NEW YORK—Over 400 cheerful kids arrived on Monday at the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, returning from their Fresh Air camp adventures.
The inner-city kids enjoyed a free vacation that lasted for nearly two weeks in 2,300 acres of wilderness land located 65 miles north of New York City in Fishkill, New York. For 130 years, Fresh Air Fund has been providing a meaningful experience for the kids, who would otherwise be just out on the city street or at home.
“They [the children] have to take care of their own belongs. They have to share and do chores, which includes keeping the cabins clean and keeping the common bathrooms clean. It definitely promotes more independence,” said Thomas Karger, Deputy Executive Director.
Before noon, hundreds of enthusiastic parents were already at the Terminal waiting for their kids to arrive. Many of them had “Welcome Home” balloons high in the air, looking forward to seeing their children after being apart. Many parents valued the opportunity for their kids to experience such a unique vacation.
“They have to learn how to be independent, to be able to handle things. They grow up, so they have to eventually learn how to do for themselves,” said Anika Agosto, after seeing her daughter back from camp.
“They [the kids] were fine; they had a lot of fun, and their bags are packed for next year definitely,” said Jacqueline Aviles.
Many kids who enjoyed the camp in the previous year were given the chance to once again spend part of the summer in the beautiful upstate area with lakes, ponds, streams and hiking trails away from city and family.
“Last year I was [feeling a little empty], but I worked, so I stayed busy. I know that he’s in good hands so I’m good,” said Michelle Brown from Brooklyn, while waiting for her son to return from his second summer with Fresh Air Fund.
There were five camps separately known as Tommy, Hayden-Marks, Anita Bliss Coler (ABC), Hidden Valley and Mariah, which provided educational and recreational activities for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 15, including children with disabilities.
“I think parents can relate to the camp setting, because basically it is similar to school, but in the country. There’s a camp director, which is like a school principal; and there are councilors who are like teachers. It is a contained safe environment,” said Karger.
This group of campers is a part of the fourth and last session of the summer program, marking the end of summer for the children.
Over 3000 kids from low-income communities benefitted from the five camps, while thousands of other children had the opportunity to visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada throughout the year.
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