Annual Report 2020 | The Fresh Air Fund

Summer Spaces

WE HULA HOOP WITH NYC KIDS

Summer Spaces

With the generosity of our partners, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Ford Foundation and The JPB Foundation, Summer Spaces turned closed streets into age-appropriate safe play spaces for children, ages five to 13, at 10 program sites across NYC, based in many of the communities most affected by the pandemic.

During two-hour sessions, children engaged in outdoor play with an emphasis on movement, arts and crafts and sports. They made kaleidoscopes, mobiles and kites, and played basketball, Frisbee, soccer, jumped rope and had hula hoop tournaments! Through a partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, professional teaching artists taught workshops at several sites.

In our continued commitment to support job training and employment opportunities for young people and with drastic cuts to NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, we hired 140 NYC youth, ages 17 to 24, to serve as coaches and mentors. They helped children adapt to new physical distancing protocols and safely have fun outdoors after spending months inside with limited social interactions with their peers. The program serves as a model for providing community-based opportunities for safe play.

92 %

of children said their time at Summer Spaces helped them feel active and healthy

12,000

available slots at 10 sites

“The activities are really fun, and I love playing with the other kids here!”

Ian, 9

Summer Spaces

With the generosity of our partners, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Ford Foundation and The JPB Foundation, Summer Spaces turned closed streets into age-appropriate safe play spaces for children, ages five to 13, at 10 program sites across NYC, based in many of the communities most affected by the pandemic.

During two-hour sessions, children engaged in outdoor play with an emphasis on movement, arts and crafts and sports. They made kaleidoscopes, mobiles and kites, and played basketball, Frisbee, soccer, jumped rope and had hula hoop tournaments! Through a partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, professional teaching artists taught workshops at several sites.

In our continued commitment to support job training and employment opportunities for young people and with drastic cuts to NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, we hired 140 NYC youth, ages 17 to 24, to serve as coaches and mentors. They helped children adapt to new physical distancing protocols and safely have fun outdoors after spending months inside with limited social interactions with their peers. The program serves as a model for providing community-based opportunities for safe play.

Open Spaces

We explore with NYC Kids

Open Spaces

In partnership with the City Parks Foundation, Fresh Air Open Spaces provided over 125 children, ages 12 to 15, the opportunity to participate in an outdoor environmental education and sports program for two-week sessions, meeting for four hours a day, five days a week.

At Marine Park in Brooklyn, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx and Forest Park in Queens, children learned about birdwatching, observing and releasing aquatic organisms, testing water chemistry and identifying major tree species. They also learned fundamental sports skills, such as proper running techniques, basic tennis skills, track and field and soccer.

Through our collaboration with the City Parks Foundation, children experienced the beautiful outdoor spaces that can be found within NYC and learned more about their responsibility to care for the environment through hands-on activities – all while having the chance to play sports outside.

93 %

of participants said their experiences made them want to take better care of the environment

98 %

said their experience helped them feel active and healthy

“We learned about birds, insects and plants. We used a magnifying glass to see really tiny insects, and we used the binoculars to see birds. It was really cool when we gathered bugs. We used a net and put them in a little container where we looked at them and wrote down what we saw. I caught a wasp. One of my friends caught a bumblebee and the other caught a dragonfly!”

Kumorah, 12

Open Spaces

In partnership with the City Parks Foundation, Fresh Air Open Spaces provided over 125 children, ages 12 to 15, the opportunity to participate in an outdoor environmental education and sports program for two-week sessions, meeting for four hours a day, five days a week.

At Marine Park in Brooklyn, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx and Forest Park in Queens, children learned about birdwatching, observing and releasing aquatic organisms, testing water chemistry and identifying major tree species. They also learned fundamental sports skills, such as proper running techniques, basic tennis skills, track and field and soccer.

Through our collaboration with the City Parks Foundation, children experienced the beautiful outdoor spaces that can be found within NYC and learned more about their responsibility to care for the environment through hands-on activities – all while having the chance to play sports outside.

Fresh Air Everywhere

We SMILE with NYC Kids

Fresh Air Everywhere

Fresh Air Everywhere brought children, ages seven to 13, together in virtual bunks for weekly programs that cultivated their curiosity through three themes: Around the World, Nature, and Mystery and Time Travel. Each child received a “Camp in a Box” kit filled with arts and crafts materials, a Fresh Air Fund t-shirt, books and all of the supplies they needed for the daily activities.

Staff, many of whom were Fresh Air alumni, led programs in arts, literacy and STEM interspersed with movement activities like yoga and dance, encouraging children to be active while at home. Layering in literacy and learning, project-based activities included academic components to help address the
challenges of “summer slide” and the learning loss seen after schools transitioned to remote instruction.

The program found creative ways to build community and provide children with the excitement and joy of having new experiences, including activities that connected children to the outdoors through activities like a virtual visit to our camp Model Farm.

92 %

of campers said their experience made them want to take better care of the environment

87 %

of campers said the program helped them feel active and healthy

“My favorite memory was making new friends. I met Sophia and Austin and I liked playing games with them. I also got a box of supplies! I made a lot of pipe cleaner bracelets and slime.”

