We remain open for now, but we're being vigilant

Dear Extreme Kids & Crew community, 

There are now multiple confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in New York City. While the risk remains low, we are aware that many of our member families may be more vulnerable to infection. We have arranged to have a cleaning service come into the play spaces more frequently, and staff will use alcohol-based cleaning products to disinfect toys, equipment and furniture daily. Extreme Kids & Crew’s play spaces remain open, and the events will run as scheduled until informed otherwise. Most of our programming takes place within public schools, and thus we will follow the Department of Education's lead regarding closures.

While we remain open, please do not participate in Extreme Kids programming if:

• you or a family member is sick.

• you recently returned to New York from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy or Japan within the last 14 days.

• you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to a high-risk location.

Your safety is of the utmost importance to us, and we are happy to share the following information from the Health Department:

To prevent infection, the best advice is still to get a flu shot, wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. What we know about the coronavirus so far is that it behaves like the flu, which means the best prevention is the same advice given during flu season.

Visit NYC’s Coronavirus website for real-time updates in multiple languages. 

• Here are FAQs in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

• Here is a doctor’s note for your children in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

You can also text COVID to 692-692 to get real-time updates.

We suggest visiting the NYC Department of Education’s website for information on public school updates. And this guide from the New York Times about talking to kids about coronavirus is a great resource if you're struggling to keep your own anxiety in check.

During this time of unknowns and potential fear, please treat each other with respect and kindness. We are all in this together.

We will keep you posted on further developments, and we hope you stay safe and healthy.

With love and compassion,

Caitlin M. Cassaro, Executive Director, and The Crew

Transcript: What You Need to Know about Coronavirus (in ASL) Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious ill...

Video: Ice Skating With the Crew on News 12 Brooklyn

News 12 Brooklyn paid a visit to Extreme Kids & Crew in Prospect Park for the third annual Ice Skating With the Crew event, talking to kids about their experience on the ice. Transcript below.

Kristie Reeter (anchor): A nonprofit here in our borough is giving all kids a chance to participate in a fun winter activity. That's with Extreme Kids & Crew’s third annual Ice Skating With the Crew event at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. News 12 Brooklyn’s Emily Lorsch spoke with some of the kids who had a blast at the event and tells us more.

Emily Lorsch (reporter): Children with disabilities from all over the city coming together to check out ice skating.

Sage C.: I have seen people skating before but I’ve never done it. It was something that I wanted to do because I always watch the people on TV do the ice skating and when they do their competitions and stuff.

Emily Lorsch: These ladies tell me ice skating seems scary, but the adaptive skating equipment, like these penguins and sleds, really help them not only get used to the ice, but have a great time. 

Camille C.: I had so much fun because I got to be on the sled and I got to go really fast.

Leigh Reid: An ice rink if you've never witnessed one is beautiful, it’s fun, but it’s a little bit chaotic. It can definitely be a little intimidating for your first time on the ice. So when you add on disabilities to that, there's a little bit of social stigma worries. There's also costs that can often be an issue.

Emily Lorsch: But this free event is offering up a space for children to feel comfortable and go at their own pace.

Camille C.: If you don't want to go on the ice you could just go on the sled instead of going on the ice. What was so special about it is that you won't fall and hurt yourself.

Leigh Reid: Just so they can get out there and they can have that fun experience that everybody deserves to have.

Emily Lorsch: Many of these kids tell me at first they were scared to get on the ice and now they can't wait to come back next year. In Prospect Park, Emily Lorsch, News 12 Brooklyn.

The 2019 Impact Report

With the help of our families and funders, we accomplished a whole lot in 2019! Thanks to everyone who supported us and helped provide children and their people with a space to be. Check out some of our achievements below…

The Crew, On Ice

Extreme Kids & Crew is excited to return to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park for our annual disability-friendly ice skating event this February. In addition to a rink reserved just for us, we will have adaptive sleds and disability-aware staff on-site to foster a safe and fun environment for everyone. Entry is $6 and skates are $6, with the first 75 skaters getting in free. Stay tuned for updates.

More info >

Teens Crew, Rescheduled for 9/21

Teens Crew was originally scheduled for 9/14, but it will be rescheduled for 9/21. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.

Teens Crew

Video: Lessons Learned in Raising a Son with Special Needs

Steve Adubato goes One-on-One with Eliza Factor, Founder of Extreme Kids & Crew and author of "Strange Beauty: A Portrait of My Son."