The Southampton Fresh Air Home provides a unique vacation experience for physically challenged children between the ages of 8 to 22. Camp programming includes arts and crafts, computers, sports, and swimming, and sailing. Contact David Billingham: (631) 283-1594 or dbillingham@sfah.org
The Fresh Air Home provides an environment in which special needs children can socialize, mature and develop physically, emotionally and psychologically. Campers gain new confidence and return home with wonderful memories of fun and new friendships. Many of the children have their first experiences of leadership and competition in an environment of equality, and fun!
Children between the ages of 8 to 16 participate in one of two three-week sessions or a one week session A forth ten day session is for young adults from 16 to 18. Camp programming is the same as any other summer camp including arts and crafts, music/drama and swimming. Adaptive equipment and flexible rules allow campers to participate in every sport from basketball to hockey. Wheelchair tennis and sailing were recently added. The Young Adult session focuses on computer technology with graphic design, job skills/orientation, and social activities in addition to the regular programs. During the summer more than 150 campers participate in the programs.
The Home is one of the few summer residential camp facilities for disabled children in the Eastern United States. It is a barrier-free with paved walks and ramps. Children live in fully equipped dormitories.
Two registered nurses are on campus to provide 24 hour medical attention, a doctor is on call, and Southampton Hospital is five minutes away. There is also a physical therapist on staff.
Waterfront personnel is fully certified including CPR. The general staff population is an international group and along with the American staff provide a 1:1.5 ratio of counselors to campers. Most of the staff are students studying in fields devoted to special needs.
Many of the 150 children who attend each summer are in need of total care and require help in dressing, feeding, bathing toileting and transferring. Others use electric or manual wheelchairs, braces or crutches, while some manage without any appliances. Camp enrollment now includes children from schools, agencies and programs throughout New York and the United States.
How Is The Fresh Air Home Funded ?
The Southampton Fresh Air Home is a not-for-profit corporation which is tax exempt under section 501 c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is funded by donations from individuals and foundations, and to a limited extent from agencies and fees. The Home does not discriminate against anyone because of inability to pay, race, creed, religion, national origin, sex or handicap.
The Southampton Fresh Air Home is a not-for-profit summer residential camp for physically challenged youth.
Our MISSION is to provide an enriching,, recreational camping experience. We are committed to helping our campers develop physically, emotionally, and educationally, with the goal of fostering esteem, maturity and independence through a broadly balanced program, while providing their families with a well deserved respite.
This organization is dedicated to improving and expanding it's programs and facilities as new opportunities, technology and financial support become available.
Activities and Features
Accommodating Special Needs
Cancer Cystic Fibrosis Multiple Sclerosis Physical Disability
Religious Emphasis
None
Performing Arts
Dance Drama Music
Health and Nutrition
Vegetarian
Horseback Riding
English Western
Computers
Computers
Individual Sports
Golf Tennis
Team Sports
Baseball Basketball Football Lacrosse Soccer Softball Volleyball
Water Sports
Instructional Swimming Recreational Swimming Fishing Sailing
Arts and Crafts
Ceramics Fabric Design Jewelry Design Stain Design
Camp Address
Winter Address
36 Barkers Island Rd
Southampton NY, 11968 USA
631 283 1594 (tel.) 631 283 1620 (fax.)
36 Barkers Island Rd
Southampton, New York, 11968 USA
631 283 1594 (tel.) 631 283 1620 (fax.)
