Camp Hayden-Marks: Exploring New Interests and Making Lasting Friendships

Camp Hayden-Marks, one of The Fresh Air Fund’s six sleepaway camps in New York’s mid-Hudson Valley, provides boys, 9 to 12 years old, with a vibrant array of activities that transform time at summer camp into a memorable adventure. From playing sports to perfecting swim strokes to testing new angles in photography, Camp Hayden-Marks introduces campers to new skills while they also explore the outdoors. 

“As a camp director, one of the most rewarding experiences is meeting the campers as they first step off the bus and watching them transform over the course of their time here,” shares Bentley Gordon, Director of the College Connections Program and Camp Hayden-Marks. “It’s incredible to see them gain new skills and be excited about the things they’ve learned.” 

Inaki Salazar, Director of Program Specialists at Camp Hayden-Marks, shares, “The trees, the activities, building friendships and memories together while watching the sunset over the lake, all these things and more make Hayden-Marks a very special place.”

Teamwork

Campers enthusiastically learn and practice a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer and volleyball on the ballfield. In addition to building technical skills, they are introduced to what it truly means to be part of a team.   

“I learned some new skills and how to play basketball better,” shares Alfred, 12. “I also made a lot of new friends. The people here are nice so it’s easy to make friends.”

As team members turn into friends, campers learn to support and cheer for each other.  

“I like the ball field the most at camp,” shares Jayden, 12. “Camp is full of a lot of fun activities, and I’ve made a lot of new friends while being here that I didn’t know before.”

A Splash of Summer

On hot summer days, one of campers’ favorite activities is free swim in the camp lake. 

“My favorite activity is when we go to the waterfront. We swim around, splash each other and play Marco Polo,” shares Alfred. 

For those who do not know how to swim, the lifeguards provide lessons on water safety and swimming techniques. 

“Before camp I went to one swim lesson and now, I’m able to float! My mom talked about how going to camp would make me a stronger swimmer,” states Ellison, 10. 

Swimming isn’t the only water activity at camp! Campers also boat across the lake with their friends and counselors steering the way.   

Picture Perfect Skills  

For nine-year-old Dayoni, Camp Hayden-Marks is where he learns new photography skills and gets inspired for his future.  

“You have to take pictures that paint a story,” Dayoni shares. “I am inspired by the class. I want to buy myself a camera one day and continue taking pictures.”  

The photography class teaches campers how to use their creativity and how photos can help tell a story. The skills that campers develop last beyond the summer and will continue to inspire their future.  

There are many different classes at camp such as engineering, martial arts, music, cooking and more! Photography is just one camper favorite.

“Hayden-Marks is an experience that you do not want your kid to miss out on. Both campers and counselors learn so many things that stick with you for life and make memories that kids will look back to as some of their most cherished ones,” shares Inaki, Director of Program Specialists.  

Learn more about Fresh Air Fund summer camps here!