friendship circle is back and better than ever!
Explore the full lineup of 2025/26 programs and discover how you can make a real impact!
Scroll down for details of each program and apply
FRIENDS @ HOME / HANGIN WITH A BUD
This program offers you, our dedicated volunteers, a unique chance to brighten a child's day with warmth, laughter, and companionship. Each week, you and a fellow volunteer will spend quality time with a buddy in the comfort of their own surroundings, creating a personal connection. This experience enriches your buddy's life while offering you the chance to experience the joy of giving back. Pick the day and time that fits your schedule, and prepare for a deeply rewarding journey.
👥 Volunteers: Grade 9+
⏰ Customized to your schedule
SUNDAY SQUAD
Where purpose and friendship collide! The Sunday Squad is a program where our awesome high school volunteers join up with members of all abilities for epic adventures around the city. From hitting up arcades and belting out tunes at karaoke to mastering mini golf and bouncing around at the trampoline park, every outing is a chance to make a lasting impact on everyone involved. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity - this is the squad you want to be part of!
👥 Volunteers: Grade 10+
📍 Chabad UES, 419 East 77th Street. The group will travel via bus to the trip location unless otherwise specified. (Occasionally the group will meet at an alternate location on the Upper East Side)
⏰ Sundays, 12:45 - 3:00pm
📅 September 21, 28, October 5, 26, November 9, 23, December 7, 14, January 11, 25, February 1, 22, March 8, 15, April 19, 26, May 3
FC VIRTUAL CLUB
Attention high school leaders and volunteers! Ready to step out of your social bubble and make a real impact? Join the weekly FC Virtual Club, where you’ll lead an engaging and dynamic virtual session designed to connect young people of all abilities. This is your chance to guide others, build new skills, and have fun while hosting a lineup of activities like virtual games, music jams, dance-offs, foodie fun, and more. It's all about fostering new friendships, sharing laughs, and creating unforgettable memories - all from the comfort of your own home!
👥 Volunteers: Grades 9+
⏰ Tuesdays, 7:30 - 8:30pm
📅 Dates: September 16, 30. October 21, 28. November 18, 25. December 2, 9. Jan 6, 13, 20, 27. Feb 3, 10, 24. March 10, 17. April 14, 21, 28. May 5, 12, 19.
FC AT GYM TIME
An amazing all-inclusive indoor gym and play center where you and your buddy will dive into thrilling gymnastics and activities together. Plus, you'll level up your leadership skills and connect with friends of all backgrounds and abilities. Your care and enthusiasm will create joyful experiences for everyone involved!
👥 Volunteers: Grade 8+ (and teens that completed the FC Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project)
📍 Gym Time - 1520 York Ave
📅 October 19, 26, November 9, 23, December 7
⏰ Times vary by date
Bake a Difference
Take part in the Mitzvah of challah, the joy of giving, and the sweetness of Torah. In a warm, hands-on setting, teen volunteers roll up their sleeves and roll out dough — creating challahs and baked goods that are shared with community members in need. It’s meaningful and fun. Bring your energy, bring a friend, and get ready to Bake a Difference.
👥 Volunteers: Ages 12+
📍 515 East 72nd Street
⏰ 5pm - 6pm | Select Thursday's:
October 30. November 6, 20. December 4, 11
With heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, who wish to remain anonymous, for bringing this beautiful project to life.
DAY CAMPS
At Friendship Circle Day Camp, kids of all abilities have their school breaks transformed into a fun-filled camp experience! Packed with daily field trips, art, music, sports, special performances and more, FC day camp is an experience like no other.
👥 Volunteers: Grade 7+
📍Chabad UES, 419 East 77th Street
Thanksgiving Day Camp: November 27, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
All new volunteers must complete an application process before signing up to volunteer at camp. If this is your first time volunteering at Friendship Circle UES, please click here to begin the application process.
Care Projects
Deliver joy, one package at a time! Care Projects are a hands-on experience where volunteers pack and deliver thoughtful holiday gifts for families in need. It’s simple, heartfelt, and a powerful way to spread smiles across the city.
FRIENDSHIP WALK
The highlight of our year! Join thousands from across the NYC community in a tremendous display of pride and unity as we walk through the streets of the Upper East Side raising awareness and funds for children, teens and young adults with special needs. All funds raised benefit Friendship Circle of the Upper East Side!
👥 All Ages | Open to the Public
📍 East 77th Street between 1st & York Aves
📅 Date coming soon