Full and Partial Camp Session Scholarships Are Available for Families

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County’s Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley will again welcome young people from across the county for outdoor camp experiences this summer, with scholarships available for families.  The County partners with the Pathfinder Foundation for the operation of Camp Nooteeming, including summer camp programming.   “Camp Pathfinder” offers both a Traditional Camp for children ages 4-13 and a Leadership Camp for children ages 14-17 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m in two-week sessions, from July 3^rd through Aug. 25^th.    Morning busing from select pick-up locations is included, and early/late care, starting at 7 a.m. and concluding at 6 p.m., is also available at no additional cost.

With funding provided by Dutchess County Government,  two-week camp scholarships – both full and partial, based on financial need – are available to Dutchess County families, who can apply now through an online portal.  Space is limited and parents/guardians are encouraged to apply quickly.

Full and partial scholarships will be offered on a sliding scale based on a family’s ability to pay. Families making up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (see chart) will qualify for a two-week camp session at no cost. Families at higher income levels can also apply for discounted camp session scholarships. All scholarships are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “With Dutchess County’s acquisition of the facility in 2022, as well as our partnership with the Pathfinder Foundation, we’re proud to offer this once-in-a-lifetime camp experience to as many County children as possible. We expect the demand to quickly outpace the availability for this summer, so I urge families who want their children to experience Camp Nooteeming to act fast and apply.”

In 2022, the Pathfinder Foundation welcomed more than a thousand children from throughout the County to the 272-acre Camp Nooteeming for its successful inaugural season.   Overseen by a team of trained and nurturing camp professionals, many of whom are current classroom educators, Camp Pathfinder’s summer programming is designed to foster a child’s development in multiple areas, including physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Children enjoy everything from outdoor experiences, team building and embedded education opportunities, to sustainability projects, nature play art, and agriculture, among other activities – all run by dynamic camp professionals.

Each day during the summer, individualized organizational systems are implemented and designed for campers to enjoy, suiting a variety of abilities and interests, including:

• Create – art and creative expression through performance or portfolio;
• Grow – agriculture and nature focused, sustainability, eco-friendly;
• Team ­– sports and exercise skills, enhancing overall healthy living goals; and
• Adventure – survive, adapt and thrive on the trail while surrounded by nature.

To learn more about the Camp Pathfinder summer program at Camp Nooteeming, visit https://www.pathfinderfnd.org/