OUR MISSION

Kids Passport to Adventure provides children and families opportunities to explore nature as a means of developing life-tools for wellness and empathetic awareness to others.

KPTA shows families their impact on and contribution to the environment and their interdependent relationship with the natural world.  

KPTA supports growth and encourages the development of explorers and discoverers of all ages.


MEET OUR ADVENTURERS

Crystal Williams, Founder & CKA (Chief Kids Adventurista)

Crystal Williams has been involved in education for many years in both private and public schools. She has worked in a number of specialized schools for at risk children and kids with special needs. Frustrated with the lack of support, Crystal helped found a progressive public school, utilizing her educational and practical experience within the field. The school boasts an inclusive learning environment, a bilingual curriculum for all students, and an incredible program of activities. Outside of school, Crystal hosts a robust selection of extracurricular activities such as Girl Scouts (boys are welcome), horseback riding at the Winslow Therapeutic Center, cooking classes, and many day trips outside of the city.  

Crystal's most recent project, Kids Passport to Adventure, combines all of her distinct experiences in education and progressive methodology to form a practical, hands-on format that supplements traditional classroom learning.  


Aja Gilles, Associate Director

Since 2006, Aja Gilles has divided her time between various youth and biology organizations including the SCA, Christodora, Manice, and Central Park Conservancy. When she saw New York City students immerse themselves in these programs, she became inspired. Students that were previously restricted to a rigid classroom environment truly blossomed in a nontraditional educational setting.  Aja realized a hands-on approach made students more curious and genuinely interested in the curriculum; it was essential for as many children to have this opportunity as possible. She welcomed Kids Passport to Adventure as an option afforded to all kids.

Currently, Aja also works in costumes for the TV / Film industry and as an editorial stylist. Her credits include TV shows such as Marvel’s Luke Cage, Blue Bloods, Power, Blindspot, and commercials for Volkswagen, Hello Fresh, Progresso, and more. 


TESTIMONIALS

“Hi Crystal! I just want to say… I took Akhil to a pool the past weekend for the first time since camp last year and wow! Kind of shocked. Akhil could NOT swim before KPTA!!!”

“At 6 years old, I sent Ari on a 5 day over night stay in Montague. I was A MESS while he was having a BLAST! Crystal and the staff sent me photos of their activities which eased my mind. He's been adventuring and camping with KPTA ever since. I learned that I have to let him have these wonderful experiences and not hold him back because of my own anxiety. And it gets easier to send him off every time.”

“Our 11-year-old son, Kgari, attended 4 summer programs last year. FOUR. He resented one, loved another, hated the other, and he THRIVED at Kids Passport for Adventure! I am sending this email because, I believe in it! If you're looking for a great experience for your child this summer, try this camp! I'm pretty sure you'll love it too!”

“My child was 9 when she started. I’ve been with them now for 4 seasons. She had never gone away, never spent the night. Crystal and her team were very comforting. She also sent pictures and videos while the kids were there and it relieved me. My daughter has had experiences that she wont ever forget. She has been places that I probably wouldn’t ever get the chance to go to. To make things better, I saw a 5 year old with them and she was extremely comfortable and happy. I knew there was love and caring for these children there. Have faith, encourage your child to have fun. They will!”