Camp Junior

Camp Junior, located in the lush wilderness of Southfields, New York, is more than just a typical campground; it is a community-driven sanctuary with a profound mission. Established in 2019 within the expansive Harriman State Park, this camp was founded in memory of Lesandro “Junior” Guzmán-Feliz. It serves as a vital resource for New York City youth, specifically those from the Bronx, offering them a chance to trade city streets for 40 acres of forest, lakes, and fresh air. Operated by The Fresh Air Fund in partnership with New York State Parks and local leaders, Camp Junior provides a safe and supportive environment where children can be themselves, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships.

The campground is situated at the "Top of the Pines" location on Lake Tiorati, providing an immersive nature experience just an hour's drive from the Bronx. The facility was revitalized through significant investment to ensure that it offers modern amenities while maintaining its rustic, wooded charm. For families in New York, Camp Junior represents an opportunity for children aged 8 to 15 to engage in pro-social behavior, participate in anti-violence programming, and discover a world of outdoor recreation that might otherwise be inaccessible. It is a place where legacy and opportunity meet, creating a brighter future for the next generation of New Yorkers.

Location and accessibility are key components of the Camp Junior experience. The campground is located within Harriman State Park in Southfields, NY 10975, a 47,500-acre wilderness park that straddles Rockland and Orange Counties. For New York residents, the proximity is a major advantage, as it feels worlds away from the urban environment despite being only about 30 miles from the city. The camp is primarily accessible via organized transportation provided by The Fresh Air Fund, ensuring that campers can travel safely and reliably from designated pickup points in the Bronx directly to the heart of the park.

Once at the site, visitors find that the camp is designed to be self-contained and secure. The terrain is characteristic of the Hudson Highlands, featuring rolling hills, dense forest canopies, and direct access to the water. While the camp is a secluded retreat, its location within a major state park means it benefits from the oversight and infrastructure of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This ensures that the roads leading to the facility are well-maintained and that the camp remains integrated into the broader network of natural resources available in the region.

Camp Junior offers a comprehensive range of services designed to foster personal growth and outdoor proficiency. As a specialized youth campground, the services include:

• Residential Summer Programming: Multi-day sleepaway sessions for boys and girls ages 8 to 15, providing a full immersion in camp life.
• Educational Workshops: Specialized curricula that focus on environmental science, biology (through partners like BioBus), and life skills.
• Waterfront Safety and Instruction: Professional swim lessons and water safety training conducted by certified lifeguards in Lake Tiorati.
• Anti-Violence and Leadership Training: Dedicated programming aimed at conflict resolution, communication, and providing positive alternatives to gang involvement.
• Year-Round Engagement: Life skills workshops, running clubs, and seasonal celebrations like the annual Maple Celebration to keep families connected throughout the year.
• Full Nutritional Support: Providing all meals and snacks for campers, focused on healthy and balanced eating to fuel their outdoor adventures.

The features and highlights of Camp Junior make it a standout destination for youth recreation in the New York area. Key highlights include:

• High Ropes Challenge Course: A centerpiece of the camp where children build confidence and teamwork by overcoming physical obstacles at a height.
• Lake Activities: Extensive opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing on the scenic Lake Tiorati.
• Nature and Hiking Trails: Miles of trails that allow campers to explore the local ecosystem, learn navigation, and appreciate the local wildlife.
• Diverse Recreational Arts: Dedicated spaces and instructors for photography, music, dance, and arts and crafts.
• Sports and Fitness: On-site facilities for soccer, archery, chess, and various team-building games that encourage healthy competition and cooperation.
• On-Site Parking: Dedicated parking areas for staff and authorized visitors to ensure smooth operations and safety within the camp perimeter.

For more information regarding enrollment, donations, or general inquiries about the facility, the following contact details are available. Please note that as a Fresh Air Fund camp, registration typically follows specific seasonal timelines.

Address: Southfields, NY 10975, USA (Top of the Pines, Harriman State Park)

Phone: (212) 897-8900 (The Fresh Air Fund Main Office)

Website: freshair.org/camp-junior

What is worth choosing about Camp Junior is its unique status as a "safe haven" specifically designed for the youth of the Bronx. While there are many campgrounds in New York, few offer the specialized combination of trauma-informed care, high-adventure recreation, and a deep-rooted mission of community healing. It is worth choosing because it empowers children to step outside their comfort zones in a controlled, supportive environment. Whether they are facing their fears on the high ropes course or learning to navigate a kayak for the first time, campers leave with a sense of independence and self-worth that they carry back to their home neighborhoods.

Furthermore, the fact that this experience is provided at no cost to eligible families ensures that the beauty of New York's state parks is shared equitably. The partnership between various state and local entities guarantees a high standard of safety and facility quality. For parents looking for a place where their children can have fun outside of New York City while gaining valuable life skills, Camp Junior is a factual and inspiring choice. It honors the memory of its namesake by fostering a community of peace, exploration, and joy in the heart of the Hudson Highlands.

Would you like me to look up the registration dates for the upcoming summer session or provide more details on the year-round programming available for families?