Application Support and Carnival Games at the Summer in the Winter Parties!
Summers with The Fresh Air Fund don’t have to end when children return home to New York City! Our Summer in the Winter parties take place throughout the winter and offer application support for parents and most importantly, help get everyone excited for summer!
The Fresh Air Fund’s Community Outreach, Partnerships and Support Services (COSS) team organized three Summer in the Winter events this year with the goal of helping parents sign their children up for camp and Friendly Towns.
“Our team is here to support parents throughout the entire process, and it is worth it when youth are able to participate in our programs during the summer,” shared Bernadette Mathis, the COSS Support Services Manager.
At the parties, while children are entertained by a variety of carnival games, music, cotton candy and popcorn, parents have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a member of the COSS team to navigate the online application and complete it together.
“The application process is supported by our team that really cares,” said COSS Director Cesar Rodriguez. “Our programming provides opportunities for youth to be involved for many years.”
Each Summer in the Winter Party is hosted by one of our community partners.
Getting Excited for Summer in the Bronx
The Fresh Air Fund kicked off 2024 with its first Summer in the Winter party in January at the Wendell Foster Recreation Center with partner SCAN-Harbor. Located in Harlem, East Harlem and the South Bronx, SCAN-Harbor’s diverse programs empower high-risk youth and their families by focusing on strengths, skills, and self-esteem.
The afternoon was full of dancing, laughter and smiles. Between the cotton candy, balloon animals and ring toss games, kids left full of excitement for their summer adventures.
Face Painting and Dancing in Brooklyn
In February, the fun continued for families in Brooklyn at SUNY Downstate Health Science University. SUNY Downstate has been a long-time partner with The Fresh Air Fund and is the only academic medical center in Brooklyn. Since 1860, the hospital has prided itself on providing outstanding care while embracing cultural diversity.
SUNY Downstate welcomed The Fresh Air Fund in February to host our second Summer in the Winter Party. The party provided space for application support for parents and fun activities for children. Kids had their faces painted by clowns, competed in a limbo competition and danced the day away!
Springing into Summer in Queens
The final event, Spring into Summer Party, will take place on April 6th at the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, a Fresh Air Fund partner, in Long Island City. The Riis Settlement aims to foster growth in underserved communities in western Queens by providing comprehensive programs to youth, families, immigrants and seniors. For over 130 years, The Riss Settlement has been a catalyst of change in the Queens community.
We can’t wait for the Queens event which will include similar activities and application help from our COSS team.
“Parents should know that we do provide support here in our office and in different boroughs,” shared COSS Deputy Director Maria Mejia. “So, if you need help, we’re here to help you!”
Click here to see a list of upcoming info sessions.