The Fresh Air Fund

PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT

DISCOVERING

THEONE SUMMER WORLD, AT A TIME

COME SUMMERTIME, THOUSANDS OF NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN HAVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT OF THE CITY; INSTEAD, MANY FACE ENDLESS DAYS OF NOISE, BOREDOM AND VIDEO GAMES.

But this can change. For 139 years, The Fresh Air Fund has been sending youngsters from low-income communities to camp and to homes in the countryside, where they experience the joy of space, grass and trees; lakes, bonfires and starry nights; and special bonds with newfound friends. For these children, summer is transformed into something magical and memorable — and more than that, a whole new world opens up.

TOP: Evan Sydnor (left) and his Fresh Air brother, Khalilou, of the Bronx, race through the waves during Khalilou’s most recent summer visit to Delaware. Fresh Air Fund volunteer host families say the simplest experiences have made the greatest impact on their Fresh Air children, and their own families benefit just as much from the program. Photo: Maria DeForrest

CENTER: Fresh Air child Crisasia (lower left), of Brooklyn, and her host sister, Allison (lower right), learned this past summer that one of the best parts of the Fresh Air experience is making new friends. Photo: Kelly Valeri

BOTTOM: Boys from Camp Tommy learn about the ecosystem of the lake and discover the different species that call it home. Photo: Joan Barker

AND THEY’RE OFF… AMID THRONGS OF HARRIED COMMUTERS STRIDING THROUGH THE PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL, A SMALL ISLAND OF EXUBERANT CHILDREN AND THEIR TEARY PARENTS VIBRATED WITH ANTICIPATION: SUMMER ADVENTURES WERE ONLY MOMENTS AWAY.

osaiah, 10, fidgeted and kidded checking in, the youngsters hung their at her host family’s home in Ithaca with grass and fields, his host family’s with fellow travelers, talking information tags around their necks three years ago, she too was surprised backyard, which is almost a park. “My animatedly about his Fresh Air and slipped into a waiting area. Fresh by all the space; the change of scenery favorite thing is going around town and Fund host family in Scranton, Air Fund volunteers watched over the made her nervous. “It was isolated, and seeing houses, not apartments,” he said. Pa.: “They have two big dogs, Vi- children and kept them entertained so dark at night — the Bronx is always “And I love how quiet it gets at night.” Jking and Arly,” said the Queens resident. with temporary tattoos and games of bright, no matter what time it is,” she Tyrek’s mother, Gail Beckles, nodded in “We’re going fishing, and we’ll eat the jacks and Go Fish. Meanwhile, parents, said. But Suejona’s nervousness turned agreement. “I’m so happy he gets to ex- fish. And I’ll have some peace and quiet. cousins, aunts and uncles watched and to excitement when she saw a deer, perience something other than the busy In Queens, I always hear the neighbors waited for their final goodbyes. which she’d never seen outside the zoo. streets of New York,” she said. talking, and honking horns and sirens. Charlene Jones, who stood with her Indeed, Suejona had many new experi- Departure time finally arrived, As soon as the bus leaves, I feel a weight son, Damani, as he waited to embark ences: hiking, swimming in a lake and and the energy level among the chil- off my chest.” on his third Fresh Air Fund summer in wandering the local farmers market; dren shot up. Tenniel Hansen, a Fresh Josaiah was one of about 4,000 New Ithaca, N.Y., was sad to see him go — her host parents, who have no children, Air Fund host and chairperson for York City children between the ages of but happy that he’s getting this experi- taught her to bake bread and to play Rensselaer, N.Y., since 2004, began 7 and 18 who were on their way to vis- ence. Damani’s host mother is a college squash. Suejona became attached to corralling the children into an orga- it volunteer host families in suburban professor, his host sister is in medi- the family’s cat, Primo, and husky dog, nized line. The children, chattering with neighborhoods and rural communities cal school, and his host brothers are in Izzy, and especially to her host parents. excitement, each face bright with a along the East Coast, from North Caro- college. “They stress education, which “I don’t like being away from them for smile, gathered their bags and began lina to southern Canada. Children would I also feel strongly about,” said Jones, too long,” she said. moving toward the buses. “These sum- spend from a week to the whole sum- who just graduated from Lehman Col- Tyrek, 13, was heading to Greene, N.Y., mers do so much for these kids — a mer with their host families; some were lege. “The male bonding is also impor- near Albany, for his second summer. chance to ride a bike, walk in the woods, nervously awaiting their first visit, oth- tant, and it’s good to have positive role The differences between Brooklyn and have some quiet,” Hansen, said. “All you ers, like Josaiah, were returning to what models.” Greene are too numerous to count: the need is a big heart.” has become a second home. Twelve-year-old Damani, who wider roads, the empty space filled After five summers observing her son lives with his mother and sis- before and after his host family visit, Jo- ter in the Bronx, is just hap- saiah’s mother, Tonia Davis, has noticed py to play outside amid the difference. “He comes home more re- grass and trees, and to laxed,” she said. “He’s more mature, and revel in the open space. he gets along with new people and man- “Everything is so spread ages new and different situations better.” out,” he said. “You even The children and their families start- drive to the neighbors.” ed arriving at the terminal at 7 a.m. When 14-year-old for the first round of departures; after Suejona first arrived

