Summer 2026 at NECS
The leaves are beginning to change, and as we feel the crisp coolness of fall, we reflect on the incredible time we had at NECS this summer.
We ran three major programs, Nature Connection Camp, Film Futures Summer Intensive, and Summer Theatre Workshop, while also preparing for our Fall Creative Academy. As always, we spent all of June preparing for the summer with intensive staff training.
Nature Connection Camp
This year, our Summer Nature Connection Camp served 37 students from kindergarten through middle school. The month-long camp was packed with outdoor activities, including trips to local farms, a recycling factory, swimming, hiking, and harvesting fresh vegetables to cook meals for local seniors at the community center. Fun highlights included a visit from a reptile specialist, art projects, and hands-on STEAM activities.
Throughout the camp, our educators wove our core values into every activity, encouraging children to reflect on their innate nobility. The camp culminated in a final presentation for parents, celebrating a joyful exploration of and connection to the natural world. Students also created a vibrant mural in the park centered around the theme of justice.
The Discoverers Campers Group in grades 3-5 participated in the woodworking program led by Kurt Steger and Ted Harber, who envision developing a maker space in Peekskill. They used the Sloyd Woodworking method, a 19th-century Scandinavian educational system rooted in the Swedish word slöjd (handcraft); it uses progressive hand-tool woodworking and crafting to build self-reliance, motor skills, and character. Over 14 students participated and had such a fantastic time that many students are continuing the program this fall!
Theatre Production & Film Futures Collaboration
This year, we had the exciting idea of creating a music video for our theme song, "Love and Unity," by combining our theatre group with our video production interns. The project began with both groups collaborating and brainstorming to build the storyline.
Our theatre students worked on creating scenes for the video and choreographing dance routines, involving both high school students and our younger elementary participants.
Our Film Futures video interns then filmed the music video and spent a week editing, bringing the final product to life in just four weeks! This paid internship required students to work 16 hours per week, giving them hands-on, paid experience in camera operation, lighting, sound design, storytelling, and editing under the guidance of professional filmmakers. They also produced a short video project that was shared with the community.
In total, 59 students participated in our summer programs. Between our summer counselors and workforce program, NECS employed 13 young people aged 16 to 24, providing valuable professional experience and a creative outlet.
Preparing for the Fall Season
To prepare for our fall programming, we kicked off August with professional development (PD) training at NECS in Peekskill. Our PD sessions focused on culturally responsive teaching and conflict resolution while grounding our staff in our core mission, vision, and values. The training was exceptionally well received, placing our team in a focused mindset and allowing us to set key aspirations and agreements for the year ahead.
Fall Classes and Events at NECS
Classes are officially underway, and we are thrilled to enter a new season of creativity, friendship, and growth!
This fall, we launched the Creative Academy in collaboration with the Peekskill City School District. The district provides bus transportation to our location, and our team meets students at the bus stop and walks them safely to the center. Creative Academy was established to address enrollment barriers and offer a seamless, convenient option for working parents. As a result, enrollment for our after-school programs has grown significantly, and we currently have a waitlist!
To date, over 90 students have enrolled in fall classes. You can explore our full roster of creative programs at necspace.org.
Growth, Sustainability & Community Collaborations
Our team continues to grow, and we are delighted to welcome several new teachers and volunteers to the NECS family!
New Era Media Lab
As we continue to build our Media Lab, it is becoming both a sustainable source of income for NECS and a true incubator for aspiring young media professionals. We have produced videos for three local organizations this year and are currently in discussions with five additional organizations to help tell their stories on film. You can view our latest Media Lab project at the NECS YouTube Channel.
Community Partnerships
In June, New Era Creative Space hosted our first Cub Scouts: Pinewood Derby Event at our Center. It was full of excitement, competition, joy, and laughter. Everyone was a winner!
This fall, we are proud to continue our vital partnerships across the community:
Peekskill City School District: Delivering five dedicated programs within the district.
The Children’s Village & Arc Westchester: Providing tailored programming for their clients at our center.
Girl Scouts: Offering dedicated meeting space to support our local troop.
These meaningful collaborations strengthen our community and bring new energy to everything we do at NECS.
Partner With Us: Help Our Community Thrive
As NECS expands to reach hundreds of youth each year, our financial needs grow alongside our impact. Operating high-quality programs, maintaining our creative spaces, and offering full subsidies to families in need requires sustained community investment. Traditional funding and grants can be unpredictable, making reliable support vital to our long-term stability. By becoming a Sustaining Monthly Donor, you provide the steady foundation NECS needs to plan ahead and keep our doors open to every child who needs a creative outlet.
Consider sponsoring a child for an entire semester or year—your gift directly covers program fees and materials while helping transform a young life through the arts, outdoor exploration, and mentorship. Together, we can ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child's potential.
Stay tuned for updates on our fall programming, and follow us on social media for the latest news from NECS!
Follow Us & Stay Connected!
Website: www.necspace.org
Instagram: @necspace
Facebook: New Era Creative Space
Support Us: Become a Community Steward
Volunteer: NECS is actively seeking Volunteers. Fill out our interest form.
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