5 New York Organizations That Make Kids' Lives Better

All kids deserve to have a well-rounded childhood, full of fun activities, outdoor exploration, and mind-opening education. That's why there are several benevolent organizations dedicated to giving kids in New York better lives and putting them on the path to success later in life. Whether you have children of your own or are interested in helping out the next generation, consider supporting the five groups listed here. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

NY Groups Devoted To Helping Children

Organization Mission
Advocates for Children of New York Promote access to the best education New York can provide for all students, especially students of color and students from low-income backgrounds
Girl Scouts of Greater New York Build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place
Camp Good Days and Special Times Provide residential camping programs as well as year-round recreational and support activities for children with cancer and the entire family
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City Help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that try to have a measurable impact on youth
The Fresh Air Fund Provide free summer vacations in the country to New York City children from low-income communities

8 Great Educational TV Shows For Kids

  1. Sesame Street
  2. Carmen Sandiego
  3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
  4. Sid the Science Kid
  5. The Magic School Bus Rides Again
  6. Reading Rainbow
  7. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
  8. Square One Television

How to Encourage Kids to Read

A great way to start is to get a bookshelf for your child's room. If they have access to their own collection of books, it'll be easy for them to read at their own pace. And if they're looking at the shelf everyday, reading will always be on their mind. It's also important to give your kids a comfortable place to sit. This can be anything from a rocking chair to a couch to a dedicated reading nook. If they have a space that's just for them, it makes reading time all the more special. As they grow, your young ones will start to read more challenging books with words they don't know. Encourage them to look up unfamiliar terms in the dictionary so they can expand their vocabulary. Finally, if you're having trouble getting your kid interested in books in the first place, try bridging the gap between visual media and literature with graphic novels.

Toys & Games That Can Help Kids Learn

The Importance Of Extra-Curricular Activities

In Depth

There are many problems faced by the youth of America, such as the lack of access to proper educational facilities, typically due to poverty or discrimination, and the absence of positive role models in individuals' lives. In New York, many organizations work hard to address these issues and ensure that children attain future success. Here, in no particular order, are five New York organizations that make kids' lives better.

First up, at #1, we have the Advocates for Children of New York, or AFC for short, an organization dedicated to protecting every child's right to an education. It focuses primarily on helping children from low-income families who are struggling in school or are experiencing discrimination of any kind, including suspensions, inappropriate class placement, or denial of necessary services.

With a staff of attorneys and education specialists, it also provides free legal and advocacy services, which includes representation at school-related hearings and appeals, for families in need. Those who wish to help it fulfill its mission of protecting the youth's right to quality education may donate through their website or AmazonSmile.

With a staff of attorneys and education specialists, it also provides free legal and advocacy services, which includes representation at school-related hearings and appeals, for families in need.

Next, at #2, is the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Founded in 1913, it aims to help every girl in the city feel empowered to lead in her community, workplace, and the world. Through its programs, scouts go through challenging and fun hands-on activities that teach them important skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, science, and technology.

Around 75 miles north of New York City is Camp Kaufmann, which offers outdoor experiences to thousands of scouts from diverse backgrounds each year. Aside from that, the organization also has urban sites located throughout the five boroughs where campers can develop skills such as team building and critical thinking. There are many ways to give to the organization, and those who wish to help in non-monetary ways may sign up as a volunteer.

At #3 is Camp Good Days and Special Times, an organization that aims to improve the quality of life for children and adults whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. It offers week-long summer camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs, all free of charge for the participants and open to anyone with cancer or who has a sibling or parent suffering from it.

It offers week-long summer camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs, all free of charge for the participants and open to anyone with cancer or who has a sibling or parent suffering from it.

Its residential camping programs are held at its Recreational Facility, which is located on the shores of Keuka Lake, but it also hosts support activities in its other sites all around New York. Camp Good Days relies on generous contributions to continue its operations, and those interested in helping may make either a one-time or recurring donation online.

Next up, at #4, we have the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. Established in 1904, it offers several mentoring programs that aim to meet the varied needs of the city's youth. How its programs work is that volunteers, also known as Bigs, are matched with children from all over the five boroughs for a minimum of one year. Together, matches enjoy recreational, educational, and goal-oriented activities based on their mutual interests.

Bigs go through a comprehensive screening process, and the organization supports them by providing them with youth development training sessions, access to citywide resources, and opportunities to connect with fellow volunteers. People who want to get involved may either volunteer or join one of its Affinity groups, which help the organization expand their recruitment and fundraising efforts throughout the city.

People who want to get involved may either volunteer or join one of its Affinity groups, which help the organization expand their recruitment and fundraising efforts throughout the city.

Finally, at #5, we have The Fresh Air Fund. Founded in 1877, it provides life-changing summer experiences for children from New York City's underserved communities. It has sleepaway camps located in Sharpe Reservation, a 2,000-acre property in Fishkill, New York, where campers get to learn more about nature as they explore the outdoors, hike wooded trails, and develop new skills, such as composting.

The Fresh Air Fund's programs also include host family visits where children from New York City get to experience life in rural communities along the East Coast and Southern Canada. It also offers year-round enrichment programs that aim to support students on their academic journey. The organization relies on donations to keep its operations running, and those who wish to help may send a gift of any amount through their website.