes - experimenting with movement and crafting dances, helping to build strong communication skills and self-confidence. The week wraps up with an in-studio showcasing. No experience needed —just bring your enthusiasm and love of dance. The summer is rounded out by an Adaptive Adult Musical Theater Workshop June 24 – 27 with teachers leading dancing to music from popular shows on Broadway and musical movies, creating own dances, and participate in a performance at week’s end. For information: 914-328-1900, info@steffinossen.org, 216 Central Ave. White Plains; or click here.
The Younger Set
Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue
Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue is a seven-week camp experience offered to children ages 18 months to 6 year-olds. Our campers are engaged in activities such as sports, music, art, daily water play and much, much more. We also have a special day each week focusing on a theme such as Circus Day, Hawaiian Day or Carnival Day. We strive to foster friendships in a warm, nurturing environment and encourage children to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually as they engage in fun, stimulating summer activities. We offer a three-day option for Toddlers ages 18 to 30 months and our two year-olds may choose 3 or 5 mornings a week. Our three year-olds to six year olds may choose a half-day 9:00-12:00 option or a full-day 9:00-2:00 option which includes a served lunch. Contact Jody Glassman at mazeltots@sstte.org or 914-723-3001, or click here.
Board of Ed Congratulates Regeneron Semi-Finalist, Names District Architects and Offers Update on Puberty Education
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The first Board of Education Meeting of 2025, was short and sweet but still managed to cover a lot of important topics. Some of the matters discussed included a congratulations to an SHS Regeneron Science semifinalist, an overview of the District’s budget planning process, appointments of an architect and engineering firm, and construction management firm, and the Board’s decision on the NYSED Regionalization Initiative, just to name a few.
Regeneron Science Talent Search Semifinalist
After a warm welcome from BOE president Suzie Hahn, Superintendent Drew Patrick kicked off the meeting by recognizing Scarsdale High School Kelly Deng, who was recently named a semifinalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Deng is one of 17 semifinalists in Westchester and only 300 across the nation. According to the Society for Science “The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and novel discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. The 300 scholars and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each.”
The website also makes clear that, “Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations.”
Deng was recognized for her project on Macrophage-Stimulating Protein/RON (MST1R) Sensitivity Underlies the Pathogenesis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Potential for Novel Pharmacological Interventions via Transcriptomic Imputation. Patrick called Deng’s work “fantastic” and offered a heartfelt congratulations.
Budget Development Process
With budget season right around the corner, Patrick also made note of the very detailed budget development process and highlighted some upcoming meetings. These budget meetings actually started on November 18th when the BOE invited community members to provide input on 2025/26 budget priorities. Other meeting dates include:
The Board will hold a Business Meeting on January 27th to discuss the initial budget development and staffing recommendations for the 25/26 school year. Following this meeting, the BOE will hold Budget Study Session number one, where they will discuss current year end projections and the various budget drivers and budget components such as debt service and transportation.
Then on March 3rd, at Budget Study Session Two, an updated Draft Budget Plan will be provided and will focus on budget components and instruction, special education, facilities, safety and security and technology.
A week after that on March 10, the BOE will host Budget Study Session Three, where they will provide an update based on the prior meeting and then a full budget presentation.
At the business meeting on March 24th, there will be another Public Forum for comments related to the budget and a review of the draft budget plan.
Then the Board will hold a Business Meeting on April 7th, where Patrick expects that the BOE will act to adopt a budget. Patrick explained, “That timing is important because there's a number of benchmarks that follow after that, that are statutorily required prior to the ultimate budget vote.” Patrick went on to say, “We submit a tax report card to the State Education Department and after that the budget is adopted by the Board.”
After they distribute a Budget Insight mailer that goes to every home in the community, the Board will hold a Statutory Budget Hearing that will take place on May 12th.
The budget vote, which will occur on Tuesday, May 20th in the middle school gymnasium.
Puberty Education
During the meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Edgar McIntosh gave a brief Cabinet Update outlining some of the recent work he and Director of Physical Education and Health, Ray Pappalardi have done with the District’s fifth grade puberty education. In an effort to provide the community with full transparency of what can be a sensitive subject for some, McIntosh explained that he and Papplardi hosted a webinar on Tuesday, January 7th for kindergarten through fifth grade parents and guardians.
About the webinar McIntosh said, “The purpose was to explain recent and upcoming changes to the elementary health program. Ray described his work gathering information, aligning standards and collecting resources. This includes expanding lessons required by Aaron's Law and personal body safety.”
McIntosh went on to say that on the webinar, “I reviewed the updates to the fifth grade puberty education, incorporating recent student questions and educator feedback. Participants could submit questions during the webinar and it was recorded for those unable to attend live and the recording will be available in the coming days.”
The following morning, McIntosh and Pappalardi hosted a well attended elementary coffee session, for families with current fifth graders, allowing them to review curriculum materials and ask follow up questions in person. McIntosh indicated that he plans “to make this an annual event to reflect the ongoing refinement to our resources, and regarding puberty education.”
