$1,000,000,000
PAGES 8 FEMA FLOOD MAPS UPDATED PAGE 3 COUNTY PUSHES FOR NYSEG INVESTIGATION PAGE 4 COUNTY ISSUES RFQ FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER PAGE 5 ITHACA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION SAYS “FIX TIER 6!” PAGE 7
Support from Cancer Resource Center helps patients live with colorectal cancer
Groups also available for caregivers and patients with other cancer diagnoses
Cayuga Health
Bert Scholl was just a few weeks from his 37th birthday when he got the diagnosis few people his age expect –colorectal cancer.
The disease occurs most often in older people. Nearly 90% of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed at age 50 and older. Bert was one of a growing number of young adults who got the diagnosis as a young adult.
During a March 2008 appointment with his physician, he recalls calmly accepting the lifechanging information. The next morning that calm became what he calls a “brain tornado” of whirling thoughts, fears, and confusion. His next four years included colorectal surgery, a colostomy, radiation, and chemotherapy.
With his treatments completed in 2012, Bert learned about a breakfast club of men with any type of cancer or stage of treatment and an allgenders group for colorectal cancer patients. These groups are supported by the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, which hosts group discussions on a variety of topics. For details, see the Center’s website at: https://crcfl.net/.
“Going to the colorectal cancer meetings was a breath of fresh air for me. I could talk to others who shared the experiences I was going through. It was a safe space to discuss some difficult topics,” says Scholl.
Living with cancer is uncharted territory for many cancer patients. Volunteers with support groups at the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes are guides in that new territory.
About 12 men attend the 8-9 a.m. breakfast club each Friday at the Royal Court Restaurant in Ithaca. First timers get treated to breakfast, and table conversations are as likely to include current news events as cancer experiences. Bob Riter, a former executive director of the Cancer Resource Center, facilitates the group.
Scholl is a client services specialist at the Cancer Resource Center and leads several support groups that meet in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at Cayuga Park Cancer Center, 401 Cayuga Park Lane in downtown Ithaca.
In-person meetings:
• Colorectal cancer patient group. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., every 1st Tuesday.
• Caregivers group. 5:30-7 p.m., every 2nd Tuesday.
• Prostate group. 5:30-7 p.m., every 2nd Thursday.
• Men’s breakfast group. 8-9 a.m. every Friday at Royal Court: 529 S Meadow Street.
Zoom meetings:
• Open topic discussion. 1-2:30 p.m. each Friday. Facilitator: Bert Scholl.
• Bladder group. 5:30-7 p.m., every 3rd Thursday. Facilitator: Bert Scholl.
• Women’s group. 1-3 p.m. each Wednesday. Facilitator: Katheleen Reidy.
• Gentle Yoga. 10-11 a.m. a.m. each Tuesday. Facilitator: Nick Boyar.
• Living Well with Cancer. 5:30-7 p.m., every 3rd Tuesday. To attend a Zoom meeting, visit: crcfl.net/calendar and click on the specific day and meeting.
“The group discussions reduce the reluctance many patients have when talking about their diseases,” Scholl says.
The Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes offers in-person and webbased support groups for colorectal cancer patients, caregivers and for those with other types of cancer. For details, call the Cancer Center at (607) 277-0960 or check its website: https://crcfl.net/
Reluctance about discussing colorectal cancer or getting tested for the disease may also play a role in why a third of adults have not been screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in the Tompkins County region after breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and lung cancer in both genders. What factors increase risk for developing colorectal cancer?
Currently, the causes of colorectal cancer are not well understood. However, scientists agree certain factors increase a person's risk of developing this disease including:
• Age. Increasing age is the most important colorectal cancer risk factor. The disease occurs most often in adults over age 50.
• Family history and hereditary conditions. Those with close relatives who have had colorectal cancer are at increased risk for the disease.
• Personal health history. A history of colon cancer, intestinal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk for developing colorectal cancer.
• Obesity. Being obese increases colorectal cancer risk.
• Physical inactivity. Leading an inactive lifestyle increases colorectal cancer risk.
• Diet. Studies show that diets high in red and processed and / or low in vegetables and fruit may increase risk for colorectal cancer.
• Lifestyle. Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also increase the risk of getting colorectal cancer.
What can I do to reduce my chances of getting colorectal cancer?
Some colorectal cancers can be prevented by removing polyps. Polyps are noncancerous growths of tissue that can become cancer if they are not removed. In addition, colorectal cancers are more treatable when found early, before the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. If you are age 45 or older, you should get screened for colorectal cancer.
If you need help to schedule a colorectal cancer screening, call the Cayuga Cancer Center at (607) 272-5414 or the Cayuga Endoscopy Center at (607) 252-3620. For screening at Schuyler Hospital, call (607) 210-1968 For information on cancer support services, call the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes (607) 277-0960 or visit crcfl.net
Bert Scholl
ews line
Ithaca Moves to Update Flood Damage Prevention Law
to Maintain FEMA Compliance
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Ithaca Common Council voted unanimously on April 9 to advance legislation that would repeal and replace Local Law 186, aligning the city’s floodplain regulations with updated FEMA and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requirements.
The proposed law adopts FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which go into effect June 18. Director of Planning Lisa Nicholas explained that adopting the law is necessary to maintain Ithaca’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which allows property owners to access federally backed flood insurance.
“If we fail to adopt it, the city will be suspended from NFIP,” Nicholas said. “That would immediately impact homeowners and property owners’ ability to access insurance.”
The cost of federally backed flood insurance in Ithaca’s ZIP code typically starts around $1,800 per year for a single-family home, according to FEMA estimates. However, insurance rates vary significantly depending on location, elevation, and property characteristics. Third-party estimates from sources like FloodSmart. gov indicate some annual premiums in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
According to Nicholas, the law lays out updated permitting processes, construction standards, variance criteria, and penalties for violations. Substantial improvements to properties in the 100year floodplain — defined as renovations exceeding 50% of a structure’s value — require a floodplain development permit. The city will also introduce a $150 permit fee to cover administrative costs.
The new FEMA maps significantly expand Ithaca’s floodplain. Approximately 750 residential properties are now located within the updated boundaries, up from about 600 on the 1981 maps. Residents with federally backed mortgages in the expanded floodplain will be required to purchase flood insurance.
Councilmembers
expressed concern about the lack of public notification. Alderperson Margarita noted that residents will be financially impacted in a matter of weeks and pressed for official city communication.
“People need to know this is coming,” she said. “If they need to purchase insurance by June 18, they should be notified as soon as possible.”
City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff responded that affected residents have already been contacted by their insurance providers, and the city has posted resources on its website.
The updated FEMA flood maps expand Ithaca’s 100-year floodplain from approximately 100 to 750 residential properties—placing about 650 more homes within the newly designated flood zone. (Photo: The City of Ithaca/Provided)
The proposed law must be submitted to the DEC by May 19 to comply with FEMA’s timeline. A public hearing is scheduled for next week’s Common Council meeting.
Following the vote, City Planner Sam Quinn Jacobs presented findings from a consultant-led study evaluating the City’s eligibility for FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). The voluntary program allows municipalities to earn points for adopting flood mitigation practices, which in turn reduce NFIP premiums for residents.
Currently, Ithaca could enter the program at a Class 8 level, earning residents a 10% discount on federal flood insurance premiums. With further effort and policy adoption, the city might eventually reach Class 6, yielding a 20% discount.
“The city is already doing a lot,” Jacobs said. “We’re well-positioned to enter at Class 8 with our current practices.”
Participation would require staff time for documentation, application, and annual recertification. Estimates suggest that a part-time position may be needed to administer the program. Over a 20-year
period, participating at Class 8 could save residents an estimated $1.6 million.
However, if the city’s flood mitigation infrastructure project successfully removes 75% of properties from the floodplain, the value of joining CRS would diminish, since fewer residents would require insurance.
Jacobs also noted that many higherpoint activities in CRS — such as preserving open space or prohibiting floodplain development — are infeasible in a mostly built-out city like Ithaca.
“There are other things we could do to impact funding,” Nicholas said, citing options like structural upgrades to buildings and property-level floodproofing. However, she emphasized that many of those strategies would require additional funding.
Councilmembers discussed ways to enhance outreach, explore cooperative insurance models, and compare costs
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IN UIRING
PHOTOGR PHER Q A
By Mark Syvertson
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
“NOW THAT THE WEATHER ’ S WARMING UP, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING OUTSIDE?”
Tompkins County Legislators Push for Independent Investigation into NYSEG
By Maddy Vogel
Legislators in Tompkins County are calling on the New York State Legislature to commission an independent investigation into New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) as constituents report facing rising electric bills.
During the Tuesday, April 1 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature, Legislator Shawna Black introduced a resolution calling for an independent audit of NYSEG billing practices after hearing numerous complaints about inaccurate billing from residents and local businesses.
“It really is like a runaway train, and there’s absolutely no checks and balances here,” Black said. “I think it’s important for us to have a utility [company] that actually returns peoples calls, that’s easy to get on the phone with and that’s actually hearing our concerns.”
NYSEG serves nearly one million electricity customers and over 270,000 natural gas customers across upstate New York. In recent months, many NYSEG customers have reported that their bills have doubled or tripled this winter. In social media posts, many have said they have been unable to contact NYSEG about why their bills have dramatically risen.
In 2023, the New York State Public Service Commission unanimously approved large increases to delivery rates for electricity and gas.
Despite being urged by Senator Lea Webb, Assemblywoman Anna Kelles and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo to reject the rate hikes, the commission approved
a three-year deal to increase electricity delivery rates by 62% and gas delivery rates by 17.8%.
Black, along with Tompkins County Legislators Mike Sigler, Lee Shurtleff and Randy Brown join Chemung County Legislator Rodney Strange and Broome County Legislator Erin Micha in their demand for an investigation into the company.
“It’s not just us bringing this forward, the constituents really are talking about this, and why we notice now more than ever is we’ve just been out petitioning,” Sigler said. “You’re talking to a lot of people and this is a big issue. I don’t really think NYSEG has kind of grasped where people are and the anger that’s out there on this particular issue.”
A similar investigation took place in 2022, when NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation were investigated by the the New York State Department of Public Service for inaccurate billing and a failure to meet customer service standards.
In a Facebook post, Chemung County Legislator Strange said an investigation is necessary because rising electricity bills are “financially crippling” for New York State residents.
“It is clear that people don't trust NYSEG and they have no faith in the NYS Public Service Commission,” Strange wrote.
He said that constituents need answers to questions regarding billing practices, operating procedures, electric costs, delivery costs, supply charges and smart meters.
In response, a NYSEG representative told WETM News last week that some posts on Facebook and Nextdoor have spread misinformation, encouraging
residents to contact NYSEG directly with concerns about their bills.
“We feel it’s unfortunate that some have decided to ignore the facts and the information that has been provided to them, and chosen to make a confusing situation worse, with seditious social media posts that only serve to misinform customers rather than getting them the assistance that they need,” Director of NYSEG Corporate Communications Shelby Cohen told WETM. Cohen said that many recent increases in customers’ bills are out of NYSEG’s control, attributing high bills to colder temperatures and subsequent increased energy usage.
Beyond just rising costs, legislators said that constituents have also voiced concerns about a lack of responsiveness from NYSEG.
“My folks were already trying to make ends meet and now they’re seeing these bills and aren’t getting a good explanation,” Legislator Shurtleff said. “To restore trust we need as transparent a relationship with NYSEG as possible and an independent investigation could do that.”
Legislator Brown acknowledged that local NYSEG employees had been very responsive to his questions regarding restoration times when damaged lines have caused outages, but said that some of his constituents have not had the same experience.
“I have heard from many constituents about poor response from NYSEG when lines have fallen down and about confusing bills over the last three years,” Brown said. “If NYSEG lines have fallen, people should call 911. Regarding NYSEG bills, I think it is time to do a forensic audit of their purchases of electricity and the sale to consumers. People are being hit hard by the large increase in cost, and I believe we
“Running. The treadmill is fine in the winter but it's just not the same.”
Rachel
“Swimming in the gorges and the lake.”
Garrett
“I ordered some saplings through the DEC and I want to grow a lot of fresh produce this summer. It’s still too early but it’s close.”
Gerald
“Having a cookout in the backyard and some drinks with friends.”
Kate
“I was going to say hiking some trails but burgers and drinks sounds pretty good.”
Madison
Tompkins County Legislature Chair Shawna Black introduced a resolution calling for an independent investigation into NYSEG’s billing practices, citing widespread public concern over soaring energy costs and lack of transparency. (Photo: File)
Tompkins County legislators are urging the New York State Legislature to initiate an independent investigation into New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) due to significant increases in winter heating bills and concerns over customer service. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Tompkins County Issues RFQ for Emergency Shelter Management Provider
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County is taking the next step in its plan to construct a low-barrier emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness by issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking an experienced shelter management provider.
The planned shelter, to be located at 225-227 Cherry St. in Ithaca, will serve approximately 100 adults and act as a centralized hub for access to services. The county is calling on providers with a demonstrated track record of delivering shelter services to partner in the design, development, and future operation of the facility.
“This RFQ for shelter management services is another important step toward fulfilling our commitment to developing, building, and managing a purpose-built shelter,” said Tompkins County Legislature Chair Dan Klein. “Having a qualified and experienced service provider as a partner will make this vision a reality.”
According to the most recent data, the county’s Homelessness Response System supported an average of 132 individuals per day between October 2022 and September 2023. The need for expanded shelter options is detailed in the 2022 Homelessness and Housing Needs Assessment and the 2023 Home Together: Tompkins Plan, both of which were unanimously accepted by the Legislature.
Ups
The World Atlas has included the City of Ithaca in its list of the top 10 best places to live in upstate New York.
Downs
New York ranks 13th among the most expensive states to raise a child over 18 years.The 18-year cost to raise a child in New York has surged to $273,294.
