Our Story
Camp AmeriKids was founded in 1995 by AmeriCares founder Bob Macauley in response to a growing need at home to help children living with HIV/AIDS. It is AmeriCares firm conviction that children, despite their economic, social or medical difficulties should have the opportunity to experience the carefree summer time joys of childhood. Each camper's physical and emotional health is taken into consideration to ensure that daily activities do not exceed his or her capabilities. Camp AmeriKids draws its camper population from several social service agencies throughout the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Each summer, Camp AmeriKids is able to provide sophisticated and unobtrusive medical care within the camp environment. In order to staff the Camp Infirmary, overseen by our medical director, an ER physician, one physician and over ten nurses and nurse practitioners reside on the grounds while camp is in session. Each camper's medical history is evaluated prior to his or her arrival, ensuring that his or her medications are administered on schedule and that all necessary medical precautions are taken care of during the session. Each nurse practitioner is assigned a caseload of eight to ten children, each of whom receives medications up to three times a day. Additionally, a full time Wellness team, overseen by our wellness director a licensed clinical social worker is on site at all times. This psychosocial component matches one child specialist with each age group, to assist counselors and staff manage the stress associated with living in a new environment.
Celebrating over 10 years of service, Camp AmeriKids provides a trip into childhood for over 200 inner city children and adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS each summer. Campers ages 7 to 15 participate in one of two eight-day camp sessions held in late July and early August at the Clearpool Facility in Carmel, New York.
Each day camp offers events relating to a special annual theme, with dawn-to-dusk activities including boating, swimming, teambuilding, drama, dance, African drums, woodshop, a special DJ workshop and arts and crafts. On special theme days such as Carnival Day, campers are able to enjoy a generous helping of cotton candy or maybe a chance to get their favorite counselor in the dunking booth!! Our evening activities include a Camp Luau and a very special visit from Powerhouse Entertainment, which provides Camp with their own Wild 'n Wacky Challenge Show. Sessions culminated in the "AmeriKids Are Stars" non-competitive talent show, allowing the campers to show off the skills and confidence they gained all week.
Camp AmeriKids has expanded its offerings to former campers, ages 16 and 17 to participate in a year-round Leader in Training (LIT) program. Instituted for these adolescents to gain experience and knowledge that will allow them to become future Camp AmeriKids staff members, as well as active peer leaders in their communities.
