Westchester Parks Foundation’s Camp Morty is Back in Session at Mountain Lakes This Summer with New Robotics Program

Westchester Parks Foundation’s (WPF) Camp Morty, a quality outdoor residential camp experience for children residing in underserved communities in Westchester County, will be returning to Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem for the first time in two years. The camp will officially open July 3 for five one-week sessions. Camp Morty will also be adding a new robotics program this summer, awarded by a grant from Verizon, along with traditional summer camp activities including swimming, hiking, nature exploration, canoeing and more. The robotics program will encourage campers to learn a new skill set like coding in a safe environment with hands-on staff. This is especially important to children from underserved communities in Westchester. 

Mary Ehring, Camp Morty Camp Director remarked, “Camp Morty sees the underrepresentation of black and brown professionals in STEM and recognizes our responsibility to provide opportunities in all fields to our children. Our children deserve to see themselves in all professional careers, at all levels, and we believe camp is the perfect place to begin that exposure.”

“STEM activities are not only for the school year, but inspiration for children year-round,” stated April Horton, State Government Affairs Director at Verizon.  “Our investment in Westchester Parks Foundation will enable campers to engage in the digital economy and move the world forward, part of Verizon’s commitment to social, economic, and environmental advancement.”

To coincide with camp opening, WPF will also kick off a social media campaign to sponsor a camper this summer. The non-profit organization is looking to expand their programs and ensure this beneficial experience can remain at no cost to families. 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. To sponsor a camper this summer please visit: www.thewpf.org/sponsoracamper 

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 provides a quality 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.

Due to the pandemic, the Camp Morty was forced to operate virtually in 2020 and as a day camp at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers in 2021. Details of the upcoming 2022 season can be found by visiting www.campmorty.com

 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 thewpf.org