Summer Camp Has Become a Luxury. This Nonprofit Sends Kids for Free.
The Blavatnik Family Foundation is a longtime supporter of The Fresh Air Fund, which provides New York City children and teens with free opportunities to experience the outdoors, develop new skills and build lasting relationships. A recent editorial in The New York Times follows Fran Carlos Galicia-Sanchez, who first attended a Fresh Air Fund sleepaway camp at age 11. While there, he learned to swim, formed new friendships and discovered a sense of independence beyond the city.Fran Carlos later returned to the organization as a counselor and lifeguard. Now 20, he serves as waterfront director at Camp Junior, overseeing lifeguards and teaching campers the same skills that shaped his own experience. He hopes to become the camp’s director one day. His journey reflects the enduring value of The Fresh Air Fund’s programs, which give young people space to explore, grow and see new possibilities for themselves.