Mariah Carey celebrates 30 years of summer camp for NYC students.

FISHKILL, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Summer camp is a tradition for many kids but it's not always something families can afford.

Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and Long Island native Mariah Carey has been making it a reality for students from the city for 30 years.

Camp Mariah is part of a network of camps on 2,000 acres near Fishkill in Duchess County, New York. That’s about 70 miles north of New York City.

A variety of activists and classes are available to students who spend three weeks at the camp.

7th-grader Ezekiel from Queens likes the film class. “I’ve never done a lot of this before. I really like it. My favorite part is the classes. They encourage us," he said.

From music, fashion, and art to lessons in setting goals and robotics, the experience is designed to be unique and enlightening.

Mariah Carey dreamed of a place growing up on Long Island. “I want to help create a place where kids could feel safe, learn, and find their passion. This is not just my name on a camp. I want to continue to inspire generations to dream big," she said at a gala in May.

This summer, Angela from the Bronx is also a counselor in training. "Expand your comfort zone. Go full out and enjoy," she said.

From June through August, groups of students come through the camps for a few weeks at a time. They can return the following summers.

During the school year, mentorship and career workshops are available. Judith from Queens was hired this year to be a counselor. She started out as a camper. "I wanted to give an older-sister vibe. I cried when they left," she said.

Organizers say young people ages 8 to 15, who live and go to school are eligible to apply for another program.