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The Fresh Air Fund was not able to offer our traditional camping programs in summer 2020. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, we created new programs and kept the magic of summer alive for thousands of NYC children and families. Learn more here.

Please complete our summer 2021 program interest form here and check back for updates on 2021 summer programs.

Learn About Our Camps

Every Summer…

campers have daily swimming lessons, go hiking, play sports, and learn new skills in classes like guitar, arts and crafts, outdoor adventure, photography and coding. With nature as their classroom, Fresh Air campers explore the outdoors, all while having fun and learning new skills. Many campers return to camp year after year, and may go on to participate in our Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program. Our CITs develop leadership skills and often return as counselors.

Five of our sleepaway camps are located on Sharpe Reservation, a more than 2,000 acre property just two hours from New York City. Our sixth camp, Camp Junior in memory of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, is located at Harriman State Park.

During their outdoor summer adventures, campers develop the confidence to take on new challenges, learn new skills and make new friends.

Summer 2021 Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a question

There are six Fresh Air Fund camps. Which one will my child attend?
Where are The Fresh Air Fund’s camps located?
How do children get to and from camp?
Who will supervise my child at camp?
Are the camps accredited?
What food do campers eat?
Do children swim at camp? What if a child isn’t a strong swimmer or doesn’t know how to swim?
What if my child gets sick at camp?
What are the sleeping arrangements like at camp?
Can I stay in touch while my child is at camp?
What should I pack for my child?

There are six Fresh Air Fund camps. Which one will my child attend?

Children are assigned to a camp by age and gender to provide the best possible summer experience.

Where are The Fresh Air Fund’s camps located?

Five of The Fund’s camps are located on Sharpe Reservation which has over 2,000 acres of beautiful land, with lakes, ponds and nature trails. Sharpe Reservation is 65 miles north of New York City, about two hours away by car. We have many experienced educators who work with our campers on team-building and interactive activities. There is a nature center, ropes courses, hiking trails, lakes, ponds, a Model Farm and a planetarium. All campers participate in programs at these facilities. Our sixth camp, Camp Junior, is located at Harriman State Park.

During the school-year, our Camps are available for rent and many schools and organizations reserve them for weekend camping, day trips, conferences and retreats.

How do children get to and from camp?

The Fresh Air Fund provides charter bus transportation to and from camp. All buses leave from either Port Authority Bus Terminal or Riverbank State Park, except for Camp Junior, which leaves from the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Columbus Clubhouse.

Who will supervise my child at camp?

Every Fresh Air Fund Camp has a director who has many years of experience working with children. The director manages a team of mature counselors who are college-age or older. All counselors are screened, interviewed and trained by the Camp Directors and all go through background checks. All staff go through intensive training before our Fresh Air children arrive at Camp. Safety is our priority. Every Camp has full-time nurses and we have a Fresh Air Fund Nurse Manager and a Camp Doctor. There is a 1:6 staff to camper ratio at all times.

Are the camps accredited?

The Fresh Air Fund’s camps at Sharpe Reservation are accredited by the American Camping Association and meets rigorous safety and health inspections.

What food do campers eat?

Campers have three well-balanced meals each day. All meals take place in each Camp’s dining hall. Snacks are also provided.

Sample meals:
Breakfast: Cold cereal, waffles, pancakes with maple syrup, eggs and muffins
Lunch: Tacos, burritos, pizza, chicken sandwiches
Dinner: BBQ chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, roast beef with gravy

We have a salad bar available at every lunch and dinner. We also have vegetarian meals and are prepared to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies that have been listed on the application.

Our dining halls are full of kid-friendly foods. There’s something different each day. Breakfast might include cereal or waffles. Lunch could include sandwiches, veggie sticks, and pasta. A typical dinner menu features fried chicken, lasagna, or meatloaf. There is always a fresh salad bar available, and options for campers with food allergies. Fresh fruit is also offered throughout the day.

Camp meals are well-balanced and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Do children swim at camp? What if a child isn’t a strong swimmer or doesn’t know how to swim?

Every child will go swimming daily. All water activities are always supervised by Red Cross certified lifeguards. All children will have a swim test on the first day of Camp and will get a colored wristband that shows the level of water they are permitted to swim in.

Our lifeguards enjoy teaching our campers how to become better swimmers and helping them advance levels while at Camp. Four of our five Camps have lakes for swimming, boating and fishing, with separate areas sectioned off for each activity. Camp Hidden Valley has a wheelchair accessible pool, with a pond used only for boating and fishing.

What if my child gets sick at camp?

Each Camp has an infirmary with nurses on duty 24 hours a day. Medical care is provided to all children who need it. On the first day of Camp, the nurse will screen every camper and reviews their medical examination forms, health history and medication information, and any medications brought to camp.

What are the sleeping arrangements like at camp?

Campers live in single-sex cabins of four to 12 children, plus two to four counselors.

Can I stay in touch while my child is at camp?

The Fresh Air Fund does not allow any telephone contact with children while they are at Camp. You can only write to your child. We encourage letter writing. Mail is delivered daily and your child will LOVE to receive mail from you!

Here is the address:

Child’s Name
Camp Name
Sharpe Reservation
436 Van Wyck Lake Road
Fishkill, NY 12524

What should I pack for my child?

Please label all of your child’s clothing. Your child can bring their things in a suitcase or duffle bag. They should pack enough clothing for their entire stay. There are no laundry facilities. We provide a detailed packing list in the parent manual you will receive before the trip.

Learn About Our Camps