Widely recognized as the city's largest independent non-profit youth organization, the Police Athletic League (PAL) has been consistently providing opportunities for young locals since its inception in 1914. Through expertly organized summer schedules, PAL has been able to provide recreational, educational, cultural and social activities for over 35,000 boys and girls each year. In hopes of continuing this important legacy, PAL has announced their 2016 launch date as July 5, 2016, when they will invite local children to participate in safe summer fun as part of their Summer Playstreets program.
This year, PAL has redesigned their summer schedule into a measurable, goal-oriented program with set objectives and performance targets. In addition, the program will now offer enhanced activities with a crime prevention curriculum that was developed by the National Crime Prevention Council.
Through the Summer Playstreets program children can engage in a wealth of activities while parents can feel at ease knowing that their children are in a safe and supervised environment. In order to facilitate these activities, the program closes off certain streets and utilizes public spaces like parks, playgrounds and more. New York City youngsters play traditional sidewalk games, develop their creativity through the arts, and learn from a wide range of recreational and cultural arts specialists.
Unlike certain summer camps or similar options for young people in the area, Playstreets are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through August 19, and are free to all New York City children. Boasting over 40 program locations throughout the five boroughs, there is plenty of opportunities for young people to partake in the free summer fun.
Playstreets offers sports, arts and crafts, games, music and dance. Featured activities include Double Dutch jump rope, Hopscotch, Nok Hockey and basketball. In addition to the events organized by PAL, children in New York City can also choose to participate in Cops & Kids teams and independent summer day camps around the city.
Please visit https://www.palnyc.org/ for details.
