The Fresh Air Fund, Sharpe Reservation, Camp ABC and Camp Tommy

Fishkill, New York

Firm

Geddis Architects

Client

The Fresh Air Fund

Total Cost

$10,000,000

Completion Date

06/2001

For 125 years, The Fresh Air Fund has provided underprivileged children from New York City the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons in a natural environment. Its 3,000-acre Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, N.Y., provides a beautiful setting for five camps, which serve 2,700 children each summer.
The two oldest camps, Camp ABC and Camp Tommy, are more than 40 years old. The work on these camps entailed construction of 32 new structures, including two dining halls, three program buildings, offices, infirmaries and campus cabins. Significant improvements were made to the water, electrical and sewer infrastructure.
The reconstruction of the camps created an opportunity to develop a coherent architectural theme that borrowed principles from Adirondack Camp design of the 19th century. Shallow roof pitches, deep overhangs and the use of wood shakes, and exposed-peel pole framing create a unified character among the many diverse structures.

“Simple solution that is appropriate to the program.”–2002 Jury