Calling all Bronx Parents! Now is the time for New York City families throughout the five boroughs to register their children for an unforgettable summer of free Fresh Air Fund experiences at sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, or for them to visit volunteer host families along the East Coast.

The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Junior in Harriman State Park, New York is named in memory of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, a 15-year-old victim of gang violence who was murdered on East 183rd Street and Bathgate Avenue in the Belmont section of The Bronx in June 2018. “Camp Junior,” in partnership with New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (A.D 83), the Office of the Bronx Borough President, and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, provides Bronx children aged 8 to 15 with the opportunity to attend a free, two-week, sleepaway camp where they develop self-confidence, discover new talents, enjoy outdoor activities and experience the joy of summer.

Bronx children may also attend one of The Fund’s five sleepaway camps located in Fishkill, New York on more than 2,000 acres of wilderness property or visit volunteer host families. Fresh Air child, Marcos, 12, from The Bronx, said of his recent experience, “For me, camp is a fun and happy place where I can be active and learn new things. My counselors are great and encourage me to play sports, learn chess and practice my swimming skills!”

Fresh Air Fund registration is now open. Campers enjoy swimming, hiking, playing sports and learning new skills in activities such as music classes, arts and crafts, photography and coding, according to the Fresh Air Fund organizers. Campers also explore the outdoors, while having fun and learning new skills.

Fresh Air Fund officials say a summer visit to a volunteer host family is also full of fun experiences like playing in the backyard, riding bicycles, swimming and making new friends. Volunteer host families live in small towns, suburban and rural communities along the East Coast. Every host family goes through a rigorous screening process including a home visit, background check, interview and reference check. Many children form friendships that last a lifetime.

Lisa Gitelson, the fund’s chief executive officer, said, “We know that a summer experience at camp or visiting a volunteer host family expands opportunities for New York City youth.  By partnering with community organizations in the Bronx, we will help young people to learn, grow and thrive in the summer and beyond.”

Applications for parents are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese and additional translation support can be provided, if needed. For more information about registering your child, visit www.FreshAir.org.

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs.