About Cradle Beach

What We Do - Programming

Cradle Beach Camp 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.

Summer Camp

Summer camp is the signature program of Cradle Beach, but we continue year-round with weekend respites Project SOAR and we also share our facility with schools and other community organizations who need a great place for a retreat, innovative programming for youth, or both.

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. For more information on the 40 Developmental Assets, visit: http://www.search-institute.org/.

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. For more information please click here.

Project SOAR

Project SOAR (Success, Opportunity, Achievement, Responsibility) extends our summer camping enrichment program throughout the school year by tutoring and mentoring 3rd and 4th grade students directly in the classroom. Through the generosity of the Patrick P. Lee Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and a partnership with AmeriCorps Cradle Beach has placed staff inside the classrooms at Lovejoy Discovery School - Buffalo Public School #43 providing intensive in-class tutoring,field trips, overnight monthly retreats and a residential summer enrichment camping experience.