Camper & Parent Testimonials
Here are a few things campers and parents have been saying about SFAH!
This was my son’s first year at camp. And our family’s first experience with any camp at all. I have been blown away by the whole experience. Both campers and staff, are so awesome. The trust, kindness and love is felt almost the second you set foot on the property. I cannot say enough about it or the staff. I can’t believe I actually cried as I drove away on his last night there. I am so grateful for this opportunity for him to experience so much more with his limitations. Thank you so much everyone at and behind the SFAH!!!
– Parent, Long Island NY
We all have that one thing in our life that we can never let go of. Whether it be people, places or things, we'd do anything to make sure it never leaves us. My thing is my sleep away camp which I attended for five years or longer.
Every summer that I attended, I was always happy to be there. Regardless of everything that was going on in my life, my summers were always filled with happiness and joy. When I started, I was 14 years old. Last year, was my final summer attending (although I hope to sneak in for some more!) and I could not be more grateful.
The more summers I went there, the more I felt myself growing. The person I was when I first started, and the person I am now are two somewhat different people. To change isn't necessarily a bad thing. As long as you don't lose yourself when you're changing that's all that matters.
During my time at camp, I've had people look up to me, and I've had people that I looked up to and continue to. Being in an atmosphere where the world isn't a dark and scary place should be something everyone at least experiences once in a lifetime.
My time at camp may be over, but I will never forget the people and the memories I've made. Although I'm not a camper anymore, it's gonna take a lot more than my age to get rid of me. Having this experience has taught me a lot. It has helped me make friendships with people all over the world.
It has been my own Neverland. Being in camp has made me never want to grow up.
Here's to you, Southampton Fresh Air Home. Thank you for everything.
-Camper, Queens NY
I wanted to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to experience your camp firsthand. I made many friends and had so much fun. It was truly the counselors, however at the Red Liberties bunk that made the trip worthwhile. The counselors were some of the nicest, most compassionate people I've ever met in my life. Under their care, I became a more confident and happier person overall. How often can you say that? Furthermore, the Activities team were so great and they created games that I'm going to try to make my family play with me, (except Bombardment because I am so bad at it).
The camp also broadened my horizons. For example, I now know that Chocolate fudge pop tarts are the best snacks created(along with Team Kitchen's cupcakes and Fajitas- Seriously, what do they put in those things???) I liked yoga even though I thought I would hate it at first. Sailing with Jo and Liv was really fun, especially with Chris and Lifeguard Tom's jokes, I overcame my fear of public speaking with Blue Brave Counselor Joe's help and I saw many types of handicapped people that I'd never known about prior to this trip.
Most of all, going to this camp made me feel better about being handicapped- A fact I had previously loathed about myself. I will be eternally grateful for that, and I wanted to thank you personally due to the fact that this camp probably would not have been the same under different management.
Sincerely,
Camper, New York City
My son won’t stop talking about camp! Sounds like another great year, and we’re so grateful again for all your hard work. You all work tirelessly to give kids like ours such an amazing experience that will impact them for their entire lives. It’s something we cannot give to them ourselves, and for that we are forever grateful.
-Parent, NY
This past weekend I went to my favorite place on earth, SFAH. I spent my childhood there with my friends from school from 2001-2011. These were my favorite times getting ready for every summer to go there and have my summer to remember.
When I aged out of SFAH, I was heartbroken. When the camp invited me to the first mini session after graduation, it was the greatest time of my life because it made me realize that SFAH will never leave me. Even though I aged out, I am a part of the greatest camp ever for people who are physically challenged.
This past weekend when I got to camp, it felt like I was back at my first year where I was 8 years old and having the time of my life. It felt like I did not have a disability, but an ability. No matter what, SFAH will be my home away from home for life because when you first step on the grounds you feel like a butterfly who grabs you and takes you to a fantasy land that no one can judge you for what you are.
If you are physically challenge and you are not 18 yet, I recommend you to check out SFAH because this camp will change you forever.
-Camper, NY
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you thank you a million times. My daughter had her best summer and I can see what an amazing affect it had on her.
She is more positive about everything and this is such a breakthrough. The dedication of you and the staff for all of these kids is truly amazing!
-Parent, NJ
I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful experience you have provided for my grandson, these past few years. Without this camp, my grandson would be spending his days alone in his room playing on his computer. Your camp allows him to socialize and enjoy the companionship of others. He spends each winter looking forward to the next season of camp. Your staff has always been outstanding. Keep up the good work.
-Grandparent, Long Island NY
You enable my child to experience things that he would otherwise NEVER have the chance to experience. Us parents get a little break knowing that our children are in the SAFEST, KINDEST, MOST COMPASSIONATE hands.
Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it!
-Parent NJ