New Teen Empowerment Program At Camp Morty Is Not Business As Usual

NORTH SALEM, NY — Westchester County teenagers who could use a leg up have a chance to build both memories and skills for the future through a unique new summer camp program.

Westchester Parks Foundation’s (WPF) Camp Morty, an outdoor residential camp experience for children residing in underserved communities in Westchester County, will launch a new teen camp empowerment program this summer called "Merriwood @ Morty." It will be a two-week overnight camp for 13 to 15-year-olds who receive temporary services through Westchester County’s Department of Social Services.

The inaugural sessions will run from July 2 through August 11.

The Merriwood campers will participate in workshops and classes hosted by professionals that focus on teen empowerment, business, financial literacy and current events. Campers will develop their own business plan over the course of their session, which they will then pitch to a panel of mock investors at the end, à la "Shark Tank."

The campers will also choose a community service project to complete as a group over the course of their session. Projects will support conservation and nature preservation, community building and mentorships.

"Camp Morty recognizes our responsibility to provide children in black and brown communities with an environment where they are seen and valued," Camp Director Mary Ehring said. "The Merriwood @ Morty teen leadership program allows us to take a deeper dive into their professional development for them to prosper in their communities."

Prior to campers arriving, the counselors will receive training on-site that covers topics and methods, including Positive Behavioral Interventional Support (PBIS) to support campers in building regulatory and coping skills.

A specially designed sensory space will also be new for campers to enjoy, through a grant from Gabrielle’s Wings, a non-profit that is committed to equipping children with the tools they need "to soar above their backgrounds, circumstances, family history, or socioeconomic status."

The new 12x12 structure for campers will be decorated with soothing colors and accessories, complete with calming toys and weighted blankets. Counselors will use the area to help children learn to self-regulate through co-regulation support to help them understand, express, and modulate their thoughts, feeling and behaviors, according to the camp.

Founded in 2006, Camp Morty is operated by the Westchester Parks Foundation in partnership with Westchester County’s Department of Social Services, Department of Community Mental Health and Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. The camp offers an outdoor traditional summer camp experience for children ages 8 to 15, many of whom are in foster care, live in homeless shelters, or are under child protective services.

The camp’s permanent home is located at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem during the summer months and offers virtual services for campers year-round.

Community members and local businesses can sponsor one of over 500 campers, providing a summer of a lifetime, while enjoying the outdoors in a nurturing environment. Learn how to sponsor a camper this summer here.

Additional details for the upcoming 2023 season can be found here.

About Westchester Parks Foundation

Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the County’s Park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to engage the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit their website.