Fiver Children's Foundation

I've been apart of this organization for the past 12 years of my life, and I could say that this is one of the most impactful experiences that I've been able to be apart of. I've learned many valuable skills, met and worked with a diversity of many individuals that I've been able to learn from and grow with, and this organization help provide me necessary skills needed for the workforce. Without Fiver, I don't know what I'd be doing today. Fiver changed my life for the better.

This Non profit organization has truly helped me become a better person and has given me countless opportunities and resources to counter helping me and others do better.

Fiver inspires my imagination of what is possible when innovation in youth empowerment is not defined by the latest technological app or tool but by a one-of-a-kind commitment to building real trusting and transformative relationships with youth that are empowering across their lives. The Fiver team has integrity to its mission with leaders who walk the talk and alumni joining the team inspired to give back. Fiver is humbly showing the transformative impact of its collaborative empowerment model equitably supporting underprivileged youth across NYC to create paths out of intergenerational poverty and connecting youth across differences in New York while also building local to global bridges with its new partnership with a Senegalese youth empowerment organization. Bringing together the magic of summer camp with year-round after-school support and a life-long community of belonging and fun reminds us all what is possible when adults are committed to youth thriving no matter what it takes and enjoy the journey together!

For the past 18 years Fiver has been a core part of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. From childhood to adulthood Fiver has been my number one support since. Being able to be apart of the organization and give back to kids the way Fiver gave to me is a blessing.

A great environment for kids and staff! Provides families safe spaces to learn, connect, and grow amongst other campers and families. Staff show the utmost commitment and compassion to all youth and families served in a professional and warm manner. 10/10!

Fiver Children's Foundation is an impeccable organization for many reasons. The 10-year commitment has allowed authentic relationships to form for a lifetime, and the support never ends once you graduate from the program. As an alumnus and current employee, I have witnessed firsthand the intentionality Fiver partakes in the communities it serves. From programming to grant writing our team works closely to ensure we are looking for resources that best support the needs of our youth. Fiver leadership not only cares about its youth but also about the staff by offering consistent professional development opportunities. Fiver is not just an organization, being a Fiver is a lifestyle. It is about learning to inspire ourselves and each other. If it was not for this organization and my perseverance, I would not be assisting the Fivers who came after me today. Once a fiver, always a fiver.

The most committed & consistent non profit Out there! I am the Licensed Social worker/Clinician I am today due to their unwavering commitment to my well being and growth.

I have been a part of Fiver since 2005, first as a child and now as an alumnus and current employee. There is no doubt in my mind that I would be where I am or the person that I am today without this organization. At an early age, they instilled values in me that I still value and apply to my life to this day. It's great to see the growth of this organization year after year and that the work is still being done.

I learned about Fiver thru a Women Giving circle called Impact 100 NYC where we selected them as a Grantee for $100K towards the building of a camp cabin for High School seniors. I have since volunteered as well, doing mock interviews and presentation skills for these young adults and have enjoyed their commitment and dedication to learning. This program is so well developed and have me great alumnae who show the poise and confidence gained thru their 10 year engagement in the Fiver program.

Fiver has been my second home for the past 17 years. I am an alumna of the program I know work seasonal at camp and part time ad an high school program assistant

Working with Fiver and our kids (Fivers) has been so rewarding. Other camps should really look into Fiver's programming to better understand community building and community work. I have learned so much working here.

Fiver has been an amazing organization to volunteer with! Everyone is passionate, inspiring, and brilliant and I'm honored to be a part of an organization that is making a meaningful impact in so many children's lives.

Fiver is more than a summer camp; the organization supports 1,600+ participants and alums with year-round programs to prepare them for educational and career paths that fit their highest aspirations. Fiver's nationally recognized programs, from college counseling to summer internships, have enabled 100% of Fivers to graduate high school in 2021. Fivers set the bar high and continue to lead the way as advocates in state offices, leaders in companies, and role models for social change in classrooms. This is why I have stayed involved with Fiver for over 20+ years -- the model works! When Fiver approached me with the opportunity to join the board, it was a full-circle moment that culminated all my Fiver experiences to give back to an organization that opened a world of possibilities for me and provided me.

