POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County is once again partnering with the Town of Pleasant Valley offer local children, ages 3½ to 15, a fun, outdoor summer camp experience at Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley. As part of the Town’s “Camp Sunny Days,” campers will enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, boating, arts and crafts, games and more on the various trails, fields and sport courts. Programming will run in three two-week sessions, from June 29th through August 7th, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dutchess County’s Division of Youth Services will provide scholarships to income-eligible families covering the full cost of the camp (not including extended care). Families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level qualify for scholarships (income chart available on application). Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be completed through the County’s online portal.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Summer is just around the corner, and we have the perfect adventure waiting for our youth right here in Dutchess County! I am thrilled to again partner with Supervisor Mary Albrecht and the Town of Pleasant Valley to bring ‘Camp Sunny Days’ to Camp Nooteeming, offering high-energy, age-specific programs packed with summer fun. Every child should be able to experience the magic of summer camp, which is why Dutchess County is making full scholarships available for income-eligible families - so don't wait, dive into an unforgettable summer and apply today!"
Three camp options available, based on age:
Camp Sunny Sprouts Designed for preschool-aged children (ages 3½ to 4½), this program offers a warm and age-appropriate day of fun where young campers can explore, play and build confidence while feeling safe, supported, and cared for. Campers must be fully potty trained.
Camp Sunny Days, for children entering 1st through 6th grade in the fall, offers an active, social and thoughtfully paced program where campers grow and learn. Activities include swimming, sports, games, nature, survival skills, boating and arts and crafts. Free play is built into the day, allowing children to slow down, make choices, and follow their curiosity – moments that often spark friendships and imaginative play.
Teen Trailblazers, for teens entering 7th grade through 9th grade in the fall – and are ready for flexibility, independence, and adventure while still benefitting from the structure and support that make camp a positive, rewarding experience – is designed for older campers who will have access to a wide range of activities while developing their individual interests, skills and confidence.
Families should submit scholarship applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, families will be notified by the Division of Youth Services and provided a code and special registration link for Pleasant Valley Recreation programs, where they can register children for the specific camp sessions. Children can attend multiple sessions. Registration will include setting up a Pleasant Valley Recreation account and providing medical and immunization paperwork required for camp attendance. Transportation is not provided and children should bring snacks and packed lunch.
Town of Pleasant Valley Supervisor Mary Albrecht said, “We are pleased to continue our successful partnership with Dutchess County to bring our popular ‘Camp Sunny Days” back to Camp Nooteeming again this summer. Our camp programs offer wonderful opportunities for children to stay active, build friendships and grow in confidence, all in a beautiful outdoor setting. Thank you to County Executive Sue Serino for her continued partnership and we look forward to creating wonderful summer memories for children.”
Since 2022, thousands of children from across Dutchess County have enjoyed outdoor summer programming on Camp Nooteeming’s 272-acre campus.
Additional information about “Camp Sunny Days” is available at https://pleasantvalleyny.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29819