TOP: Suejona (left), 14, awaits the bus that will take her to visit her host family in Freeville, N.Y. Photo: Jerry Speier CENTER: Josaiah (right), 10, looks forward to returning to his host family’s home in Taylor, Pa.. Photo: Jerry Speier BOTTOM: Fresh Air children play cards while waiting for their buses to leave Port Authority. Photo: Jerry Speier PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT

TOP: On Feb. 7, Patty LeRoy accepted an award for her 50 years of volunteering with The Fresh Air Fund. Patty has served as a volunteer host parent every summer since 1967, and recruits host families in her area as a volunteer leader. Photo: Jerry Speier BOTTOM: Even though Andre (center), 12, has been visiting his host family in Delaware for six summers, he is still elated every time he gets to go to the beach. Photo: Tiffany Caldwell Photography

ceeded,” she said. The fact that the children came from different backgrounds and looked different meant nothing. “My parents taught us not to see col- or,” she said. “They taught us that these children are just like us — they just live in taller buildings, and they have the 50 YEARS AND COUNTING opportunity to take buses, trains, and taxis, and we don’t. Without coming out and saying it, they taught us to appreci- FIFTY YEARS AGO, CLARENCE “SCOOTER” LEROY HAPPENED UPON A SMALL ate what we had.” One of Barkman’s Fresh Air sisters ARTICLE IN HIS LOCAL PAPER THAT PIQUED HIS INTEREST: A PROGRAM over many summers was Donnalese Donaldson-Robinson, who began com- OFFERING NEW YORK CITY KIDS A SUMMER BREAK FROM URBAN LIFE WAS ing to the LeRoys when she was 10. Now 46, Donaldson-Robinson speaks LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER HOST FAMILIES. LEROY AND HIS WIFE, PATTY, HAD to Barkman regularly. “I have the best memories,” said Donaldson-Robinson, a JUST BOUGHT A HOME ON A HALF-ACRE PROPERTY IN BALLSTON SPA, A RURAL charter-school teacher. “I loved running around outside barefoot, and being free. VILLAGE IN SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y., FILLED WITH FARMS AND OPEN SPACES. The LeRoys’ home was a great place for a kid to be in the summer.” Indeed, not IT WAS A PERFECT PLACE, HE THOUGHT, FOR A CHILD TO GET AWAY FROM THE only did the LeRoys have a surplus of love, they also had their own ice cream BUSTLING STREETS OF NEW YORK CITY. THEIR BOXES WERE NOT YET UNPACKED, truck — arguably every child’s dream. The girls would spend the night in the THEIR SECOND CHILD WAS ON THE WAY, BUT THE LEROYS COULDN’T WAIT. truck, sneaking ice cream, until Bark- man’s mischievous older brother, pre- tending to be a monster, spooked them hen 7-year-old Marilyn ar- colorful letters, along with her phone The LeRoys’ youngest daughter, Tri- back inside. “The LeRoys opened their rived from Harlem, her hair number, in case a potential host drives cia Barkman — now 45 with four chil- home and heart to me, and I’m blessed,” neatly braided, clutching a by and gets inspired. “I cherish these children of her own — can’t remember a Donaldson-Robinson said. “Patty will al- small suitcase, it’s hard to dren, and I’m so grateful that I’ve had the time when her family didn’t host Fresh ways be my mom — I can count on her.” say who was more nervous. privilege of spending my time with them. Air Fund youngsters. She always looked In February 2016, Patty LeRoy was W“I was scared to death,” Patty LeRoy re- Together our family and our Fresh Air forward to summer, when different chil- honored for 50 years of service to The called. “I thought, what if she doesn’t like children learned about different religions dren visited throughout July and August. Fresh Air Fund. During the ceremony my food, what if she doesn’t like us? We and different cultures; we’ve shown “I didn’t go to camp; camp came to at The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns came from such different backgrounds.” great respect for each other.” me,” Barkman said. Each child became Volunteer Leadership Conference at the Indeed, this was 1966 and racial and cul- A few of the dozens of children the Le- a member of