Before moving on, McIntosh took the opportunity to highlight a PTC presentation featuring Vanessa Kroll Bennett, who is the coauthor of This Is So Awkward, Modern Puberty Explained and cohost of the podcast by the same name. The presentation will take place at the middle school auditorium on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7 PM. An invitation from the PTC reads:
"The PTC is excited to invite you to a special event featuring Vanessa Kroll Bennett, a renowned writer, speaker, and advocate for supporting children and teens as they navigate life’s challenges. Vanessa brings her expertise in parenting, education, and adolescent development to provide practical, compassionate strategies for fostering resilience, connection, and growth in our kids. She will cover modern realities for today's adolescents, managing kids' mood swings, understanding tween and teen brain development, and framing burgeoning identity formation.
Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of parenting or looking for tools to strengthen family dynamics, this lecture promises to be insightful and empowering. Check out her podcast This Is So Awkward to get a preview of her approachable and entertaining approach."
District Architects
An update from Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business, included information on his recommendation that the BOE award the RFP for BBS Architects and Arris Contracting Company allowing the District to move forward with their capital planning process. After an exhaustive search and thorough due diligence, in a report Lennon said of his decision to recommend BBS Architects:
“In the end, two primary factors influenced our recommendation. First, BBS convincingly demonstrated to us that they center their work on the activity of learning in a public school environment in NYS, and they conceptualize those ideas in a process coordinated with the practical needs of schools and NYSED. Second, they have successfully demonstrated what it takes to shepherd a large number of diverse projects such as the renovation and new construction of Greenacres Elementary School, as well as more mundane infrastructure improvements that are important though less visible. Furthermore, they have done this by successfully navigating both community engagement and regulatory processes, and delivered projects on time and within budget.”
No to Regionalization Initiative
Another highlight of the meeting was Dr. Patrick’s announcement that he and the BOE have decided not to participate in the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Regionalization initiative. At a BOE meeting on December 16th Patrick related:
“Earlier this year, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) launched an initiative known as Regionalization. According to NYSED, "The Regionalization Initiative is a collaborative regional planning approach for local districts to communicate what they need in order to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students, leveraging the state’s existing capabilities, talent, and infrastructure. By engaging in regional conversations, schools and districts may identify, explore, and choose whether to pursue a variety of possible solutions to the academic and operational challenges they face by tapping into the full span of resources that already exist in their larger region." The initiative outlines five steps Districts are to follow over a period of two years to develop a plan that identifies shared "activities" between school districts within a BOCES region that support successful outcomes for students. The regulations require this process to occur every 10 years.”
The NYSED received a lot of pushback from many districts across the state prompting them to share a November 26, 2024 letter to stakeholders, where the “Commission of Education addressed concerns about mandatory participation in Regionalization by indicating that a new provision (Section 1242.8) will be added, which allows districts in consultation with their school boards, to elect not to participate in the regionalization planning process by submitting written notification by January 15, 2025.”
After noting that several neighboring districts have already opted out of participating, several boards members expressed their concerns with the unknown and the lack of clarity with the initiative with one member saying, “I don't think it's clear enough to be compelling and as we discussed in December, there are many ways that as a district we already liaison, collaborate and are open to partnerships. Also concerning, I think that we have a lot of complex, compelling work at the local level that already requires a lot of our time and attention as it is.
Demonstrating further support of opting out, Ron Schulhof added, “I've thought about this a lot since our last discussion and I more firmly believe we should opt out. I think for three reasons, one is the amount of work we have here at the local level both for our students and our community. Two, the uncertainty of the initiative. And three, as I think about some of the liaison assignments, we [already] have collaboration at the board level, at the administrative level of the superintendent level, and at the building level. I can't speak for the rest of the state, but it seems like Westchester and Putnam are doing it pretty well.”
Schulhof believes that our region is already collaborating so well that he suggested when telling the state that the District is opting out, he “would even love for us to go a little further and say back to NYSED, this is why we are opting out and maybe our region can be a model if there's a sense that this isn't happening in other parts of the state.
More information about the Regionalization initiative and all of the other meeting highlights, can be found in the Board of Education’s Board Docs here.
Letter to the Editor: In Opposition to Artificial Turf
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was written by Deborah Porder of Scarsdale)
Dear Superintendent Patrick, Mayor Arest, Scarsdale Board of Trustees and Scarsdale Village Manager,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the installation of artificial turf on Scarsdale playing fields.
Please do not expose our children to toxic substances that can damage their health or even kill them. Artificial turf contains carcinogens and neurotoxins. It contains PFAS. The EPA has recently said that there is no safe level of PFAS exposure and it is banned in Europe. Young children are especially vulnerable to it. Artificial turf exposes players to extreme heat on hot days and can cause heat-related illnesses.
I beg you not to purchase something that will increase the flooding that many Scarsdale residents are experiencing on a regular basis. Artificial turf does not absorb as much water as grass. We need more greenspace to absorb stormwater, not less.
Lastly, we should not be contributing to toxic air pollution that all of us will have to breathe. The lifespan of artificial turf is ten years. We should not be putting tons of toxic plastic in the County incinerators every ten years.
