“When I first signed up for an overnight trip to a camp in the woods in 7th grade, I never thought it would light a spark in me the way it did. From the moment I first stepped off that school bus and took in a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, I knew that moments like this were something everyone deserved to experience. The friendships I made at Manice and with my peers in the New Youth Conservationist have proven to be lifelong; the memories I have of once-in-a-lifetime experiences are some that I hold closest to my heart, and the stewardship their staff instilled in me has shaped who I have become, and how passionate I am about ensuring New York City youth have access to clean green spaces. Christodora is a place where leaders of change are born. Thank you for helping me become one.”

— Stephanie Cataquet, CFA Programs Manager, New Settlement Community Center