Our History: Steve's Camp at Horizon Farms (SCHF) is the brainchild of Steven Kessner. The son of a cab driver from the Bronx, Steve grew up in a neighborhood with few constructive activities for kids. The highlight of each year was traveling to a bungalow colony in the Catskill Mountains where he could escape the city and see the stars. One day, Steve's father had the good fortune of picking up a Dartmouth alum in his taxi who helped Steve receive a scholarship to Dartmouth at age 16. Today Steve is a successful real estate professional who has always had the dream of giving back and helping other inner city kids get out of the city and into the country for some fresh air, a clear mind, and a new perspective. To that end he is opening a summer camp in the Catskills for young people with experiences similar to his own.
Our Mission: The mission of Steve's Camp at Horizon Farms is to empower youth from under-served communities to realize their potential through a unique camp experience. Featuring a small farm, we are committed to not just teaching health, wellness, leadership development and appreciating nature, but living out these concepts through farm work, dialogue, and summer fun.
Our Campers: Our ideal camper is a ninth grader who has shown leadership potential, not only in school but also amongst his/her friends and within his/her family. To find these special young people we will rely heavily on personal interviews, peer recommendations, and teacher nominations to search for young leaders who can best use this experience as a long term tool for making good choices and achieving success.
Our Program: Steve's Camp at Horizon Farms is a new and innovative program where participants learn about sustainability by working on the farm, cooking healthy food, and having fun in the outdoors. In the process, participants will gain valuable leadership skills that will serve them in high school, college, and beyond. After holding a successful pilot with 10 future staff members last summer, Steve's Camp looks to host 100 ninth graders over the course of 4 twelve day sessions in the summer of 2011.
