Camp Homeward Bound is a magical place.
From the moment the kids walk off of the bus, they find themselves in a lush, green paradise where they can run, swim, play games, create arts and crafts and make new friends for 16 days at our gorgeous lakeside campsite in Harriman State Park.
Camp Homeward Bound, the first summer camp in the nation designed specifically for homeless children, has for more than 30 years been giving homeless children an unforgettable experience that lasts a lifetime – all for free. CHB is not just any summer camp. Each summer we give 300 homeless kids from all over the city a chance to grow and thrive like never before.
Kids like seven-year-old Tamika, who attended camp last summer.
Tamika’s family was living in a homeless shelter after fleeing domestic violence, and the traumas Tamika had experienced in her young life made it hard for her to socialize with others. Most camps are unwilling to work with kids facing such challenges, but Camp Homeward Bound creates a safe and welcoming environment where homeless girls and boys can just blossom and learn to be themselves.
Although Tamika was frightened and withdrawn when she first got to camp, our counselors were able to get her to come out of her shell, befriend other campers, and enjoy brand new experiences like hiking, stargazing, dancing with her bunkmates and even swimming and splashing in the lake!
Tamika enjoyed camp so much last year, she’s already signed up to return this summer.
Tamika’s story is just one example of the magic of Camp Homeward Bound. Through unique educational programing, a high ratio of one staff member for every two campers, and specially trained counselors, CHB gives homeless girls and boys the chance to relax and just be kids again.
We hope that you will consider making a gift to support Camp Homeward Bound. Your support not only keeps us operating, but lets us buy clothes, underwear, socks, and shoes for the girls and boys who will attend camp this year – many of whom show up with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
We believe that every kid deserves the chance escape the sweltering shelters to learn valuable life lessons, make new friends and experience the joys camp has to offer!
Listen to Camp Director, Bev, and a few of our CHB campers discuss some of the magic at Camp Homeward Bound…
We truly appreciate all of your past support of Carnival Night for Kids – our summer event that benefited Camp Homeward Bound and Bound for Success. Please note that we are not holding the event this summer while we are in the planning stages of a new, even better, event – stay tuned!
