STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — While we’re still months away from taking off winter coats, it’s never too early to start planning summer activities — including time away at camp.
If you want your child to enjoy an unforgettable summer of outdoor experiences, you can register now for The Fresh Air Fund camp program.
New York City families throughout the five boroughs can register their child for free Fresh Air Fund experiences at sleepaway camps in New York’s mid-Hudson Valley, or through visiting volunteer host families along the East Coast. Campers, ages 8 to 15, explore the outdoors while having fun and learning new skills.
“I really like camp, because we do a lot of different things -- my favorite activities are swimming and doing art! I really like my counselors!” said an 8-year-old camper.
Participants enjoy swimming, hiking, playing sports and learning new skills in activities such as music classes, arts and crafts, photography and coding.
Where are the camps located?
Five sleepaway camps are located on Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, New York, on more than 2,000 acres of wilderness property. Camp Junior is in Harriman State Park. The camps are just two hours away from New York City, and include nature trails, lakes and streams, a model farm and a planetarium.
A summer visit to a volunteer host family is full of experiences like playing in the backyard, riding bicycles, swimming and making new friends. Volunteer host families live in small towns, suburban and rural communities along the East Coast — and many live in the Tristate area. Every host family goes through a rigorous screening process, including a home visit, background check, interview and reference check, according to Fresh Air Fund.
The program provides charter bus transportation to and from camp.
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Youth who are between the ages of 8 and 15 who live and go to school in New York City and meet income eligibility requirements can apply for camp. Youth who are 16 to 17 years old, who live and go to school in New York City, are eligible to apply for the CIT Program, a leadership and staff development program.
Registration is now open for 2024 summer programs.
How can I register for camp?
Families can register at https://freshair.org/. You will be asked to sign into your account, or create a new one if you don’t have an account. After you sign in, you will be prompted to register your child.
Can you work at the camp?
The Fund is hiring summer camp staff, including counselors, program specialists, lifeguards, nurses and more. Positions are paid and include room and board.
Applicants must be 18 and above, and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination is required.
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