Heard
If you’d like to help remove the unsightly trash that collects along Route 13, join the IthacaRotary Club for its semiannual highway cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. Volunteers will gather at the parking lot at Tops Friendly Markets, 2300 N Triphammer Road, at 8:50 a.m. on April 19. Hard hats, vests, gloves, trash grabbers and bags will be provided.
Tompkins County Administrator Korsah Akumfi urged providers to respond to the RFQ, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed and patient-centered service delivery.
selecting the best provider.”
Commissioner of the Tompkins County Department of Social Services Kit Kephart expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships.
“This RFQ for shelter management services is another important step toward fulfilling our commitment to developing, building, and managing a purpose-built shelter.”
— Chair Dan Klein, Tompkins County Legislature
“The Tompkins County Social Services Department looks forward to the development of a much-needed shelter and working collaboratively with a provider of quality shelter services,” Kephart said.
Seen
Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with WSKG, will host a resource fair and special sensoryfriendly screenings of the PBS Kids show, “Carl the Collector” on Wednesday, April 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write editor@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”
The future shelter will be a New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)-certified facility and will incorporate features to promote safety and security for residents, staff, and the surrounding community.
“The County has committed significant resources toward the goal of increasing the number of emergency shelter beds as identified in the County’s Strategic Operations Plan,” Akumfi said. “Experience with providing low-barrier access to a safe sheltering option and trauma-informed, patient-centered services will be key when
X Code Blue Shelter in Ithaca to Close After April 15
The Code Blue emergency shelter at 300 N. Tioga St. will close for the season after the night of April 15, 2025, marking the end of its first year of operation in that location.
The shelter, opened on Nov. 24, 2024, served as a temporary overnight refuge for unhoused individuals during freezing temperatures. Since opening, it has provided shelter to 153 unduplicated individuals, typically housing 20 to 40 people each night.
The Tompkins County Department of Social
Services (DSS), which operated the shelter, is currently working with residents to help secure permanent or alternative shelter arrangements before the facility shuts its doors. After April 15, when temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, Code Blue sheltering will still be available at other sites throughout the county.
During business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., individuals seeking shelter can visit the DSS office at 320 W. Martin Luther King Jr./State St. or call emergency housing
The selected organization will be responsible for coordinating with the county’s development team during the shelter’s design and construction phase, as well as managing ongoing operations. Responsibilities include staffing, facility management, client services, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with community partners.
Interested service providers can view the full RFQ on bidnet direct.
services at (607) 274-5030. After hours or on weekends, the non-emergency dispatch line at (607) 272-2444 can connect callers to on-call DSS services.
Tompkins County officials extended their gratitude to the DSS staff and other departments that supported the shelter, including Facilities, Information Technology Services, Human Resources, Emergency Services, the Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and County Administration.
Does Ithaca need more affordable senior housing downtown?
Yes.
No.
I don’t care.
Should Ithaca have more public trash cans to prevent littering? Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
Tompkins County Legislature Chair Dan Klein announces the county’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an experienced emergency shelter management provider. The selected organization will help design, develop, and operate a new low-barrier shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. (Photo: Tompkins County)
The Talk at
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RE: Trump Threatens Martial Law
“On January 20 Trump signed an Executive Order declaring a "National Emergency" at the southern border. It gave the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security a deadline of April 20-11 days from now-to report on whether he should invoke the Insurrection Act. Assuming his lackeys so declare, his subsequent declaration will give him dictatorial powers over all of us for an indefinite time. This has been his and his MAGA allies ultimate goal since well before his inauguration. All his actions since his inauguration support this goal. My question and request is for you to declare your public opposition to such a declaration immediately, to take actions to prevent it and to use all your influence with any and all forms of media to publicize the dangers inherent in such a declaration.” — Joe Wilson, Dryden NY Democratic Committee Chair
RE: Ithaca Needs More Public Trash Cans
“I think that there should be more public trash cans and recycling bins around Ithaca. Lots of people litter, not because they specifically want to hurt the environment, but because there are hardly any places for them to throw their trash away. In the past Ithaca has added more public trash and recycling bins, like in 2015, when they installed public trash and recycling bins near the bus stop next to the Tompkins County Public Library. It made a huge difference and was a very successful project. My hope is that we can install public trash and recycling bins all throughout Ithaca. For example, we could add more trash cans around our parks, on the Commons, and periodically on neighborhood street blocks. If we want to clean up our environment, we first need to encourage people to be good Samaritans by making it convenient and accessible to them.”
—
Freya
Bostrom, Ithaca Resident
RE: GoGuardian Is Not A Good Thing
“I’m a student at LACS ( Lehman alternative Community School) and I think GoGuardian is not a good thing. I get why schools want to use GoGuardian because kids could be doing inappropriate stuff online, but I think schools can block the stuff that’s necessary to block but not everything. GoGuardian is overprotective
because it blocks harmless sites that don’t need to be blocked. It also blocks sites that students need for research and other school activities. It also blocks anything that’s really fun. I think students should be able to play games when it’s the right time and if it’s appropriate for school.
Administrators should trust students more so they can become responsible adults. If schools are always overprotective, students will think that everyone will always watch over them and they won’t learn responsibility. Teachers don’t want students looking at their screen. It should be the same thing for students. Teachers have the power to do whatever they want. They can block everything on students’ computers and that makes students feel powerless and then they have to spend more time looking for unblocked sites and they spend less time learning.
I think GoGuardian should not be used for schools or other blockers. Schools should be more trusting and teach students how to be responsible. It’s ok to walk around to check if the kids are doing what they are supposed to do at the right time. Most students know to do the right thing at the right time, and teachers should be more trusting and willing to let students learn the hard way if they do something inappropriate.” — Mad Rod, LACS Student
RE: ICSD Should Not Ban YouTube
“It has been shown that ICSD has banned youtube on all school accounts, and I believe that we should bring it back. And here are some reasons why I believe so.
1. It can help you find a brand new hobby. YouTube is full of multiple creative people who can teach you lots of stuff from a screen! Like, for example, how to make a book or what D&D is.
2. It has lots of informational videos that can help you remember stuff.
Videos like the pi song,or math videos can help you study, and some are fun looking to keep in your brain!
3. YouTube has information on basically every topic,which can be pretty useful for studying.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATORS PUSH
continued from page 4
should verify NYSEG's cost.”
In their 2023 Electric Reliability Performance Report, the Department of Public Services reported that although NYSEG had a significant decrease in the frequency
Like #2, videos like the pi song and math videos are really useful for easily remembering stuff and studying. In my firm opinion,we should not ban YouTube. YouTube is an awesome app for your free time. It is entertaining, funny, and overall awesome. And also, if you miss a day of school, you can just learn the material you missed from youtube. While yes, there is the problem of ipad kids and the brain rot, but if the parent limits their screen time, then it wouldn't be a problem anymore.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk” Anonymous ICSD Student
RE: Bad School Lunches
“I feel like school lunches these days are just getting so unhealthy and they're really low quality. School lunches these days rarely contain food from all the major food groups; they usually just contain carbs and protein. Not all schools have the option for a salad bar. And with more and more schools making school lunches free there hasn't been enough money to get better food for students. So I think all Middle and High Schools should have gardens/greenhouses to give the option of whole, healthy food year round. Studies have shown that students who have healthy lunches tend to have more energy and are more focused in class. Students who grow their own food learn new gardening and cooking skills and it boosts self esteem by teaching them how to be independent self learners. Gardens and greenhouses also give students a quiet, calm place to get away from all the drama and stress at school by giving them a place to go when they are stressed, anxious or tired.
Although getting gardens in schools would make more work for students having to take care of it everyday, a lot of students would benefit from it, making everyone happier and healthier.
I definitely see more schools having gardens in the future. They would make school a happier and healthier environment for all the students and staff.” — Debbie Barbash, Ithaca, NY
of outages when compared to previous years, they still had the most frequent outages among all other electric service providers in the state.
Overall, legislators calling for the investigation believe that it could restore trust in NYSEG, something they say has crumbled as customers become increasingly frustrated with their rising utility bills.
The Inflation Reduction Act is Powering Upstate New York – Let’s Keep It That Way
By Peter Bardaglio, Founder of Seneca Strategic Consulting, LLC
Upstate New York has always been a place where hard work and innovation go hand in hand, going back to the building of the Erie Canal. Now, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), our region is seeing a surge in clean energy investments that are creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and strengthening local economies.
Through my work with the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative and the Ithaca 2030 District, I see firsthand how federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are driving tangible benefits for our communities. Ithaca is leading the way with its groundbreaking plan to decarbonize the city’s buildings, tapping into federal incentives to make the transition affordable and sustainable. Meanwhile, the IRA’s Rural Energy for America program is helping farms and small businesses across the Southern Tier invest in energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy projects for affordable energy they can generate on their own land. Throughout our region, clean energy projects are delivering economic growth
LAW TO MAINTAIN FEMA COMPLIANCE
of CRS participation versus capital infrastructure projects. Alderperson Patrick Kuehl questioned whether the city’s broader flood strategy should focus on structural mitigation or long-term resilience and affordability.
“I’m wondering what direction we want to go as a city,” Kuehl said. “Are we really trying to fully mitigate the fact that we live on a lake, or are we trying to design systems that are good urban design to handle that reality?”
Council members requested access to the full consultant report and expressed interest in pursuing “low-hanging fruit” to improve the city’s CRS score in the short term, such as enhanced public information sharing and modest regulatory upgrades.
and hundreds of new jobs.
Since the passage of the IRA, the U.S. has added more than 400,000 new clean energy jobs and seen over $422 billion in private investment. And in New York alone, federal clean energy tax credits have driven $115.47 billion in investments and created nearly 29,000 jobs since they were passed. Here in our community, the impact is clear: new, good-paying jobs in manufacturing, more reliable, locally-produced clean energy, and strengthened economic opportunities in both urban and rural communities.
Despite this momentum, some in Washington want to roll back these critical investments. Repealing clean energy tax credits would mean turning away billions in future investment, increasing energy costs for businesses and families, and slowing the progress we have worked so hard to achieve.
That’s why we need Rep. Josh Riley, Rep. Nick Langworthy, and Rep. Claudia Tenney to stand up for Upstate New York and protect the Inflation Reduction Act. Our region is already seeing the benefits, and by maintaining this momentum, we can build a future that is both economically and environmentally resilient. Now is the time to double down on our progress, like the early canal builders, not turn back.
First Ward Alderperson Phoebe
Brown raised concerns about the longterm viability of FEMA as the current Presidential administration has advocated for eliminating the agency. Brown asked why the city is working to comply with FEMA when it might not exist in a few months.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo acknowledged the concern, noting that while a future Trump administration may attempt to dismantle or defund FEMA, the city must operate under current federal frameworks until official policy changes are made.
“Until such time that they do that, we have to explore the avenues that exist to us,” Cantelmo said.
Nicholas responded saying that FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) remain the only mechanisms currently available to help residents manage the rising cost of flood insurance.
We Can’t “Fix” Schools if We Don’t Fix Tier 6!
By Kathryn Cernera, Ithaca Teachers Association President
Anyone who has been paying attention to national politics won’t be surprised to know that public education is under attack, but to me this is nothing new. “Public education is broken” is a refrain that I’ve heard for basically my entire life. This is a refrain that stems from a history of teaching being considered a pink color job. It stems from the cultural acceptance of undervaluing “women’s work” despite the fact that today 41% of working mothers are the sole breadwinners for their families. But It’s also a refrain that gained power way back in 1983 when former President Ronald Reagan declared the United States “A Nation at Risk”, and started a political campaign to convince the American people that our society was “being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity” in our public schools. He blamed this erosion on teachers having too much academic freedom, making poor choices about how to best educate students, and the corruption of the unions who protected teachers. Since then, we’ve lived through decades of systematic attempts to dismantle our professional autonomy and public respect for teachers, teaching, and public schools.
As a middle school English teacher with over twenty years of experience I’ve taught under Race to the Top, No Child Left Behind, and every other reiteration of the “test-and-punish culture” that Reagan’s declaration cleared the path for. I’ve watched states like Wisconsin strip educators of their professional rights to collective bargaining. I’ve taught through the reign of former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos who got her job specifically because she came from a family that built an empire on privatizing public education and had made dismantling public schools her life’s work. And now I am leading a teachers union through a period where it’s impossible to figure out if the pro-wrestling producer currently holding the position of Head of the Department of Education is even going to have a department to head tomorrow. History matters, and it’s important to highlight that the narrative that “Public Schools are Broken” has been used as a political pawn for almost 50 years in a not so subtle attempt to dismantle a system built to serve the public good rather than create profit for
wealthy shareholders.
But everyday I see the ways that public schools are not broken! I see it in the way teachers in my district show up early and stay late to make sure that all of their kids are getting the best education they can. I see it in the way teachers care for kidshow we fill snack cabinets, how we do students’ laundry, how we buy students birthday and holiday presents, how we build Community Schools to support not only students but their families too. I see it in the way that we go above and beyond to provide enrichment activities and create clubs that match kids interests, to coach sports, and to take our entire families to school plays on the weekend to make sure that every single student on stage has someone in the audience cheering for them. I see it in the way we show up in our unions. In the way we take care of one another, in the way we show up in our communities, in the way we show up to lobby for legislative change in Albany and Washington, in the way we fight for our profession. I see every single day that no matter what politicians may say, public education is not broken. And I know that those of us who have chosen to be part of this amazing work will fight tooth and nail to protect our kids and protect our public schools!
But it’s becoming harder and harder to fight as we experience a true statewide and nationwide recruitment and retention crisis. Currently about 35% of our teachers statewide will be eligible to retire in the next 5 years. Enrollment in teacher preparation programs has dropped by 53% since 2019, and as a result colleges and universities are ending teacher prep programs entirely. Statistics show that even when we do recruit new teachers, about 50% of them leave the profession within their first 5 years. Every colleague I talk to has stories about how hard it is right now to recruit and retain great teachers. In my own district, the Ithaca City School District, our tenure rate has dropped from 83% in 2015 to 57% today. We turned over 18% of our teaching staff last year alone, and we currently have about 35 posted positions that are being filled by retirees and long-term subs who
Continued on Page 9
Over $1 Billion of Cornell Federal Funding Frozen, Trump Officials Say
The Trump administration has put over $1 billion in funding on hold for Cornell as the university faces a federal investigation from the Department of Education over civil rights complaints.