Sienna, 10

Fresh Air Everywhere

Fresh Air Everywhere brought children, ages seven to 13, together in virtual bunks for weekly programs that cultivated their curiosity through three themes: Around the World, Nature, and Mystery and Time Travel. Each child received a “Camp in a Box” kit filled with arts and crafts materials, a Fresh Air Fund t-shirt, books and all of the supplies they needed for the daily activities.

Staff, many of whom were Fresh Air alumni, led programs in arts, literacy and STEM interspersed with movement activities like yoga and dance, encouraging children to be active while at home. Layering in literacy and learning, project-based activities included academic components to help address the
challenges of “summer slide” and the learning loss seen after schools transitioned to remote instruction.

The program found creative ways to build community and provide children with the excitement and joy of having new experiences, including activities that connected children to the outdoors through activities like a virtual visit to our camp Model Farm.

Teen Programs

We ACHIEVE with NYC Teens

Teen Programs

Continuing our over 25-year history of introducing youth to career exploration and awareness, The Fund created a model program focused on career exposure, job readiness training, internships and credentialing opportunities for over 500 teens, ages 14 to 17. All participants received stipends and participated in professional development workshops.

At the height of the pandemic, when teens were feeling isolated and facing economic hardships, we gave students a sense of greater purpose and community, financial resources and a safe space to explore and express themselves. With guidance from mentors and industry leaders, teens gained professional and life skills, developing a strong foundation as they look ahead to their own careers and future opportunities for leadership.

In partnership with four organizations: NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School); PennPraxis at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design; Urban Arts Partnership and Youthful Savings, “virtual academies” introduced teens to basic, industry-level skills in design and architecture, game design, environmental science and entrepreneurship. Teens in the Job Readiness Program attended interactive workshops on developing communication, leadership, conflict-resolution and time-management skills, and participants in the Internship Program gained first-hand work experience, directly assisting with Fresh Air Everywhere and at Summer Spaces sites.

87 %

found new things they were good at – that they didn’t know they were good at

$416,800

funds distributed to support stipends

“I really liked that on Fridays, we had guest speakers come talk to us about their experiences in the industry. Before the summer, I didn’t know anything about coding games, but it’s showed me an interesting new path, and it’s really fun!”

Sally, 14

Teen Programs

Continuing our over 25-year history of introducing youth to career exploration and awareness, The Fund created a model program focused on career exposure, job readiness training, internships and credentialing opportunities for over 500 teens, ages 14 to 17. All participants received stipends and participated in professional development workshops.

At the height of the pandemic, when teens were feeling isolated and facing economic hardships, we gave students a sense of greater purpose and community, financial resources and a safe space to explore and express themselves. With guidance from mentors and industry leaders, teens gained professional and life skills, developing a strong foundation as they look ahead to their own careers and future opportunities for leadership.

In partnership with four organizations: NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School); PennPraxis at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design; Urban Arts Partnership and Youthful Savings, “virtual academies” introduced teens to basic, industry-level skills in design and architecture, game design, environmental science and entrepreneurship. Teens in the Job Readiness Program attended interactive workshops on developing communication, leadership, conflict-resolution and time-management skills, and participants in the Internship Program gained first-hand work experience, directly assisting with Fresh Air Everywhere and at Summer Spaces sites.

Family Wellness

We make memories with NYC families

Family Wellness

At The Fund’s camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, Fresh Air Family Wellness gave parents, guardians, siblings and other relatives of Fresh Air Fund children the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, explore nature and relax as a family.

Meals and refreshments were provided throughout the day, and transportation was provided if needed. Welcome bags were given to families when they arrived, and each family returned home with a box of fresh produce from local farms. To ensure safety, the number of daily visitors was limited, and each family was matched with an individual staff member who guided them through the day.

The program offered families the opportunity to connect with each other, connect with our staff and experience the rejuvenation and magic of fresh air. Families enjoyed boating, swimming, arts and crafts, hiking nature trails, visiting the planetarium, fishing and even scavenger hunts. Many families shared that it was the first time they were together outdoors since the start of the pandemic and that the opportunity to enjoy peaceful surroundings and nature was one of the most special parts of the experience.

1,257

people participated

99 %

felt more connected as a family

“My son went fishing for the first time during Family Wellness, and he caught a fish! He had the biggest smile ever. It was definitely the highlight for him. I really recommend this program to other families. It’s a great adventure.”

Jazmin Marrero, mother of Jayden, 11

Family Wellness

At The Fund’s camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, Fresh Air Family Wellness gave parents, guardians, siblings and other relatives of Fresh Air Fund children the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, explore nature and relax as a family.

Meals and refreshments were provided throughout the day, and transportation was provided if needed. Welcome bags were given to families when they arrived, and each family returned home with a box of fresh produce from local farms. To ensure safety, the number of daily visitors was limited, and each family was matched with an individual staff member who guided them through the day.