For me, the risk benefit analysis weighs heavily in favor of keeping our environmentally friendly grass fields. Grass is benign. Maybe it costs more to maintain, but there are costs associated with diseases and flooding caused by artificial turf. Don't just think about what the Village will have to pay to maintain the grass. Please consider the health and property damage that Scarsdale residents and others will suffer from artificial turf.
Kind Regards,
Deborah Porder
46 Lawrence Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 725-6393
Scarsdale's Chase Kantor Wins Service Award for Improving the Well-Being of Worldwide Youth
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After founding Goalkeeper in ninth grade, a nonprofit that works to address the needs of communities around the world, Scarsdale High School Junior Chase Kantor ended 2024 on a high note when he received a Youth Service Award from the Westchester County Youth Bureau in recognition of his hard work.
The annual Youth Service Award Ceremony which honors “exceptional high school juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves through their leadership and commitment to service and social justice,” was held on December 19th. In addition to Scarsdale’s own Chase Kantor, this year the ceremony celebrated ten remarkable students from around Westchester.
According to the Westchester Government website,“To qualify for nomination, they completed impactful projects on topics ranging from developing technical assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities to fostering literacy among young readers and raising funds for youth in homeless shelters both locally and internationally.”
Describing the work he’s done, Chase Kantor said he founded Goalkeeper “to give back some of what I have gained living in a town with adequate resources to support an active and healthy lifestyle. Since then, I've raised over $40,000 through annual pickleball tournaments at Fenway Golf Club, basketball skills clinics at Chelsea Piers, securing business advertisements from Scarsdale staples like Giannonis, marketing branded merchandise, and organizing S'mores and Waffle Stands at Chase Park.”
Kantor added, “These funds have directly addressed needs in communities around the world, improving outcomes for youth, creating opportunities for mental and physical development in underserved areas. We provided $11,639 for clean water systems and field renovations in Senegal and $13,280 to support basketball programs and educational opportunities for youth athletes in Dakar, two of our largest projects to date.”
Additionally, Chase collected 150 donated professional NBA and NFL jerseys worth over $10,000, which were distributed at zero dollar Holiday Pop-up shops at Mt Vernon Boys and Girls club and White Plains Coachman Family Center this December, in collaboration with Back Back America, providing access to symbols of athletic achievement that might otherwise be beyond these kids' reach.
Kantor says he also coaches flag football at both locations, which inspired him to develop a course combining wellness, fitness, and entrepreneurship, which he taught this past summer. “Every class included simple workouts that students could replicate at home, handouts with stories of people turning ideas into successful fitness ventures, and motivational activities, like designing a journal with fitness goals or posters with inspirational quotes from famous athletes.”
When asked what inspired him to create Goalkeeper, Kantor said, “Sports and outdoor activities have always been an important part of my life. It’s one of the reasons my parents chose to move to Scarsdale- they wanted my brother and I to have access to outdoor spaces and community programs. Growing up, I participated in nearly every recreational league Scarsdale had to offer. Those early experiences helped me be active, social and taught me the value of teamwork and hard work.
While I knew that not everyone has the same opportunities we have in Scarsdale, after a conversation I had with a family friend who worked in communities across Africa, who explained how many villages lacked funding for soccer programs, clean water for their athletes, and even basic field maintenance, I decided to do something about it. Since then, I’ve worked independently and in collaboration with other organizations similarly devoted to improving access to recreational, wellness, and developmental opportunities for youth around the world.”
Whether he’s working to ensure that soccer players in Africa have access to clean water, or designing fitness lessons to teach the importance of wellness and nutrition, Cantor hopes to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities through hands-on engagement and fundraising, locally and abroad.
Scarsdale Family Counseling Service Seeks Board Members
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Are you interested in joining the Board of a non-profit organization right here in Scarsdale? Are you passionate about supporting families and individuals in our community? The Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals from the Scarsdale/Edgemont community to join our Board of Trustees.
As a Board member, you'll play a vital role in guiding and shaping our organization's mission to be a hub for family growth and learning.
What is SFCS? Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service is a voluntary, not-for-profit family counseling agency. With over a century of service to the Scarsdale community, SFCS has been a cornerstone, offering counseling services, social programs, and crucial initiatives like our Scarsdale Action for Youth (SAY). In addition to counseling services, the Agency provides social service programs for Scarsdale residents across the life cycle from social skills groups for young children to leadership training programs and adventure trips for teens, to facilitated monthly discussion groups for parents with kids in 5th-12th grades, to aging in place services for older residents.
Why Join Us?
• Make an Impact: Your involvement directly contributes to supporting families at every stage of life.
• Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to the betterment of Scarsdale and beyond.
• Personal Growth: Gain valuable experience and insights in nonprofit governance and community leadership.
Who Are We Looking For?
We welcome Scarsdale residents with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission.
How to Apply: Interested in becoming a part of our Board of Trustees? Apply by February 1, 2025 by sending a short email with the following information to SFCSNominatingCommittee@yahoo.com
1. Volunteer/Professional Background
2. Community Experience in Scarsdale/Edgemont
3. Experience with SFCS
Join us in creating positive change in our community! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Scarsdale families and individuals.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
The SFCS Nominating Committee
