Learn About Our Friendly Towns Program

The Fresh Air Fund was not able to offer the Friendly Towns program in summer 2020. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, we created new programs and kept the magic of summer alive for thousands of NYC children and families. Learn more here.

A visit to stay with a host family is full of new experiences like making s’mores, playing in the backyard, catching fireflies, riding bicycles, barbeques, swimming, making new friends and having fun!

How are host families selected? Most host families learn about the program through a neighbor or friend. Every family goes through a rigorous screening process including a home visit, interview, references and a background check.

Many children return to the same family each summer, forming special friendships and gaining new perspectives.

Learn more about signing up your child

Volunteer to Host a Child

How We Choose Host Families

PHONE SCREENING & APPLICATION

All families complete an application and phone conversation with a trained local volunteer.

HOME VISIT & HOUSE INSPECTION

Next, we visit each home to make sure that it is a safe and kid-friendly environment.

INTERVIEW THE HOUSEHOLD

Everyone living in the home is interviewed in-person.

CONTACT 3 REFERENCES

Families provide 3 references. 1 must be from a professional who has worked with children.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Finally, we run a background check on all household members. (18 years or older)

Connecticut

Delaware

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ontario

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Vermont

Virginia

West Virginia

Where Do Our Host Families Live?

Volunteer host families live in small towns, suburban and rural communities along the East Coast and Southern Canada. Fresh Air children visit families in 14 states from North Carolina to Maine. Many families live in the tristate area.

Meet Our Host Families

Emanuel gets along really well with my son Max. For a child, it is a big leap of faith and an adventure. I’m in awe of that.

Polly, Host Parent

I was emotional dropping him off because we’re really close. Evan had a lot of positive things to say about Friendly Towns – he enjoyed swimming and did a bunch of new things and went to new places. He came home really excited about his experiences.

Jason, Fresh Air Parent

Vasaune has such a good attitude about trying new things. I find him so courageous. He is working really hard to improve his swimming skills. He likes to roast marshmallows – and simple things, like playing in the backyard. He is a part of our family.

Danielle, Host Parent

All families should take the opportunity to host. Bella’s visits have been defined by time spent together as a family, sharing a home, and laughing together.

Courtney, Host Parent

Activities:

Every host family plans different activities. Some favorites are playing in the backyard, fishing, riding bikes, picking blueberries, swimming, visiting a local amusement park and star gazing.

We ask our host families to describe the types of activities their family enjoys and tell us about their community. Then we work closely with the parents of Fresh Air children to create a match with a host family that is a good fit.

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A Day In Friendly Towns

Meet a few of our Fresh Air kids and follow them on a day in Friendly Towns!

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A Summer Can Last a Lifetime

Many children return to the same host family year after year – and stay in touch. We love hearing from our alumni and host families about the special relationships they formed and about the impact of their Fresh Air experience.

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Friendly Towns Faqs