Having recently joined the board of Fiver, I have been quickly learning about all of the amazing and impactful things this wonderful organization does for the youth that it serves and their families. What I have come to appreciate is that everything Fiver does, it does with a great deal of thought in order to maximize the impact that they have. This includes offering hundreds of children the ability to attend a beautiful sleep away camp in Central New York that is jam packed with both fun activities and programming that pushes them to learn fundamental life skills. It means year-round programming to help these children develop long-term goals and the ability to achieve them. Fiver makes a 10-year commitment to the kids who participate in their programs, they offer spots to all siblings of participants, and they provide support to their families as well. Increasingly they are also offering a well-developed set of alumni programming so that the impact can extend well beyond the initial 10 years. There is so much more to love about Fiver, but I will just say that it has truly been inspiring to witness how they lift children up and give them opportunities to flourish in ways they may never have imagined possible!

I have been a Fiver Board Member for just over a year and I am so proud to be part of an organization that has such a significant impact on the lives of youth. Through the 10 year committment, Fiver helps prepare and empower participants to make positive life choices. The way that Fiver fosters social and emotional development through year round and summer camp programs is simply amazing and builds a true sense of community. Fiver provides the tools and the space for children to grow into adults who are ready to take on life's challenges and postively influnce the world around them.

Having a safe space like Fiver is truly amazing. I was a participant for all 10 years Fiver commits to its children and had the opportunity to do so many things I wouldn’t have ever had the chance to do without them. The merge of fun experiences and character development as well as the dedicated staff makes this place work so well. The awesome experience I had as a child and teen is what led me to give back as a counselor for Fiver this past summer!

Fiver is wonderful organization doing fantastic work with in the community. The organization’s energy level and sincerity are infectious. I have volunteered with Fiver over the past six years and have loved my time so much that I have formalized my role as a volunteer. It is incredible what the staff has been able to accomplish in such a relatively short time. I love meeting Fiver Alumni and hearing their inspiring stories.

I have been involved with Fiver for three years and have seen firsthand how well the 10-year commitment to each child works. Fiver does a phenomenal job engaging with the NYC community and preparing each "Fiver" for success in life.

Fiver goes above and beyond in their service to the kids and their families. It is evident in every detail from the overall 10-year commitment, to the care that goes into ensuring they are safe, supported, and successful in each season of programming that they attend. As part of the program, Fiver students aren't just after school participants or summer campers; they are Fivers for the rest of their lives.

Fiver is a wonderful organization that brings its mission to life year-round. The staff are dedicated and put Fiver youth at the center of everything they do. Fiver is a magical place that allows staff, volunteers, and community members to fully be themselves and be celebrated for it.

I have worked with FIVER for 7 years now on a seasonal basis alongside my job. FIVER is amazing. It is a strong, close knit community. The participants are at the core of everything that happens at FIVER. The staff are highly motivated. The outcome is an fun learning environment where everyone can thrive.

Fiver is the best place on earth to say the least. This places really changes lives for the better and every person who has had the privilege to experience it would say the exact same. Fiver will always be a part of my heart and some of the best times of my life have been there.

Camp Fiver has been a blessing to my life. A second home and family. I first met my second family when I was 8 years old and graduated from their 10 year program when I was 18. 10 whole years of opportunity, new experiences, new people to meet, places to visit, learning and the most important part, having fun. Always pushing me to reach new heights. From going to their office in Manhattan and camp in Upstate New York, Fiver and it's staff made it their duty to be committed to me and ensure I was taken care of. I can't say enough but there is no doubt in my mind that Fiver will hold a special place in my heart for helping to shape who I am today and I thank everyone who I met through Fiver for everything.

