Camp Morty Marks 20th Anniversary Applications Still Open for Summer 2026
As Camp Morty prepares to welcome campers for its 20th anniversary season beginning June 28, Westchester Parks Foundation is reminding families and social service agencies that applications are still being accepted through August 3 for the free summer sleepaway camp that has transformed the lives of more than 8,000 children since opening in 2006.
Located at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem, Camp Morty provides a traditional overnight camp experience, including swimming, hiking, sports and recreation, arts and crafts, campfires, leadership activities and team-building exercises for children who may otherwise never have the opportunity to attend summer camp. To be eligible, children must currently receive services through Westchester County’s Department of Social Services. The program serves youth from across Westchester County, including children in foster care, homeless shelters and other underserved circumstances.
This summer marks the 20th anniversary of Camp Morty, which was established in 2006 to ensure that children facing challenging circumstances have access to the same life-changing summer camp experiences enjoyed by their peers. Over the past two decades, more than 8,000 campers have participated in the program, gaining confidence, independence, leadership skills and lifelong memories that extend far beyond the summer months.
Camp Morty is named in honor of Morton H. “Morty” Hyman, a lifelong advocate for youth development and outdoor education whose influence on Westchester County Parks spanned decades. Born in 1908, Hyman served as director of several Boy Scout camps before joining Westchester County in 1957 as Supervisor of Camping. He was instrumental in developing residential camping programs and mentoring generations of Parks Department staff, helping introduce countless young people to the outdoors. He retired in 1974 and passed away in 1989, but his legacy continues through the thousands of children whose lives have been enriched through Camp Morty.
Camp Morty offers three age-appropriate summer programs designed to help children and teens build confidence, develop new skills and create lasting friendships. The Junior Camp is a one-week overnight adventure for children ages 8-12, filled with outdoor recreation, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, campfires and other traditional camp activities. The Merriwood Teen Empowerment Program is a two-week experience for teens ages 13-15 that combines camp fun with opportunities for personal growth, emotional development, career exploration and life-skills training. For older teens ages 16-17, the Counselors-in-Training (CIT) Program provides a three-week leadership experience that helps participants develop communication, teamwork and mentoring skills while preparing them for future leadership roles.
Operated by Westchester Parks Foundation in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Social Services, the Department of Community Mental Health and the Westchester County Parks Department, Camp Morty remains free of charge to participating families.
The 2026 season officially begins June 28 and runs through August 9th. Space remains available in all three programs, and eligible families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Children must currently receive services through Westchester County’s Department of Social Services to attend Camp Morty.
For more information about Westchester Parks Foundation and Camp Morty, visit www.thewpf.org or www.campmorty.com
About Westchester Parks Foundation
Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the Westchester County Parks system. Through public-private partnerships, volunteer initiatives, environmental stewardship programs and community engagement, the Foundation works to preserve, improve and promote more than 50 parks throughout Westchester County, ensuring they remain vibrant, accessible community resources for generations to come.