the extended family, and Marriott Marquis in New York City, her tural conflicts were rampant. But after Roys hosted over the years remain close. added more fun to the neighborhood children, grandchildren, former and cur- only a few moments with Marilyn, all Jerry Bobé — who calls LeRoy “Mom” games. Barkman’s own sister is 10 years rent Fresh Air Fund children and Fund concerns vanished. “She was a beautiful, — grew up in the Bronx and visited the older, so it was always nice having girls volunteers gathered for a Patty appre- bright, curious child,” LeRoy said. Marilyn LeRoys from the age of 5 in 1978, until around who were her own age. “We ciation day filled with hugs and teary immediately bonded with the LeRoys’ he turned 18. They lost touch for a few would paint each other’s nails, play hop- speeches. daughter Charlene, who was also 7. The years, but now Bobé, 43, a bus operator scotch, ride bikes — someone tried to “I’ll keep hosting and helping as long two girls spent those weeks playing out- on Long Island, comes back whenever he teach me double-dutch, but I never suc- as I can,” she promised. doors non-stop in the LeRoys’ expansive can. “They’re my second family,” he said. yard. “Looking out from the kitchen win- “Patty is one of the best people I’ve ever dow, I can still picture Marilyn doing cart- met. She never takes a penny, she gets wheels across the lawn, and watching paid in love. It’s really awe-inspiring.” her legs fly by over and over,” LeRoy said. Bobé loves to sit on the back porch of Fifty years and dozens of Fresh Air the LeRoys’ home and reminisce. He re- WANTED: LOVING FAMILIES children later, Patty LeRoy, now 78, is still members arriving as a 5-year-old, and going strong. Although sadly, Scooter Le- that their bikes, when left on the lawn Roy passed away in 2010, she continues at night, would still be there when they This summer, join thousands of volunteer host families in suburbs to host children and act as the Fund Rep- woke in the morning. “That blew my and rural neighborhoods along the East Coast and Southern Canada resentative for Saratoga County, a post mind,” he said. “And they only closed as they share the beauty of their communities with New York City she has held since 1994. Her three grown the car windows when they were afraid children are Fresh Air hosts now, and her it would rain. That was plain crazy.” children. You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to live on acres of youngest, Tricia Barkman, is chairperson Bobé often thinks about how much farmland. You just need an open heart and an open home. of The Fund’s Schenectady area. his time at Ballston Spa expanded his First-time Fresh Air visitors range in age from 7 to 12 years old, and “It’s my passion,” said Patty LeRoy, an worldview. “I considered myself both stay for one to two weeks. New York City families can also host chil- avid Fund proselytizer. Her car is spray a city mouse and a country mouse — I dren during their summer vacations in the country. Children who are painted with “The Fresh Air Fund” in large got to live both sides.” re-invited to visit the same host family can continue with The Fund through age 18. Host families and their New York City visitors experience a summer filled with friendships, smiles, adventures, trust, appreciation, growth and learning. On their Fresh Air visits, children may milk a cow, engage in the arts, discover the wonders of the night- time sky, pick fruits and vegetables and go swimming. Those who have hosted Fresh Air Fund youngsters never forget their visitors, or the benefits to both their family and their community. The majority of the children are re-invited to stay with the same host families year after year, and often form bonds that last a lifetime. The Fund is always looking for warm, loving people who are willing to open their homes and their hearts. Could that be you? For more information about becoming a volunteer host family, contact The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003, or visit freshair.org. PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT

