36 days until Fresh Air Fund Summer Trips Begin

VaReal, 13, of Queens, NY, looks forward to his visits to The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Hayden-Marks each summer. “I get to meet new people and learn new things. I tried the high ropes course challenge and really liked it!” says VaReal.

When asked about his favorite activity at camp, VaReal didn’t hesitate to answer. “Swimming! I learned how to swim at camp.”

VaReal says that he would be playing indoors during the summer if he weren’t at camp. “There is more to do outside at camp. Where I live, a lot of kids don’t play outside.” And, while he is having fun, he is gaining new skills that help him when at school. “I’ve learned to respect everyone and treat them the way you want to be treated.”

The Fresh Air Fund’s programs are more than just an escape from the city, and offer more than just Fresh Air. They provide opportunities for children to discover the pure joys of summer in an outdoor setting. Through The Friendly Towns Program, boys and girls, ages 7-12, visit with volunteer host families for one to two weeks in communities called Friendly Towns across the East Coast and Ontario, Canada. Through the Summer Camping Program, girls, ages 8-12, and boys, ages 8-15, explore the outdoors and benefit from educational experiences at one of five overnight camps in Fishkill, NY.

Since 1877, 1.8 million children have participated in Fresh Air experiences, where each day is an exploration of nature and journey of discovery.

Celebrate 140 summers of serving New York City children from low-income communities with The Fresh Air Fund! Register your child for a free, safe, and fun Fresh Air Fund summer experience. For more information about signing up your child, visit www.freshair.org or call 800-367-0003.

(Photo by Joan Barker)