Camp Homeward Bound

For many children growing up in New York, summer camp is a cherished experience, offering a blend of outdoor adventure, new friendships, and personal growth. While there are countless camps across the state, some stand out for their profound impact and unique mission. Camp Homeward Bound, located in the scenic Southfields, New York, is one such place. It’s not just a typical summer camp; it's a transformative haven that has been enriching the lives of children for decades.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Camp Homeward Bound, specifically tailored for locals in the New York region. We'll explore what makes this camp so special, from its location amidst nature to the wide array of activities it offers. The tone will be friendly and professional, highlighting the factual aspects that define this remarkable institution.

Camp Homeward Bound, established in 1984 by the Coalition for the Homeless, holds a unique place as the nation's first and longest-running sleepaway camp specifically designed to serve children living in homeless and domestic violence shelters in New York City. This critical mission ensures that hundreds of children each summer get a much-needed respite from challenging circumstances, allowing them to simply "be kids again." The testimonials from former campers speak volumes about the loving, kind, and fun environment created by the dedicated staff, emphasizing its lasting positive impact. For New Yorkers looking to understand and support impactful local initiatives, or simply curious about significant summer programs in their backyard, Camp Homeward Bound offers a compelling narrative of hope and opportunity.

Camp Homeward Bound is beautifully situated in Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This location places it squarely within Harriman State Park, one of New York's largest and most pristine state parks. Harriman State Park, encompassing over 47,500 acres, is known for its rugged mountains, dense forests, clear lakes, and extensive network of hiking trails. It provides an ideal natural backdrop for a summer camp, offering a profound contrast to the urban environments many of its campers come from.

While the address points to Southfields, the camp itself is deep within the park, leveraging the natural environment for its programs. For campers, transportation is typically arranged by the Coalition for the Homeless, ensuring safe and direct access from various New York City shelters. For visitors or those interested in the broader context of the camp, Southfields is easily accessible from major roadways in the Hudson Valley, including the New York State Thruway (I-87) and Route 17. It's approximately an hour to an hour and a half drive north of New York City, making it a manageable distance for day trips or for staff and volunteers commuting from the metropolitan area.

The setting within Harriman State Park means campers benefit from fresh air, natural landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor exploration that might otherwise be unavailable to them. The "powerboat-free pristine water" of the lake at the camp further emphasizes the tranquil and natural environment, allowing for safe and enjoyable water activities. This deliberate choice of location underscores the camp's commitment to providing a healthy and enriching escape for its young participants.

Camp Homeward Bound provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to ensure a safe, enriching, and memorable experience for its campers, who are primarily children aged 7 to 15 from New York City's homeless and domestic violence shelters.

• Full Sleepaway Camp Experience: The camp offers three 16-day sleepaway sessions each summer, providing a complete immersion in a traditional camp setting away from the challenges of city life and shelter environments. Campers live in platform tents nestled in the woods, sharing space with their counselors and fellow campers.

• Structured and Choice Activities: The program balances structured activities with "choice week," allowing campers to try a wide variety of activities in the first week and then select their favorites in the second. This encourages exploration and personal discovery.

• Comprehensive Activity Roster: A full range of classic summer camp activities is offered, including swimming (with daily lessons taught by qualified instructors), various sports, art, dance, yoga, archery, biking, culinary arts, music, nature and outdoor living skills, photography, and video production.

• Educational Enrichment: Beyond traditional camp fun, the program incorporates learning in areas such as reading, math, science, and nutrition, providing valuable educational reinforcement in an engaging environment.

• Dedicated and Diverse Staff: Counselors and staff come from all over the world, bringing unique cultures and experiences. They undergo intensive training and live on-site, providing 24-hour supervision and mentorship.

• Nutritious Meals: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, a full-service camp of this nature would provide all meals and snacks, ensuring campers receive proper nutrition throughout their stay.

• Safe and Supportive Environment: The core service is providing a "safe haven" and a "caring" and "loving" environment where children can heal, grow, and simply "be kids again," as highlighted by former campers. This includes addressing health, social, developmental, and education-related challenges.

Camp Homeward Bound stands out for several remarkable features that contribute to its profound impact and enduring legacy.

• Life-Changing Experience for Vulnerable Youth: The most significant highlight is its core mission: providing a vital summer escape and transformative experience for children experiencing homelessness or living in domestic violence shelters. This focus on a highly vulnerable population sets it apart from many other camps. Former campers vividly recall it as "the best time of my childhood," underscoring its life-changing impact.

