Meet Bentley Gordon: The Fresh Air Fund’s Director of the College Connections Program & Camp Hayden-Marks 

We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Bentley Gordon, The Fresh Air Fund’s Director of the College Connections Program (CCP) and Camp Hayden-Marks. Bentley’s journey with The Fresh Air Fund began as a camp counselor at Camp Hayden-Marks. He spoke to us about his life-changing experiences at camp and his profound passion for increasing college awareness and access for New York City children. 

During the summer Bentley oversees Camp Hayden-Marks for boys ages 9-14, where every day is an adventure, with activities including swimming, sports, engineering, photography, art and guitar. It’s considered a second home to many campers, encouraging them to be curious, try new things and step outside their comfort zone.   

During the school year, Bentley transitions to a different role, Director of the College Connections Program, which supports and mentors high school students through the college application process, providing them with the tools and resources they need to apply, obtain financial assistance and graduate.

Can you share your personal and professional journey that led you to working at The Fresh Air Fund? 

My college mentor, Latesha Fussell, attended Camp Anita Bliss Coler and introduced me to The Fresh Air Fund. The summer of 2017 was my first year working at Camp Hayden-Marks as a general counselor. I remember my first day arriving at camp and seeing all the trees and wide-open space. I noticed I did not have cell service and immediately thought to myself, ‘what did I get myself into?’ But my first summer went extremely well, and I developed in a way I never thought I would. It went so well that I ended up returning the following year. 

Connecting with the campers at Hayden-Marks inspired me to pursue a career working with New York City youth. I graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in higher education. Shortly after graduation, I was informed that The Fresh Air Fund was hiring a program manager for their College Connections Program. This position stood out to me because it aligned with my goals of increasing college access and awareness to youth from my community, and it was an opportunity to work with an organization with a history of doing great work and supporting New York City children.   

What is an unforgettable summer moment from your childhood? What makes it unforgettable? 

My family is from South Carolina, and I remember my first summer in rural South Carolina as a child coming from the city surrounded by buildings and noise. My parents would send us down there every summer. Going from Brooklyn to South Carolina, where there were no neighbors, no other children, and a lot of wide-open space was unforgettable because it was different than anything I had ever experienced in a big city.  

What makes Camp Hayden-Marks a unique summer experience for kids?  

What makes Camp Hayden-Marks and all our camps unique is that in addition to classes, being in nature and trying new things, we tie in social-emotional learning to help campers become more in tune with themselves and display their emotions with confidence and without fear. 

We encourage boys to come out of their shells and teach them that it’s okay to laugh or to cry and to really lean into how they feel in the moment. A lot of campers are shy when they first arrive, so we try to build a supportive community around them so that they feel comfortable enough to show their true selves.  

What about the College Connections Program makes you proud?  

It makes me proud to work for an organization that prioritizes college access and provides support for children and their parents. Programs like the College Connections Program are essential for children and families who don’t have access to college or who have trouble navigating the process or finding resources.

We match students with volunteer mentors and help students with their college essays and applications. We also teach them that there are many options after high school if they don’t want to go to college, like trade schools or internships. The College Connections Program is also a valuable resource for parents navigating their child’s transition from high school to college and provides education around scholarships and financial support. The program helps to build up the culture capital they weren’t afforded.  

How have you seen Fresh Air programs positively affect youth?  

Fresh Air sleepaway camps are like a home away from home for youth. The very first-time campers take a step off the bus and take their surroundings in—sometimes they’re in awe and say, ‘wow, this is what a camp looks like!’ and sometimes they’re very shy and reserved, and it takes a little bit more time for them to come out of their shells. It’s special to watch them grow from being shy and reserved into confident and outgoing people after those first few weeks. 

Some of our youth come from neighborhoods where you can’t go outside and play on a regular basis during the summertime and providing them with that space where they can roam free, grow and learn in the process is incredibly positive.