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Where can I learn about all of The Fresh Air Fund’s camps?

Click here to read about all of our camps.  

What are the camp dates?

Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Hidden Valley, Junior and Tommy: 

• Session 1: Thursday, June 27th – Friday, July 5th 
• Session 2: Monday, July 8th – Thursday, July 18th 
• Session 3: Monday, July 22nd – Friday, August 2nd 
• Session 4: Monday, August 5th – Friday, August 16th 

Camp Mariah 

• Session 1: Friday, June 28th – Friday, July 19th 
• Session 2: Friday, July 26th – Friday, August 16th

How do I know if my child is ready for camp?

There is no specific age when a child is ready to attend sleepaway camp. In our experience, children who have the most successful experiences at camp want to attend camp, are prepared and know what to expect. 

Children need to be prepared to live in a group setting and be a positive member of the camp community.     

Below are some questions which will help you determine if your child is ready for camp. 

• Does your child want to go to camp? 
• Has your child successfully spent the night away from you with family or friends? 
• Does your child brush their teeth and get dressed independently? 
• Does your child ask for help from you, from teachers or other adults when they need it? 
• Is your child comfortable with interacting and solving conflicts with peers? 
• Is your child able to self-regulate and express emotions in an age-appropriate way? 
• Are you comfortable being separated from your child for the time they will be at camp? 

We want all children to be successful at camp. We encourage you to review these expectations and the list of questions above to help determine if The Fresh Air Fund camps are the right fit for your child.  

How can I prepare my child for camp? 

• Talk to your child about if they are excited to go to camp. Are they excited to spend time in the outdoors, try new things and make new friends?   
•  Be positive and talk about how excited you are for them and all the adventures they will experience.  
•  Ask them what questions they have, remind them that at camp they will new things – like new foods and activities! 
•  Pack a picture or something special to remind them of home (family photos, a surprise note in their suitcase, a favorite book or stuffed animal) 

How do I reset my password for the NYC Family Portal?

Click on “Forgot Password?” and you will receive an email with the link to reset your password. If that does not work, you can email apply@freshair.gbtesting.us or call 800-367-0003. 

Does my child need a physical for camp?

The Fresh Air Fund has medical forms that must be completed by child’s physician dated 5/1/23 or later. The forms are available on the NYC Family Portal.  

What if I need assistance completing the application?

Please call 800-367-0003 or visit our Info Sessions & Application Help page to find a schedule for in-person assistance.  

What is the eligibility criteria for camp?

• Children must live in and go to school in New York City. Camp Junior applicants must live in the Bronx. 
• For age-specific programs, participants must be the age listed by 07/01/24, no exceptions. 
• Family must meet income eligibility guidelines. 

Where can I find out more information about my child’s application and trip? 

Sign into the Family portal for information about your child’s application and trip information. Please call 800-367-0003 if you have any questions or need assistance.

Which Fresh Air camp will my child attend?

Parents select a camp and session based on their child’s age and gender.

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. There is a nature center, ropes courses, hiking trails, lakes, ponds and a Model Farm. Our sixth camp, Camp Junior, is located at Harriman State Park.

Are the camps accredited?

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

What are the cabins and sleeping arrangements like at camp?

Children are assigned to a cabin with other youth who have the same gender identity and are a similar age.  

Staff sleep in the same cabin or in the cabin next door. Each camper has their own assigned bed (either a single bed or bunk bed). Some cabins have space for campers to keep their belongings and store their suitcase. There is no air conditioning and there can be bugs. 

• Facilities vary by camp. Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Tommy and Junior are rustic and campers live in wooden cabins with a bathhouse a short walk away. There is limited or no electricity in the cabins. Camps Hidden Valley and Mariah are more modern with electricity and bathrooms in each cabin. Flashlights are needed at night. 
• Camp is a woodsy environment. There are dirt pathways and large hills. There is a lot of walking from one activity to the next and children need to walk unassisted.  

For youth who identify as non-binary or prefer to self-describe, we support the family and child to help determine the best camp and cabin option.

What is a typical day like at camp?

Campers typically go to most activities with their cabin group (except Camp Mariah).  There is some choice built into the program, but children should expect to follow a schedule with their group and to try activities they have never done before. 

A typical day may look like this:  

• 7am: Wake Up 
• 8am: Breakfast 
• 9am-12am: Morning Activity Periods 
• 12pm-1pm: Lunch 
• 1pm-3pm: Cabin Time 
• 3pm-6pm: Afternoon Activity Periods
• 6pm-7pm: Dinner 
• 7pm-8pm: Evening Activity
• 8pm-9pm: Cabin Meetings 
• 9pm: Lights out! 

How do children get to and from camp?

The Fresh Air Fund provides charter bus transportation to and from camp.  

Who will supervise my child at camp?

Safety is our number one priority. Every Fresh Air Fund camp has a director who has many years of experience working with children. The director manages a team of staff and counselors who are college-age or older from all over the United States and the world. There is a 1:6 staff to child ratio, with staff present at all daily activities, mealtimes, cabin time and overnight. 

All counselors are screened, interviewed, and have background checks. All staff participate in intensive training before campers arrive.  

What food do campers eat?

Campers have three well-balanced meals each day that are approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Vegetarian meals are available and we accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies that have been listed on the application. Snacks are also provided.   

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 tacos. Fresh fruit is also offered throughout the day. Campers should be comfortable with (or open to) trying new foods. 

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

Every child has swimming lessons. All water activities are always supervised by Red Cross certified lifeguards. All children have a swim test and get a colored wristband that shows the area they are permitted to swim in. For example, beginner swimmers only swim in shallow water. 

Our lifeguards enjoy teaching campers how to become better swimmers and helping them advance levels. Five of our six 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.  

Are cell phones or other electronics allowed?

Children are NOT allowed to bring any electronic items, including cell phones, iPads, smart watches, music players etc. 

What should I know about COVID-19 policies for camp?

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for campers. The Fresh Air Fund strongly encourages up to date COVID-19 vaccinations and all staff are required to be fully vaccinated. 

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 review their medical examination forms, health history and medication information, and any medications brought to camp.  
• We will call you if your child has an emergency or needs to see a doctor.  
• If a camper tests positive for COVID, the nurse will call the participant’s parent or guardian. Fresh Air staff will coordinate with the parent to pick up their child. If a parent cannot arrange transportation, we will coordinate transportation to the campers’ home in a camp van.  

What if my child has additional needs?

All of our camps serve children with additional needs. We review every application to see if our programs are a good fit and can accommodate any specific needs. Additional information from social workers, teachers and doctors may be requested to help in this process. If you are not sure if this is the right program for your child, please reach out to find out if The Fresh Air Fund can provide the right support for your child.

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. We provide a detailed packing list in the parent manual you will receive before the trip.  

How do I stay in touch while my child is at camp?

The Fresh Air Fund does not allow phone calls with children while they are at camp. Campers are not permitted to have cell phones at camp. We encourage you to write to your child. Mail is delivered daily, and your child will LOVE to receive letters from you! It is a great idea to send a letter before your child leaves so they will receive it soon after arriving. If there is a family emergency or special circumstances please call the camp office. 

For Camp ABC; Camp Hayden-Marks; Camp Hidden Valley; Camp Mariah and Camp Tommy; please address letters to: 

Sharpe Reservation

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

Camp Junior

Child’s Name
The Fresh Air Fund – Camp Junior
P.O Box 12
Stony Point, NY 10980