Boys Club of New York

For generations of New Yorkers, the idea of a summer escape often conjures images of crowded beaches or long road trips. However, for boys and young men in the New York region, a truly transformative and enriching experience lies closer to home: the Boys' Club of New York (BCNY) Harriman Basecamp in Southfields, NY. This isn't just any "campground" in the traditional sense of pitching tents for a weekend. Instead, it's a long-standing, purpose-built sleep-away camp, deeply rooted in a mission to provide invaluable outdoor education, character development, and a strong sense of community for its members.

The Boys' Club of New York has a rich history of over 120 years offering summer camp programming, evolving to meet the needs of young New Yorkers. Harriman Basecamp, specifically, is designed to connect urban youth with the profound benefits of nature, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can grow, learn, and develop critical life skills. As one proud alumnus and volunteer shared, "As an alumni and a volunteer for the boys clubs of New York I take a great honor in providing my services at the boys club camp, as I too was served by those who came before me! Thank you boys clubs of New York! 🇺🇸" This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the enduring positive impact and strong community ties fostered by BCNY's camp experience. It’s a place where tradition meets modern youth development, creating a truly unique summer opportunity for boys from across the city.

The Boys' Club of New York's Harriman Basecamp is strategically located at 533 Arden Valley Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Harriman State Park, one of New York's largest and most impressive state parks. For New York City residents, this location offers an ideal balance of natural immersion and accessibility. Harriman State Park is a significant natural resource, providing a vast expanse of forests, lakes, and hiking trails, yet it remains within a reasonable driving distance from the city.

The accessibility of Harriman Basecamp is a key advantage for local New Yorkers. While the exact travel time will vary depending on the starting point within the city, transportation for campers is facilitated by BCNY, typically via van or bus from their clubhouses. This organized transportation removes a significant logistical hurdle for families, ensuring that members can easily reach the camp. The camp's setting between two lakes, isolated from commercial and private land use, ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience, a stark contrast to the urban environment many of the participants come from. This proximity to a major metropolitan area, coupled with dedicated transportation, makes a quality sleep-away camp experience truly attainable for New York families.

The Boys' Club of New York's Harriman Basecamp provides a comprehensive and structured sleep-away camp experience designed for boys and young men aged 10-17. Their services are geared towards holistic development, combining outdoor adventure with skill-building and personal growth.

• Sleep-Away Camp Programming: Harriman Basecamp offers multi-week sleep-away sessions, providing a full immersion into camp life. Campers reside in rustic wooden cabins in shared bunk rooms with counselors and other campers.
• Diverse Activities: A wide array of activities are offered, including swimming, canoeing, fishing in freshwater lakes, hiking on Harriman State Park's extensive trail network, and traditional camp activities like pitching tents, lighting campfires, and roasting marshmallows.
• Skill Development Workshops: Beyond recreational activities, the camp incorporates elements of skill development. This includes team-building through challenge courses, woodworking projects, and safely handling bows and arrows.
• Daily Meals & Lodging: Campers receive daily meals and lodging, with shared bathrooms and showers located in separate buildings just outside their cabins.
• Experienced Staff and Mentorship: The camp is staffed by experienced professionals, including an EMT for medical emergencies, who partner with campers to foster a brotherhood centered on community, safety, and wellness.
• Support for Homesickness: BCNY has over 120 years of experience with overnight camp programming and a homesickness protocol in place to support campers and their families, including parent check-in schedules.
• Transportation Assistance: As mentioned, transportation for campers is available from BCNY clubhouses.

The unique features and highlights of BCNY's Harriman Basecamp make it an exceptional choice for New York families looking for a meaningful summer experience for their boys.

• Immersive Nature Experience: Located deep within Harriman State Park, the camp offers unparalleled access to nature, allowing boys to live and experience programming surrounded by forests and lakes. This provides a vital connection to the outdoors, often lacking in urban environments.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond fun, the camp is designed to develop critical life skills, foster emotional and physical growth, and build character. Activities encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and independence.
• Safe and Supportive Environment: With experienced staff and a clear focus on community and safety, Harriman Basecamp provides a nurturing atmosphere where boys can step out of their comfort zones and try new things with confidence.
• Rich History and Proven Impact: Building on over a century of experience, BCNY's camp programming has a proven track record of positively impacting the lives of countless young men, fostering resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
• Affordable Access to Quality Camp: As part of the broader Boys' Club of New York mission, the camp aims to increase access to nature and wellness for New York City's boys and young men, implying a commitment to affordability and inclusivity.
• Structured Programming: While providing ample opportunity for exploration and fun, the camp maintains a structured schedule that keeps campers active and engaged, ensuring a productive and enriching summer.

The Boys' Club of New York is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality programming, often free of charge or at very low cost, to its members. As such, their "promotions" are generally centered around making these valuable experiences accessible to as many eligible boys and young men as possible.

While traditional commercial "special offers" like discounts or BOGO deals are not typically advertised, interested New Yorkers should be aware of the following:

• Membership-Based Access: Access to Harriman Basecamp is primarily for members of The Boys' Club of New York. Membership itself and all programming at BCNY clubhouses are free of charge. The camp often has an application process, with registration deadlines.
• Financial Aid/Support: Public information indicates that financial aid may be offered for their summer camp programs, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring participation regardless of financial background. Families are encouraged to inquire about any available support when applying.
• Inclusive Eligibility: Applications are open to all boys and young men aged 10-17, regardless of zip code, immigration status, or family income. This broad eligibility serves as a continuous "special offer" in providing opportunities to a diverse group of New York youth.

For the most current information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and any specific financial assistance programs for the upcoming summer camp sessions, it is always best to directly contact The Boys' Club of New York.

For detailed inquiries about the Boys' Club of New York's Harriman Basecamp and its summer programs, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 533 Arden Valley Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Phone: (845) 915-3638 (Please note, while this is a listed phone number, for specific camp inquiries, it's often helpful to look for a dedicated camp contact or email on their official website.)

Mobile Phone: +1 845-915-3638

For sleep-away camp specific questions, you may also find a dedicated email address like basecamp@bcny.org listed on their official website for direct communication. General inquiries can often be directed to info@bcny.org. It is always recommended to visit the official Boys' Club of New York website (bcny.org) for the most up-to-date information on program details, application processes, and contact methods, especially as summer camp registration cycles approach.

For New Yorkers, especially those raising boys and young men, the Boys' Club of New York's Harriman Basecamp offers far more than a typical summer camp experience; it provides a vital pathway to growth and opportunity. Situated within the accessible beauty of Harriman State Park, it removes the common barriers that prevent urban youth from experiencing the profound benefits of nature. This is a place where boys can disconnect from screens and city noise, and instead connect with the natural world, develop resilience, and build meaningful friendships.

The long-standing dedication of BCNY to youth development, evidenced by generations of positive alumni experiences, ensures that campers are not just entertained but are actively growing in character, competence, and confidence. For parents in New York seeking a structured, supportive, and impactful summer for their sons, Harriman Basecamp stands out as an exceptional choice. It provides a unique blend of adventure, learning, and community building, all within a reasonable distance from home, making a high-quality, enriching summer truly attainable for New York's future leaders. It's an investment in their development that echoes long after the summer ends.

Boys Club of New York

Southfields, NY 10975, USA