Camp 2024 Wrap-Up: Another Summer of Discovery

This summer, Camp Fiver became a vibrant home-away-from-home for 429 youth, who were supported by a team of leaders from around the globe, including Mexico, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Senegal, England, and Jamaica, as well as various states such as Ohio, Rhode Island, Colorado, Kentucky, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New York. Among our dedicated seasonal staff were 16 Fiver alumni, who brought invaluable insights and mentorship to the campers.

We welcomed back a dedicated group of returning campers alongside 104 new faces, including 22 youth from our exciting partnership with the NYPD. Together, they experienced two weeks filled with adventure and personal growth, participating in core programs such as public speaking, environmental education, and college access workshops. Our beloved equestrian program was a standout, with 244 campers engaging in equine education and riding lessons.

Creativity truly shone this summer! Our dance program featured classes in Afro, Hip Hop, Step, and TikTok Dance, culminating in an energetic Variety Show where campers showcased their talents. Campers also participated in an art exhibition, contributing their work to a new photo opportunity. Additionally, an old boat was painted and repurposed to become not only a beloved symbol of teamwork and collaboration, but a great photo opportunity near the entrance of camp.

Beyond the arts, the excitement extended to outdoor adventures like canoeing, where 54 campers embarked on a thrilling seven-mile trip, and our high-ropes course, which offered teens a chance to push their limits. Furthermore, 52 high school students participated in our Wilderness Program, connecting deeply with nature and developing essential life skills.

College readiness was another significant focus this summer. In addition to dance, more than 200 campers in grades 7 to 11 visited prestigious colleges, including Colgate University, SUNY Albany, Hamilton College, and Northeastern University, giving them a glimpse into their future possibilities and inspiring their educational journeys. We’re especially proud of the 28 alumni who returned as counselors, demonstrating the full-circle journey that Fiver fosters.

Throughout the summer, we hosted four graduation ceremonies where campers shared their transformative experiences. One standout moment came from Muslimat, who spoke about how her “cloak of self-consciousness completely dissolved” at camp, highlighting the profound personal growth that takes place here. These ceremonies captured the essence of what Camp Fiver is all about—creating a space where youth can flourish.

As we reflect on the summer of 2024, it’s clear that Camp Fiver is more than just a summer camp. It’s a vibrant community of growth and inspiration, where every camper leaves a bit more confident and ready to take on the world. With continued support from our generous donors, we look forward to fostering this momentum and creating even more opportunities for our Fiver family.

Thanks to our supporters, campers also received new sneakers courtesy of Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund and essential school supplies from the SMBC Group, ensuring they start the school year on the right foot.