THE FRESH AIR FUND’S ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

The Fresh Air Fund’s Career Awareness Program is designed to extend the camping experience beyond a summer and into a year- round enrichment program. Students apply in the 6th grade and attend Camp Mariah, The Fund’s Career Awareness Camp, in Fish- kill, N.Y., in the summer. They continue with the program during the school year in New York City and at camp with a focus on educational options, academic support and career exploration. The Career Awareness Program includes intensive 24-day summer camp sessions, along with off-season weekend camping trips for 300 boys and girls at Camp Mariah. In addition to traditional activities, campers explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineer- ing, Arts, Mathematics) topics at camp through learning about the environment, both in the sciences and sustainability, music and technology, and lessons on math and its concepts. Other academic enrichment and leadership programs include the annual spring Career Fair in which New York City volunteers lead career workshops. Throughout the year, visits to corporate partners expose children to a range of career opportunities. From tutoring to The Fund’s College Connections Program, students have a strong network of year-round support in place to help with their academic success.

THE MODEL FARM AND NUTRITION CENTER: TEACHING WISDOM FOR LIFE

SUNY Oswego. Her goal is to get a PhD COW THERAPY in zoology, and eventually to go to Af - WEST POINT FARMER rica and study safari animals, specifi- Amy Mota had been living in a shel - cally giraffes, which fascinate her. Farm Director Stephen McFall, 20, ter with her mother and sister when As a counselor, Mota has been able took a different route to the farm. she found her way to Camp ABC. to help children who struggle as she Now a junior at West Point, the Bronx Camp was the first time in months herself struggled, using animals for native was never a Fresh Air Fund the 8-year-old had slept in a bed. “It healing. “The connection with the camper; he did, however, spend many was the one place I could relax,” re - animals is deep and unspoken,” she summers on his grandparents’ farm in membered Mota, now 20. “And it was explained. “Sometimes animals can Atlanta, helping his grandfather with the one place where I knew what to reach us when people can’t.” the crops and the animals. He loved expect from day to day.” Amanda, a quiet 10-year-old camp- country life, and the gratification of On the second day of camp, Mota’s er from the Bronx, is also taken with seeing the results of his hard labor. group visited the Model Farm. There, Sunshine. On a recent visit to the McFall was a staffer at the Model for the first time in her life, she en - farm, she stroked Sunshine’s back, Farm and Nutrition Center for three countered all manner of livestock — murmuring softly to her. “It makes summers before becoming director. goats, chickens, sheep. She found the me calm here,” she said. “All my trou - Here, as in school, McFall works long animals, particularly 2,000-pound bles go away.” hours. He’s up and ready by 6:45 a.m., Sunshine the cow, terrifying and un- Mota is also a role model. Sensing a and is joined by three junior farmers. predictable. “I was so tiny, and it was kindred spirit, children open up to her The campers come at 7 a.m., do their so huge,” she said. “I didn’t think any about their hardships. She motivates chores, feed and walk the animals, living thing could be so big.” them: “Trouble and sadness didn’t and clean the pens. McFall — while Soon, however, the animals, spe- stop me from succeeding, and it won’t in college pursuing a double major in cifically Sunshine, became her ref- stop you. I lifted myself up despite ev - cryptology and engineering — knows uge, and she spent as much time with erything, and so can you.” Mota tells how to work hard. But at camp, he’s Sunshine as she could. “I would have the children about the friends she has learned valuable nonacademic skills: three-hour sessions of cow therapy,” lost to drugs, and she advises them to public speaking, running workshops, she said. “It was incredibly healing.” stay busy with positive activities and teaching children to plant, harvest Mota returned year after year, positive people. Most important, she and, for the first time, process honey. eventually becoming first a part of admonishes the children to keep com- “Here I learned how to lead,” he said. the Teen Leadership Program, then a ing back to camp. “If I wasn’t here I “And I learned patience.” counselor-in-training (CIT), a coun- could have been on the street doing Jonah is McFall’s biggest fan; the selor, and now a staffer at the Mod - bad things,” she said. “I came here for 11-year-old looks at McFall with some- el Farm and Nutrition Center. She’s 11 years, and it saved me.” thing akin to awe. “I bet he’s going to studying zoology at Bronx Commu- be an army general one day,” said the nity College, and plans to transfer to Brooklyn native. “I want to be like him PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER

The moment children step onto the bus to a Fresh Air camp or visit with a volunteer host family, their life is changed forever. It’s the start of an amazing journey that opens doors for thousands of New York City children from low-income communities. The Fresh Air Fund’s official “Countdown to Summer” has begun and it’s the perfect time to help send children on their way to a summer full of new experiences and adventures. Thanks to many generous con- tributions every year, thousands of New York City children get the opportunity to explore new environments, meet new people from different cultures, and build skills that can be utilized year-round. Visit freshair.org/cts2016 to find out how you can unlock a child’s limitless potential.

ABOVE: Fresh Air child Micah, 8, laughs at a joke his host sister Madison makes during his second visit to Ontario. Photo: Goldenview Photography LEFT: Craig Rung talks with Hayden-Marks campers visiting the Nutrition Center about the quesadilla they will be learning to make that afternoon with ingredients from the Model Farm’s garden. Photo: Joan Barker

when I grow up. I want to be in the FBI salsa and muffins with ingredients col- “You can’t trade it in for a newer one, and catch criminals.” FOOD = LIFE lected from the camp garden. Campers and what you put into it has long- Working on a farm teaches many also learn how the compost they col- lasting effects.” valuable lessons, and perhaps the Gina Kelling, 22, is on a mission. A lect at each camp meal is used to pro- One serious-looking child watched most important is self-discipline. It nutritionist at the Model Farm and vide nutrients for the farm’s vegetable Kelling thoughtfully as she spoke. “I’m is this self-discipline that helped Mc- Nutrition Center, Kelling puts her all garden. Thanks to a generous donation going to ask my mother to give me or- Fall get into, and succeed at, one of into teaching the children the impor- from Craig and Nan Rung, The Fund has anges for a snack,” she said. “They have the most competitive military acade- tance of healthy eating. She inherited upgraded the kitchen at the Nutrition lots of Vitamin C, so I won’t get sick.” mies in the world. “The kids get frus - this passion from her father, a holis- Center and broadened and strength- Kelling’s father, who died two years trated that there’s so much to do,” he tic doctor and nutritionist. “Food has ened programming for future genera- ago, had a plaque on his office wall said. “But I push them — whether it’s always been important to my family,” tions of campers. that read: “One man with enthusi- weeding, cooking, or school, you can’t said Kelling, a senior at Hendrix Col- As Kelling picked vegetables with asm is a majority.” Working at the get anywhere in life if you don’t do lege in Arkansas. “Sitting around a the children and then methodically Nutrition Center, Kelling honors his things right.” table is something especially human helped them prepare zucchini muf- memory. “I feel more connected with — to me, going through a drive-thru fins, with fresh zucchini from the gar- my dad here than at any other time,” is sacrilegious.” den, she spoke animatedly about the she said. “He was so passionate about At the Nutrition Center, youngsters importance of eating well. “This is the health, and by sharing this passion learn about healthy food selection and same body you’ll have at age 52,” she with others, I’m reminded of him ev- prepare snacks such as smoothies, said to the roomful of 11-year-olds. ery day.”