The program offered families the opportunity to connect with each other, connect with our staff and experience the rejuvenation and magic of fresh air. Families enjoyed boating, swimming, arts and crafts, hiking nature trails, visiting the planetarium, fishing and even scavenger hunts. Many families shared that it was the first time they were together outdoors since the start of the pandemic and that the opportunity to enjoy peaceful surroundings and nature was one of the most special parts of the experience.

Youth Employment

We GROW with NYC Kids

Youth Employment

Through Fresh Air Everywhere, Teen Programs and Summer Spaces, we employed 200 New York City youth, ages 18 to 24. Every summer The Fund hires hundreds of seasonal staff and as we saw opportunities for young people to gain paid work experience dramatically limited, our commitment became even stronger.

Building on The Fresh Air Fund’s long history of providing career exposure and job training for young people, leadership and professional development opportunities were provided throughout the summer. Our orientation provided trainings in positive youth development, behavior management, effective
communication, diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health and more.

This dynamic, energetic and committed cohort of 18 to 24 year olds was instrumental to our summer programming and served as mentors and role models for Fresh Air children. Whether during “bunk time” on Zoom or playing sports and creating art together at Summer Spaces, our Youth Employment Program participants ensured there was always a friendly smile at the other end of a Zoom screen and an encouraging cheer during a soccer game at Summer Spaces.

200

NYC 18 to 24 year olds were employed

45

were alumni of Fresh Air programs

“I’ve been part of The Fresh Air Fund Family as a camper and a counselor. Working over the summer taught me that patience is key and how to communicate with other people, which has helped me both personally and academically. The Fresh Air Fund helped me build up the confidence to always ask questions and to speak up for myself. Over the past few years, the kids and staff have become my second family.”

Cesar Moran, 18

Youth Employment

Through Fresh Air Everywhere, Teen Programs and Summer Spaces, we employed 200 New York City youth, ages 18 to 24. Every summer The Fund hires hundreds of seasonal staff and as we saw opportunities for young people to gain paid work experience dramatically limited, our commitment became even stronger.

Building on The Fresh Air Fund’s long history of providing career exposure and job training for young people, leadership and professional development opportunities were provided throughout the summer. Our orientation provided trainings in positive youth development, behavior management, effective
communication, diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health and more.

This dynamic, energetic and committed cohort of 18 to 24 year olds was instrumental to our summer programming and served as mentors and role models for Fresh Air children. Whether during “bunk time” on Zoom or playing sports and creating art together at Summer Spaces, our Youth Employment Program participants ensured there was always a friendly smile at the other end of a Zoom screen and an encouraging cheer during a soccer game at Summer Spaces.

Year-Round Programming

We stay CONNECTED with NYC Kids

Year-Round Programming

After schools shut down in March, The Fund’s academic enrichment programs quickly pivoted to virtual programming. Within a week, the Young Women’s Giving Circle, College Connections and Tutoring programs were meeting virtually. As students shifted to remote school, we knew the support of a mentor and continuity of our programs was crucial.

This fall, as we planned for school year programs, we built on the success of summer virtual programming and created events to support children and families ranging from talent shows, Fresh Air game days and “Summer in the Winter” parties to opportunities to build community and stay connected with book clubs and teen nights. We provided a safe space for children in our “Let’s Connect” meetings and a separate “Caregivers Connect” program to support parents, along with continuing our Family Wellness calls which helped us stay connected with families and better understand the support they needed.

The Young Women’s Giving Circle, a youth-led program that teaches girls about the importance of philanthropy and community service, has expanded to three groups, Camp Junior workshops have focused on overcoming obstacles, anti-bullying and peer pressure, the College Connections Program continues to provide mentoring and critical support throughout the application process, and our Career Awareness Program has expanded tutoring and job shadowing opportunities and piloted new book clubs.

3,500

The Young Women’s Giving Circle hosted 11 book fairs giving away 3,500 books to NYC children

3,400

hours of virtual tutoring

“I usually don’t like reading, but at the Bookworm Club, they chose books that are really good and that I can relate to. I always tell my friends and family about it.”

Amina, 11

Year-Round Programming

After schools shut down in March, The Fund’s academic enrichment programs quickly pivoted to virtual programming. Within a week, the Young Women’s Giving Circle, College Connections and Tutoring programs were meeting virtually. As students shifted to remote school, we knew the support of a mentor and continuity of our programs was crucial.

This fall, as we planned for school year programs, we built on the success of summer virtual programming and created events to support children and families ranging from talent shows, Fresh Air game days and “Summer in the Winter” parties to opportunities to build community and stay connected with book clubs and teen nights. We provided a safe space for children in our “Let’s Connect” meetings and a separate “Caregivers Connect” program to support parents, along with continuing our Family Wellness calls which helped us stay connected with families and better understand the support they needed.

The Young Women’s Giving Circle, a youth-led program that teaches girls about the importance of philanthropy and community service, has expanded to three groups, Camp Junior workshops have focused on overcoming obstacles, anti-bullying and peer pressure, the College Connections Program continues to provide mentoring and critical support throughout the application process, and our Career Awareness Program has expanded tutoring and job shadowing opportunities and piloted new book clubs.