I have been a host mom to 7 Fresh Air children over the last 23 years. I have also been a volunteer chairperson for over 15 years with the program. It is 140 years old and has been a life changer both for the children who get to experience a different way of life and build life-long relationships with the host family, but also for the family who has the joy of sharing in a wonderful experience with the city child. We have 6 children of our own and they have all grown up having the privilege of sharing a part of their summer with their city brothers and sisters. This is truly the highlight of our summer, and we look forward to having the children come over and over again. Some of our FAF children have outgrown the program, are in their 30's and still come and see us and bring their own families with them. It truly can be a life-long relationship. Check out our web page--www.freshair.org and our facebook page, fresh air fund, to see some great stories and experiences shared by both the host families and the children. We are always looking for new families who would like to open their hearts and homes to the children for a week or two. If you are interested in more information, go to www.freshair.org and fill in the inquiry form and someone will get in touch with you. I hope you will consider hosting--it is an amazing program!!!!!

I'm sure you will have a wonderful time camping. We've camped with several of our FAF children and I often think that it must be such an amazing experience for them to think that you can actually sleep "outdoors" with no safety protection during the night and it would be so peaceful. Plus seeing stars, catching fireflies, etc. while camping---WOW! We are always blessed to get phone calls or emails from new people who are interested in hosting. This program has been around for over 130 years (yes, that's correct) but part of our job as chairpeople is to keep getting the word out to new families so we'll continually have more homes for children to go to. The BEST PR that we have, though, is happy families who tell other friends and neighbors that it was a great experience and the fever spreads. So, make sure you let friends and neighbors meet your fresh air child and encourage them next year to give it a try. Wishing you all the best, Marion

So glad to hear this post about the Fresh Air Fund. We have hosted 7 Fresh Air children over the past 18 years and I have been a local chairperson for about 6 years. This program is absolutely wonderful. 65% of the children who come out to the country for a week or two do so year after year with the same family and build wonderful friendships with the family. We have been so blessed by hosting. For more information, go to their website http://www.freshair.org and if you want more information, fill out a form there and they will connect someone local with you. It'll be one of the best things you'll do all year!