Cradle Beach Inc.

What We Do - Programming

Cradle Beach serves the needs of children with disabilities and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We provide a healthy environment and organized activities to promote socialization, self-worth, and decision making, in an atmosphere of love and acceptance.

Residential Summer Enrichment Camping Program

The Residential Summer Enrichment Camping Program has long been staple of the programming offered at Cradle Beach. This program is offered every summer to nearly 800 children with disabilities and those who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Children come to our site located in Angola, NY for 7-10 days of experiential learning in an inclusive setting.

Our entire program is focused upon the 40 Developmental Assets as recognized by the Search Institute. The Developmental Assets are the building blocks of healthy development that all children need to grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible adults.

Research demonstrates the more assets a child has in his or her life, the greater the likelihood that they will avoid high-risk negative behaviors, while at the same time choose more positive attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, asset development programming promotes an increase in academic achievement, a value for tolerance and diversity, good health and delayed gratification.

Asset-based programming will also protect youth from harmful behaviors by reducing alcohol use, illicit drug use, sexual activity and violence.

Respite

The Cradle Beach Respite Program provides a weekend getaway for individuals with a documented developmental disability. Participants stay at Cradle Beach and the program is a relaxed combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Staff members are experienced summer staff and are trained to work with people with special needs.

Project SOAR

Project SOAR (Success, Opportunity, Achievement, Responsibility) provides tutoring, mentoring and academic support throughout the school year by tutoring and mentoring 3rd - 6th grade students directly in the classroom. Cradle Beach staff are inside the classroom on a daily basis at three Buffalo Public Schools - Lovejoy Discovery School - BPS #43, Lorriane Academy and Southside Academy. Additional programming is provided to these students through weekend retreats, a summer camp component and summer enrichment activities.

For more information please visit Cradlebeach.org