# NYC Homeless Kids Find Solace at Unique Sleepaway Camp

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2025/08/25/3434dfb4-ce1f-4db8-bd54-dae9e2813b73/cbsn-fusion-sleepaway-camp-offers-haven-for-homeless-kids-thumbnail.jpg" alt="Camp Homeward Bound">

For many children, summer camp is a fun escape. But for kids experiencing homelessness in New York City, Camp Homeward Bound is so much more – it's a home away from home.  This unique sleepaway camp provides a haven for children from city shelters, offering them a place to belong and build confidence.

## A Place to Call Home

Camp Homeward Bound, run by the Coalition for the Homeless, has been operating for 41 years, funded entirely by donations.  For kids who've experienced trauma and instability, the camp offers a crucial sense of normalcy and community.

> "As I grew up in the shelter, I realized that I didn't have an actual home. Coming to camp made me realize that this camp could be my home for the time being." - Cici Johnson, former camper, now counselor

The camp provides a range of activities, from biking (a simple joy for some campers) to character-building exercises that foster confidence and resilience.

## More Than Just Fun and Games

While the camp offers traditional summer camp fun, its impact goes far beyond recreational activities.  It provides a safe space for children to heal, connect with peers, and develop crucial life skills.  The camp's focus on character building helps campers build self-esteem and hope for the future.

> "Here we do work a lot on character building, and just saying to someone, 'You're courageous,' just to help build them up." - Beverly McEntarfer, Camp Director

Even though the camp experience is temporary, the lasting impact on these children is profound.  Many, like Cici, carry the confidence and hope gained at camp into their lives, pursuing ambitious goals despite their challenging circumstances.

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Camp Homeward Bound is a summer sleepaway camp designed specifically for children who come from New York City homeless and domestic violence shelters.

NYC Homeless Kids Find Hope and Home at Sleepaway Camp

# NYC Fights Back Against Flooding with Real-Time Sensors

New York City is deploying hundreds of street-corner sensors to monitor and predict flooding in real time. This innovative system provides crucial data to an interactive public map, helping businesses and residents prepare for potential flooding.

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/08/26/multimedia/26met-flood-sensors-01-flwj/26met-flood-sensors-01-flwj-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;disable=upscale" alt="A flood sensor is mounted beneath a sign with small writing that says “Dept. of Transportation.”">

**How it works:** The sensors measure rising water levels and instantly relay the information to the online map.  This allows individuals like Kelly Hayes, co-owner of Gowanus Gardens bar in Brooklyn – a frequent flood victim – to monitor conditions and prepare accordingly.

**Impact:** For businesses and residents in flood-prone areas, this real-time data is invaluable.  It allows them to take preventative measures before significant flooding occurs, minimizing damage and disruption.

**The Future of Flood Prevention:** This initiative represents a significant step forward in improving the city's flood preparedness and response capabilities. It's a powerful example of how technology can improve public safety and community resilience.


Hundreds of sensors placed throughout New York City measure water as it rises, then send the data to an interactive map available to the public.

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