I had the opportunity to work at Camp Fiver for three summers in a row. Without a doubt this organisation puts the youth at the heart of everything they do. They go above and beyond daily to ensure Fivers have engaging and positive experiences they can take with them into adult life. I’ve never felt as supported in a work place as I did at Fiver, and I continue to apply skills and lessons I learned at Fiver in my current employment. Fivers Children’s Foundation truly does deliver the highest quality holistic support and life changing opportunities to staff and young people alike.

I've been inspired to help the Fiver Children's Foundation meet its mission of empowering children to make positive life choices since joining the Board of Directors in 2020. Fiver is a community of staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and families - with the children it supports at its center. Fiver's outcome data tells a compelling story of successfully supporting children, but it's been having an opportunity to interact with the Fiver children that's shown me the impact the organization has through its 10 year program of supporting character development and unlocking potential. Being a part of the Fiver community is incredibly fulfilling and I highly recommend that anyone interested get involved!

I first started camp when I was 10 years old in 2016. I was a little bit nervous as I've never been away from my house for 2 weeks before. After I got settled in, I realized that I fit here and was gonna be accepted here. Camp fiver is not only a summer camp, it's a 10 year commitment that not only keeps you connected in the summer but during the school year as well. they help you with writing a resume, cover letter, and help you with mock interviews. They help you with building confidence in yourself and over coming fears. Camp fiver is my home away from home. My favorite trip was the canoe trip in 2019 we had to communicate with each other and be team players. ONCE A FIVER ALWAYS A FIVER

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without this camp. They allowed me opportunities and experiences that I would’ve never had if I never went to Camp Fiver. I am glad to see how much it’s grown since I went to camp there when it first began. I hope that they continue to empower children to make positive life choices.

- David M. (AKA Smoove Dave)

My experience with Camp Fiver has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish if it wasn’t for them. I will forever be thankful for my years at Camp Fiver.

I’ve been in this organization for 10 years and the community is very friendly. This organization is like another home to me. They take so much time to help children enjoy their youth and time.

I have been with Fiver since I was 8 and now I’m almost 21. I am proud to represent Fiver as an Alumni and would forever be grateful for all the lives they change for city children, especially in low income communities where I’m from. It has made me feel powerful, a team leader, and much more. I always mention Fiver Children’s Foundation wherever I go in hopes that more people can find out about them and the beauty that it holds. It’s been a second home to me, and hopefully it can keep opening its doors for many more generations. Proud to be a Fiver!

The Fiver Children’s Foundation opened both my mind and my heart. They were able to connect me with others and provided an experience like no other. Fiver also opened doors for me, they gave me opportunities that would have otherwise just been a day dream. I hope they continue to provide the same experiences to the next generations.

Helped me get into college and be a good human being

This place was a godsend growing up. Being able to be exposed to an environment completely differen from the one I was used to at home was amazing. I am the person I am today because of Fiver.

Fiver knows how to make kids enjoy the outdoors and can show them how to be a great role model for others.

As an alumni and professional youth developer I can definitely say Fiver Children’s Foundation is doing everything right in order to empower New York City and New York State youth.

The best ever. I been going to camp for 10 years and I love every aspect of it.

Camp fiver has been the greatest supporter of my children and myself, as a single parent from beginning to the end.

I worked there and it’s a beautiful place where kids can be themselves and all the staff care about them and also about each other.

Fiver has changed the lives of so many children and their families. The staff is unparalleled. They are completely supportive of the kids and their family. That support continues through every aspect of the child’s life- school, home, friends, camp, school applications. I could go on and on!! Children from the most difficult home situations are given the skills to believe in themselves and succeed.

Such an amazing organization for both children and staff!

The most magical place in the world and an amazing place to work

Fabulous organization!! Their dedication to the campers year round is just fantastic!!

