Career Awareness Program: The Career Awareness Program (CAP) is a year-round program designed to introduce young people to the many educational and career opportunities available to them and to teach them the skills needed to make decisions about their futures. Young people, ages 12 to 14, make a commitment for three years in order to participate in a specially-designed program in New York City and at Camp Mariah.
As Career Awareness Program participants, young people are encouraged to:
- build self-confidence and self-esteem
- improve reading, writing and communication skills
- develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- accept guidance in the exploration of education and career options
- enhance their computer learning
- find out about jobs and learn more about specific career paths
- meet volunteer mentors and guest speakers from a wide range of professions
- understand the vital link between school and future employment
- learn more about education, training, employment and life choices
- become motivated and focused on plans for the future
- work as a team with peers and share responsibilities
- have a lot of fun
There are four components to the Career Awareness Program:
1. Camp Mariah, the Career Awareness Camp, for four weeks in the summer
2. Weekend camping trips in the fall and spring to Camp Mariah
3. Career Fair in New York City in the spring
4. Job shadowing visits to businesses during the school year in New York City
Camp Mariah: Four weeks of summertime challenges and adventures. 144 boys and girls, 12 to 14 years old. Camp Mariah is the centerpiece of The Fresh Air Fund’s Career Awareness Program. The camp is named in honor of singer Mariah Carey for her dedication, support and commitment to Fresh Air youngsters.
Camp offers a unique setting for young people to enjoy career exploration and preparation for the world of work. Campers participate in workshops in career fields including science and technology, health and fitness, communications (journalism and television production) and environmental science. In addition to these workshops, campers take classes in photography, art, computers, culinary arts, dance, drama, fashion design, music, and martial arts. Traditional camping activities -- hiking, swimming, boating, sports and overnight camping -- are also an important part of the summer.
Weekend Camping Program: In addition to the four-week summer session, career campers enjoy one weekend at Camp Mariah in the fall and spring. Weekend camping retreats are planned with different themes to encourage active participation and build teamwork. Campers may be involved in solving a mystery in order to develop critical thinking skills, or becoming entrepreneurs to learn about business skills.
Career Fair in NYC: In the spring, young people attend a one-day Career Fair at a local university. Guest speakers discuss educational requirements and job skills in their professions. Workshops have been presented by a variety of volunteers including producers, lawyers, computer operators, designers, physicians, dancers, teachers and bankers.
Job Shadowings: Welcome to the world of work. During the school year, young people participate in job shadowings which offer close-up views of the world of work. Career Awareness students have visited hospitals, newspapers, restaurants, law firms, and many other places of business. They learn about the range of jobs that exist in each work place. To learn more, please contact dschachter@freshair.org or hit the “Volunteer” button.
PreOccupations Club: Life after Career Awareness. The PreOccupations Club is open to all Career Awareness Program graduates. The club meets monthly, and young people continue to develop career-related skills and benefit from the guidance of volunteer mentors.
Web site : Camp Mariah