A boutique community collective
To nurture children's growth through mindful exploration, cultural immersion, and experiential learning in New York City, guided by expert educators who create safe, transformative experiences that build confidence, community, and joy.
Mind The Gap Sizzle Reel
testimonials
Mind the Gap: The Perfect Camp for Kids (and Parents!) As a parent, finding a camp that’s both fun and enriching can feel like a challenge—until we found Mind the Gap. My children had the most incredible experience this past summer, and I can’t recommend this camp enough. Dana, the camp’s leader, is nothing short of amazing. She has this incredible ability to make New York City feel accessible and approachable for kids of all ages. Dana knows the city inside and out, from the coolest hidden spots in Brooklyn to the most fun and educational activities across the NY area. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and knack for finding adventure make every day a new and exciting experience for the kids. What’s even more impressive is how Dana creates a sense of community. Kids of all ages work together, support each other, and genuinely have fun. My child made friends from different age groups, which I think is a testament to the positive and inclusive environment Dana fosters. We recommend Mind the Gap dearly!
- Adi and Gal Barel (parents of Adam and Daniela)😘❤️
testimonials
My 2 boys (Age 9) joined the Mind the Gap camp last summer. My boys tend to be bored easily and react to counselors that aren’t patient. Both boys finished the first week begging to sign them up for the next year! I was in shock! The activities kept them interested and the overall experience left the happy and wanting more! WHAT MORE CAN I ASK FOR? There is nothing like this camp experience in Manhattan for children (trust me I have tried them all). They are also flexible with scheduling and welcoming to new faces. My boys we’re well taken care of, happy and EXHAUSTED at the end of the day. I highly recommend this camp and we can’t wait for next season!
- Izzy Anaya
My daughter has been in daycares she loved and an excellent 3-K program, and still her favorite days were “home days." Not so with Mind the Gap—she would wake up on weekends and ask excitedly, “is it a summer camp day?!” She couldn’t wait to go back every day. I can’t thank Dana and her team enough for an awesome summer of so much learning, experiencing, and growing.
- Sarah Schultes
A boutique summer camp with weekly taekwondo, amazing field trips with friends and older role models, and almost daily trips on the subway? This was the summer of Doyoon's dreams. He was so tired and happy every day I picked him up from camp and that's the best feeling. Thank you Dana for offering this amazing experience. Can't wait to do it again next year!
- Yonji Kim
testimonials
MTG has been a wonderful experience for my 6 yr old son. Sports, arts, science, philosophy and guidance to understanding the positive impact that having a sense of community can bring to the human kind. Dana and her crew are inspiring leaders!!!
- Luciana Paris
Dana and the Mind the Gap (MTG) team provide a safe and fun summer camp for kids with a diverse curriculum of activities. The flexibility of summer camp options (weekly and daily) as well as camps available over school holidays provide parents the knowledge and confidence that your child will expand their minds and experiences through different activities including exciting adventures throughout NYC and even beyond. We’ve been sending our daughter for several years now – MTG is a great place for a wide range of age groups.
- Jessica Bowers Kiyanja
We have two children who have thrived in Mind the Gap’s summer camp with Dana for several summers. In the evenings, they regale us with stories of all their amazing adventures in the city, including trips to museums, frolicking in the park, chasing each other through sprinklers, and watching live puppet shows. They have made friends at camp who they love and cherish and have been able to enjoy spending time with children in a range of ages–something that’s hard to find elsewhere. They have also developed strong connections with Dana and her team of counselors, all of whom demonstrate a degree of warmth and professionalism that is not easy to find. We couldn’t ask for anything more.
- Lauren Macioce
testimonials
My daughter wants to skip everything else in her life just to go to this camp. Dana is a rare breed who GENUINELY loves everyone’s children, and the kids really feel it. Not to mention all the cool places they get to go such as the zoo, Governor's Island, etc.
- Paulina
Dana is a passionate educator and a mother. She brings a unique perspective to childcare through mindfulness and arts while curating fun and meaningful experiences for children using New York City as a playground. The camp activities are incredibly diverse and range from field trips to museums, the Bronx Zoo, The New York Botanical Garden, to nearby islands, parks and pools, walks in the North Woods, various playgrounds and play at the lovely facilities of the camp building itself. The camp offers exposure to traditions celebrated by different cultures, fosters kindness and mutual respect, and creates engagement by mixing kids of different ages.
Our five-year-old son Henry simply loves going to camp and enjoys spending time with his old and new friends, going on adventures and having lots of fun in an enriching and stimulating environment. The camp families are wonderful and we are happy to send Henry there during school breaks and in the summer.
- Adam and Lana
testimonials
To parents considering sending their young children (my daughter was 4 when she started with Dana's camp). It's unlike anything else you have been offered.
Dana is a fantastic mother and leader. She is loving and fun, and seems to have infinite energy. She's so charismatic and magically curates an incredible group with wonderful instructors and uniquely talented children. The camp is creative, ambitious and at the same time extremely organized. The kids go all over the city, from the Bronx Zoo to Governor's Island, from Chinatown to Times Square. They splashed the overheating days away in the swimming pool and they did tons of crafts and projects indoors when it rained.
My daughter spent all day with the camp and at the end of the day I still had to pry her out.
We already can't wait for the summer to start again.
- Ting Sun
My daughter joined camp for five weeks and loved it. She still proudly shares memories of all her adventures around the city - especially the trip to Governor’s Island. Dana’s home became a joyful refuge for her - the place where kids from the neighborhood come together and play.
Dana radiates love, patience and kindness - always treating the kids with respect and finding ways for them to feel understood. Of course my daughter will be back next summer.
She is already dreaming of the scooter trips, homemade ice cream and ferry rides.
- Milena
Mind The Gap was a blast for my daughters, ages 5 & 10. Dana is wonderful, grounded, creative and loving and holds a beautiful and peaceful space for the children to have fun. We loved the themes of the days, mindfulness, breathing and movement to get the children connected to their bodies. And the kids explored the city with trips to zoos, museums and swimming almost daily. They had such a rich and nourishing summer with Dana and her lovely staff of helpers and educators. I would highly recommend the camp to anyone who wants a boutique summer camp experience that is held in mindfulness and care. A rare gem!
- Astrid Schmidt, LCSW-R
Dana's camp is an amazing mix of music, arts & crafts, swimming, long walks & field trips. Our kid comes home exhausted! And he's excited for the next day: Everyday is something different. We're looking forward to sending both kids to her camp this year!
- Trupti
Mind the Gap is the perfect camp! Our two boys have joined it since the very beginning and have enjoyed it throughout the Summer, school breaks and random off-school days/half days. Dana is a natural and passionate camp leader and, most importantly, she truly enjoys spending her time with the kids and actively participating in all the activities. While the activities are mainly outdoor, she always manages to make also rainy/freezing/super-hot indoor days fun for the kids. The camp instructors we have met are all very personable, energetic and responsible, thus contributing to the camp overall great experience.
- Maddalena and Paolo
