Education and employment are vital to inner-city youth and to the future of this country. Camp offers a unique setting to engage young people in a career exploration curriculum, and prepare them for the world of work. Camp is a new model for career counseling, far away from the distractions of city life. At Camp Mariah, young people assess their strengths, practice critical thinking and learn interpersonal skills. Education and literacy are the focus of all camp activities.
Young people remain in the program for three years, before joining an alumni club.
Located on the banks of a 50-acre lake, surrounded by woods and mountains, Camp Mariah joins The Fund's four other camps on the Sharpe Reservation in upstate New York. The Communications Center, Activities Center and Career Center were designed exclusively for career-oriented experiences. A structured curriculum introduces campers to expanding career fields, such as science and technology, communications, health and nutrition, and environmental science. Other projects involve community service and career skills. Campers attend workshops in photography, fashion, dance and computers.