Year Round Programs & Off Season Camping

Camp facilities at Sharpe Reservation are utilized throughout the year by a wide range of organizations including schools, clubs, churches and associations for meetings, conferences and retreats. Thousands of school children learn about nature and participate in programs at the Environmental Center.

2009 marked the twelfth year that the New York City Housing Authority sponsored day trips to camp, to help brighten the lives of children living in housing developments. This year-round partnership continues to flourish and provide camping programs to 2,000 inner-city youngsters.

The Fund has expanded its initiative to intensify its relationship with young campers. Boys and girls from Camps Hayden-Marks Memorial, Hidden Valley and Anita Bliss Coler participated in weekend camping programs in the fall, winter and spring. Activities included hiking, cooking, arts and crafts and cooperative games.

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program at Camps Anita Bliss Coler and Hayden-Marks Memorial have expanded tremendously in recent years. The majority of the CITs are former campers. All CITs must be 16 and 17 years old at the beginning of the summer. During summer and weekend camp visits, young people acquire supervisory skills to become future camp counselors. They develop leadership team-building and communications skills through a year-round program.