OPPOSITE, TOP: At Camp Mariah, campers can participate in typical camp activities like outdoor field games while also attending career classes during their 24-day stay. Photo: Joan Barker OPPOSITE, UPPER MIDDLE: Campers who attend one of The Fresh Air Fund’s five overnight camps can visit the Nutrition Center and Model Farm and learn how to care for the animals. Photo: Joan Barker OPPOSITE, LOWER MIDDLE: Stephen McFall is not only an important member of the farm staff; he also serves as a role model to the campers who visit the farm. Photo: Joan Barker OPPOSITE, BOTTOM: Farm staffer Amy Mota uses her own experience as a Fresh Air child to help campers. Photo: Joan Barker

LEFT: A camper helps prepare vegetables for the dinner program at the Nutrition Center. Photo: Joan Barker PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT

THE FRESH AIR FUND’S

ABOVE: Girls from Camp ABC practice putting together their tents before SHARPE RESERVATION they go on their overnight hike. Photo: Joan Barker ABOVE RIGHT: Campers discover and develop new passions through camp experiences such as music classes. Photo: Joan Barker The Fund’s Sharpe Reservation has close to 2,000 acres of beautiful land, with lakes, ponds and wooded hiking trails. Set in the Hudson BELOW LEFT: Career Awareness students discuss promoting their fictional Highlands in Fishkill, N.Y., Sharpe Reservation is the site for The artists during a job shadowing at Warner Music group. Photo: Courtney Rung Fresh Air Fund’s five overnight summer camps, where 3,000 chil- BELOW RIGHT: Val Blavatnik is surrounded by campers to celebrate the dren experience life outside the city. During the school year, more opening of The Blavatnik Family and Warner Music Group Center for Music than 15,000 children from community and school groups, as well as at Camp Hidden Valley. Photo: Joan Barker Girl Scout troops, visit the property. Sharpe Reservation provides an outdoor classroom for informal learning through curriculum- based activities that inspire an appreciation of nature and a greater understanding of the environment. Here on the expansive property, children enjoy interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences guided by professionals. The reservation also houses a nature center, ropes courses, trails, lakes, ponds, a Model Farm and a planetarium, all with an environmental science and educational focus. Camp facilities are available for rent and are utilized by a va- WARNER MUSIC riety of schools and organizations for weekend camping, day trips, conferences and retreats. To learn more visit freshair.org/sharpe. GROUP WELCOMES The job shadowing was just a small Since the ribbon cutting, Blavatnik part of Warner Music Group’s ongoing has visited camp to help launch the dedication to The Fund. In August 2015 center by assisting with teaching the the Blavatnik Family and Warner Music new digital music programs and talk- FRESH AIR Group Center for Music opened at The ing to campers about their vision for Fund’s Camp Hidden Valley in Fishkill, the center. During the academic year, N.Y. The new center features an instruc- the music center is a focal point for tional music room with guitars, drums The Fresh Air Fund’s