Parent Perspective: Why My Child Goes to Camp  

We had a chance to speak with Francis Perez about how camp has been an enriching experience for her children. Her perspective offers insights to parents considering if their child should attend sleepaway camp and why it was the right decision for her sons, Ezekiel and Aaron.   

Aaron, 10, attended Camp Junior for the last two summers and is excited to go to Camp Hidden Valley this summer. Ezekiel, 13, also began his Fresh Air journey at Camp Junior in 2023, went to Camp Mariah in 2024 and will be returning to Camp Mariah this summer!  

Fresh Air Outcomes

Francis shared how camp helped her children gain confidence in themselves, learn new things and come into their own.  

“I first became involved with The Fresh Air Fund during COVID when I was working from home and my kids were doing classes remotely. I needed something for them to do. I wanted them to be active and do something different with their time. I found The Fresh Air Fund and immediately signed Ezekiel up for their programs,” Francis said.  

From The Bronx to Camp Mariah

Francis, who was born and raised in the Bronx, witnessed firsthand the impact Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz’s tragic death had on the Bronx community.  Camp Junior, created in memory of Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz, is what motivated Francis to sign her children up.   

“When I saw how Camp Junior is trying to expose Bronx children to different things like being in nature, I was really proud of that. I just wanted to be part of it. Then, l learned how Camp Mariah focuses on college and career readiness and breaks things down so young children can understand it. I found that really interesting because where I come from, we’re the lowest borough in regard to economic status. I just wanted to expose Ezekiel to as much as possible to show him there’s so many possibilities and things he could do in his future. I’m only one person, so this program is teaching him new lessons in different ways and at levels that I can’t.” 

A Camper Finding His Stride

“From starting Fresh Air programs till now, I have seen Ezekiel flourish. He was very introverted and now he’s becoming an extrovert.  I already knew he was a great kid, but now I see how he’s thriving and asking questions, and how he’s learning about different careers and colleges.  It reinforces that not only am I doing a good job and I’m on the right track, but these programs have been a good boost for him.  I am so proud of the person he’s becoming because of The Fresh Air Fund’s programs.” 

With Ezekiel set to return to Camp Mariah this summer, summer adventures and the opportunity to learn and experience new things have truly just begun.