Two anonymous officials working in the Trump administration shared the news, which has not yet been officially announced, with the New York Times on Tuesday. They said the funding affects grants and contracts with the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education and Health and Human Services.
In a statement released late Tuesday night, Cornell said they had not yet received confirmation that over $1 billion in funding had been frozen, but said it had received over 75 stop work orders from the Department of Defense (DOD) in relation to research that is “profoundly significant to American national defense, cybersecurity, and health.”
In their statement, the university said the freeze affects grants related to research into jet engines, propul-
sion systems, large-scale information networks, robotics, superconductors, and space and satellite communications and cancer research.
Scientific American reports that one of the projects that is affected by the funding freeze is a joint research effort between the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) and the Air Force Research Lab.
The Air Force Research Laboratory for the Materials Solutions Network at CHESS (MSN-C), which uses x-rays to study metals and polymers for military aircraft, electronics, and armor will be affected by the freeze and the stop-work orders from the DOD. Cornell’s equipment is one of the few places worldwide capable of this work, calling into question how the halt could affect the U.S. military’s ability to develop and test new materials.
“We are actively seeking information from federal officials to learn more about the basis for these decisions,” the joint university statement from President Michael I. Kotlikoff, Provost Kavita Bala and Provost for Medical Affairs Robert A. Harrington read.
By Maddy Vogel
If Cornell does not resolve the funding halt with the administration, a cut of over $1 billion would have significant impacts on the university. Although Cornell’s current budget brings in $6.44 billion in total revenue, the potential loss of $1 billion in federal funding would represent a significant 15.5% drop, posing serious financial challenges for the university.
Cornell’s Graduate Student Union is calling on the university to use its “considerable financial resources,” including its $10.7 billion endowment, to continue uninterrupted teaching and research.
“Should the federal government succeed in its objective, the devastation to research, science, and the university will be vast,” Cornell’s Graduate Student Union wrote in a statement to the board of trustees. “Cornell’s administration must step up as a leader in the fight to protect higher education and scientific progress.”
Former President Barack Obama has also urged universities to use their endowments to resist pressure from the Trump administration. “[If] you’re just being intimidated, well, you should be able to say, that’s why we got this big endowment,” Obama said in a recent interview.
Universities are typically hesitant to dip into their endowments (which act more like a Hedge Fund than a checking account) to cover operating costs. According to reports from Vox, the size of a university's endowment has become “the single biggest signifier of excellence in higher education leadership.” The article added, “college leaders can’t imagine making them smaller, even in the face of existential threat.”
Cornell University
President Michael I. Kotlikoff joined other university leaders in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy, challenging cuts to indirect cost reimbursements for federally funded research. (Photo: Cornell University)
porting specific scholarships, faculty positions, or academic programs. These funds make up a majority of the endowment.
Unrestricted funds, comprising over $2 billion and approximately 22% of Cornell’s total endowment, can be used for any institutional purpose but are subject to internal governance and oversight. Transfers to or from these funds generally require approval from senior university officials or the board of trustees.
Cornell’s 2024-25 budget included a draw of $66.1 million from their unrestricted funds, up a significant 455.6% from $11.9 million the previous year.
universities over alleged antisemitism and a failure of the universities to adequately protect Jewish students. In the announcement, Education Secretary Linda McMahon warned that taxpayer-funded public investments are “a privilege” that is “contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws.”
In February, before the investigation was announced, Cornell preemptively implemented a university-wide hiring freeze amid “significant financial uncertainty” under the Trump administration. The university cited concerns of research funding cuts and shifting endowment tax legislation when it announced the hiring freeze.
Republican lawmakers in Congress have made a push to heavily increase taxes on private university endowments. While the current tax rate on endowment income is 1.4%, lawmakers have introduced two bills which could increase the rate to 10%-20%.
Cornell had also joined 11 other research institutions in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s directive to slash reimbursements from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) for federally funded research in February.
The anonymous officials said that over $790 million in funding is being withheld from Northwestern University, another institution that is under investigation over antisemitism and civil rights concerns.
(Photo: Matt Dougherty)
Cornell’s endowment consists of donor-restricted funds and unrestricted funds. Donor-restricted funds can only be allocated to funding programs or purposes that donors intend, typically sup-
The Ithaca Times has contacted Cornell media relations asking if the university is planning on using additional endowment funds to help cover for the $1 billion in frozen funds, but we have not received a response.
On March 10, the U.S. Department of Education launched federal civil rights investigations into Cornell and 59 other colleges and
Columbia University is facing hundreds of millions in funding cuts under the Trump administration over “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” Brown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University have also had federal funding frozen in recent weeks.
Managing Editor Matt Dougherty contributed reporting to this story.
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2025
GUIDE TO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS/CAMPS — 2025
The Ithaca Times and Tompkins County Youth Services Department are pleased to bring you this listing of summer camps and programs in and around our area. We are extremely happy that so many summer programs/camps will be offered this summer.
A few tips as you decide on the most appropriate camp or program for your child(ren).
✱ COVID-19 — precautions and concerns. Camps/programs will be monitoring safety guidelines. Be sure to check directly with the camp if you have questions on specific guidelines followed. Above all else, the health and safety of your child is most important.
✱ There are differences between regulated “camps” and programs, workshops, or classes. Regulated camps must be registered with the New York State Health Department and meet specific criteria. Some programs may be registered as school-aged childcare programs through the Child Development
Council but still call themselves camps.
Regulated vs Non-regulated camps: camps that are not required to obtain a permit pursuant to Subpart 72 of the NYS Sanitary Code, are required to post the following at the facility and on its website if applicable: “This camp is not regulated or inspected by the New York State Department of Health and is not required to obtain a Department of Health permit. This camp is not required to follow Department of Health regulations, including, checking the state sex offender registry prior to hiring staff; maintaining minimum staff-to-child ratios; hiring medical personnel; or reporting injuries or illnesses to the Department of Health."
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS:
1. For questions about camp programming, enrollment, scholarships, before and after camp supervision, and accommodations for youth with disabilities, contact the director of the camp or program
2. For questions regarding safety or regulations for permitted camps, contact the NYS
Attorney General’s Office, 1-800-771-7755 or Kate Walker at the County's Environmental Health Division, kwalker@tompkins-co.org , 607-274-6688.
3. For questions about camps operated by school-aged childcare programs (SACCs), contact the Child Development Council at 607-273-0259.
4. For parents who receive public assistance, contact the Department of Social Services regarding subsidized fees for 2025 camps, contact: Carrie Baylor @ 607-274-5221 or Carrie.Baylor@dfa.state.ny.us
The content was prepared as a public service by the Tompkins County Youth Services Department. The Department receives tax support from Tompkins County and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. This information can also be found on the This information can also be found on the County’s web page: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Youth-Services
ACTING
OUT NY – MOVIE CAMP ‘25
As actors tackle scene work, they expand their emotional vocabulary, deepen abilities to empathize and learn to communicate more clearly. Everyone gets a link of the movie as a souvenir of the camp’s accomplishments, as well as an award illustrating their personal strengths. The week culminates in a PREMIERE event at Cinemapolis where we watch their creation on the big screen! Campers leave Movie Camp with a profound sense of accomplishment, a boost in confidence and tons of goofy memories!
AGES: 8-14
SCHEDULE/FEES: CAMP ONE: July 7-11; CAMP TWO: July 14-18; CAMP THREE: Aug. 25-29. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., $420/week.
CONTACT: Darcy Rose, (310) 717-5405, darcy@actingoutnewyork.com, www.actingoutnewyork.com/summer
A’MAZE’ING ACRES FARM CAMP ‘25
This camp is operated by a licensed occupational therapist with 34 years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. Hiking adventures on uneven terrain require the ability to walk and/or climb steep banks. Individual circumstances and conditions to be considered may be discussed in advance to assure whether the program meets your child’s needs and abilities. A recent occupational therapy evaluation and MD prescription required prior to start date. This camp operates on Fridays throughout summer: July/ August on organic land in the Hector-Lodi, NY area bordering the Finger Lakes National Forest. We are limiting enrollees to 12 mixed age children.
AGES: 6 - 14
SCHEDULE/FEES: Every Friday June through the first week of September. 9am-5pm; $200 per child each Friday. Sign up for Fridays that meet your family’s schedule. Payment is due in advance. Start and end times may vary up to 1 hour so if 8-4 or 10-6 works better for your work schedule we can accommodate that during registration
CONTACT: Eleanor Liebson, (607) 592-5493, eleanorotr@gmail.com, www.fingerlakesmaze.org
ANNA’S
MOVEMENT ARTS (A.M.A) ‘25
A.M.A. Mindful Movement Summer Camp (Pilates, yoga and mindfulness)
Come join us for yoga, Pilates and breath work. What better way to enjoy summer than to explore what it feels like to move in different ways. Let’s spend our time stretching and strengthening our bodies. Let’s practice breath work to both calm and energize ourselves. Let’s learn how to be more caring and mindful of our bodies, and in how we treat
each other and the space around us. Let’s practice mindfulness outdoors.
AGES: 10-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: See website for details.
CONTACT: Anna Goehner, (607) 342-7115, annasmovementarts@gmail.com , https://annasmovementarts.weebly.com
ARMSTRONG SCHOOL OF DANCE ‘25
Dance School is located at 15 Catherwood Road, Ithaca.
CONTACT: Karen Gorsky, (607) 227-9346, armstrongdance1994@gmail.com , www.armstrongdance.com
Dance Arts Camp
Daily classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hiphop styles of dance. The camp also includes musical theatre, arts and crafts and camp games too! There is a camp show every Friday that families are invited to.
AGES: 5-9
SCHEDULE/FEES: Week sessions: July 14-18; July 21-25; July 28 – Aug. 1; Aug. 4-8. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $255/week. Before care: 8-9 a.m.; after care: 4-5 p.m.: $55/week.
Pre-Teen/Teen Camp
This camp is especially designed for the level II, III, IV and Team level dancers. Camp includes daily lessons in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical styles of dance as well as choreography workshops, musical theater, hair/ make-up, and arts and crafts. The camp has a theme chosen by the dancers to create their own performances. The dancers will end the camp with a performance.
AGES: 10-17
SCHEDULE/FEES: Grades 5-12: July 7-11; Aug. 11-15; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $290/week. Before and After Camp care available 8-9 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.: $55/week
Dance Classes
Weekly classes available for all ages 3-18 in ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical. Each class is a structured class designed for the individual student consisting of the basic positions, jumps, turns and connecting steps.
AGES: 3-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: Monday – Wednesday; July 14-16; July 21-23; July 28-30; Aug. 4-6. Times vary. $20/class.
Teams Camp
This is a mandatory fun kick-off 4-day camp to begin a new team season. We will take classes in ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical dance. During this time, we will also discuss our team goals, spend time choreographing and working on specific techniques.
AGES: Sr & Jr Dance Teams
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 24-27; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $288.
ART FOR ALL AGES ‘25
In this fun and relaxed outdoor art program on Suzy’s 42-acre homestead, children are guided in inspiring explorations of nature and creative self-expression. Each day includes nature walks, sharing of children’s books and other artwork for inspiration, and art making. Children are encouraged to discover their own artistic interests, ideas, and styles in painting, drawing, and mixed media, and are also free to use the time for other creative pursuits, such as journaling.
AGES: 6–13
SCHEDULE/FEES: Week sessions, July 7-11; July 21-25; Aug. 11-15; Aug. 25-29*; 9:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. See website for more details.
CONTACT: Suzy Rose, (607) 242-5498, dreamingrosesbnb@gmail.com , https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/suzys-art
BROOKTONDALE SUMMER CAMP ‘25
Play-based, that stresses outdoor activities. We have a minimum of 2 daily organized sports activities including basketball, gaga ball, Capture the Flag, among others. An extensive playground allows for free play and a daily variety of craft activities. Weekly events are planned such as Pirate Day, Camp Olympics, local visitors (Fire Department, animal groups, art presenters, etc). Camp is closed on July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. AGES: From 4 (must be entering kindergarten) to 14.
SCHEDULE/FEES: Camp runs from June 30 –August 29, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Fee is $220.00 per week CONTACT: Nancy Hall, (607) 227-3300, brooktondalesummercamp@gmail.com , www.brooktondalecc.org
CAMP AURORA ‘25
Camp Aurora focuses on creating meaningful experiences through exploring our interconnectedness to one another and the world. Each fun-filled week will include art, music, movement, field trips, story, and adventure. Campers will have an opportunity to learn and grow together with an emphasis on selfexpression, creativity, and belonging, with lots of space for free play and building social skills and relationships. Scholarships Available AGES: 5-12
SCHEDULE/FEES: Week 1 (Aug. 11-15), Week 2 (Aug 18-22), Week 3 (Aug 25-29) 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day; $325 per week –Scholarships Available CONTACT: Madeline Natale, (607) 273-7521, campaurora@uuithaca.org , https://unitarian.ithaca.ny.us/index.php/campaurora/
CAMP CODDINGTON ‘25
Camp Coddington is an outdoor summer camp located on 12 acres of beautiful woodland. We provide a schedule of structured activities in a wide variety of areas, as well as opportunities for children to participate in self-directed play within supervised boundaries. Activities offered include arts, crafts, science experiments, nature hikes, sports, interactive group games, talent shows and more! For children entering K-8th. Youth aged 15+ are encouraged to apply for our youth employment program.