off-season edu- and keyboards; a computer lab equipped cational programs and leadership de- with state-of-the-art music software; velopment weekend retreats. STUDENTS a sound system; and a 1,600-square- “Many of these kids have dreams of foot performing arts space. Year-round, being recording artists, and through campers will have the opportunity to the music center, they’re one step clos- TWELVE-YEAR-OLD NAILA AND HER FELLOW learn about all aspects of the music er to fulfilling that dream,” said Eliah industry, from composition to perfor- Seton, president of ADA Worldwide, TEENAGE MUSIC PRODUCERS WERE IN FULL mance, through programs that include Warner Music Group’s subsidiary. instrumental, vocal and singing work- “Most people have no understanding BRAINSTORMING MODE: HOW TO BEST PROMOTE shops, production and arranging in- about how a song gets written and struction, and classes in music theory what happens until it’s played on the THEIR (THEORETICAL) ARTIST, BRUNO MARS, FOR HIS and history. radio or you hear it on an iPhone. The The music center was the brainchild music center and the job shadowing (THEORETICAL) UPCOMING CONCERT AT BARCLAYS of 18-year-old Val Blavatnik, son of educates the kids about what goes on Warner Music Group owner Len Blavat- behind the scenes, and shows them CENTER. “OFFER A GIVEAWAY,” SUGGESTED nik. Val Blavatnik, a dedicated Fresh Air that there’s a whole industry that can Fund volunteer, came up with the idea be a source of really cool jobs if they 13-YEAR-OLD JOJO. “MAKE BACKSTAGE VIDEOS, for a new music center after spending develop the right skills.” time at camp, talking with staff and It was 6:30 p.m. at the job shadow- AND STREAM THEM LIVE,” ADDED KACEY. campers about his greatest passion: ing, and though many of the children music. Although his family is a long-time had been up since 6:30 a.m., they were s part of a recent job shadowing promotion: sponsorship tie-ins, social Fund donor, Blavatnik, who has his own still going strong. “Coming up with at the headquarters of Warner media platforms, coordinating with record label, wanted to do more. “Most ways to promote your artist is a hard- Music Group in Manhattan, 16 YouTube celebrities, and picking the of the kids here grow up in the Bronx er job than I thought it would be,” said Fresh Air Fund middle school- right venues. This experience inspired and Brooklyn where hip-hop and a lot of Reynold, 15. Ashanti, 13, agreed that ers — led by Warner execs — dreams of getting into the music biz. “I other music originated, and they don’t the music business is complicated but Alived their music-producing dreams. didn’t know this kind of thing even ex- even realize it,” said Blavatnik. “I wanted it’s only whet her appetite for more. “I For an hour and a half, students rotat- isted as a job,” Naila said. “I thought I to give them a fuller picture of the music love music,” she said. “This experience ed through various stations in order to wanted to be a singer, but this might be from their neighborhoods, and from the has opened my mind.” learn about different aspects of artist even better.” world around them.” PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT PUBLIC SERVICE SUPPLEMENT

