Who we Serve
For over 145 years, The Fresh Air Fund has provided life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to children living in NYC’s underserved communities.
Communities 
Families 
of participating families would recommend our Summer 2023 programs to family and friends
Youth 
ages of youth who participated in The Fund’s 2023 summer programs
Expanding Opportunities
The Fresh Air Fund expands opportunities for New York City youth from underserved communities by investing in a child’s journey to learn, grow and thrive through new experiences in the outdoors. All programs are free of charge.
Niyah 13, Fresh Air Fund participantThis is my first summer at camp and it has been amazing! The counselors really aim to understand us and make us feel heard. They help us advocate for ourselves and be confident – they are just the best. I did high ropes for the first time today and it was so much fun! I was nervous at first, but I just kept telling myself to be brave, which is why I’m so happy I came here.
THE POWER OF SUMMER
The impact of a Fresh Air experience extends beyond summer. Through The Fresh Air Fund’s sleepaway camps and Friendly Towns program, youth gain new perspectives and create new goals for the future.
97%
of parents / caregivers said their child is more confident after going to Friendly Towns
89%
of parents / caregivers said their child is more open to trying new things after going to camp
96%
of youth said they spent more time outdoors than usual during their visit to Friendly Towns
86%
of parents / caregivers said their child is more confident leading others after being part of a Fresh Air Fund leadership program
96%
of youth said their visit to Friendly Towns helped them feel active and healthy
85%
of parents / caregivers said their child learned important skills at camp
94%
of youth said they felt more comfortable traveling to new places after their visit to Friendly Towns
85%
of parents / caregivers said their child is more confident being away from home after going to camp
Leadership in Action
The Fresh Air Fund has a long history of providing leadership and professional development opportunities for young people. In a typical summer, The Fund employs over 500 seasonal staff. In summer 2023, 58 of the youth employed are alumni of Fresh Air programs.
Read our Summer 2023 ReportEyanna, 20, Counselor & Fresh Air AlumI remember once I finished my first summer as a camper, I became a lot more confident. As a counselor, my goal is to inspire the kids and motivate them in the ways my counselors did for me.
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