AGES: 4-14
SCHEDULE/FEES: Check website for details CONTACT: Jennifer Dean, (607) 277-1434, jennifer.d@coddingtonroad.org , www.coddingtonroad.org/summer-camp/
CAMP GREGORY ‘25
Camp Gregory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rustic summer camp on Cayuga Lake’s eastern shore. We offer day and overnight programs for children in grades K-10, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and personal development, utilizing our natural setting as a living classroom. Kids learn while having fun! To afford all children the transformational experience of summer camp, all campers are subsidized, and scholarships are awarded to children every season. Learn more about us!
AGES: 5-16
SCHEDULE/FEES: Running from June 30 –
August 10. Check website for details.
CONTACT: Abigale Anderson, (919) 949-4356, abigale.anderson@gmail.com , https://www.campgregory.org
CAMP HIGHLIGHT ‘25
The Highlight programs provide a space for connection and celebration for LGBTQ+ families. The curriculum combines character building, recreation, and opportunity for growth and self-reflection. It’s an incredible experience for the whole family.
AGES: 8-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 10-17; See website for details
CONTACT: Jackie Gambardella, (646) 535-2267, info@camphighlight.com , www.camphighlight.com
CAMP WHITMAN ON SENECA LAKE ‘25
We specialize in providing a traditional overnight summer camp experience focused on exploring the outdoors, developing friendships and growing in our connection to Jesus Christ. We offer the traditional Christian summer camp overnight experience for youth between the ages of 6 to 17. Along with this, we also offer a camp for adults with developmental disabilities (18-55).
AGES: 6-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: See our website for details on dates and fees.
CONTACT: Alena Ragan, (315) 220-0084, camp@campwhitman.org , www.campwhitman.org
CASS PARK DAY CAMP ‘25
Cass Park Day Camp is a summer day camp for children ages 5-8. We run our camp Monday - Friday starting June 30th and end camp on August 15th. The first week is 4 days long with no camp on 4th of July. After that we run 3 two-week sessions.
Campers will enjoy spending their days bonding with our staff. The mornings they participate in drama, recreation activities, and creating arts. The afternoons are filled with swimming. We also have Wacky Wednesdays, talent shows, special guests and more!
AGES: 5-8
SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday starting June 30th and ending camp on August 15th. The first week is 4 days long with no camp on 4th of July. After that we run 3 two-week sessions. See website for more details
CONTACT: Anthony Maggio, (607) 273-8364, amaggio@cityofithaca.org , https://www.iybrec.org/camp-and-summeractivities.html
CAYUGA CLIMBS SUMMER DAY CAMPS ‘25
For kids (8+) and teens who already love climbing as well as those who have never tried but are excited to learn new skills and make friends! Our team of coaches have developed a curriculum for young climbers of any skill level. Campers will learn about sport and themselves, developing physically, emotionally, and socially through engaging games, challenges, and activities. The curriculum used will alternate each week, so returning campers have more adventures to explore!
AGES: 8-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: Our summer camps will run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Friday for 7 weeks (beginning the week of July 7th and ending the week of August 18th). The cost is $289/ week for non-members and $259/week for
members.
CONTACT: Ryan Grajo, (607) 339-0978, ryan@cayugaclimbs.com , www.cayugaclimbs.com/summercamps
CENTERLINE KIDS KUNG FU SUMMER CAMP ‘25
Kung Fu Camp introduces martial arts for self-defense, focus and fun! Campers will also explore games, crafts and the outdoors! No experience needed. Campers with experience in Karate, BJJ, Boxing etc. always welcome! Our camp is small (10-20), which means less stress and more friendships!
AGES: 7-14
SCHEDULE/FEES: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. from Aug. 18-22nd (Mon.-Fri.). Join us in August when most other camps are closed. Cost: $230 for the week. Email to ask us about scholarships CONTACT: Laura Thomas, (607) 277-5425, members@centerlinestrong.com , https://www.centerlinestrong.com/summer
CIRCUS CULTURE SUMMER CAMPS ‘25
All Things Circus camp – Spend the summer playing games and learning circus techniques such as trapeze, juggling, group acrobatics, rolling globe, aerial fabric, tight wire, hooping, diabolo, storytelling, and more.
Tween / Teen Acro and Aerial Camp – We will flip, fly, base, build and play as we practice tumbling, partner acrobatics, and aerial fabric, lyra, hammock and trapeze.
AGES: All Things Circus camps (8-14), Tween / Teen Acro and Aerial camp (10-16)
SCHEDULE/FEES: Camps run 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with early drop off starting at 8:30 a.m. Tween/Teen Acro and Aerial Camp (June 30 –July 4); 2 Week Performance Camp (July 14-18; July 21-25); 2 Week All Things Circus Camp (July 28 – Aug. 1; Aug. 4-8); 2 Week All Things Circus Camp (Aug. 11-15, Aug. 18-22) Financial aid available
CONTACT: Claire Dehm, (607) 269-7227, claire@circusculture.org , www.circusculture.org/camp-registration
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND ARTS (CSMA) ‘25
CSMA is a non-profit organization that provides year-round, multi-arts instruction. Held at the CSMA, 330 E. Martin Luther King Jr./State Street, Ithaca.
CONTACT: Carrie Natale, (607) 272-1474,
cnatale@csma-ithaca.org , https://csma-ithaca.org/summer-camps/
Arts All Around You – Weekly Themed Camp (AAAY)
Discover creativity in every corner at the Arts All Around You Camp for kids ages 6-10! This camp offers hands-on activities in visual arts, music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. Campers engage with different art forms, turning everyday surroundings into imaginative canvases and stages giving kids the chance to learn, play, and express themselves in a supportive and fun environment. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the joy of artistic exploration and friendship!
SCHEDULE/FEES: Check website for dates and fees.
Visual Arts Camp, Dance Camp, Theatre Camp, and World Music Camp Campers ages 10-14 experiment with a rich array of mediums, honing their skills & unleashing their creativity in a supportive and dynamic environment. Through hands-on classes & guided exploration, participants explore various techniques, experiment with different styles, & bring their imaginative visions to life. The Visual Arts Camp at CSMA fosters a community of young artists who discover their unique voices & forge lasting connections through the transformative power of visual expression
SCHEDULE/FEES: Check website for dates and fees
Broadway Bootcamp
This high-energy camp for middle & high schoolers explores the thrilling & theatrical side of Broadway, featuring scenes & songs from eerie favorites like Beetlejuice & the Addams Family. Campers will develop their acting, singing, & movement skills while embracing larger-than-life characters, dramatic storytelling, & hauntingly good performances. The week culminates in a showcase that brings Broadway’s most bewitching moments to life, filled with chills, thrills, & plenty of laughs!
SCHEDULE/FEES: Check website for dates and fees
CORNELL COMMUNITY SAILING YOUTH CLASSES ‘25
Enroll your child in our Youth Sailing Class for
an unforgettable experience that combines learning, adventure, and fun on the water. Set sail on a journey that will inspire a love for sailing. Daily Sailing Lessons: Each day begins with engaging sailing instruction, covering essential skills like steering, sail handling, and knot tying. Comprehensive water safety training ensures responsibly and confidence under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors.
AGES: 8-17
SCHEDULE/FEES: Seven sessions starting June 30th & ending August 15th; See website for more details
CONTACT: Ivan Sagel, (607) 253-2510, ivan.s@cornell.edu , https://www.sailatcornell.com/
DAISY HOLLOW FARM SUMMER PROGRAM ‘25
Campers will learn how to feed and work with all of the farm animals, including pigs, goats, cows, sheep, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and horses. From clipping chicken wings, to trimming goat hooves, from collecting eggs to milking cows. Campers will also learn to make some of the items we produce here on the farm such as wool scrubbies, salves, and bug repellents, and learn how to harvest and dry herbs and botanicals. We take a handson approach to exploring the farm and our natural world.
AGES: 8-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 6 weeks June 30 – Aug. 22 Monday to Friday; Morning program runs from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Monday through Friday, Afternoon program runs from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; $250 per week
CONTACT: Emily Harding, (607) 423-6827, emily@daisyhollowfarm.com, www.daisyhollowfarm.com/summerprogram
DANBY ART CAMP ‘25
Five days of fine arts, for adults and children alike. Choice of watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, charcoal, color pencils and more. Please come with three water media brushes (chose from #1 to #10), a pad of Strathmore watercolor paper at least 9”×12” (larger is more flexible), 10+ tubes or pans of watercolor paint and a palette. I have watercolor kits that include all these materials for $45 each.
AGES: See website for details
SCHEDULE/FEES: Week 1 (June 30 – July 4); Week 2 (July 14-18); 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; $200/week
CONTACT: Camille Doucet, (607) 272-8781, doucetcamille@gmail.com, www.camilledoucet.com
DIGIVATIONS CAMP DEMIGOD INSTITUTE ‘25
CONTACT: Drs. Steve & Anne Berman, (650) 283–5440, dr.steve@digivationsxgens.org, anne@digivations.org
Camp Half-Blood
Following the adrenaline rush from the day’s quests and busy slate of innovation and discussions of Ancient Greek history culture and mythology, creative hands-on activities (art, music, drama), the nights will be spent with demigod weapon making, combat training and deciphering clues from the quest. Over the past 15 years, we have provided over 5,000 students with unique opportunities to explore their passions, develop critical skills, and make a positive impact on the world.
AGES: 10-17
SCHEDULE: Check website for details. www.camphalf-blood.org
HARRY POTTER SUSTAINABLE UNIVERSE
Role-play as ambassadors & delegates solving mortals’ challenges to the universe & succeed at the Confederation of Wizards. Art, music, drama, creative writing, magic, STEM, quantum realms, quidditch, spells, potions and chemistry, wands, larping and more. Study the UN & SDG topics including climate action, curing disease through synthetic biology & the future of AI.
AGES: 13-18
SCHEDULE: Check website for details. www.harrypottercamps.org,
DIGIVATIONS XGENS 17 UN SDG INSTITUTE & MODEL UN ACADEMY
Overnight July 27 – August 2, 2025, at DIGIVATIONS HOUSE walking distance to Cornell and College Town. Centered on youth engagement & entrepreneurship, XGENERS build a global youth network under guidance of strategic experts in fields related to solving the SDG’s targets through innovative designs & prototypes & explore Model UN crisis themes. Offers Academic Certificate & Community Service Credit.
AGES: 13-18
SCHEDULE: Check website for details. www.digivationsxgens.org,
Fandom Multiverse Overnight Academy Creative Engagement with robot characters, game design as well as maker space projects. Like- minded campers “Suspend Disbelief” through the DC and Marvel Worlds, Harry Potter, Camp Half-Blood & Dr. WHO, Sherlock, Star Wars, among others. NASA Award Winning DIGIVATIONS’ STEM + ARTS + HUMANITIES + KINESTHETIC curriculum & hands-on projects empower youth to solve quests, create future unicorn prototypes & produce art, short stories, plays, musical & theatrical performances.
AGES: 13-18
SCHEDULE: Check website for details. www.campfandom.org
DRYDEN YOUTH SERVICES ‘25
Dryden Youth Programs is offering an exciting array of fun, engaging programs for Dryden youth ages 9-14 for the summer of 2025. Programs take place in different locations each week around the Town of Dryden. Programs include Primitive Pursuits, Outdoor Cooking, Hiking, Summer Olympics, Environmental Explorers, Get Lost & Crafts. Please use the following link for more information and to register your child. https://bit.ly/Drydenrysthe website for detailed information and enrollment information.
AGES: 9-14
CONTACT: David Hall, (607) 592-5314, dh67@cornell.edu , http://ccetompkins.org/4-hyouth/rural-youth-services/rys-program-sites/ dryden-freeville
PRESTON FRANK
JIM LAUDERDALE AND THE GAME
CHANGERS
PRENDS COURAGE
SALLY BABY’S SILVER DOLLARS
DONNA THE BUFFALO
DESIRÉE DAWSON
JUDY HYMAN
JEFF CLAUS
THE BYRNE BROTHERS
MISS TESS AND THE TALKBACKS
CLAIRE BYRNE
RICHIE STEARNS & ROSIE NEWTON Instructors
RIC ROBERTSON MADDY WALSH SAM FRIBUSH
HANK ROBERTS NEW PLANETS
TRAVIS KNAPP AND ANNIE SUMI
KEITH SECOLA
ELI FRIBUSH DRANK THE GOLD
KEVIN WIMMER
PAUL “DOC” FRIBUSH
FABI WORLD MUSIC
GREGOR SAYET-BONE
ALEJANDRO BALDOQUIN AND MANY MORE…
ENFIELD
SUMMER DAY CAMP ‘25
Enfield Summer Camp, hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H and Rural Youth Services, provides a dynamic summer experience for children and teens ages 5-13. Campers explore diverse activities including outdoor exploration, artistic expression, and sports. Our program focuses on skill-building, teamwork, personal growth, and fun in a supportive, engaging environment.
AGES: 5-13
SCHEDULE/FEES: See website for more details. CONTACT: Xanthe Matychak, Camp Director, (607) 216-8827, xam3@cornell.edu , https://www.ultracamp.com/info/upcomingSessions.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC& idLocation=6140
FINGER LAKES GYMNASTICS CENTER –SUMMER DAY PROGRAM ‘25
Come flip with us this summer! Our summer day program provides expert Gymnastics and Ninja instruction for children ages 4 years old and up. (Children must be potty trained). Our day program is for either children just beginning gymnastics/ninja or the gymnast/ninja with years of experience. All of our students will receive instruction on the gymnastics/ninja events and daily Open Gym Time!
AGES: 4-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: Full Day: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Half Day Morning: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Half Day Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. FREE
Before and After Care (8-9:30 a.m.; 4-5:30 p.m.). June 30th – Aug 29 weekly sessions. $45/half day session.
CONTACT: (607) 273-5187, flgc.ithaca@gmail.com , www.fingerlakesgymnasticscenter.com/summer-day-program
GRASSROOTS CULTURE CAMP ‘25
GrassRoots Culture Camp, July 13-16, is a unique opportunity to attend 4 days of music, dance, art and yoga workshops led by regional and national artists along with some of your favorite Grassroots performers. Immerse oneself in workshops, nightly dinners and dances while in a laid back, inspirational and fun environment. All details at grassrootsfest. org/culture-camp
Find volunteer opportunities and scholarship applications on website.
AGES: 5-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 13-16, check website for options and fees.
CONTACT: GrassRoots Festival Office, (607) 387-5098, nevinsmiller@aol.com, https://grassrootsfest.org/culture-camp
HANGAR THEATRE –NEXT GENERATION SCHOOL OF THEATRE ‘25
A wide range of fun-filled summer classes that provide students entering grades 1-12 an unforgettable learning experience in the arts. Topics range from musical theatre, creative play, acting, improv, filmmaking, and more. We also offer a fully immersive performance opportunity with our three-week Next Gen Musical! No experience necessary–just a creative spirit and curiosity.
AGES: Grades 1-12
CONTACT: Shirley Serotsky, (607) 273-2787, shirley@hangartheatre.org , https://hangartheatre.org/
HIDDEN VALLEY 4-H CAMP ‘25
Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is a 5-week Summer Residential and Day Camp open to all youth ages 6-16. Campers do NOT need to be 4-H members to attend.
Residential Camp is for youth ages 8-16, the sessions start on Sunday with drop-offs between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The week ends on Friday with pick up between 4pm and 6pm. $499.00/week.
Day Camp is Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Early drop off and late pick up is provided with an additional fee). Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. $275.00/week.
AGES: 4-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: weekly from July 7 through August 22. Program runs Monday through Friday each week, 9:30-3:00. 600.00/week. Register on website. Discount if registered before May 1st
CONTACT: Dayna, (607) 535-6812, dk576@ cornell.edu , www.hiddenvalley4hcamp.org
HORSE DAY CAMP AT STONEYBROOK FARM ‘25
Camp offers an opportunity to experience life on a horse farm. Campers will learn horse safety, grooming, tacking up and RIDING horses. They will also learn about caring and feeding, observe veterinary and farrier work, horse anatomy and language, care of equipment and barn management. We also offer games on horseback, swimming with ponies, driving cart and a variety of horse crafts and games. Come experience our horse camp that has been hosting this experience for over 30 years!
AGES: 4-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: weekly from July 7 through August 22. Program runs Monday through Friday each week, 9:30-3:00. 600.00/week. Register on website. Discount if registered before May 1st
CONTACT: Beth Bowen, (607) 351-8267, Bethstnybrk@aol.com , www.stoneybrookfarm.info
GROTON YOUTH SERVICES SUMMER CAMP ‘25
Groton Summer Camp is a day camp for residents of the Town and Village of Groton, held at the Groton Jr. Senior High School. Join the fun in Groton this summer at the Groton Youth Services Summer Camp and enjoy activities such as swimming, group games, arts, and crafts, hiking and more! Campers will have a summer worthy of great memories, making new friends, and enjoying the company of long-time camp pals. Youth must be 5 before the start of camp. Free breakfast and lunch. Campership applications due by: May 29th, register using the link: https://www.ultracamp.com/info/upcomingSessions.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC& idLocation=5163
AGES: 5-12
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 7 – August 15; MondayFriday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. After Camp 4-5:30 p.m. $160/week; See website for details
CONTACT: Keith Davenport, (315) 283-5476, kd528@cornell.edu , https://ccetompkins.org/4h-youth/rural-youth-services/rys-program-sites/ groton-town-village
IC3 SUMMER CAMP ‘25
IC3 Summer Camp offers children entering grades K-5 a lively learning environment in which to play, create, and explore. Each week is a different theme! Campers will take nature walks, play water games, prepare healthy snacks, make arts & crafts, host guests from the community, weekly trips to swim, and go on a variety of field trips.
AGES: 5-10, K – Grd 5 for 2024-2025 school year
SCHEDULE/FEES: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., limited spaces for before camp care from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Week 1 from June 30 – July 3, $240; Week 2-9 July 7 – Aug. 29, $300/week; Before care available, see website for more details.
CONTACT: Staci Higgins (607) 257–0200, info@icthree.org , https://icthree.org/programs/ ic3-summer-camp/
ITHACA BALLET – SUMMER DANCE PROGRAM ‘25
If you’re looking for a place to explore new movements, gain confidence, and build lasting friendships while learning ballet variations, this program sounds like an excellent choice.
AGES: 7-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: Typical Daily Schedule:
9:00 – 10:30 Ballet class
10:45-11:30 Pointe class (beginner & advanced), stretch, or character
11:30-1:00 Lunch & recreation
1:00-2:00 Modern dance or composition class
2:00-3:00 Jazz dance, classical ballet variations, or workshop
See website for more details
CONTACT: Amy O’Brien, (607) 257-6066, aobrien@ithaca.edu, https://ithacaballet.org
ITHACA COLLEGE ‘25
Summer Pre-College Programs
Take your first steps toward college by spending time this summer living and learning at Ithaca College. Our summer pre-college programs are geared for individuals ages 14 or older, entering 9th grade, or in high school. Participants experience living in a residential hall while completing college-level coursework in the sciences or arts. The programs run Monday, July 7 through Friday, July 25, 2025. Applications are now open. Apply today to reserve your seat for this great opportunity! AGES: 14-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 7 – July 25; see website for more details.
CONTACT: Jessica Ford, (607) 274-3143, summercollege@ithaca.edu , https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/extendedstudies/pre-college-programs
Summer Piano Institute
An incredible opportunity for talented young pianists seeking a summer opportunity for additional piano study. Join us for 10 days of an intensive piano experience on the beautiful Ithaca College campus in the heart of the Finger Lakes!
AGES: Participants must be at least 12 years old by June 1 with sufficient personal maturity to participate effectively in our intensive program. The upper age limit for participation is 18.
SCHEDULE/FEES: Thursday, July 3 – Saturday, July 12; see website for more details.
CONTACT: Deborah Martin, (607) 274-1562, pianoinstitute@ithaca.edu , https://www.ithaca. edu/summer-piano-institute
Summer Music Academy
So much more than a summer music camp! Our mission is to provide a creative and supportive environment for young adults to grow as musicians and people. Our program is unique in that it offers residential pre-college experience with a rich offering of music courses, as well as non-music courses, taught by Ithaca College faculty and top music educators from across the country.
AGES: High School Division – Available to students entering grades 10 through 12; Intermediate Division – Available to students entering grades 7 through 9
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 13-26 High School Division; July 27 - Aug. 2 Intermediate Division; see website for more details.
CONTACT: Julie Carr, (855) 484-2221, sma@ithaca.edu , https://www.ithaca.edu/ summer-music-academy
ITHACA FROLIC ‘25
Ithaca Frolic summer camps are run by experienced local educators and focus on important childhood skill building such as gross and fine motor skills, social skills, imaginative and cooperative play, arts and crafts, and creative expression.
AGES: 3-6
SCHEDULE/FEES: 9 weeks, from June 30 to August 28, M.-F. from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CONTACT: Kal McMannis, (607) 252-6756, ithacafrolic@gmail.com, www.ithacafrolic.com
ITHACA MEDIA ARTS ‘25
Ithaca Media Arts, 1458 Slaterville Road, Ithaca (near East Hill Plaza). Ithaca Media Arts campers learn valuable skills, build self-confidence and self-esteem, and above all – have fun! See website for full descriptions, dates, details. Ithaca Media Arts Day Campers create awesome Media and Tech fun: Animation, Roblox, Filmmaking, Virtual Reality, Robotics, TV News, 3D Prints, PC-Building, and more! CONTACT: Cliff Roth, (607) 272-3580, info@ithaca-media.com, https://www.ithacamedia.org/services-view/ full-half-day-camp-programs/
MEDIA & TECH SUMMER CAMP FULL DAY –SCHOOL DAY – MORNINGS – AFTERNOONS Campers explore Robotics, Lego Animation, Filmmaking, Roblox Game Design, 3D Printing, Stop Motion, CGI, Acting, Coding, TV News, Green Screen, Circuits, Puppets, Builda-PC (add’l). Afternoon Roblox & Minecraft play. Teen studio has Alienware Gaming, AI, Synthesizers & Graphics! Vive VR games (walk around!). Science/STEM/STEAM! Weekly from June 30 – Aug. 29. Fee (ages 5-8): $495 for 1 week, $318/wk for 8 weeks; (ages 9-16): $545 for 1 week, $353/wk for 8 weeks. 9:00 to 4:00 M.-F. optional early/late.
TECH & MEDIA MORNING CAMP (9 a.m. –12:30 p.m.) 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. M.-F. Morning campers explore Robotics, Lego Animation, Filmmaking, CAD & 3D Printing, Stop Motion, CGI & iPad Animation, Acting, TV News! Virtual Reality with Vive VR (walk around it!). Creative Science / STEM / STEAM. Teen studio with Alienware gaming! Lunch period pickup, outdoor picnic area, recreation and snack break. Weekly fun June 30 – Aug. 29. Fee (ages 5-8): $275 for 1 week or $178/wk for 8 weeks; Fee (ages 9-16): $295 for 1 week, or $191/wk for 8 weeks. Optional early/late.
TECH & MEDIA AFTERNOON CAMP (12:304:00 p.m.) 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. M.-F. Afternoon campers choose from Filmmaking, Roblox Game Making, Stop Motion, Lego Animation, CGI & iPad Animation, Acting, TV News, Build a PC (add’l fee), Pilot a Drone. Roblox & Minecraft game play. Teen studio with Alienware Gaming, Synthesizers, Photoshop, Coding. Vive VR (walk around!). Weekly from June 30 – Aug. 29. Fee (ages 5-8): $275 for 1 week or $178/wk for 8 weeks; Fee (ages 9-16): $295 for 1 week, or $191/wk for 8 weeks. Optional early/late.
TECH & MEDIA SCHOOL DAY CAMP (9 a.m. –2 p.m.) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. M.-F. Campers explore Robotics, Lego Animation, Filmmaking, Roblox Game Design, CAD & 3D Printing, Stop Motion, CGI Animation, Acting, TV News, Drones, Green Screen, Snap Circuits, Claymation. Teen studio with Alienware Gaming, AI, Synthesizers, Photoshop, more. Virtual Reality with Vive VR (walk around!). Creative Science / STEM / STEAM! Weekly from June 30 – Aug. 29. Fee (ages 5-8): $395 for 1 week, $256/wk for 8 weeks; Fee (ages 9-17): $445 for 1 week, $287/ wk for 8 weeks.
ENGINEERING/TECH CAMP – FULL DAY for ages 8-17. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. M-F. Campers start with Robotics (Lego Mindstorms, BattleBots) & Snap Circuits, then Computer Aided Design
(CAD) and 3D Printing (small toys and figures), break for outdoor picnic lunch and play, then Game Design with Roblox and Coding or Building Web Sites, or PC Building (extra fee optional take-home gaming PCs) and Drone Piloting! End with a Roblox & Minecraft Gaming Party! Vive VR too! Science / STEM / STEAM. Ages 8-17. Fee: $545 for 1 week ($353/ wk for 8 weeks.)
GAMES & GAME MAKING AFTERNOONS 1:004:00 p.m. M.-F. Create your own Roblox games to play on a browser, smartphone or Xbox using the Roblox Studio multi-player game building platform. Campers create virtual places and can learn Lua coding to make a complete game. Minecraft play too! Taught by Gerry Roth, author of “ROBLOX Building
Guide” (most weeks.) Science / STEM / STEAM! (Multiple weeks suggested to build complex games.) June 30 – Aug. 29. Ages 8-17. Fee: $295 for 1 week; or $191/week for 8 weeks.
FILM & ANIMATION ACADEMY ages 8-17. Create animated and live action digital shorts! Learn a variety of production techniques, with a different focus in the mornings and afternoons each week, including Lego Animation, Live Action, Green Screen Studio, Claymation, Stop Motion, CGI Animation, TV News, Music Video, iPad Animation, Sci-Fi, Cel, White Board. Ages 8-17. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. M.-F. Fee: $545 for 1 week, $353/wk for 8-week film school camp.) Mornings or Afternoons ($295 for 1 week, $191/wk for 8 weeks.) Cinemapolis screening! June 30 – Aug. 29.
Helping You Grow
Wali M. Ahmadzai, M.S., P.A - C Father of two, he likes to combine western medicine with a holistic approach.
iPAD FILMMAKER & ANIMATION CAMP for ages 7-17. 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. M.-F. Campers use iPads to create animation in the morning. In the afternoons we shoot live action videos. Use the iPad as a TV studio you can carry anywhere! Individual and group video projects using the Apple iPad as a camera, animation system and for editing. (Plus, see camp creations on a huge movie screen at our annual Cinemapolis movie theater screening!) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. M.-F. Weekly from June 30 – Aug. 29. For ages 7-17. Fee: $545 for 1 week, $362/wk for 8 weeks. Optional late pick-up / early drop off.
BUILD YOUR OWN COMPUTER CAMP ages 10-18. 1 to 4:30 p.m. M.-F. Experience the pride & joy of building a fully functioning Windows PC and taking it home after camp is over! Explore a computer’s inner workings. Understand how parts work and influence performance. Choose from four PC models (Basic, Mid-Range, High Performance Gaming or Ultimate Gam-
ing) or bring your own parts. Science / STEM / STEAM! For ages 10-19. Available by the week, 1 to 4 p.m. M.-F., June 30 – Aug. 29. Fees range from $395 and up depending on options selected. (Companion fee is $295).
TRY-IT CAMP ages 4-17. Not sure if Ithaca Media Arts is the right fit? Try-It Camp is an easy way to check us out. A low-cost, low-risk, no-commitment way to try Ithaca Media Arts Summer Camp. Get a taste of several fun and creative activities from the Tech and Media / Animation camps. This is a ONE-DAY, 3-hour program offered 11a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays for most weeks in July and Aug. Includes supervised outdoor lunch and recreation in our picnic area (bring lunch). Ages 4 to 18. Fee: $50, one session.
Playhouse for Puppets, Animation & Tech IMA’s youngest campers ages 4-10 enjoy their own special studio to explore video and
animation and technology and art projects. Green screen puppet studio: Campers’ puppets appear in Outer Space, on the Moon, in front of the Eiffel Tower! Lego animation, flip books, claymation, sound effects and fun! One-week fees vary from $275 for mornings or afternoons (or $178/wk for 8wks) to $395 for school day or $495 (or $318/wk for 8wks) for full day. (Our only program for 4-yearolds!) Jun 30 – Aug. 29.
JUNIOR FILMMAKER CAMP Campers work creatively, in the morning making Lego animations and Claymation, and then in the afternoon it’s time for acting in short skits and puppet shows or TV news reports. We also go outside to play when the weather is good (usually) or play inside. Includes a supervised lunch period and morning and afternoon snack breaks. Weekly from June 30 – Aug. 29. Full day, 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., for ages 5-8. Fee: $495 for 1 week, or $318/wk for 8 weeks. Optional early drop-off and late pick-up available.
ITHACA WALDORF SCHOOL ‘25
Ithaca Waldorf School is located at 20 Nelson Road, Ithaca. Screen-free activities focused on nature, art, and community. Explorer Program for ages 4-6; Farm & Art Program for ages 7-12. Crafts, cooperative games, farm animals, outside play. Full and 1/2 day.
CONTACT: Emily Thompson, (607) 256-2020, marketing@ithacawaldorf.org , www.ithacawaldorf.org/summer-program
Explorer Summer Program
Join us for up to 8 weeks of screen-free activities focused on nature, art, and community. Natural material craft projects, cooperative games, visits with our farm animals, and plenty of time for imaginative play. Our program runs mostly outdoors on our 80-acre farm, with two playgrounds, forest play spaces, and beautiful indoor spaces for rest and inclement weather.
AGES: 4-6
SCHEDULE/FEES: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., full-and 1/2-day options: $165-360.
Farm & Art Program
Join us for up to 8 weeks of screen-free activities focused on nature, art, and community. Natural material craft projects, cooperative
Summer Program 2025
games, visits with our farm animals, and plenty of time for imaginative play. Our program runs mostly outdoors on our 80-acre farm, with two playgrounds, forest play spaces, and beautiful indoor spaces for rest and inclement weather.
AGES: 7-12
SCHEDULE/FEES: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., full-and 1/2-day options: $165-360.
ITHACA YACHT CLUB –YOUTH SAILING PROGRAM ‘25
The Youth Sailing program is a racing-oriented sport, training beginner sailors in the basics of sailing and working up to the IYC Youth Sailing Racing Team. The program focuses on small boat dinghy racing, priority is to enroll youth sailors with previous experience with youth sailing programs or a strong interest in working toward racing. All beginners are welcome.
AGES: 7-17
SCHEDULE/FEES: 9 weekly sessions offered Monday to Friday June 23 – August 22; Members: $380/week (discount after 4+ weeks), Non-members: $420/week.
CONTACT: David Filiberto, (607) 592-5906, dmfiliberto@gmail.com , youthsailing@ithacayc.org, https://ithacayachtclub.wildapricot. org/Youth-Sailing-Overview
JYC SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS ‘25
Middle-school age youth programs offered a variety of topics such as photography, volunteering, art, cooking and outdoor exploration.
Youth in photography programs focus on local/nature photography, with a gallery on the last day. Our popular Sky’s the Limit Program explores flight, birding, space and rocketry. Lake Life, our Cayuga Lake exploration program, highlights a cruise on the Floating Classroom. Other programs in 2025 include camping trips, Summer ‘Olympics’, and Outdoor Adventures.
AGES: 10-14, Middle School age
CONTACT: Beth Bannister, (607) 227-9532, bab47@cornell.edu , http://ccetompkins.org/4h-youth/rural-youth-services/rys-program-sites/ joint-youth-commission
KING MONTESSORI ACADEMY’S SUMMER CAMP ‘25
King Montessori Academy Summer Nature and Science Camp 2025
Inspiring your child’s creativity and thirst for learning through safe, fun exploration of nature and daily science activities in our school.
320 E. King Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850
7/7–7/11 Dinosaur Discovery!
7/14–7/18 Bug Bonanza! Beneficial & Local Entomology
7/21–7/25 Totally Trees! Local Dendrology 7/26–8/1 Ubiquitous Upland Birds! Local Ornithology.
8/4–8/8 Water All Around Us! Local Hydrology
8/11–8/15 Large Mammals of the Cayuga Basin 8/18–8/22 Magical Science!
Full Day M-F 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. $350/week Before care 7:30-8:30 a.m. Aftercare 3:30-5:30 p.m. AGES: See website for details
CONTACT: Ms. Elsa, (607) 342-4694, kingmontessoriacademy@gmail.com , http://www.kingmontessoriacademy.com
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES –CORNELL COOPERTIVE EXTENSION ‘25
CONTACT: Travis Judd, (607) 253-2510, ttj22@cornell.edu , https://www.ultracamp.com/ info/upcomingSessions.aspx?idCamp=1259&ca mpCode=PPC&lnkCategory=Lansing+RYS Lake Life
Life is all about our beautiful resource, Cayuga Lake! Youth will be exploring, studying, and playing in and around the lake. Activities include swimming at the Myer’s Park lifeguarded area, creek exploration, yard games, learning about invasive species, birding, arts and crafts and more! We will also have a special trip on the Floating Classroom!
AGES: 10 -15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 7/7-7/11. Takes place at Myers Park, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please remember to bring lunch, swim attire, and appropriate footwear. Snacks will also be provided.
Cardboard Boat Building
Like to design and build things? This is your chance! We will be designing, building, and floating our cardboard boats, and yes, they WILL float a human (who will be connected to another human).
AGES: 10-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 7/14-7/17. Takes place at Myers Park, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please remember to bring a lunch, swim attire, and appropriate footwear. Snacks will also be provided.
Iron Chef
Come test your cooking skills and learn some fresh, healthy recipes! Wednesday and Thursday we will meet at 4-H Acres and take part in a cooking competition along with another
RYS group and youth attending the fair!
AGES: 10-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 7/21-7/24. Takes place at Myers Park, Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday will be at 4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please remember to bring a lunch!
RYS Summer Olympics
Celebrate and join us at the Olympics! We will join other Tompkins County youth for adventures, games, some friendly competition and cooperation as well! Compete in sporting events, swim and explore Cayuga Lake at beautiful Myers Park in Lansing! Work together with your team to work through team challenges and make your team flag. Also compete in a huge scavenger hunt. Meals will be catered every day!
AGES: 10 -15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 7/28-7/31. Takes place at Myers Park, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please remember to bring swimming attire, and appropriate footwear. Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Sky’s The Limit!
This program is all about things that fly! Each day we will head out to explore many aspects of flight. Trips include Cornell’s SPIF, the Ithaca Airport, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the Soaring Museum in Horseheads. Participants will also build their own rockets and launch them!
AGES: 10 -15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 8/4-8/7. Meet at Lansing Middle School’s, this is a traveling program via CCETC’s van. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please remember to bring lunch. Snacks will also be provided.
Get Lost!
We will be practicing backcountry navigation (off trail), use a map and compass, self-rescue skills, and practice survival and naturalist skills in Hammond Hill State Forest.
AGES: 10-15
SCHEDULE/FEES: 8/11-8/14.
Hammond Hill State Forest, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please remember to bring a backpack: lunch and sturdy footwear for hiking, and a rain jacket. Snacks will be provided.
LANSING PARKS & RECREATION ‘25
CONTACT: Meggie Conley, (607) 533-7388, mconley@lansingtown.com , https://www.lansingrec.com/parksrec
Adam Heck Soccer Camp
Adam Heck Soccer Camp offers young players the chance to improve their overall game in an environment suitable for all skill levels. Our staff consists of highly qualified coaches and players who have coached and played at the high school and collegiate level. Our coaches return year after year to deliver consistent, high-quality instruction! We’ve included goalkeeper training and some of the area’s collegiate coaches will also be in attendance to provide technical and tactical sessions.
AGES: Grades K - 10
SCHEDULE/FEES: AH Soccer Camp will run August 4th through August 8th. Grades K-3 (9 a.m. - noon), Grades 4-10 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), Cost: $85.00 for half day camp (K-3rd grade) and $165.00 for full day camp (4-10th grade)
Myers Park Day Camp
Come to beautiful Myers Park and enjoy one of the longest running Day Camps in the area. Sign up with your friends or meet new friends at camp. Enjoy traditional camp games, new games and activities, sports, crafts, picnic lunches, water sports adventures, quiet reading times under the trees and field trips! Before/after camp care is available for an additional cost. Children must have completed Kindergarten. Medical/immunization records must be submitted upon registration.
AGES: 5-12
SCHEDULE/FEES: Week 1: June 30-July 3, Week 2: July 7-11, Week 3: July 14-18, Week 4: July21-25, Week 5: July 28-August 1. 10 a.m.3 p.m. (before/after camp available). Cost: $185 ($165 for week 1)
LIME HOLLOW
SUMMER DAY CAMP ‘25
Full-day camps start with kids as young as 3 years old and continue through 10th graders! Each week offers a unique theme which promises to inspire a deep connection to nature, gets kids socializing, while playing and learning outdoors all day! Program runs 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. with extended options until 5 p.m. The first week starts June 30th! Prices vary by week. Camps: Knee-High – ages 3-5; Junior Naturalist – completed Grades K-3rd; Master Naturalist – completed Grades 4th-8th; Wanderers –completed Grades 6th-10th; Mentors in Training – completed Grades 8th-10th; and Voyager – Origins completed Grades 9th-12th. AGES: 3-18
SCHEDULE: All camps are 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. with an extended care option until 5 p.m. Nine weeks of summer camp opportunities starting July 1st. Check website for details.
CONTACT: Rachel Bevins, (607) 662-4632, info@limehollow.org , www.limehollow.org/summer-camp
LIONS CAMP BADGER ‘25
Overnight and Day camping programs for individuals ages 6-60+ with intellectual and functional differences. Weekly sessions run from Sunday to Friday and are grouped by age. We offer individualized camper-centered programming through a wide array of activities. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, arts & crafts, fishing, hiking, outdoor sports, and special events including Yoga, Archery, wildlife lessons, magician, dance, etc. Lions Camp Badger is a special place for special people.
AGES: 6+
SCHEDULE/FEES: Weekly sessions begin June 28 and run through August 8; See website for details.
CONTACT: Cynthia Reuter, (607) 589-4800, lionscampbadger@htva.net , www.lionscb.org
NEWFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY ‘25
NPL Summer Reading Program
All ages are eligible to win prizes and enjoy special events! Earn points by reading! Get a free book each week! Enjoy special events like: “Dancing with Horses” by Winterberry Homestead
“Take a Tromp Through the Swamp” by Tom Sieling
“Adventure of the Missing Color” by Science
Heroes
Puppet show & workshop by Lily Gershon “Rumpelstiltskin: Unspun!” by The REV Theatre Musical juggling performance by Nate the Great
Visit our website for details! AGES: All Ages
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 1 through August 18; FREE
CONTACT: Sue Chaffee, (607) 564-3594, newfieldlibrary@gmail.com, https://newfieldpubliclibrary.org/
NEWFIELD RECREATION SUMMER DAY CAMP ‘25
Newfield Rec is happy to announce that enrollment is open for Summer Day Camp are available. Online payments and payment plans will be available for the summer camp tuition amount, DSS approved.
AGES: Children entering 1st grade through children entering 7th grade in the Fall of 2025. (6-13)
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 7-August 15; 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Before (7:30-8:30) and After (4:305:30) care available.
CONTACT: Mike Jordan, (607) 342-8203, recreation@newfieldny.org , https://newfieldny.org/residents/recreation1/
NEWFIELD YOUTH SERVICES ‘25
With programs spanning a wide range of interests and settings, Newfield Youth Services has something for everybody this summer. As a free Summer Program with weekly themes spanning Mondays – Thursdays, these programs are available to any Youth in Newfield between 4th and 8th grade. Program themes include Sports, Outdoors, DnD, Building, gardening and more. Newfield Youth Services is a great opportunity for youth to make new friends, find new hobbies, and have a good time.
AGES: 4th and 8th grade (9-14)
CONTACT: Garrett Jones, (716) 364-2005, gj235@gmail.com , bit.ly/rysnewfield
OPUS ITHACA SCHOOL OF MUSIC ‘25
Opus Ithaca School of Music, located in the lower level of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ithaca, 402 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca. (607)-220-3026, https://opusithaca.org/ Choir Camp
Come experience the joy of choral singing! Choir Camp will include rehearsals with a variety of songs, vocal and performance techniques, activities with solfège and rhythms, musical games, movement, and special group performance at the end of the week. Come learn with wonderful teachers, Kelly Meehan, Morgan Haaf, Gavin Tremblay and Melissa Rooklidge.
New singers and singers from Odyssey Choir are welcome!
Students must provide their own bag lunches for the week.
AGES: 8-11
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 11-15, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.; $370/student, scholarships available.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Shuhan, lizshuhan@opusithaca.org , https://opusithaca. org/summer-camp/choir-camp
Flute Camp
Daily activities will include private lessons, chamber music, flute ensemble, masterclasses and outdoor activities. Flute Camp Faculty – Elizabeth Shuhan and Juliana Pepinsky Students must provide their own bag lunches for the week.
AGES: 8-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 18, 19, 20, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.; $370/student, scholarships available. CONTACT: Elizabeth Shuhan, lizshuhan@opusithaca.org , https://opusithaca. org/summer-camp/flute-camps
Chamber Music Workshop
This 3-day strings chamber music workshop for intermediate to advanced string players, welcomes violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists.
Participants will work in assigned groups coached by Opus faculty to prepare pieces for a culminating performance. Outside of chamber music rehearsals, participants will have opportunities to practice performing in supportive group masterclasses, as well as expanding their musical knowledge through music theory classes and improvisation sessions.
