December 19, 2025 Category: Our Impact Fresh Air Fun

2025 In Review: Top 10 Fresh Air Fund Summer Memories

We are excited to share 10 of our favorite moments from 2025! As the year comes to a close, let’s look back on all the adventures that made this year so special.

1: Roasting Delicious S’mores  

At Camp ABC, campers love making s’mores! (Lindsey Lolkema/The Fresh Air Fund)

A Fresh Air Fund summer is not complete without roasting marshmallows over a crackling campfire and making s’mores. It’s a favorite camp tradition! 

2: Building Confidence and Learning Life Skills  

A camper learning how to swim in the Camp Hidden Valley pool. (Olivia Gloffke/The Fresh Air Fund)

All campers are taught a very important life skill: swimming. Whether in the lake or pool, swimming at camp is all about smiles, fun and learning how to be confident in the water.  

3: Learning How to Play Guitar with The ASCAP Foundation

Big smiles during guitar class at Camp ABC. (Tiye Rose/The Fresh Air Fund)

Music is one of the many creative skills children develop while at camp! They may learn to play piano, guitar, drums and more. We are so thankful for our partnership with The ASCAP Foundation, which allows us to provide guitar lessons for our campers!

4: Making STEM Fun, Challenging and Educational  

A camper’s wooden airplane takes off! (Jack Hyland/The Fresh Air Fund)

Engineering is one of many new skills for campers to learn! At Camp Hayden-Marks, campers used new engineering skills to make and then test their own wooden airplanes.  

5: Reaching New Heights at the Leadership Program at Camp Tommy 

Counselors-in-Training at Camp Tommy complete the high ropes course. (Jack Hyland/The Fresh Air Fund)

This summer marked the first year of Camp Tommy’s new leadership program where youth ages 15-17 participate in leadership development and skill building workshops, all while surrounded by nature and the outdoors!  

6: The Summer Olympic Games at Camp Junior

 Two campers race across the lake in a kayak! (Olivia Gloffke/The Fresh Air Fund)

Excited for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games? This summer, Camp Junior hosted their own Summer Olympic Games. Children competed in fun, competitive events like basketball, kayaking, relay races and so much more. 

7: Camp Counselor Appreciation Day!  

Camp counselors have fun and develop new skills during orientation. (Jack Hyland/The Fresh Air Fund)

Fresh Air camp counselors work hard to create a space for campers that’s fun, safe and memorable! Thank you to our amazing counselors from across the world to right here in New York City for your hard work and leadership. Are you interested in becoming a camp counselor? Learn more about working at camp!  

8: Boating at Camp Hayden-Marks 

Campers enjoy sunshine and fresh air on the lake. (Sneyder Curipoma)

Campers row across the lake together at Camp Hayden-Marks. While they spend time in the outdoors, campers also develop teamwork, collaboration and build community.  

9: Free Eye Exams and Glasses for Fresh Air Campers

A camper trying on brand new prescription glasses! (Lindsey Lolkema/The Fresh Air Fund)

Since 2003, our incredible partnership with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has provided children with free vision screenings and prescription glasses for campers who need them, to help support their vision health at camp, school and beyond.   

10: Celebrating International Day of Friendship 

Camp is a great place to make new friends! (Jack Hyland/The Fresh Air Fund)

For both campers and counselors, one of the biggest takeaways from their time at sleepaway camp is the deep friendships that are developed that can last a lifetime. 

We look back on 2025’s adventures with joy and are already counting the days until Fresh Air Summer 2026! Sign up for Camp here and learn more about working at camp here!