NEW SUMMER, NEW LEADERSHIP THE FRESH AIR FUND’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FATIMA A. SHAMA, GREW UP IN THE SOUNDVIEW SECTION OF THE BRONX. “I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A FRESH AIR FUND CHILD,” SAID SHAMA, THE YOUNGEST OF FIVE CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANT PARENTS. SHAMA ATTENDED BINGHAMTON SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURES UNIVERSITY ON A SCHOLARSHIP, EARNED A MASTER’S DEGREE FROM BARUCH COLLEGE’S SCHOOL OF PUBLIC At Fresh Air Fund camps, 3,000 boys and girls experience both academic enrichment and fun. Campers grow socially and emo- AFFAIRS, AND SERVED AS THE COMMISSIONER OF tionally, while interacting with counselors who are role models and mentors. IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS UNDER FORMER NEW YORK CITY For at least two weeks, children swim and row boats out on the lake, and also enhance their computer skills. Campers study the MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG. SHE’S COMMITTED HER planets and constellations to better appreciate the beauty of the night sky, with its sea of stars unobstructed by streetlights. They PROFESSIONAL LIFE TO HELPING PEOPLE LIKE HER pick vegetables to prepare healthy snacks — such as a fresh tomato salsa — at the newly renovated Nutrition Center, and learn about OWN FAMILY, AND TO “PAYING IT FORWARD.” animals at the Model Farm. The five Fresh Air Fund camps are located on The Fund’s Sharpe Reservation, which has close to 2,000 acres of wilderness proper- Q: How do you relate to The Fresh Air for more children and families to Fund children you serve? have that opportunity. Our children ty, in Fishkill, N.Y., 65 miles north of New York City. The Fresh Air A: I grew up in a neighborhood with the come from across the city, and there camps are: Camp Anita Bliss Coler for girls, ages nine to 15; Camp same kinds of challenges that today’s are great community-based organi- Hayden-Marks Memorial for boys, ages nine to 12; Camp Tommy Fresh Air children face: poor educa- zations we can partner with so that for 12- to 15-year-old boys; Camp Hidden Valley for boys and girls tional options, drugs and teen preg- our kids get the kind of support that with and without special needs, ages 8 to 12; and Camp Mariah, nancy, violence and not a lot of open will help them succeed through life. which is also the base for The Fund’s Career Awareness Program, or green space. My family never had for boys and girls in 7th to 9th grades. In honor of their generous the money to send me to camp. Q: Any changes you hope to make to The support, Camp Mariah is named after Board member Mariah Car- Fund camps? ey, and Camp Tommy is named after Tommy Hilfiger. Q: What did your parents do to make A: The camp experience is fun layered sure you had a better life? with enrichment of the best kind. A: My parents worked hard, and stressed Without taking away the fun, I want education. My mother is from Brazil, to enhance that enrichment. So for and my father was Palestinian and example, when the children swim in ABOVE: Girls from Camp ABC challenge themselves and work together at the low ropes course to learn about the importance of perseverance and emigrated to Brazil as a teenager. Af- a lake, they also learn about environ- teamwork. Photo: Joan Barker ter they married, my parents came mental sciences, and are exposed to to New York City to build a better concepts like pH, ecosystem and the BELOW: The Fresh Air Fund’s Executive Director, Fatima Shama, poses with life. My father began as a street ven- cycle of life. Then when they return to campers at Camp Mariah during her inaugural visit to The Fund’s Sharpe dor and then opened a small grocery school and a lesson is taught in class, Reservation, home to all five overnight summer camps. Photo: Joan Barker store, and he creatively bartered food they make an immediate connection for tuition so my siblings and I could with their camp experience. go to Catholic school. My parents had limited English skills, but never al- Q: After nearly 140 years, in what ways city, and they are meeting people how she struggled — I’m the ben- lowed poverty or cultural differenc- does The Fresh Air Fund continue to with different experiences who live eficiary of her commitment to a es to stand between them and their make a difference? in communities that look differ- better life. hopes and dreams. A: In 1877, The Fund was started to help ent than what they are used to. In I’ve read about a lot of amazing children, living in crowded tene- bringing people together, we have people; however someone I’ve had Q: What are your goals for The Fresh Air ments and surrounded by the tu- changed lives, and have been part the pleasure of learning from and Fund? berculosis epidemic, leave the city of the evolution of this country. In worked with personally is Michael A: We receive over 11,000 applications by visiting a family living in the so many ways, we are as contempo- Bloomberg, my professional hero. each summer, and right now we are country. Today, too many city chil- rary and meaningful today as when He is an extraordinary man with able to serve only 7,000 children. We dren face a different — but equally we first started. strong core values. He believes in need to make sure that all kids who difficult — set of challenges, in- making the world a better place one can benefit from a Fresh Air experi- cluding public health problems like Q: Who are your heroes? neighborhood, and now one city, at ence get one. Our relationships, which asthma, gun violence, and a lack of A: To start, my mom: she gave up ev - a time. He gave me the chance to start with children during the sum- healthy food options in their neigh- erything to come to a foreign land serve my city, and confirmed for mer, have blossomed into meaning- borhood. But the benefits provided because she believed it would make me that this is how I want to devote ful year-round academic enrichment by The Fund remain the same: chil- life better for her and her family. As my life. ❂ programs. I’d love to make it possible dren are getting a change from the a parent myself, I can only imagine