Homes for the Homeless :: Summer Camps

FOR PARENTS

HFH CAMP EXPERIENCE

The HFH summer camp experience is designed specifically for boys and girls ages 7 through 13. Many HFH campers have never been outside of the city and the experience of sleeping under the stars can stay with a child for a lifetime. Camp is a place where your child can make new friends, be part of a community, gain a feeling independence and most importantly, have fun! From the time they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed, campers explore their surroundings and engage in hands-on activities.

HFH sees these summer camps as the perfect time to give children a break from the stress in their lives and to offer them a structured and positive experience. There are 3 summer camp sessions run over the course of the summer, starting in late June and ending in late August. During each 16-day session, they catch frogs, build campfires, sing songs, and have a chance to be kids.

There is no charge to attend camp for children/families who have an open and active Public Assistance (PA) case. Priority is given to families who currently reside in a shelter or who have lived in a shelter in the past year. Children living in foster care are also eligible to attend camp. Private pay rates are also available.

HOW HFH CAMPS ARE SET UP

HFH has been operating camps since 1989, and nearly 14,000 campers have enjoyed an unforgettable summer of fresh air, fun activities, and new friendships. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and professional camp experience:
- The camp maintains a ratio of 1 staff member to every 4 campers
- Teachers and university students compose the majority of staff
- Our staff is trained in safety procedures, child development, mediation and listening techniques and supervision before camps open
- Our directors have over a decade of camping experience
- There is a medical cabin at each location staffed by qualified medical professionals

Each Camp is equipped with large kitchens where experienced cooks serve three nutritious, well-balanced meals every day. In addition, snacks are provided in the afternoon.

We understand that many first time campers are scared of being away from their families, and afraid they will not have any fun. Our staff is ready to accommodate them with cheerful smiles, compassion and a helping hand.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN HFH CAMPER

7:30 AM Wake-up

8:00 AM Raising of the Flag: All Campers

8:15 AM Breakfast: Pancakes and Sausage

9:15 AM Group Activities: Camp Clean Up

10:15 AM Earth Science: Identifying Local Birds

11:15 AM Learning Center: Reading Saddako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes

12:15 PM Cabin Time: Board Games

12:45 PM Lunch: BLTs and Fruit Salad

1:45 PM Cabin Time: Letter Writing

2:15 PM Arts and Crafts: Making Origami Cranes

3:15 PM Snack: Pretzels and Lemonade

3:30 PM Swimming

4:30 PM Hiking

5:30 PM Cabin Time: Individual Reading Time

6:00 PM Dinner: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn

7:00 PM Talent Show: Dance Performance

8:30 PM Cabin Time: Journaling, Lights Out

TO SIGN YOUR CHILD UP FOR CAMP
Call and ask for the camp recruiter in your borough:
Bronx (718) 617-6100
Manhattan (212) 765-4557
Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island (718) 244-0670