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In its inaugural year in New Rochelle, the Next Level Camp For Girls at the Ursuline School - a “weekly, skill-based camp that inspires girls of all abilities and interests in grades three through nine” – has helped hundreds to “find themselves” and develop the tools and skills necessary to help them become active youth leaders in the community.
The brainchild of Ed Metzendorf, programs at the Next Level Camp For Girls focus on sports, arts, STEM education and leadership. He said that the girls are offered an elective based schedule, which allows them to selectively choose which activities they are most interested in honing in on.
According to Metzendorf, the girls daily choose from a variety of options in sports, arts and academic fields. He noted that other options, such as cooking, yoga, cheerleading, acting and gaga tend to be just as popular as many of the camp’s traditional options, such as lacrosse, basketball, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, art, dance and STEM programs run in conjunction with Larchmont-Mamaroneck STEM alliance.
“The camps mission is to inspire girls of all abilities and interests, to explore new possibilities, develop confidence and participate in fun-filled learning in a structured environment,” he said. “Many of the days are filled with different themes, such as ‘Try it Tuesday,’ where the girls are asked to leave their comfort zones and try a new activity.”
Each day at Next Level begins and concludes with a “daily circle,” where campers and counselors focus on different, positive, themes. Themes already enjoyed this summer include self-esteem, cooperation, sportsmanship, teamwork and building friendships. Those themes are then reinforced by the staff throughout the day in the various activities.
“Our staff works with the girls to make the most of teachable moments,” Metzendorf added. “As each week concludes, it is just great to hear from so many campers and parents that they felt that Next Level created an environment where campers learn to feel good about demonstrating positive values, and they feel proud to have spent the week playing like a girl.”
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