About Us

At Up & Coming Youth, Inc., we believe that every child in New York City deserves the opportunity to thrive, especially during the summer months. We're dedicated to enriching the lives of elementary and middle school children throughout NYC by providing exceptional summer camp experiences that foster self-confidence, spark curiosity, and nurture a strong sense of community.

We understand that families across our diverse city face a range of challenges. While we remain deeply committed to serving the Lower East Side and East Village communities and providing camperships to low-income families, we also recognize that unexpected financial hardships can impact families from all walks of life. We strive to support those facing such circumstances, ensuring that access to quality summer programming is not limited by temporary setbacks. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Beyond our commitment to campers, we invest in the future of our community by providing high-level training and professional development to young people who work with our campers. We believe that by empowering camp staff with the skills and knowledge to become exceptional youth workers, we are not only enhancing the camp experience but also cultivating the next generation of community leaders. We're building a network of support and mentorship that extends far beyond the summer months.

Up & Coming Youth, Inc. is more than just a summer camp; it's a place where children discover their potential, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills they need to succeed. It's a place where young adults gain valuable experience and grow as individuals and professionals. It's a place where community thrives. We invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of New York City's youth.

A Community Built on Support

Up & Coming Youth, Inc. began with a simple yet powerful realization: access to enriching summer experiences shouldn't be limited by financial circumstances. Our story is rooted in community, a deep commitment to New York City's children, and a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

"Over the years, I saw more and more neighborhood families reaching out, asking if we offered scholarships or financial aid. These weren't just new families; they were also families who had been with us for years, families who were part of our camp community. Then the pandemic hit, and the need became even more urgent. I saw firsthand how so many of our longtime families were impacted financially. It became clear that we needed to do more to ensure that all children, regardless of their background or financial situation, could experience the magic of summer camp." – Stacie Soto (Executive Director)

This realization sparked the creation of Up & Coming Youth, Inc. We envisioned a non-profit that not only provided exceptional summer programming but also actively worked to make camp accessible to families facing financial hardship. We understood that camp is more than just fun and games; it's a place where children forge lasting friendships, build supportive relationships with mentors, and develop a sense of belonging.

We believe that these experiences are crucial for a child's development and well-being, and we are committed to ensuring that they are available to all children in New York City. Up & Coming Youth, Inc. is our response to the growing need for accessible, high-quality summer programming. It's our commitment to building a stronger, more equitable community where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We're not just providing camperships; we're investing in our future leaders. We invite you to join us in this mission.