Mission
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, year-round skill building and a supported transition to adulthood.
What We Do
Since opening its doors in 1995, Camp AmeriKids has provided comfort to thousands of youth in the Tri-State area faced with the daily challenges of coping with HIV/AIDS.
In 2005, in order to meet the needs of youth ages 16-18 that are transitioning into young adulthood, Camp AmeriKids created a year round Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program.
This past year, we were very excited to expand our programs to include children living with the challenges of sickle cell disease.
Our programs are offered entirely free of charge.
Each summer Camp AmeriKids hosts approximately 250 children ages 8-16 over the course of two sessions. Campers participate in a variety of creative and athletic programs including dance, drama, arts & crafts, music, spoken word, sports, swimming instruction, nature and teambuilding. For many campers, the summer program marks their first experience outside of New York City. It is a truly magical time filled with many creative opportunities and the chance to develop their self-confidence. Our program is unique because it also allows the siblings of children living with HIV/AIDS or sickle cell disease to attend.
In addition to the daily struggles of adolescence, teens challenged by HIV face unique problems, such as learning about and understanding their diagnosis, taking medication daily, confronting ignorance, stigma and secrecy surrounding HIV/AIDS, feeling the anxiety about their own health and the health of other family members, and struggling to succeed in school.
Camp AmeriKids was one of the first to address the emotional and mental needs of underserved youth ages 16-17 that are transitioning into young adulthood, and runs a year round Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program. The program emphasizes self-esteem and exposes these kids to new opportunities they would not otherwise have. Participants remain in the program for two years, during which we offer them weekend team building retreats and cultural and community activities.
In 2005, in order to meet the needs of youth ages 16-18 that are transitioning into young adulthood, Camp AmeriKids created a year round Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program.
This past year, we were very excited to expand our programs to include children living with the challenges of sickle cell disease.
Our programs are offered entirely free of charge.
Each summer Camp AmeriKids hosts approximately 250 children ages 8-16 over the course of two sessions. Campers participate in a variety of creative and athletic programs including dance, drama, arts & crafts, music, spoken word, sports, swimming instruction, nature and teambuilding. For many campers, the summer program marks their first experience outside of New York City. It is a truly magical time filled with many creative opportunities and the chance to develop their self-confidence. Our program is unique because it also allows the siblings of children living with HIV/AIDS or sickle cell disease to attend.
In addition to the daily struggles of adolescence, teens challenged by HIV face unique problems, such as learning about and understanding their diagnosis, taking medication daily, confronting ignorance, stigma and secrecy surrounding HIV/AIDS, feeling the anxiety about their own health and the health of other family members, and struggling to succeed in school.
Camp AmeriKids was one of the first to address the emotional and mental needs of underserved youth ages 16-17 that are transitioning into young adulthood, and runs a year round Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program. The program emphasizes self-esteem and exposes these kids to new opportunities they would not otherwise have. Participants remain in the program for two years, during which we offer them weekend team building retreats and cultural and community activities.
Causes
CHILDREN
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
HEALTH
I JUST WANT TO DO GOOD
Open Projects
Annual Report Writing posted on May 17, 2013
Links
No website links.