I spent my first summer working at Camp Fiver this year and it quickly became one of the most important places in the world to me. Seeing the amazing work everyone from the foundation does for the kids I was lucky enough to meet (and so many more) and getting to be a part of that has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I hope I can be a part of Fiver for years to come.

Fiver is amazing! I had the privilege of working at Fiver in several different roles, and although I no longer work there (due to a re-location) I continue to be a faithful supporter because I know there is no better program that could be provided to youth. Fiver truly empowers children to meet their fullest potential every single day.

It was about 13 summers ago where I came along to this camp for the first time. Feeling happy to find a new home, a place where I can be able to express myself however I wanted, and a place that helped me develop and improve as a person. After those 10 summers and a year of a break without the camp, I came back to work for the camp for 2 summers now, hopefully continue working there, and I was able to see the same results that the camp achieved with me. I really believe the camp works wonders for many children helping them all reach their potential. Once a fiver always a fiver.

I have been a supporter and volunteer since Camp Fiver's inception. I worked in the Sherburne-Earlville school district and was responsible for to find new campers every year. In fact, the first year my youngest daughter qualified for the first session at Camp Fiver. Her time there was invaluable! And, my second oldest daughter worked at Camp Fiver as a riding instructor. I have seen first hand what a difference Camp Fiver has made in the lives of students from S-E. And of course, I have seen how important it has been for children from the metropolitan area. I will always stay involved with this amazing place!

I have worked as an international cabin counsellor at Camp Fiver for two consecutive summers now and have enjoyed every minute of it. Even though the work can be challenging at times, the mission Fiver is on is amazing and inspiring (and also the reason why I picked Fiver as my camp). The people, place and atmosphere are only few examples of why the kids (as well as the staff) keep coming back there a year after year. When I think back to Camp Fiver, good 90% of my memories are the cute smiles on kids faces, a lot of laughter, s’mores, sun, the upstate summer warmth and beautiful environment.

Simply knowing a Fiver student is enough to know this program is something special. Fiver students speak about Fiver like nothing I have ever experienced before. Fiver isn't an out-of-school program to them, it's their second home and their second family. Fiver students are equipped with real world skills that prepare them for success in careers, family, and life. You can see the impact of one-on-one and peer mentoring every time you speak with a student or graduate.

Fiver is truly a miraculous organization doing such incredible work with the children in its programs as well as their families and the broader community. Their holistic approach to tending to every criticical component of spurring positive life choices from civic mindedness to physical and ethical well being to education and career combined with their unbelievable summer camp and 10 year commitment to every child makes it one of the most unique and successful youth development organizations I’ve ever worked with. If we replicated their formula all over the globe for raising healthy, happy and well adjusted children, every child’s future would be so bright.

The Fiver Children's Foundation has been a part of my life for over a decade and throughout the years has consistently shaped me into the person I am today and I hope it continues to grow so more people know about the good works happening through our Fivers

I never get tired of recommending Camp Fiver as an amazing summer camp and their year-round programs open doors for their kids and alumni.

Fiver's model is so unique - 10 year continuous commitment and holistic approach focused not only on academics but also character building. I have been involved with many non profits and Fiver stands out from the rest.

After attending the program for 10 years, I became a part of the Alumni Board. Fiver is truly a place geared towards making life long positive choices. It’s a second family!

Fiver has helped to change my life with the determination to help children make positive life choices. I understand now just how important it is to lead a good path so that children can follow & can have strong role models.

Growing up in the Bronx, NY it’s easy to fall victim to the harsh environment created by the everyday grind. Fiver is an opportunity to expand your horizons and be immersed in an enriching experience so different from the day-to-day. Here I learned how to be my authentic self, and have fun absent of negative pressure and influence.

They have been a second family to me since I was 9 years old attending camp and today I am so proud to call myself a Fiver and give back!

I was a camper here when they first started. I can not thank them enough for their impact on my life. We continue to keep in contact and I will be volunteering with them soon to just slightly pay back.

Not only did fiver change my life, but it also provided me with the tools and support to change the life of others.

