25 Reasons to Celebrate: A Look Back at Big Fiver Moments
This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of impact, growth, and unforgettable memories at Fiver. From the early days of Camp Fiver to the influential voices and initiatives that helped shape our mission, every milestone has played a part in making Fiver the award-winning youth development organization it is today.
In this special blog, we’re taking a look back at some of the most iconic moments in our history — the programs that shifted our approach, the people who inspired us, and the accomplishments that have elevated our community to new heights.
Fall 1998: Fiver’s first board meeting took place in Tom and Heather Tucker’s farmhouse in Poolville, NY, adjacent to the future site of Camp Fiver. The organization was officially named after Fiver, a rabbit character from Watership Down. Founder Tom Tucker exchanged letters with author Richard Adams for several years, and Adams attended the grand opening of Camp Fiver with his wife and granddaughter.
Summer 2000: Fiver welcomed 254 children to rural Central New York for the inaugural two-week Camp Fiver experience.
2003: Fiver established intentional partnerships with local community-based organizations (CBOs) such as Mercy Center and CAMBA — partnerships that remain strong today. These CBOs refer youth to Fiver and collaborate year-round to provide holistic family support.
2003: Fiver legend Larry Geller volunteered for one session — leading to over 15 years of leadership in Fiver’s swimming and public speaking programs.
2005: Local weaver Sherrill Koss introduced weaving to Camp Fiver, launching a thriving 13-year program until her passing in 2018. The weaving program was relaunched in 2022, and "Sherrill’s Studio" was dedicated in her memory.
2014: After a severe microburst storm at camp destroyed over 200 trees and the waterfront docks, the Central New York community rallied around Fiver with meals, supplies, and support, helping us close out another successful summer.
2015–2019: Fiver partnered with an English school in Beijing, welcoming campers from China each summer — a connection sparked by alumnus Michael Gibson, who taught at the school.
2017: Fiver’s program was recognized as a Hi Impact Award winner by independent evaluator Algorithm (now, Hello Insight) for outperforming peers in social and emotional learning outcomes.
2018 & 2019: Fiver was a finalist for Nonprofit New York’s Excellence Award for Outstanding Management Practices.
2019: After a successful fundraising campaign supported by dozens of donors, Fiver replaced its fishing docks and expanded the waterfront area, thanks to support from the Fred Gabler Helping Hand Camp Fund.
2020: Fiver launched Camp WIFIver during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering a creative virtual camp experience that was featured on CBS and other news outlets.
2022: Fiver elected its first two alumni, Jonathan Jean-Pierre and Gabriela Berroa (both Class of 2011), to its Board of Directors.
2022: Fiver established and invested a $500,000 endowment, funded by the Edith Glick Shoolman Children’s Foundation, and created a $300,000 reserve fund to strengthen organizational sustainability.
2023: In collaboration with Dr. Kristin DeLucia and Colgate University students, Fiver conducted an archaeological dig on camp property, unearthing an old homestead, mill, and dozens of artifacts.
2023: Fiver launched a partnership with the NYC Police Foundation’s mentoring programs — Harlem Giants and Far Rockaway Giants — welcoming 30+ campers for a mini-camp session. The initiative was led by Fiver alumni Andre and Jonathan Jean-Pierre.
2023: Demonstrating our commitment to equity, Fiver paid $67,420 directly to teens for their work in job training and internship programs, empowering participants with financial literacy and real-world skills.
2024: Fiver launched an international youth partnership with Sunu Thiossane in Senegal, founded by former Camp Fiver staff member MameDjarra Diop. In 2024, Fiver hosted five Senegalese youth and three staff at camp — a partnership continuing in 2025.
2024: Fiver raised a record-breaking $992,000 at the Annual Benefit and secured a record $1.092 million in foundation support our youth and programs.
2024: A record 74 youth joined Fiver’s Job Training Program — the largest cohort in Fiver history.
2024: Fiver launched the Keefe Family Legacy Scholarship, an award supporting Fiver alumni as they pursue higher education and career goals. Angelica Fernandez ’24 was honored as the inaugural recipient.
Fall 2024: Fiver received the DEIA Award at the 4th Annual NYC Imagine Awards, presented by JPMorgan Chase, honoring Fiver’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
2025: Kaya Henderson became the first Fiver graduate to serve as Camp Director.
Ongoing: Fiver has employed seven Fiver graduates as full-time staff members: Glorivette Rodriguez, Carlito Atkins, Mabel Muñoz, Erick Cooper, Aislee Nieves, Kaya Henderson, and Helen (Judge) Weissbach in addition to dozens more as seasonal staff and volunteers.
Today: Fiver stands as an award-winning youth development organization, serving hundreds of youth and alumni each year through our ten-year commitment to personal growth, leadership, and opportunity.
As we reflect on these 25 incredible milestones, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has shaped our journey. We can’t wait to celebrate these moments — and many more — at our 25th Anniversary Benefit!
