Cost
Free - No cost to families
Great Oaks Charter School
Free SONYC middle school program for grades 6-8 in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, provided by Hands In 4 Youth
Hands In 4 Youth Inc. operates the afterschool and summer camp program at Great Oaks Charter School in Greenwich Village. For 100 years (since 1924), HI4Y has been empowering at-risk and underserved children through experiences outside the classroom - from their legendary Camp Vacamas sleepaway camp to school-year enrichment. This free SONYC program for middle schoolers combines hands-on activities, teamwork, and creativity in a safe, inclusive environment where youth explore new interests, build friendships, and develop essential life skills.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 240 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10014 |
| Borough | Manhattan (Greenwich Village) |
| Provider | Hands In 4 Youth Inc |
| Website | hi4y.org / vacamas.org |
| Phone | (973) 838-0942 |
| info@hi4y.org |
Age Range
Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
Category
Youth Development
HI4Y’s program empowers children through hands-on activities that foster personal growth:
- Hands-On Activities - Project-based learning and making
- Teamwork & Collaboration - Building cooperation skills
- Creativity & Arts - Self-expression and artistic development
- Exploration - Discovering new interests and passions
- Friendship Building - Creating lasting connections
- Life Skills Development - Essential skills for success
- Safe & Inclusive Environment - Where every youth belongs
- Confidence Building - Encouraging curiosity and self-assurance
“Making Memories. Changing Lives” - Since 1924
Vision: A world where all children, regardless of economic and cultural environment, have opportunities and choices to pursue their dreams.
100-Year History:
- 1924 - Founded to provide camp experiences to underserved children
- Depression Era - Continued serving families through economic hardship
- Post-WWII - Expanded to serve returning veterans’ families
- Civil Rights Era - Deepened commitment to serving diverse communities
- 1990s-2000s - Added school-year programming and expanded services
- 2024 - Celebrated centennial with pride in legacy
Core Philosophy: HI4Y understood in 1924 and continues to understand today that exposure to experiences outside the classroom - including camp - can be just as important as academic learning. These experiences:
- Build confidence and independence
- Teach cooperation and leadership
- Provide safe spaces to take risks and grow
- Create memories that inspire lifelong learning
- Connect youth to nature and community
- Develop resilience and problem-solving skills
Today’s Programs:
- Camp Vacamas Sleepaway Camp - 2-week overnight camp in West Milford, NJ
- Vacamas Day Camp - Weekday theme-based outdoor adventures
- Afterschool Programs - Year-round enrichment in NYC schools
- Conference & Retreat Center - Outdoor education for groups
By the Numbers:
- 100 years of service
- Thousands of children served annually
- 256 Macopin Road, West Milford, NJ - Camp location
- ACA accredited (American Camp Association)
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
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Contact Hands In 4 Youth Call (973) 838-0942 or email info@hi4y.org to inquire about Great Oaks program.
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Visit their website Explore hi4y.org to learn about their full range of programs.
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Verify student eligibility Student must attend Great Oaks Charter School and be in grades 6-8.
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Complete enrollment forms Fill out registration paperwork with emergency contacts and health information.
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Submit required documents Provide proof of enrollment, immunization records, and any special needs documentation.
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Attend orientation Participate in program orientation to meet staff and understand expectations.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- Student enrollment form
- Emergency contact information (2+ contacts)
- Medical/health information
- Immunization records
- School enrollment verification
- Parent/guardian photo ID
- Photo release consent (optional)
- Pick-up authorization forms
- Financial assistance application (for camp, if interested)
Prime Greenwich Village location with excellent transit:
- Subway: Christopher St-Sheridan Square (1 train) - 0.2 miles
- Subway: West 4th Street (A, C, E, B, D, F, M trains) - 0.3 miles
- Bus: M8, M20 routes on Bleecker Street
- Bike: Citi Bike stations throughout Greenwich Village
- Walkable - One of NYC’s most walkable neighborhoods
Washington Square Park
Iconic 9.75-acre park with playgrounds, fountain, green space, and cultural events at 5th Ave & Waverly Place (0.4 miles)
Jefferson Market Library
Beautiful historic NYPL branch at 425 6th Avenue with extensive youth programs (0.2 miles)
6th Precinct
NYPD at 233 West 10th Street with community policing (0.3 miles)
FDNY Squad 18
Special operations fire station at 132 West 10th Street (0.3 miles)
- Whole Foods - 250 7th Avenue (0.4 miles) - Full-service organic market
- Trader Joe’s - Multiple Village locations
- Morton Williams - 100 Bleecker Street (0.2 miles)
- Village Farm Market - Fresh produce at Christopher & Hudson
- Union Square Farmers Market - NYC’s premier greenmarket (0.8 miles)
One of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods, Greenwich Village offers families:
- Rich Cultural History - Bohemian artists, writers, musicians
- NYU Campus - Educational atmosphere
- Safe, Walkable Streets - Tree-lined historic blocks
- Cultural Attractions - Theaters, music venues, galleries
- Community Feel - Despite Manhattan location
- Excellent Schools - High-performing public and charter options
- Diverse Population - Longtime residents and newcomers
Last Updated: November 25, 2025