We are an award-winning youth development organization that, for 130 years, has touched the lives of thousands of young people from New York and New Jersey. Through outdoor experiential education and adventure programs, Trail Blazers helps people of all ages build the values and life skills essential for productive citizenship.

In 1887, John Ames Mitchell, editor of Life magazine, raised $800 to send 266 children from New York City to the Life Fresh Air Farm in Branchville, Connecticut. Since that first summer, Trail Blazers has sponsored thousands of children to take part in outdoor adventures where learning happens experientially – by living and playing together, and experiencing the challenges and opportunities the natural environment offers. Today, over 750 children attend Trail Blazers’ programs each year. In our play-based, outdoor-focused and diverse learning spaces – our overnight camp, day camp and Under One Sky after school programs – small groups of children engage in exciting experiences, guided by our caring staff.

Today, Trail Blazers remains the second oldest summer program in existence in the United States, and the first to offer environmental education.