Mid Hudson Valley Camps >> Kids 2
Kids 2
Who We Are
Kids 2 Camp is a sleep-away camp in Esopus, NY for teenagers and young adults with disabilities between the ages 15 – 30.
Our motto is, “Everyone deserves a vacation!” So, our mission is to provide our campers with a fun, enjoyable, safe experience with individualized activities and attention that meet their special needs. Our facilities include accessibility for all to enjoy what the grounds have to offer, including an olympic size swimming pool, sprinkler park, swing set, large gymnasium, indoor and outdoor recreational areas.
Our volunteer staff is made up of high school and college age students, teachers, nurses, and first responders. Year after year our staff continues to come back not only to help support and train new staff, but also because our camp becomes part of you. It truly is our home away from home!
Program Directors
Jeannette Woods
“My Mid-Hudson Valley Camp experience began the summer of 1999 as a counselor. Over the years I became a group leader and helped recruit campers. Then in 2008 I became a Director of Kids 2. During the year I am a Special Education Teacher for students with moderate to severe disabilities and continue to recruit students from my school to join our amazing camp family. I honestly do not know where I would be without Esopus. Esopus gave me purpose and a passion that led to a career. My Esopus family is a huge part of my life, but also that for my husband and children. Having the opportunity to share this passion and mission with my children has by far been the most rewarding aspect.”
Brian O’Connor
“The Mid-Hudson Valley Camps have been a home away from home for the past 20 years. Throughout my years volunteering, I’ve been a lifeguard, kitchen crew member, counselor, group leader, special activities coordinator and for the past 10 years, director of Kids 2. During the year, I’m a special education teacher in Brooklyn, NY which was a decision made once I became enamored with camp. Esopus is an immensely special place to us all and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”
Evan Kearney
“Since 2009 I have been volunteering at the Mid-Hudson Valley Camps in many different capacities, including kitchen crew, counselor, group leader, maintenance foreman, and most recently, Director of Kids 2 Camp since 2018. Working with the campers and counselors each summer is my favorite part of the year, and doing so has shaped my life more than I could have ever hoped for. Outside of camp, I work as a Physician Assistant, but I know that no matter where my professional career may take me, I will always have a home at the Mid-Hudson Valley Camps and Kids 2 Camp. I hope to continue to be able to volunteer at this amazing place for years to come, and I will forever cherish the values that Esopus has, and continues to instill in me.”
Jenn Moncino
“I have been volunteering at the Mid-Hudson Valley camps for 10 years and it has inspired me in every aspect of my life. From volunteering as a counselor at Kids 2, Kids 1, Adult Vacation, and Sacred Heart, to becoming a director of Kids 2, Esopus has changed the course of my life for the better. Esopus has taught me patience, love, and how to share my heart with others. My career as a special education teacher for individuals with multiple disabilities is because of all I have learned while volunteering at camp. Esopus love and kindness is something I try to bring to my career every single day. The people and values that have come into my life because of camp, I hold dear to my heart and I wish that everyone could experience the magic of Esopus.”
