About
The mission of Camp AmeriKids is to enhance the lives of youth living with the challenges of HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease by providing an enriching summer camp experience and then a year round leadership program for our oldest campers.
What We Do
It is our firm conviction that youth, regardless of their economic, social or medical challenges should have the opportunity to experience the carefree joys of childhood with a camp experience. Camp AmeriKids is able to provide comprehensive and unobtrusive medical care within the camp environment . Additionally, a Wellness Team is on site at all times. This psychosocial component of our program matches one child specialist with each age group to assist counselors and staff members in managing any challenges associated with living in a new environment.
How We Do It
Camp AmeriKids is a one-week residential sleep-away camp located in Warwick, NY (about 1 hour from NYC). Our program is free of charge, and transportation is provided for all campers. Outside of our Administrative team, all staff are volunteers, from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
Each summer, we serve over 250 inner-city children living with the challenges of HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease. Campers age 7 to 15 participate in one of two seven-day sessions held in August at a beautiful site in Warwick, NY. We offer many activities including boating, swimming, teambuilding, sports, drama, dance, African drums, video and music production, spoken word/poetry, singing, and arts and crafts.
We also run the Camp AmeriKids LIT program. It is a two-year program which allows former campers who have aged out of our summer program to grow as leaders by participating in year-round skill building activities. These activities include both weekend retreats and cultural day trips in NYC, and focus on developing self-awareness, building conflict resolution skills, and identifying and addressing personal challenges.
Contact Name
Gaby Moss, Executive Director