Free Summer Camps Available For NYC Youth

NEW YORK, NY— The Fresh Air Fund, a nonprofit youth development organization, has opened applications for its free summer sleepaway camps for 2026. The camps are located in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley area.

New York City-based youth, aged 8 to 15, can explore the outdoors, make new friends, and learn new skills.

Five of the Fund's sleepaway camps are in Fishkill, New York, on more than 2,000 acres of wilderness property. The sixth camp, Camp Junior, is in Harriman State Park.

Campers at these locations can participate in activities such as swimming, sports, music classes, and arts and crafts. Camp Anita Bliss Coler serves girls aged 9-14, focusing on personal growth and leadership. Camp Hidden Valley is for campers aged 8-12 and offers activities from outdoor adventure to art classes. Camp Hayden-Marks is for boys aged 9-14, encouraging curiosity and new experiences in a supportive environment.

Camp Junior, operated in partnership with New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, serves youth aged 8-17 from the Bronx. Camp Mariah, named after Mariah Carey, is for youth aged 12-15 and is part of the Career Awareness Program, with classes in film, photography and culinary arts. Camp Tommy, named after Tommy Hilfiger, offers leadership development for youth aged 15-17 through its Leaders-in-Training and Counselor-in-Training programs.

Lisa Gitelson, CEO of The Fresh Air Fund, stated that the organization provides a safe and joyful summer environment for youth to explore the outdoors and have new experiences. She added that the Fund looks forward to welcoming returning and new campers for another incredible summer. Participation in LIT and CIT programs can lead to stipends upon completion of expectations.

The Fresh Air Fund is also hiring staff for the summer camps, including counselors, program specialists, lifeguards, and nurses. These paid positions include room and board, and applicants must be 18 or older by the start of camp.

For more information about The Fresh Air Fund’s 2026 free summer sleepaway camps, individuals can visit the website.