Children progress through four program stages during their ten years with Fiver. All Fiver kids participate in the Whole Self Program, a unique character development program designed to empower campers to become contributing members and leaders in the Fiver community and in their home communities.   Through group activities, discussion, and individual goal-setting, the program promotes children's understanding of and appreciation for the five qualities valued at Fiver: being a Friend, an Individual, a Valuable team player, an Environmentalist, and a Risk Taker.  

Stage 1

LEARN Program - Ages 8-12: The Fiver Foundation's LEARN program has two primary goals: to build self-confidence and to broaden children's perspective of who they are and what they are capable of achieving. Fiver's programs are designed to build skills so that each participant will experience success on his or her level.  LEARN campers' well-balanced schedule combines activities for ALL campers with individually chosen electives.   Three core areas in which all campers participate are the Learning Center program, Environmental Education, and Swimming:

Stage 2

Teen Adventure Program (TAP) - Ages 13-14:   The Teen Adventure Program focuses on camper development in three core areas: Teamwork , Community Service, and Imagining the Future.   The following activities comprise the TAP Program: canoe trip, low ropes course, climbing wall, mentoring younger campers and visiting a local university.

Stage 3

Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) - Ages 15-16: The LEAD program offers teens a diverse and challenging array of activities: Leadership Development and Community Service , Ethical Decision-Making Curriculum , Extended Wilderness Experience and College and Career Preparation. LEAD participants stay at camp for 3 weeks helping to teach activities alongside counselors. During week 3, participants attend a 5 day wilderness trip in the Adirondack Mountains. This program continues the introduction to college with tours and several year-round programs geared toward helping with the college application process and vocational exploration.  

Stage 4

SERVE Program - Age 17:
SERVE participants attend camp for four weeks, acting as assistant counselors and activity leaders. This paid position is focused on vocational exploration. Participants have the opportunity to share what they have learned at Fiver with the next generation. SERVE participants return to jobs in the city through Summer Youth Employment.