NEW YORK, NY—On the heels of a highly successful two-week pilot program in August, real estate developer and philanthropist Steven Kessner has officially launched his not-for-profit initiative, Uncle Steve’s Camp, and is eager to expand the program. Nestled in New York’s Catskill Mountains, in the picturesque Livingston Manor community of Sullivan Country, Uncle Steve’s Camp offers the chance for inner-city children to enjoy the great outdoors and have a break from the bustle of city life.

“I grew up in a city environment where extracurricular activities were limited to the creativities of the neighborhood children -- being able to offer this special opportunity for other children has been a lifelong dream,” said Steven Kessner, founder of Uncle Steve’s Camp. “After the successful first run, we are thrilled to expand to a full-time summer camp next year and watch Uncle Steve’s Camp impact the lives of young people for years to come,” added Kessner.

The mission of Uncle Steve’s Camp is to offer encouragement to bright, underprivileged, inner-city children who have the potential to succeed despite their circumstances. Through participation in team sports, farming, cooking, swimming, fishing, hiking, and they will have the opportunity to simply enjoy nature and cultivate new friendships.

Kessner invited a group of 12 young adults from the youth development program, Community of Unity, to take part in the two-week pilot program. The New York City based organization works through peer group meetings and one-on-one mentoring to transform the lives of students and guide them to make good life choices. The group spent two weeks working on the farm, developing their leadership skills, and learning how to eat healthy, fresh produce, all the while enjoying the beautiful camp space only 100 miles from Manhattan.

Situated on 95 acre campsite property in Livingston Manor, the site includes a farm house used as an office and kitchen, large bunkhouses, a barn, swimming pool, brook fed pond and large open areas perfect for constructing more buildings and recreation fields.

“Our vision for the future is to have children return to the camp year after year, and go on to become counselors and help others reach their potential,” he added.

Uncle Steve’s Camp is a not-for-profit initiative that with the assistance of donations and grants will expand. As Uncle Steve’s Camp grows, Kessner hopes to build out the campsite even further with the addition of more athletic fields, basketball courts, an activities center and new programs for the health and wellness curriculum.