Every July, something special happens at The Ashokan Center.

Children from across the Kingston community arrive ready for adventure. By the end of the day, they’re muddy, smiling, making new friends, and already asking when they can come back.

Made possible through the partnership of MyKingstonKids, One Strike, generous donors, and community supporters, Ashokan’s Day Camp provides local children with an unforgettable summer experience—completely free of charge. From hiking forest trails and paddling canoes to climbing the ropes course, exploring gardens, creating art, and making music, every day is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and simply be kids.

A Summer Without Barriers

For many families, summer camp can be financially out of reach. Ashokan’s Day Camp removes those barriers by providing tuition-free programming, meals, and an immersive outdoor experience where every child belongs.

Children spend their days exploring Ashokan’s 385 acres—from the top of Hoot Hill to the lake, trails, gardens, canoe launch, and ropes course—discovering nature while building confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories.

The goal is simple: create a place where children can disconnect from screens, connect with one another, and experience the joy of learning through music, nature, movement, and play.

Music Around Every Corner

One of the things that makes an Ashokan summer unlike anywhere else is that music is woven into everyday life.

Throughout July, world-class musicians attending Ashokan’s renowned Music & Dance Camps often stop by to share their talents with the campers.

This year, Grammy-nominated blues musician Guy Davis visited from Acoustic Guitar Camp to perform for the children, giving them the rare opportunity to experience live music from an artist many may never have encountered otherwise.

Musicians Armond Aromin and Benedict Gagliardi, visiting during Northern Week, also spent time with campers. One young camper, Nicco, was playing soccer while proudly wearing his soccer jersey when he spotted the musicians.

“I remember them from last year! I can’t wait for this!”

It’s moments like these that make Ashokan unique. Children aren’t simply attending camp—they’re becoming part of a vibrant community where artists, educators, and young people learn from one another every day.

A Place Where Kids Can Just Be Kids

Ask any parent what stands out most, and the answer is almost always the same.

The joy.

The confidence.

The sense of belonging.

One parent shared:

“My kids look forward to Adventure Camp every year. They come home dirty with smiles on their faces saying, ‘It was the best day ever.’ They love canoeing, Gaga Ball, soccer, crafting, zip lining, and all the other activities. We rate this camp a 10/10 and can’t wait until next year.”
— Alissa

Another parent reflected on how meaningful the experience has become for their family:

“This camp has become an important part of our family’s summers, and I hope many more children get the chance to experience the same joy, adventure, and sense of belonging that my children have.”
— Nicole Grey

For Lisa and John Garay, the impact went beyond outdoor fun.

“We really appreciated the camp’s focus on getting kids outside, fostering curiosity about the natural world, and creating a fun, supportive environment. Having all of this available without a cost barrier—including bussing and lunch—was a huge bonus for Kingston families like ourselves.”
— Lisa & John Garay

Marah Shemesh echoed those sentiments.

“She came home dirty and happy every single time, which is exactly what summer should look like. We also love how rooted the camp is in community, working and playing together, caring for each other and the land, and building real relationships.”
— Marah Shemesh

And for Jo, the feeling was unmistakable from the very first day.

“She felt safe and welcomed, as obviously all the camp kids did. You could feel the gentle camaraderie, sense of belonging, and joy at both drop-off and pick-up.”
— Jo

None of This Happens Alone

Programs like Day Camp exist because of an incredible network of partners, donors, volunteers, counselors, musicians, and community members who believe every child deserves opportunities to explore, create, and belong.

Organizations like MyKingstonKids and One Strike play an essential role in making these experiences possible, helping connect local families with a summer filled with discovery and adventure.

Their support ensures children can spend their days paddling canoes, climbing ropes, making music, hiking through forests, laughing with friends, and creating memories they’ll carry long after summer ends.

Looking Ahead

As another successful July comes to a close, we’re grateful for every camper, every family, every counselor, every musician, and every supporter who helped make this summer extraordinary.

Because when children have the chance to explore nature, discover new talents, build friendships, and experience the magic of a place like Ashokan, they’re not just making memories.

They’re building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to community.

And that’s something worth celebrating.