This foundation is life changing and building well rounded young adults for the community.

Fiver is unique in its approach, efficacy and culture. There is a communal passion from the Board and Executive Director all the way through the staff and volunteers that proves to be infectious. The more Fiver can grow, the better off our community is in terms of helping children find a better path.

Fiver has played a crucial part in my life. They are always available to the children and alumni that have takes board of their program. The camp location is home and the people there become your family.

I started very young and stuck with it. It was an amazing experience witb amazing people.

I've worked with Fiver a few times and have seen the impact the programs have on the kids. The camp experience and individualized attention improve self-confidence immensely and create a wonderful environment to foster learning and development. In particular, the long commitment increases the success rate of HS and college graduation that opens new doors.

Fiver is an incredible organization! Every Fiver participant I have met is motivated, caring and a well-rounded member of the community. All of Fiver's staff and volunteers maintain a positive culture and serve as reliable and thoughtful role models.

Fiver is the best! My family and I are blessed to have Fiver on our side. I have been a part of Fiver since 2000 and to this day I still feel the love and support Fiver offers. I am proud to be a Fiver alumna and Alumni Board Member.

I am very gratful that I had an opportunity to be apart of this organization for the past 17 years. The lessons and support I've received at fiver still shape my choices today as a women and a mother. I wish everyone had a chance to call this place home.

Fiver has been an amazing part of my family from the moment my daughter started with the summer camp many years ago. As a board member, it has been an educational and passionate journey in ensuring ongoing services are available to families. I have witnessed the incredible services Fiver staff provides families and children who have achieved success by graduating college. The foundation is committed and true to their mission in every way.

Fiver is simply an amazing organization. It makes a ten year commitment to each child in the program, and having worked with several of the students in the program personally the impact of Fiver stands out loud and clear. The students are confident, capable and above all know how to make great life choices.

The staff and leadership of Fiver are incredibly devoted, wonderful people. This is an organization that deserves to thrive and that children need to be impacted by.

I am thoroughly impressed with the dedication the Fiver Children's Foundation staff and its participants have exhibited. I have been involved with the organization for nearly two years and it is not everyday that one hears testimonials from alumni, parents and participants that praise the warmth, stability and devotion of the staff of a non-profit. Committing ten years to a child is a huge endeavor but it has been done and continues to be. The children who are active members have the alumni to look up to. They all grow up together and have each other to lean on. The kids recognize that Fiver is a shelter away from any storm they may be experiencing. Very rare in this day and age.

Fiver is a unique and incredible organization with outstanding results. One of the organization's greatest assets is the Fiver staff. They are dedicated, knowledgeable and the key to Fiver's success.

Fiver makes a 10 year commitment to children in need and has a lasting impact on their lives. As a parent, I fully recognize the amount of time, focus and love that it takes to raise happy, productive kids. Fiver becomes family to these kids and the results are amazing.

Fiver is a magical organization, helping change the lives of the children and families it serves. The organization is focused on character-development and community service.

Fiver Children's Foundation has developed free programs that enables kids to grow into high
quality productive citizens. Because Fiver works with kids over 10 years, beginning at age 8,
they develop a relationship that is meaningful and trusting.The role models at Fiver using the
character education program developed by the staff have laid a great foundation to ensure
positive outcomes for the kids. The program is a huge success.

Fiver makes a unique ten year commitment to each child -- providing critical character building year round wrap around support including life altering summer camp experience!!

Fiver's year-round program (over 10 years, from age 8 to 18) makes a proven difference in the lives of its kids -- the outcomes are remarkable. The staff is passionate, capable and fully committed to the vision. This is a non-profit you can feel great supporting.

A very well run charity with measurable positive outcomes for the 500 Fivers from underprivileged backgrounds who participate in the year round youth development programs.
Over 80% of the funding is devoted to programs for the Fivers.

The Fiver Children's Foundation is a unique, impactful and amazing organization.

