Summer 2025 Recap: Growth, Leadership, and Lifelong Impact
From the quiet woods of Poolville to the busy streets of New York City, Fiver youth spent Summer 2025 learning, growing, and leading in new ways. Whether at Camp Fiver or in the Job Training Program, every participant built confidence, forged connections, and took meaningful steps toward their future.
Where Creativity Meets Courage: Camp Fiver 2025
At Camp Fiver, over eight transformative weeks, 415 youth from New York City and Central New York came together at our 129-acre home in the woods — a place where laughter, leadership, and belonging thrive. Campers were supported by an extraordinary team of staff from across the globe, including South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, Hungary, England, and Senegal, as well as from across the U.S. Among them were 15 proud Fiver alumni, returning to give back to the program that shaped them.
Throughout their two or four weeks at camp, Fivers built meaningful friendships and developed skills that will serve them far beyond the summer. They participated in signature programs such as Public Speaking, Environmental Education, College Access workshops, and Literacy Lounge, a new favorite thanks to the talents of instructor Sbosh from South Africa. Camp classics like Horsebarn and Weaving continued to shine, while our dance program filled the Pavilion with rhythm and joy through Afro dance, step, and hip hop — culminating in a showstopping Variety Show that celebrated every camper’s voice and creativity.
The arts flourished across camp, from clay and jewelry making to crochet and knitting, transforming imagination into lasting keepsakes. Meanwhile, outdoor adventure beckoned: 40 campers embarked on a seven-mile canoe trip, 72 tested teamwork on the low ropes course, and 64 challenged themselves on the high ropes, conquering fears one step at a time.
A highlight for our older campers was a focus on college and career readiness. One hundred sixty three youth in grades 7–11 toured campuses including Colgate University, Cornell University, Ithaca College, University at Buffalo, University of Rochester, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and St. Bonaventure University, expanding their horizons and inspiring future ambitions.
We also celebrated the graduation of four remarkable young people who completed their 10-year journey with Fiver. As Jose shared in his 2025 camp graduation speech:
“Fiver wasn’t just fun — it was a community. We laughed, played, and sang together, but we also supported each other when things got tough. Fiver taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of showing up not just for yourself, but for others.”
Building Futures: Job Training at the NYC Office
Running alongside the camp season, the Job Training Program offered 86 high school-aged Fivers the opportunity to bridge the gap between summer camp and the professional world. This was our largest group yet — and it introduced a new, tight-knit cohort-based model, where small groups of 8–10 participants rotated through four-week sessions of workshops, mentorship, and immersive learning.
Morning sessions led by Senior Program Associate Jesus focused on communication, leadership, and workplace readiness, while afternoons brought lessons to life through hands-on practice. Participants honed resumes, learned to articulate their personal strengths, and gained confidence through public speaking and mock interviews.
The highlight of the summer was a robust lineup of company visits and guest speakers who offered real-world insights and inspiration:\
Google — Fivers toured the Chelsea Market office, explored Gemini and AI tools, and saw firsthand how creativity and innovation intersect in technology. Through the partnership of Board Members Veronika Laskowski and Gabriela Berroa, who is also a Fiver alumna, we were able to make this experience possible.
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) — On a guided tour of the trading floor, Fivers joined a speed-networking session with finance professionals who emphasized curiosity, discipline, and building strong networks. Thanks to the support of Board Member John Cokinos, Fiver was able to continue this meaningful connection with RBC.
Hodes Weill & Associates — Participants learned how real estate, finance, and global markets connect, gaining a better understanding of relationship management and industry collaboration. We are especially grateful to Board Member Chris Haines for helping open the door to this experience.
Judge David Gugerty & Guests — At a special panel in the Fiver office, Judges Gugerty and Broderick, ADA Jasmin-Beamon, and Jessica Molinares, an attorney at Harris Beach Murtha shared candid advice about perseverance, education, and civic responsibility. This visit was made possible by our dear partners, Linda Beigel Schulman and the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund.
SMBC — Fivers practiced Japanese business etiquette and learned about professionalism, respect, and global awareness in international business. Thank you to Eric Eckholdt, Cara Condodina, and the SMBC team for hosting.
Northwell Health — A dynamic panel of healthcare professionals discussed teamwork, empathy, and the wide range of careers that make a difference in their communities. Thank you to Lisa Ng and the team from Northwell Health and to Linda and the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund for making this connection.
Paramount — Behind-the-scenes insights into media and production showed how creativity, adaptability, and collaboration drive success in entertainment. We are grateful to board member Daphne Leroy for making this connection to the team from Paramount.
Metropolitan Commercial Bank — Teens discussed financial literacy and professional ethics with banking leaders who reinforced the value of integrity in business. We appreciate Jeffrey Casio and the bank team for welcoming our youth to their space.
Kith — At one of NYC’s most innovative fashion companies, Fivers learned how vision and collaboration shape entrepreneurship and design. Thank you to Emily Ades and the team at The Kin Foundation and Kith for making this visit possible.
By summer’s end, 100% of Job Training participants had built a polished resume, refined their interview skills, and identified personal goals for the future. Each Fiver left the program with greater confidence in their abilities and a clearer sense of direction — ready to take the next step toward college, career, and leadership.
Looking Ahead
Across both Camp Fiver and the Job Training Program, this summer reinforced what makes Fiver unique: a long-term commitment to helping youth discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships, and envision bright futures. Whether paddling across a lake, exploring new ideas in a workshop, or connecting with professionals across New York City, every Fiver took another step toward becoming the confident, compassionate leaders our world needs.
