Camp Hidden Valley: Where Children Trade in Screens for Fresh Air
Camp Hidden Valley, for youth aged 8-12, is an incredible place where children are given a safe and supportive space to develop confidence and self-esteem, make new friends and participate in enriching activities that connect them with the outdoors. From swimming, art and dance to going on hikes and learning about environmental science, campers are encouraged to explore and broaden their interests and challenge themselves with new experiences that prepare and shape them for future adventures.
When campers arrive at Hidden Valley, they’re greeted by grassy fields, big trees and a warm welcome from their supportive camp counselors. Lunchtime is accompanied by energetic cheers and chants before entering the dining hall, and each camp session has a fun theme day like pirates, superheroes and color wars, to name a few. Children can splash around the swimming pools, challenge each other to an exciting game of gaga ball or check out a new book from the camp library.
Trading in Screens for Fresh Air
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, which is not surprising considering the amount of time we all spend on our devices. At Camp Hidden Valley, children have the opportunity to put screens away and experience the joy of sports, nature, art and more.
Faradj, 10, shares, “I came back to camp this summer because it was really interesting. I didn’t want to be on my electronics; I wanted to be more activated.” Faradj’s favorite camp activity is soccer, where he gets to play striker. Faradj has some advice for new campers: “Try to find a friend and just get comfortable with them and you’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Soccer is just one of many outdoor sports campers can learn to play. They also learn archery, have swimming lessons, play basketball and more, all with counselors providing support and guidance.
Through these group activities, confidence is built, skills are learned and friendships are cultivated. “I learned how to play kickball for the first time. The counselors taught me some tips to play better like if you walk too far out, then you might not be able to catch the ball,” Eva, 8, shared.
“I learned a lot from archery. I learned how to aim. I got a bullseye and got my arrow in the red ring! It was my first time doing archery,” 8-year-old Ethan said.
Exploring Nature, Art and Photography
“Going hiking is my favorite memory of camp. We made hotdogs, burgers and s’mores together. We also got to watch the sunset. I didn’t know what to expect, but I really liked it,” said Emyla, 8, who hiked nature trails and camped outdoors under the stars for the first time.
Daily camp activities offer fun, exploration and a lot of variety! Campers might spend one afternoon exploring nature trails on a hike, and the next pouring their creativity into exciting new art projects. Samantha, 10, learned how to make friendship bracelets in arts and crafts and is excited to make more at home. She also had fun on the hike. “Everyone should go to camp because there are fun games, different activities, and you can go on hikes in nature. We hiked up the mountain!” Samantha said.
It should come as no surprise that while surrounded by the natural beauty of The Fresh Air Fund’s Sharpe Reservation, campers use nature as a source of artistic inspiration. Whether it’s through dance, acting, photography, or drawing and painting, campers are encouraged to express themselves and create art in new and different ways. “I just started painting rocks and I want to start painting flowers on them,” said Melany, 10.
Counselors lead campers on photo scavenger hunts, and in the process of snapping photos of butterflies, birds and the natural beauty around them, they learn about camera operation and lighting. “My favorite thing to do at camp is photography class,” Kerly, 8, shares her excitement learning how to use a camera for the very first time. “They give us cameras to use and take photos. This scavenger hunt we found bugs, grass, and birds. This class is fun!”
The Outdoors is Where You Grow
In a metropolitan area like New York, it can be very difficult to get away from screens. For youth, having access to new experiences and spending time in nature is invaluable and crucial for growth and development. Hidden Valley campers have countless opportunities to discover more about themselves and their interests and learn what nature has to offer and teach them.
“Camp is a lot of fun. There’s a lot of fun activities and you can make new friends. I hope I come back next year!” said Skylar, 10.
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