Summer Camp Dreams Coming True

Whether it’s your first time at camp or your third, every camper spending their summer with The Fresh Air Fund has a favorite activity they look forward to trying. Meet a few of this year’s campers to learn about their summer camp highlights! 

High ropes with Alexa

Alexa, 14, a returning camper from the Bronx, finds support on and off the high ropes course at camp. This year, she improved on the ropes course and even made it to the top of a difficult element; a goal she had after she spent last summer at Camp Junior! 

“This time doing high ropes, I got an extra boost of confidence because I had support from a dependable partner who helped me climb up,” Alexa said.  

The friendships fostered through teamwork during activities are part of what makes a summer at camp special.  

“I like camp because you meet friends that have similar challenges to you, so you get support here. During my first camp, I was nervous about a few things, but the staff helped me warm up and encouraged me a lot.” 

Basketball with Justin

Everything else stops for Justin, 11, when he starts shooting hoops at Camp Hidden Valley.  

“Playing basketball here during free time is really nice. All the distractions back home, they don’t matter, I just get to hang out with my friends,” Justin shared.  

It was his first summer at Camp Hidden Valley after hitting the courts at Camp Hayden-Marks last year. While basketball may be Justin’s favorite, he doesn’t shy away from trying new activities as well. 

“I went in the lake last summer for the first time,” said Justin, “There are always new activities!” 

Swimming with Journee

Swimming is definitely a crowd favorite among campers who look forward to cooling off in the pool at Camp Hidden Valley or in the lake at our five other camps.  

“I’m looking forward to swimming and making new friends. Last time I went to camp, I went to the deep pool so I’m excited to do it again,” says Journee, 10. 

Whether it’s in the lake or pool – swimming at summer camp is especially fun because you get to splash around with your camp friends! 

Gardening with Quincy

“The gardens is a cool place, especially if you feel stressed,” says Quincy, 12, who is having fun during his first summer at Camp Hayden-Marks – especially in the garden! 

Gardening provides an opportunity for children to learn more about the life cycle of food and connect with nature. Campers even get to use ingredients grown in the garden in culinary class! 

“I honestly like all the activities so far, and gardening was really fun,” Quincy said after planting seeds with friends.   

Campers return home from camp with more confidence knowing they worked hard and achieved many of their summer goals. We are so proud of our campers for stepping out of their comfort zone and really pushing themselves to try new activities while also participating in past favorites!