Fiver families are at the center of the work we do. Our programs are focused on not just supporting Fiver youth, but also the entire family unit. Can you make a gift this year to Fiver so that we can continue our year-round support of the families we serve?

Each year, Fiver families meet with our Camp Director Mary, and Operations Manager Mabel (a Fiver alumnus). Parents and new campers can ask questions and learn more about our ten-year program and offerings year-round, and our team can assuage any initial fears about going away to camp. Before each of our two-week camp sessions, we host a Camp Kick-Off dinner at our NYC office, where new and returning youth and families socialize, learn camp songs, and ask any last-minute questions ahead of their departure to Camp Fiver that weekend.

This year, we welcomed 83 new campers, which also included sending each a welcome package to get them excited for their first time at camp.

For returning Fiver families, we were thrilled to reinstate our annual family retreat. During the overnight trip, 23 participant families (95 individuals in total) were able to stay in cabins together and experience the magic of Camp Fiver first-hand.

Fiver participants confidently led their parents and siblings through a camp scavenger hunt and tour, and modeled camp routines for dining hall clean up and morning announcements. After enjoying camp activities like canoeing, hiking, and arts and crafts, attendees gathered for a deeply meaningful campfire. Later, youth awarded their family members a Fiver dog tag. When families boarded the bus back home, they proudly wore their dog tags, symbolizing the character attribute they most embodied at the retreat.

Our families know that once their child is in our program, they too are also part of the Fiver family. Our wraparound services ensure that Fiver parents and participants have consistent support as they navigate important life and academic transitions in their child’s life.

Thank you for all you do to support our Fiver youth and families.

We wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season!