Unique in that it makes a 10-year commitment to kids

Impactful in empowering kids to make great life decisions and succeed beyond their own dreams

And amazing in the dedicated staff and thoughtful kids that have created a powerful community that gets better every year

The work that I see the Fiver do is tremendous. They are truly invested in their kids (a.k.a. "Fivers") and demonstrate that through a 10 year commitment to character-building summers and year-round out-of-school time programs. It is an honor to be part of this organization - and to see these amazing kids grow and succeed! I encourage anyone not familiar with Fiver to learn more here: http://www.fiver.org/.

Truly, truly one of the Great Nonprofits!

I have been involved with Fiver for the past 3 years and it has been such an amazing experience being a part of this fantastic organization. The character building aspects of the program continue to astound me with every young adult I meet who has gone through the Fiver program. The high school/college graduation success numbers speak for themselves but seeing so many Fiver alumni return to volunteer is a true indication of how this organization has profoundly affected them in that they want to see future generations provided with the same and hopefully better experience that they received.

Serving on the young professionals board has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences. Every person involved with this organization is passionate about improving the lives of children and empowering them to achieve their goals.

This is a great organization. They have helped many young adults apply and be accepted to top colleges and universities in the nation. These are young adults that may not have had this opportunity without Fiver!

I am an even more amazing person today then i would i have been without FIVER. They taught me from my youth as an eight year old growing up into an adult as a twenty four year old. I was an original founding kid. back in 2000 when it opened its giving me more than i could dream. Riding horses, sewing, camp fires, team sports, learning how to swim, and so much more. things i may have never known as a city kid. building my character and rewarding me for it by giving me a dog tag until i gained all twelve. Staff, Kids, Volunteers, Parents, and the partnerships all were positive life influences. It was always a home away from home and a paradise away from the city. You don't realize how the city holds you down until you've been set free in the wild. I could right all day about FIVER but its an experience on any level that you have to have for yourself to truly appreciate what it means to be apart of FIVER. To embody what it truly means to be a Friend, Individual, Valuable team player, Environmentalist, and a Risk taker. It is the small things that count but they made a big difference and went above the ten year commitment through the passing of my mom, the sickness of my dad, and loss of a job. they stayed with me through all that i always have a place to return if i ever feel lost and truly that's just the way FIVER is.

I have been involved with Fiver as a board member since its founding back in 1998. It is, and will continue to be, my number one charity because of the tremendous successes Fiver grads have enjoyed over the years. Fiver's ten year commitment to its children in unmatched, and the incredible results speak for themselves. As one young Fiver told me when staying at my home during a college tour, "The world needs 400 more Tom Tuckers! (Tom Tucker is the founder of the Fiver Children's Foundation).

As a mom I would like to take my time out to thanks all the camp fiver family for helping my son Kevin king for learning different thing out there and meeting new people in his life and getting to know different culture . My son have so much fun when he goes away for them two weeks .once again thank y'all guys for being there for my son Kevin king

Fiver gives my child the opportunity to be in a safe environment with a group of wonderful and responsible team. From the first year that she attended she become more responsible, mature and willing to help others. She become more self confidence.

Over 10yrs ago, my parent(s) a choice for me to attend a summer camp. 10yrs later I am currently serving as the Treasurer for the Organization's Alumni Board of Directors.

Help an Organization that really cares for those who they serve.


www.fiver.org

I wish Great Nonprofits had a role category titled "community member." The Fiver Children's Foundation has an incredible community, one that I have had a chance to observe as a volunteer, staff member and supporter from the sidelines. Through providing opportunities to underserved children in NYC and Upstate New York, Fiver allows families and entire neighborhoods to invest in the next generation. Fiver hosts children at an amazing summer camp every year and provides heartfelt support throughout the year. I highly recommend this organization for volunteers who want to contribute their time and talents to a worthy cause. For those who are able, I also encourage you to give as well; every bit helps.