Camp Winonah

- Southfields, NY 10975

Introduction / Overview: A Vital Haven for City Youth

Nestled within the vast, rejuvenating woodlands of Harriman State Park, Camp Wabenaki in Southfields, NY, represents a profound and long-standing commitment to the youth of the New York metropolitan area. While the name provided, "Camp Winonah," may refer to a current foundation or a related entity, historical accounts and recent operational details point to the property’s enduring identity as Camp Wabenaki (and sometimes historically known as Camp Wabinaki). This facility has served as a critical summer escape for New York City children for over half a century, often providing a first-time experience with nature and the great outdoors.

Camp Wabenaki is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to provide a full range of recreational, multi-cultural, arts, and S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities. Its core mission is to promote the physical, educational, and life skills necessary to empower children for leadership roles and personal success, embodying the motto: "Because we have known the torment of thirst, we are digging a well for others to drink." For local New Yorkers, especially those from underserved communities, this camp has historically been, and continues to be, a crucial safe haven where children can just be children, grow without fear or judgment, and experience the harmony of nature. The powerful testimony from a former camper highlights its importance: "I feel safe at camp, I am scared of the bugs but at home I am scared of the bullets."

The camp's storied past includes being funded by a boys and girls club group from the Lower East Side of Manhattan (Ave. C), underscoring its deep historical ties to New York City's urban communities. The traditions, from the famed "Color War" competitions with vibrant banners (as recounted by a counselor from the 1970s) to the engaging activities led by spirited staff, have left an indelible mark on generations of New Yorkers.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Wabenaki is strategically located for maximum accessibility for New York-based groups while still providing a complete wilderness experience.

The camp's official location is in Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This puts the facility squarely within the 47,000-acre Harriman State Park, one of New York State's largest parks, situated just 50 miles from New York City. This short distance is ideal for managing the logistics of transporting large groups of children, making it a viable option for weekend retreats, single-day trips, and multi-week summer sessions.

The camp grounds are set on 47 acres of classic Hudson Valley landscape, featuring woods, hills, streams, and long trails along Lake Stahahe. Its location in Harriman State Park means it is easily accessed via major parkways and roads, providing a quick transition from the bustle of the city to the tranquility of a forested lakeside environment. This balance of proximity and complete natural immersion is one of the camp's most compelling features for the local community.

Services Offered

Camp Wabenaki operates between April and October, offering a variety of programs tailored for youth and organizational groups. The camp aims to be a full-service retreat destination, especially for non-profit partners and school groups.

• Overnight Camp Sessions: Co-ed overnight trips are available for various durations, including 1-day overnight (Saturday-Sunday) and 2-day overnight (Friday-Sunday) stays, with packages including activities and meals.
• Day Trips and Rentals: The camp hosts day trips for large groups, including activities, and is available for staff retreats and organizational rentals.
• Catering and Meals: Packages typically include meals, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options like BBQ, baked chicken, rice, and spaghetti. A stationary grill is available by the dining hall for groups to enjoy cooking out.
• Group Accommodations: The camp provides cabin-style living, accommodating groups in bunks (historically with names like Beaver and Apache) with a focus on a safe and caring communal environment.
• Educational and Organizational Support: Camp Wabenaki is a vendor for public schools and all DYCD (Department of Youth and Community Development) programs, positioning it as a compliant and accessible partner for city youth services.

Features / Highlights

Camp Wabenaki's strengths lie in its diverse programming, historical significance, and dedication to character development for New York's youth.

• Comprehensive Activities Program: Campers enjoy a wide array of activities including boating, fishing, canoeing classes, swimming lessons, archery, biking, basketball, volleyball, hiking, team building, fire building, s'more making, and musical/acting skits. New activities being added include scuba diving lessons and an enhanced climbing wall.
• Focus on STEM and Life Skills: A dedicated S.T.E.M. cabin and life skills groups are integral to the programming, ensuring the camp experience is both fun and educational, promoting modern competence alongside traditional outdoor knowledge.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: The camp boasts a rich, unique history tied to New York City's social services, with counselors recalling legendary events like the "Color War" and a mess hall decorated with huge movie posters—a nod to the camp's vibrant past.
• Waterfront Recreation: Located along Lake Stahahe, the camp offers a variety of waterfront activities, including boating and swimming in the crib, providing a safe and engaging way to interact with the natural aquatic environment.
• Restored Facilities: While former campers note a past period of deterioration, the recent mission and renovation announcements indicate a strong commitment to bringing the facilities back to their "best form of shape," ensuring a quality experience for today's participants.

Contact Information

For booking reservations, partnership inquiries, or general information about Camp Wabenaki's programs, please use the following contact details:

Campground Name: Camp Wabenaki (Also known by current entity Camp Winonah)

Address: Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Phone (Toll-Free): (877) 456-7924

Mobile Phone: +1 877-456-7924

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Camp Wabenaki is a priceless asset for New York residents because it offers a rare combination of historical legacy, geographical convenience, and critical social impact. For urban families and organizations, the camp provides an affordable, organized, and life-changing escape just an hour north of the city. The camp’s deep roots in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and its ongoing commitment to non-profit partnerships and school programs mean it understands the unique challenges and needs of NYC children.

Locals can feel confident sending their children or utilizing the facilities for their groups, knowing the program is rooted in experience—as demonstrated by the leadership's decades of residential camping experience. This is more than just a place to sleep in a cabin; it is a structured, nurturing environment where a child can develop self-esteem, learn independence, and gain essential leadership and life skills. By choosing Camp Wabenaki, New Yorkers are investing in a historical piece of their community that is actively fighting the "lower entropy" of time to continue changing lives and creating positive memories—ensuring that for a new generation, "Summers Never End."

Camp Winonah

Southfields, NY 10975, USA