Meet Our Campers 

Whether it’s mastering a new sport or visiting the model farm, summers with The Fresh Air Fund are the best time to explore the outdoors and discover new interests. With so many different engaging activities, every day at camp offers a chance to learn something new and make lasting memories.  

Check out some of our campers’ favorite experiences and highlights of their summer! 

Aiming Arrows with Ethan  

“I learned a lot from archery like how to aim. I got a bullseye and got my arrow in the red ring,” shares Ethan, 8, a first-time camper at Camp Hidden Valley. “It was my first time doing archery. Usually, I do pretend archery at home but now I got to try the real thing.” 

Many campers, like Ethan, try archery for the first time at camp. It is an activity that challenges them to try something new. Campers build confidence just like Ethan, who had never picked up a bow and arrow before attending camp, and he succeeded in his first bullseye! 

“I would tell everyone that camp is amazing, and they should go. I’m going to tell my cousins about it,” shares Ethan.  

Sewing with Alison 

For 14-year-old Alison, returning to Camp Mariah every summer means discovering new talents, with something different to learn each year. 

 “This is my third year at camp and my first time sewing! I found it very interesting,” shares Alison. “We sewed monsters today.” 

From creating cloth monsters to practicing different stitch patterns, fashion class at Camp Mariah inspires many campers to explore potential career paths in the fashion and textile industries.  

While fashion class may be Alison’s favorite, she also enjoyed culinary arts where she tried out different recipes which she plans to make at home.  

“I like culinary because we get to eat what we make,” shares Alison. “In the past, we’ve made pizza and rice crispies from scratch!” 

Playing Gaga Ball with Cai’ry 

“Gaga ball is my favorite activity! I played it last year, but it’s fun to play with new people this summer,” shares Cai’ry, 10, a returning camper at Camp Hidden Valley, who was introduced to gaga ball during his first summer at camp. 

Every summer, Cai’ry looks forward to entering the octagon-shaped gaga pit to play with his cabinmates, and he loves teaching the game to new campers.  

“I think everyone should try going to camp at least once,” shares Cai’ry. “It’s a place where you can just have fun and get your mind off the city.” 

Visiting the Model Farm with Claire 

Claire, 8, a first-time camper at Camp Hidden Valley, enjoyed trying new activities and making friends this summer. She also learned about and even held animals at the model farm. 

“This is my first time at camp. I’m having lots of fun and meeting new friends,” shares Claire.  

Claire also enjoyed participating in art and crafts and swimming in Camp Hidden Valley’s pool.  

“I like camp because you get to do fun activities,” shares Claire. “My favorite activity is art! I made a boat out of cardboard.” 

After spending time in nature, trying new activities and making new friends, campers return home with new skills and memories that will last a lifetime.  

From a survey taken by Fresh Air families, 90% of parents and caregivers said their child was more open to trying new things after participating in a Fresh Air program and 87% said their child learned important skills at camp this summer.

Beyond summer, campers continue their Fresh Air journeys through our enrichment programs. Learn more about The Fresh Air Fund’s school year programs here!