AGES: 11+
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 18, 19, 20, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. $260/student, scholarships available. CONTACT: Elizabeth Shuhan, lizshuhan@opusithaca.org , https://opusithaca.org/summercamp/chamber-music-for-strings-workshop Music Makers Camp
Come experience the joy of making music through songs, games, and creative activities! Students will develop and explore foundational musical experiences through their singing voice, movement, beat and rhythmic activities, experience musical comparatives (high vs. low notes, fast vs. slow, etc.) and explore a variety of instruments. Come learn, sing, and play! Students must provide their own bag lunches for the week.
AGES: 5-7
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 4-8, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., $370/student, scholarships available. CONTACT: Elizabeth Shuhan, lizshuhan@opusithaca.org, https://opusithaca. org/summer-camp/music-makers-camp Jazz Camp
Join us for a week of jazz, improvisation, jazz history, listening, and all things jazz! We will have introductory-level groups, as well as more advanced groups, based on experience and ability. The faculty will include Seth Carper, Paul Merrill, Peter Chwazik and Melissa Gardiner and guest artists! This camp is for drum, bass, guitar, piano, brass, and woodwind students. Students must have at least two years of experience playing their instrument or be playing at NYSSMA levels 2-6.
AGES: 12-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 14-18, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. $370/student, scholarships available. CONTACT: Elizabeth Shuhan, lizshuhan@opusithaca.org , https://opusithaca. org/summer-camp/jazz-camp
Piano Camp
Musical fun for kids ages 8-18 with at least 2 years of piano lessons. Students will play piano
ensemble music, be introduced to the pipe organ & harpsichord, explore improvisation, practice ear training & theory, play outside activities and games and host special guests. For older more advanced students, classes are designed to enhance theory and ear training skills, as well as technique and performance. Each student will have one lesson with an Opus Ithaca faculty member.
AGES: 8-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 38th – Aug 1st, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. $370/student, scholarships available. CONTACT: Elizabeth Shuhan, lizshuhan@opusithaca.org , https://opusithaca. org/summer-camp/piano-camp
PAINTED BAR STABLES ‘25
CONTACT: Erika Eckstrom, (607) 216-8141, ride@paintedbarstables.com, https://paintedbarstables.com/camps.html#youth
Youth Horsemanship Spring Camp
This camp is designed to give youth the opportunity to work with horses and fully understand what goes into their maintenance, care and ownership. Each day, in addition to riding lessons there will also be learning opportunities on in training and horse care. All Youth Campers get a horse of their own for the week and will learn both in the barn and on horseback. Learns the ins and out of true horsemanship – because it isn’t all about riding.
AGES: 8-14
SCHEDULE: April 14-18, 2025; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Youth Adventure Horse Camp Riders of all levels are welcome. No experience is necessary but first-time riders should be brave and willing. Our adventures are geared towards encouraging our riders to develop the following skills: Relationship Building with their Horse, Problem Solving, Pushing Boundaries, Barn and Stable Management. All Youth Campers get a horse of their own for the week and will learn both in the barn and on horseback.
AGES: 10-17
SCHEDULE: June 30 – July 4, 2025; August 11-15, 2024; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Horseplay Pee Wee One-Day Camp Riders of all levels are welcome. No experience is necessary but first-time riders should be brave and willing. Gallop on over to join this exciting horse filled day of camp! The Horseplay Pee Wee Day Camp is an intensive day of horses for youth. This camp hits on all aspects of the horse experience in just one day.
AGES: 6-9
SCHEDULE: Monday May 26th, 2025 (Memorial Day); Monday July 14th, 2025; Monday August 4th, 2025; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PANTHER SPORTS CAMP ‘25 Camps are held on the TC3 campus. Camp fee
includes instruction from current TC3 coaches and players, an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a Panther, and a dri-fit t-shirt. Offered: Girls Basketball (ages 9-14), Boys Basketball (ages 9-14), and Soccer (boys and girls, ages 8-14). Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Acceptance of camper to the Panther Sports Camps can be verified by receipt of camp instruction sheet from the camp office. If application is not accepted, camp fee will be promptly returned by mail. No refunds given within two weeks of camps starts date; 50% refund given if more than two weeks before camp begins. Camp specific items will be listed in the welcome letter. Campers should bring their own lunch.
AGES: 8-14
SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $185 per week. July 7-11 Girls Basketball, July 14-18 Boys Basketball, July 21-25 Soccer Boys & Girls.
CONTACT: Tom Wilk, (607) 844-8222, tdw009@tompkinscortland.edu , https://www.tcpanthers.com/information/ sports_camps
PICKLEBALL MANIA ‘25
Our Adventure Hub is a 5-day program packed with fun activities, where kids will: Play Sports: Pickleball, volleyball, basketball, spike ball, and more to keep them moving and having fun. Learn Valuable Skills: From basic filmmaking techniques to working with others, kids will gain skills they can use beyond the hub.
AGES: 7-18
SCHEDULE: See website for details
CONTACT: Lesa Carter, (607) 216-7537, buildingpotential@outlook.com, www.pickleballmania.org
PRIMITIVE PURSUITS 4-H ‘25
Primitive Pursuits is a non-profit 4-H program offering nature-based, primitive skills education for ages 3-16. Through year-round outdoor immersion, we help hundreds reconnect with nature. Rooted in respect for the Gayogohó꞉nǫʼ land, we’ve fostered deep nature connections for over 20 years. Our expert mentors teach wilderness skills, tracking, and more building a lasting bond between people and the outdoors. Summer sessions include day camps 4-H Acres and overnight camps at Arnot Forest.
AGES: 3-16
SCHEDULE: Check website for details on dates/times/fees
CONTACT: Miranda Sundquist, (607) 272-2292, primitivepursuits@cornell.edu , https://primitivepursuits.com/
SEWGREEN CAMPS ‘25
Located at 112 W. Green Street, 5, Press Bay Alley, Ithaca.
Fashion Camp
Begin (or continue) your sewing journey with this teen camp! Explore using different types of fabric to make unique projects like a pocketed shoulder bag, a simple top, wrap pants, or a non-gendered romper or shorts. Everything is supplied, including sewing machines. SewGreen camps are always about creativity and fun. Expect impromptu dance breaks, complete silliness, and finished projects that will impress your friends!
AGES: For beginners or returning campers going into grades 7, 8, 9, 10 (or equivalent). (12-16)
SCHEDULE/FEES: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28 – Aug. 1,
July 4-8
CONTACT: Draya Koschmann, (607) 342-1222, draya@sewgreenithaca.com , www.sewgreenithaca.com
The Art of Fashion Camp
Are you ready to explore the world of fashion design–from fashion history to fashion houses? Learn the differences between ready-towear and couture and more. Create a draped garment and learn to embellish garments. Let’s get in deep with the art of fashion!
AGES: 7th Grade and Up (12+)
SCHEDULE/FEES: Explore the world of Fashion; August 18-22, 1:30-4:30; Must have taken SewGreen Fashion Camp
CONTACT: Draya Koschmann, (607) 342-1222, draya@sewgreenithaca.com , https://www. sewgreenithaca.com/store/c9/Camp.html
Jewelry Camp
Learn jewelry assembly and metalworking techniques in this weeklong course for teens taught by an area jeweler. Using a variety of materials–metal, beads, leather plastic–we’ll create unique one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces out of found/recycled materials. We’ll play with aluminum cans, upcycled leather and textiles, and even plastic from straws and folders! Each four-hour day will have a snack break outside (and impromptu dance breaks). Come on, let’s make some jewelry from that trash!
AGES: Age 12 and Up
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 11-15; 1:30-4:30 with a snack break; $245 CONTACT: Draya Koschmann, (607) 342-1222, draya@sewgreenithaca.com , www.sewgreenithaca.com
Sewing Camp
Sewing is fun! At SewGreen, Campers learn
or review how to use a sewing machine and make a variety of projects like a patchwork pillow, a tote bag, an apron, and a stuffed animal. Projects are all gender neutral. Everything is supplied, including a machine to use at camp. This year each week has a different theme like: “My Room”, “Stuffies”, and “Getting Cozy” One of our most popular camps, Sewing Camp is always fun--never tedious. Come get silly and sew with us!
AGES: For beginners or returning campers going into grades 4, 5, 6 (or equivalent). (9-12)
SCHEDULE/FEES: July 7-11; July 14-18; July 21-25; July 28 - Aug. 1
CONTACT: Draya Koschmann, (607) 342-1222, draya@sewgreenithaca.com , www.sewgreenithaca.com
Fiber Arts Camp
A fun week for our youngest campers! Campers will try their hand at sewing, embroidery, weaving, felting, dying, and stamping. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors, with lots of playing and moving around.
AGES: 7-10 yr olds
SCHEDULE/FEES: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 Monday through Friday July 7-11; July 14-18; July 2125; July 28 – Aug. 1
CONTACT: Draya Koschmann, (607) 342-1222, draya@sewgreenithaca.com , www.sewgreenithaca.com
SOCCER SHOTS ‘25
Soccer Shots is a fun and engaging weekly intro-to-soccer program for kids. What sets us apart is our Coaches, our Curriculum and our Communication. All sessions are led by trained, background-checked, paid coaches who must prove they can lead exciting and engaging sessions on the field with each age
group before they are a “Soccer Shots Coach”. They know how to keep the kids safe, make them laugh, teach a skill and character word all in 40 minutes.
AGES: 2, 3-5, & 5-8
SCHEDULE/FEES: Weekly Summer programs start June 30th; See website for details
CONTACT: James Head, (607) 684-5532, binghamton@soccershots.com , https://www.soccershots.com/binghamton/
SPORT INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY ACADEMY ‘25
At the Sport International Hockey Academy, our concept is “Total Hockey”, and the accent is on learning through our highly qualified in-
ternational staff and advanced techniques. We maximize the student’s potential as a hockey player, concentrating primarily on improving each individual weakness with the emphasis on repetition. Our staff of professional hockey educators are under the common belief that fun and hard work are the main components in the skill development process.
AGES: For Ages 6-17 yrs. – all players grouped by age & ability
SCHEDULE/FEES: August 25th – August 29th; $395; See website for more details.
CONTACT: Bob Baldwin, 1 (800) 724-6658, info@siha.com, https://siha.com
STEWART PARK DAY CAMP ‘25
Stewart Park Day Camp is for 8–13-year-olds and is filled with fun and exciting activities! Campers will enjoy spending their days learning games, making new friends, participating in a variety of recreation activities including arts & crafts, boating, archery, tennis, drama, nature and sports! We’ll have 4 sessions between June 30th – August 15th. The camp fees vary, and scholarships are available. Registration information can be found on our socials and our website.
AGES: 8-13
SCHEDULE/FEES: We’ll have 4 sessions between June 30th-August 15th. The camp fees vary, and scholarships are available. CONTACT: Tito Villa, (607) 273-8364, evilla@cityofithaca.org , www.iybrec.org
THE SAVAGE CLUB OF ITHACA ‘25
Join us for a two-week camp where you will learn the craft of acting and the basics of classical theater. Taught by professional actors Emma Bowers and JG Hertzler. The class will
culminate in a staged reading of a condensed version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Go to lansingareaperformancehall.org to learn more about the camp and the teachers! Register by emailing Emma Bowers at shakespearediscoveryproject@gmail.com
AGES: 13-18
SCHEDULE: Camp runs Mon.-Fri. July 14th through July 29th 9 a.m. - 4p.m. $800 per student. Takes place at The Lansing Area Performance Hall. 1004 Auburn Rd, N Lansing. 13-18 yrs. of age. Class size limited to 20 kids. CONTACT: Emma Bowers, 1 (917) 684-9449, shakespearediscoveryproject@gmail.com , lansingareaperformancehall.org
THE CLAY SCHOOL OF ITHACA SUMMER CAMP ‘25
Campers will experience multiple mediums this year! Students will make pots and sculptures from stoneware and self-hardening clays. They will learn how to slab, coil and pinch with some wheel throwing mixed in too. Other projects will include painting, collage, and jewelry making. All creations will be finished at the end of the week!
SCHEDULE/FEES: Ages 8-11 will be July 28th –Aug 1st, Aug 4th-8th, Aug 18th – 22nd, Aug 25th –29th; Teen Week (ages 12-16) will be Aug 11th –15th; see website for more details AGES: 8-11; 12-16
CONTACT: Bri Bustin, (607) 873-2884, clayschoolithaca@gmail.com , https://clayschoolithaca.com/youth-classes-1
YMCA OF ITHACA & TOMPKINS COUNTY CAMP ADVENTURE ‘25
Camp Adventure, hosted by the Ithaca YMCA (at 50 Graham Rd West) offers your child a
summer filled with fun, friends, and exciting adventures. Rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, the camp fosters character development while creating lasting memories. Camp Adventure explores the world with field trips, guest speakers, and character exploration activities in safe, caring environments. Scholarships are available to ensure every child can attend camp. SCHEDULE/FEES: Camp runs 8:00 a.m.5:30 p.m. Weekly sessions June 30 – Aug. 29; Family membership: $230/wk; Youth membership: $240/wk; Non-member: $270/wk. AGES: 5-12
CONTACT: Rachael Jackson, (607) 257-0101, rjackson@ithacaymca.com , https://www.ithacaymca.com/child-care/campadventure/
YOUTH LEARN TO ROW ‘25
CBC offers half-day youth learn-to-row classes during the summer. This program is a fun and safe introduction to the sport of rowing and covers equipment, water safety, rowing technique, and boat handling. The focus is developing skills to become a lifelong rower. During each 3-hour session, students will spend time on land and on the water under the supervision of our fantastic coaches. AGES: 12-18
SCHEDULE/FEES: 5 weeks Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. June 30th – Aug. 1st $250/week; $200 for week of June 30 – July 3 (No class Friday July 4th)
* Multi-week discount available.