• Exceptional Staff: Consistently praised by former campers, the staff is described as "loving, kind, fun, fair, and firm." This dedication and positive demeanor are crucial in creating a nurturing and supportive environment, especially for children who may have experienced trauma.

• Rich Activity Program: The camp offers a broad array of classic summer camp activities, from daily swimming lessons in a powerboat-free lake to sports, arts, dance, archery, and outdoor living skills. This variety ensures every camper finds something they love and encourages trying new experiences.

• Immersive Natural Setting: Located in the beautiful Harriman State Park, the camp takes full advantage of its rustic and pristine environment. Campers are immersed in nature, biking along trails, harvesting vegetables in a garden, and experiencing the simple joy of campfire stories.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond fun, the camp incorporates learning elements in reading, math, science, and social skills. It aims to help children overcome challenges exacerbated by homelessness, fostering growth and confidence.

• Long-Standing History: Established in 1984, Camp Homeward Bound is the nation's first and longest-running camp of its kind. Its 40-year legacy speaks to its sustained impact and the effectiveness of its programs.

As a program of the Coalition for the Homeless, Camp Homeward Bound operates with a charitable mission, specifically serving children from homeless and domestic violence shelters. Therefore, it does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense that a for-profit camp might.

For the children who attend, the entire camp experience is provided at no cost to their families, acting as a crucial and invaluable service rather than a commercial offering. This includes transportation, lodging, meals, activities, and dedicated care.

The "special offer" here is the unparalleled opportunity for vulnerable children to experience a formative and healing summer away from challenging circumstances. The Coalition for the Homeless actively seeks funding and donations to sustain Camp Homeward Bound, highlighting the program's profound impact and the ongoing need for support. For those in New York who wish to contribute, donating to the Coalition for the Homeless or participating in their fundraising campaigns (such as the 40th Anniversary Capital Campaign for renovations) would be the way to "invest" in the camp's future and its continued ability to provide this vital service.

Camp Homeward Bound is a program of the Coalition for the Homeless. For inquiries about the camp, its mission, how children are referred, or how to support its initiatives, the primary point of contact is the Coalition for the Homeless.

While the camp itself is located in Southfields, NY 10975, direct administrative inquiries are best directed to the Coalition's main office or their camp-specific contact person.

General inquiries for the Coalition for the Homeless, which oversees Camp Homeward Bound:

Phone: (212) 776-2020

Website: www.coalitionforthehomeless.org

You can typically find more detailed information about Camp Homeward Bound under the "Our Programs" or "Youth" sections of their website. This is also where you would find information about how to volunteer, donate, or get involved with their ongoing efforts to support homeless individuals and families in New York City.

For New Yorkers, Camp Homeward Bound represents a beacon of hope and a powerful example of community impact, making it profoundly suitable as a local institution to learn about and potentially support. While not a typical public campground open to direct reservations from any local, its purpose and function are deeply rooted in addressing a critical need within the New York community.

Firstly, it provides an essential escape for children from some of the city's most challenging circumstances. For residents concerned about the well-being of all New Yorkers, knowing that such a high-quality, transformative summer experience exists right in their backyard – in the serene setting of Harriman State Park – is incredibly reassuring. It highlights the vast natural resources available within reach of the urban core, which can be leveraged for profound social good.

Secondly, the camp's long-standing history, dedicated staff, and diverse range of enriching activities demonstrate a commitment to holistic child development. Former campers' heartfelt testimonials underline the significant positive impact this camp has on young lives, fostering confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging. This showcases a local organization truly making a difference, not just providing a temporary distraction but helping to shape future generations.

Finally, Camp Homeward Bound serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and charitable efforts. For New Yorkers looking to contribute to local causes, understanding the vital work done by the Coalition for the Homeless through this camp provides a clear avenue for meaningful engagement. It allows locals to connect with and support an organization that is directly improving the lives of vulnerable children, fostering resilience, and providing "a place where they feel safe and can just be kids again." In essence, Camp Homeward Bound is a testament to the compassionate spirit that thrives in New York, offering both a glimpse into nature's restorative power and the profound impact of collective humanitarian effort.

Camp Homeward Bound

Southfields, NY 10975, USA