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Steve's Camp

Eligibility & Application Process

Eligibility

Preference for attending any Steve’s Camp session will be given to campers who:

  • Attend an NYC-area middle or high school or other community organization with which Steve’s Camp has an established relationship.
  • Attend at least one online info session with Program Director, Amy Stonionis.
  • Commit to reviewing our COVID-19 policy and get tested 72 hours before the session begins.
  • Are recommended by a teacher, school counselor, or community mentor with a formal letter.
  • Have contributed to their community, family, or school in two ways.

For session-specific eligibility requirements, please refer to each session description found on the Summer Camp Programs page.

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Application process

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Ask for a letter of recommendation

Request this from your tour teacher, counselor, or community mentor. You will upload this when you submit your application in Step 2.

Step 1

Fill out a camp application

Fill out the application by the priority deadline.

  • Returning campers: March 15
  • Siblings of returning campers: March 31
  • New campers: April 15

After the deadline, applications will be accepted based on available spaces.

Step 2

Interview with camp

Between late April and early May, all applicants will have a short phone interview with a Steve’s Camp staff member. (See our interview tips below.)

Later on in the process, you’ll receive a phone call to let you know if you’ve been accepted or placed on the camp waitlist.

Step 3

Attend an online Q&A session

Sessions will be offered on multiple dates. You only need to attend one Q&A session.

Step 4

Fill out the required forms

A month before the start of the session, you and your caregiver will complete important paperwork—such as our Steve’s Camp Acceptance form and medical authorization document—and receive a packing list and a bus schedule. All paperwork must be completed before the start of the session.

Step 5

Confirm enrollment

In the weeks before camp, participants’ families will receive a call to confirm their attendance.

Step 6

Interview tips

Tip #1

Be able to explain why you want to attend Steve’s Camp. We believe that campers who actively choose to be at Steve’s Camp—without pressure from caregivers or teachers—will get the most out of camp.

Tip #2

Be prepared to tell us about at least two ways you contribute to your community, family, or school. We ask everyone to participate in community service, charitable acts, or volunteer experiences before they attend camp.

Tip #3

Be yourself. An interview can seem intimidating, but we really just want to get to know you. Don’t be afraid to let yourself shine.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • Camp is completely free to attend.

  • All participants must receive a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to arriving at the bus. Once at camp, everyone will be tested again and screened for symptoms. For more information, read our full COVID-19 policy.

  • Horizon Farms is the name of the 100-acre property on which Steve’s Camp is located. It is a working farm with animals and gardens that allow campers to understand the food system and gain first-hand experience growing their own food. The farm is located on the traditional land of the Lenape people. Learn more about the history of the land and the Lenape people.

  • A letter of recommendation helps us understand whether Steve’s Camp is a good fit for the applicant. It’s also another way for us to get to know their personality and interests.

  • All letters of recommendation should be written by an applicant’s teacher, school counselor, or community mentor. They can either be attached to the application as a PDF or emailed as a PDF with the subject line “Your first and last names - letter of recommendation” to info@stevescamp.org by May 15.

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