CONTACT: Eliza Brown, (607) 216-7805, ciccotti@gmail.com , http://www.cascadillaboatclub.org/learn-to-row1.html
Gains
#1 Cornell Men; Tourney Hopeful Women, Score Weekend Wins
By Steve Lawrence
It was a big weekend for Cornell lacrosse fans, and for those willing to travel to Long Island to watch the men take on arch-rival Syracuse, it was worth the trip. The Big Red unleashed yet another scoring barrage — putting up 17 goals to the Orange’s 12 — silencing in the process any skeptics who might have thought they were unworthy of the #1 ranking they brought into the contest.
Fans choosing to instead stay in town to watch the women’s game were not disappointed either, as that version of the Big Red made it a point to avenge last weekend’s tough loss to Princeton. That game — which saw Cornell down by as many as eight goals — ended with the Tigers holding on in a 12-11 nail biter, leaving Cornell with a 2-2 conference record, and tied for fourth place in the Ivy League. Given the conference’s top four teams make the Ivy Tournament, the Senior Day match up with Harvard — also sporting a 2-2 Ivy record — loomed large.
The Senior Day recognition ceremony would take a little longer than usual, as Cornell's roster features a whopping 16 players who would suit up for their final
game at home. Harvard — also 2-2 in league play and ranked #21 nationally — came in knowing that the long bus ride home always feels shorter when a “W” goes into the column, and this game would not be decided until Cornell sophomore Ellie Bergin found the net with under 40 seconds to play to put the home team up 13-12. A furious lastsecond shot by the Crimson was turned away by Big Red junior goalie Mackenzie Clark, and when the final buzzer sounded, Cornell was one step closer to making the conference tourney. It was a great way for the 16 seniors to say farewell to Schoellkopf Field.
● ● ●
It must be a tall order for opposing coaches to prep teams to play the Big Red men, because telling a team it will likely need to score 15 or 20 goals to win could be a bit deflating. Cornell’s 10 wins have seen the team score 18 goals, 15, 22, 12, 15, 19, 15, 18, 13 and 17 goals, and keeping up with numbers like that has been impossible for all but Penn State, and that game was an anomaly.
On Saturday, on a cold and rainy day on Long Island, the men went for their third straight win over their upstate rival, and took care of business on all levels. The 17-12 victory marked the second time this season Cornell has won by more than five goals over a top-five opponent, and on Saturday, a familiar name was called often. CJ Kirst — who is widely regarded as the games preeminent player — put another eight points in the record book, scoring five goals and assisting on three more. Sophomore Ryan Goldstein reversed those numbers in putting up his eight points, (Longtime fans are enjoying watching Ryan’s emergence as a key player, given we all watched his dad, Tim, light it up in the 1980s. Tim was a leader on the national runner-up team of 1987, he was the tournament MVP that year, and he was a two-time All American, the Ivy League Player of the Year and the outstanding attackman in Division 1. Tim was the second collegiate player ever to score 100 points in a season, and was inducted into the Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993, Kirst is closing in on a coveted record, as his five goals and three assists moved with five goals of matching Payton Cormier’s NCAA Division I goalscoring record of 224.
Sophomore Ryan Goldstein scored three goals with five assists in #1 Cornell’s key win over #5 Syracuser. His dad, Tim was a Cornell star in the 1980s. (Photo: Cornell Athletics)
Also on East Hill, I almost saw a rarity on Sunday when the Cornell softball team hosted Princeton. The Tigers had runners
don’t hold the appropriate certification for what they’re teaching. We are in a crisis and we are barreling headfirst toward a teacher shortage so severe that we will not be able to sustain public education unless we fix something.
And that something is Tier 6!
Despite the years of rhetoric and attacks, dedicated, hard working people are still choosing to build their professional lives in public education. We do it because we want to make a difference in children’s lives. We do it because we are products of public education ourselves. We do it because it’s our calling. Coffee mugs and folksy handpainted signs love to remind us that we do it “for the outcome not the income”, but the reason teachers accept salaries that don’t com-
pete with other professions is because we know that after working hard through our adult years, we will be able to retire comfortably because of our contributions to the New York State Teachers Retirement System. Forbes magazine acknowledged in 2022 that pension benefits are a major tool that must be leveraged to recruit and retain public educators and end the nationwide teacher shortage. If we’re going to “fix” public education we should be investing in public educators and enhancing pension benefits for public educators not eroding pension benefits and punishing teachers by forcing them to pay more into a system that will deliver much less than their predecessors got.
But somehow the message that we’re struggling to recruit and retain teachers, and that high-quality pension plans can help ease that struggle, is getting lost in Albany. Currently a Tier 4 member is
eligible to retire after 30 years of service, but a Tier 5 or 6 member has to work for 40 years or face heavy penalties! (Boo!)
Currently a Tier 4 member contributes 3% of their annual salary for 10 years, while a Tier 5 or 6 member pays between 3 and 6% for their entire career! (Boo!)
Currently a fully vested Tier 4 member is guaranteed a comfortable life by getting 60% of their final average salary in their pension check, while a Tier 5 or 6 member can only expect to receive 26.4% of their final average salary — I don’t know any-
on first and second, no outs, and a player hit a line shot to the left of second base. Shortstop Ella Harrod made a great lunging catch, flipped to second for the double play and the throw to first was a millisecond late to turn a gem of a triple play. I wanna see the replay...
one who could retire and live off of 26.4% of their salary. Do you?
We know that our public education system is under attack, but that it’s not broken. And we also know that our entire profession and our kids’ futures are in jeopardy if we can’t recruit and retain great public educators fast. We won’t be able to do it alone. We need to stand in solidarity to fight for our profession. We need to stand in solidarity to declare that 30 years is a career. And we need to stand in solidarity to Fix Tier 6!!!
By Peter Rothbart
Opera Ithaca’s world premiere of the chamber opera Lucidity opens with the lyric, “There is a place, where music lives, where music plays, time cannot touch it, through music we reach into that place and open the hidden door to bring out memory…’’
This collaboration between composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist David Cote is a poetic expression of the inter-relationship between music and memory, and art and science. Lucidity is also an opera about the road not taken; each character reflects on their life choices made. Music is the common denominator, an echo (memory) of their previous life.
Lucy Shelton, an internationally known singer of twentieth century vocal music, takes on the role of Lili, an internationally known composer and singer, who fades in and out of her dementia, lucid at times, disoriented at others. Shelton will be making her Metropolitan Opera next year at the spry age of 82. She one of the foremost exponents of sprechstimme, a musical technique that lies between a pitched whisper and declamatory speech. Kaminsky wrote the part of Lili specifically for Shelton, so listen for extensive use of the technique at dramatically strategic moments.
Dr. Claire Klugman, sung by Dawn Pierce, is her neuroscientist and former vocal music student, who chose the life of a scientist instead of a career in music. She suffers from writer’s block and wonders why. She hires Sunny, sung by Shaina Martinez, a graduate student clarinetist, to work with and observe
Arts & Entertainment Music, Memory, and Choices: Opera Ithaca Premieres “Lucidity”
Opera Ithaca, Hangar Theatre
801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca
Friday, April 25, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 26, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 PM
Tickets:
https://hangartheatre.org/event/opera-ithaca-lucidity/
Lili as part of a study of music and the brain. Sunny is estranged from her religiously conservative parents who offer no emotional or financial support.
Lili’s adopted son, Dante played by Geoffrey Peterson, is a music prodigy who was following his mother’s trail into concert performance, but after accompanying her around the world musically and personally, has chosen to abandon his career to care for his ailing mother. He is conflicted; angry about, yet resolute in caring for his mother. Their conflict explodes in an early duet as Lili encourages Dante to follow his musical desires and instincts. They remain unresolved as both sing of their sacrifices for love.
During one of her therapeutic and observation visits, Sunny discovers a recording of Lily singing Franz Schubert’s “Der Hirt auf dem Felsen” (The Shepherd on the Rock), a vocal work she had recorded in her younger years. The lyrics reflect a shepherd’s loneliness as he sings into the darkness from which his echoes emerge. Sunny plays it for Lili, who is at first confused. Gradually, Lili begins to mouth the words. She recognizes the song, becoming momentarily animated as she tries to sing, but the recording and her memory is now just an echo of her past.
As Lucidity develops, each character experiences their own moment of light or clarity. Dante resolves his anger towards his mother and his caretaker role as he begins to accompany her while she struggles to sing the Schubert. Sunny reaches out to reconcile with her parents. Dr. Klugman, having examined a newly found score of Lili’s, re-discovers his love of music, and finds satisfaction in coupling his passion for scientific research to his love of music. And for the moment at least, Lily remembers who she was, and still is, before the light goes dark.
Lucidity is Kaminsky and Cote’s first collaboration, although Kaminsky is working on her tenth opera while Cote has written
librettos for seven. Both Kaminsky’s operas and Cote’s librettos are known for exploring a variety of touchy contemporary social issues. In an interview with the Ithaca Times, Cote explains, “As a librettist, I find myself gravitating to subjects that explore our humanity, but also specific social or political issues: dysfunction in our criminal-justice system; sexism, and climate change, and in Lucidity, the possibilities of music therapy and the complex emotional terrain of living with dementia or being a caregiver to a loved one.”
In Lucidity, for example, Dante, who is Black and adopted, angrily confesses that he quit his budding concert career partially because he only knew of only one Black classical pianist, André Watts. Another example is when, in a moment of cogency, the elderly Lili offers advice to the younger Sunny about the career/family quandary many women experience. Lili’s wisdom and lucidness momentarily surfaces as she offers herself as an example of how it is possible to manage both.
Lucidity has had several world premieres since it was co-commissioned by Opera Ithaca, On Site Opera (NYC), Seattle Opera, Houston Opera in the Heights, and the Tri-Cities Opera (Binghamton). It has been staged differently at each of the premiering venues. On Site Opera created a site-specific performance, putting the audience members on the stage looking into the seats, while Seattle opted for a more traditional presentation. Opera Ithaca director Olivia Gacka will incorporate multiple video streams to project the underlying fragmentation of mind and memory that is the core of this new opera.
Peter Rothbart is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre and Dance, where he taught electroacoustic and media music for 40 years. He remains active as a classical, jazz and pop musician.
Shaina Martinexz as Sumy, Geoffrey Peterson as Dante, Lucy Shelton as Lili and Dawn Pierce as Dr Claire Klugman star in Opera Ithaca’s premiere of “Lucidity”. (Photos: Provided)
Ithaca Fever At The Cherry
By Ross Haarstad
Clara, a Romanian emigre, journalist and world traveler, lands in Ithaca on a fellowship to Cornell as Covid breaks out in 2020, and she becomes infected. As fever takes over, she researches the history of the old mansion on Geneva Street in which she has taken an apartment. It belonged once to Ithaca’s leading family, the Tremans (whose presence endures today as Robert H. Treman Park, etc.)
Clara finds herself entwined with a young girl, Lulu Treman, who is fighting the typhoid fever which is raging through 1903’s Ithaca. The ghosts of the family spill into her dream-space, as Clara investigates this history through googling newspaper accounts and perusing a family history.
The 1903 typhoid outbreak is complicated by the lack of a municipal water filtration plant. The city’s water rights are privately owned by William T. Morris (who bought it from the Tremans). The Ithaca Daily Journal is downplaying the epidemic while the Ithaca Daily News is highlighting it and editorializing for municipal ownership of the water. (As Clara exclaims, “you can own water?”) Twice the New York Times chimes in.
Besides the Treman family (matriarch Eliza, her children Eben and Anna Louisa, daughter-in-law Jeannie and granddaughter Lulu), Clara envisions the ghost of their Romanian maid, Maria, and her immigrant lover Pavel.
The juxtaposition of two epidemics, the political wrangling over responses, the blaming of “others” (Hungarian immigrants in 1903, Chinese/ AsianAmericans in 2020), are neatly navigated in Stanescu’s script (both Clara’s landlord and neighbor are Asian-American, and the three souls become their own sort of island during early Covid).
The narrative strands that emerge are the fever itself, the 1903 newspapers’ war
Ithaca Fever
by Saviana Stanescu
through April 20
The Cherry Artspace 102 Cherry St., (thecherry.org)
livestreaming tickets available
and the push for the City to take over the waterworks, and the immigrant love story. There is a late twist in the latter to bring the play full circle.
While neatly stitched, the play follows fairly typical paths for a history-based docudrama—the dueling newspapers (neatly personified in Craig MacDonald’s authoritative yet wry Duncan Campbell Lee (top-hatted) versus Natasha Keller’s soignee Ithaca Daily Journal (large plumed hat). The family Treman breaks down into the old ways (Eliza, a stolid Jennifer Ann Galvez) and socialite Jeannie (Keller), versus newer ways: Eben, a droll and earnest Mike Chen and ‘spinster’ Anna Louisa (a graceful, chipper Darcy Rose) while Max Lorn-Krause is the requisite ‘old boy’ capitalist as Morris (all blithe charm and entitlement.)
Jupiter Rose sparkles as young Lulu, a tight ball of focused energy. Riley Marie Fortin’s Maria embodies the more interior conflicts of the play as a working-class immigrant with brightness and an easy vulnerability. Lorn-Krause’s Pavel is a torrent of passion and hope.
In the present day Galvez has a lovely turn as Tala, the sharp Filipina landlord, while Chen is a warm Huy (Clara’s neighbor.)
The particular strength of Stanescu’s play is the character of Clara: an openminded, bemused outsider with a delight in ghosts and research. In a way Clara is the audience’s spirit guide. Barb Geary fills her to overflowing with curiosity, her acting seems almost accidental, elegantly conversational.
Director Sarah Plotkin builds a genial ensemble, and maintains pace and focus with the lightest touch. Iris Estelle provides handsome period costumes burnished by Tyler Perry’s generous lighting. Artistic Director Samuel Buggeln provides a set of parlor, bed and a suite of mismatched chairs for the actors to retreat to in between their scenes, all against a projected backdrop of the Geneva mansion and newspaper clippings.
In all, a sweet dive into local history with an underlying current of the dislocations of class and ethnicity/ migration, if a bit traditional by Cherry standards.
Roomful of Teeth
