Christodora Campfire

1980s —

Christodora educators bring hands-on ecology into public school classrooms, sparking students’ interest in science and nature. Students can stay involved throughout the year by participating in weekend stewardship and field ecology programs in city parks and beyond.

1981 —

New wilderness camp program in the Berkshires replaced Camp Northover, to enhance opportunities for developing outdoor and leadership skills. Summer sessions and school-year field trips serve almost 1,000 NYC students per year. Students return year after year and develop into staff members and role models.

1948 —

Board refocused mission on nature-based programs, while providing community services with NYC partners including Riis Houses. In the 1970’s, launched backwoods excursion and ecology education programs in Harriman State Park and the Adirondacks, and in NYC at the American Museum of Natural History.

1927-1948

Expanded programs at new, 16-story Christodora House on Tompkins Square. Pioneered model in which residents shared their skills with the community. The Poets' Guild, including Robert Frost, published the Unbound Anthology to make poetry accessible to all.

1908

Camp Northover, in New Jersey, opened as a summer refuge for outdoor recreation and healthy living. Harry Hopkins joined as a young camp counselor and then lived and worked at the Settlement on Ave B; informed his later work as architect of the New Deal.

1897-1898

Young Women's Settlement founded; renamed Christodora ("Gift of Love") in 1898 with enlarged scope, at 147 Ave B. Provided nonsectarian support for immigrant families through vocational training, community gathering, art and music schools; hosted George Gerswhin's first public recital in 1914