Opening the Door to a Summer of Adventure at Eagle Island Camp

Over the summer, 80 tween and teen girls from NYCHA communities enjoyed week-long sessions at Eagle Island Camp, a traditional camp in the Adirondacks on the shores of Upper Saranac Lake, where they learned new skills, made new friends, and embraced the adventure of being away from home, all thanks to a scholarship program.  

Brooklyn Bardus, 11, of Harlem, said it was her first time at sleepaway camp. She loved the experience so much that she’s already planning on returning next summer.  

“I really enjoyed being able to go to the waterfront every day,” Brooklyn said. “The schedule was fun and makes days so different. You will get to paddle, swim, make new friends, and you won’t even notice that your phone is away. Even if you miss your mom some nights, you have so many fun things to do during the day that you will want to come back!” 

Brooklyn’s mother, Barbara Bardus, said her daughter had a wonderful first experience at camp and formed many meaningful connections with other campers. “She threw herself into every part of the week, and now she sees lakes and waterways differently; so many places remind her of Eagle Island.” Ms. Bardus said. “Despite being a city kid, she embraced the adventure of discovering a completely new environment. Experiencing sleepaway camp without her mom — and then telling me it felt ‘too short’— says everything about how much she enjoyed herself. She came home full of stories, describing things so vividly that I felt like I was there with her. Eagle Island helped her grow, stretch, and gain confidence in ways that will stay with her.” 

The partnership between Eagle Island, the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), Hydro-Québec, and NYCHA’s Office of Public-Private Partnerships began in late 2024, with the first NYCHA campers arriving to the camp in the summer of 2025. Initial funding from Hydro‑Québec supported 10 campers, but after an information session drew more than 100 interested parents, PHCF secured additional funding so the program could offer 60 spots in 2025. Funding covers the $1,595 cost of a week at camp, as well as transportation to and from New York City. 

“Every child deserves the chance to discover who they can become when given the space to explore, belong, and thrive,” said Danielle LaCavalla, Eagle Island Executive Director. “Thanks to this partnership, more girls are building confidence, friendships, and memories that extend far beyond a single summer.” 

This past summer, the scholarship program expanded to include 20 additional spots, and 30 of the 80 campers had attended camp in 2025, a sign of how eager the girls were to experience camp again.  

“Every girl deserves the chance to spend a summer making friends, exploring nature, and simply enjoying being a kid,” said Annie Valentine, Chief Operating Officer at the Public Housing Community Fund. “For many girls growing up in NYCHA communities, opportunities like Eagle Island aren’t always accessible, and we’re proud to help change that. With growing interest and support each year, we’re able to bring this experience to more girls, giving them the space to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and make memories they’ll carry with them long after summer ends.” 

Next summer, Eagle Island plans to welcome similar numbers of NYCHA campers and will encourage two-week stays. 

For Brooklyn, the appeal of camp is simple: new adventures, new friends, and a summer experience she wants to repeat. Her advice to other young girls considering Eagle Island? 

“Honestly, you really have to come!”