Escaping the Big City this Summer With the Fresh Air Fund

Colorful handmade signs, Mylar balloons, broad smiles and big hugs. This was the welcome awaiting 27 kids en route by bus from New York City to the parking lot at Roger Ludlowe Middle School late Friday afternoon.

The visit, facilitated by the southwestern Connecticut branch of the Fresh Air Fund, paired disadvantaged inner city kids, ages 6 to 18, with host families in Fairfield and surrounding “friendly” towns.

Most visits were first-time experiences for both parties; others were recurring connections. First-time hosts were assigned children ages 6 to 12; veterans had access to the full age range.

Twenty-six area families were participating in this particular session, the first busload of several to follow during the summer, and will host the youths for up to two weeks, based on host family availability.

“All the kids meet some level of financial need and would not normally be getting out of their apartments or doing things like swimming this summer,” said Martha Mintzer, Fresh Air Fund chairperson for the region. “Host families are interviewed in their homes, a background check is run and forms completed."

"Families assume any expenses and are only required to provide a bed. In terms of entertaining the children, we encourage families to include the kids in regular family activities,” Mintzer said.

'Heard it was a good experience'

First-time host Lucy Corey of Westport said she saw a program notice in a church bulletin and knew a friend who had participated. “I heard that it was a good experience and met the little girl that our friend hosted,” Corey said.

"We’ve talked to the child we’re hosting, and his mom. His name is Quadier and he’s 9, from lower Manhattan,"she said. "He seems very sweet and his mom and grandma say he’s active, which will keep our son, Matt, busy. Matt’s an only child, so Quadier will be like a big brother."

The Barcello family of Easton was looking forward to first-time hosting Kaiya, a 9-year-old from the Bronx. “We saw a photo, have been emailing her and talked on the phone last night,” said Vicky Barcello. “She was giddy and excited. My daughter Jenna is equally excited to have a sister for a week. We’re going to go bowling, to the beach and Lake Compounce. We’d want someone to do this for our child if we were at a similar disadvantage.”

The Short family of Fairfield, hosting Kah-ley, a 6-year-old boy from Brooklyn, was excited about the week ahead. “Kah-ley has same-aged siblings, loves video games and wants to go swimming every day,” said Lia Short.

'Likes the same things as us'

The McCarthy’s, of Weston, were hosting 8-year-old Donte, from Brooklyn. Finn McCarthy, 8, said, “He likes the same things as us, like video games, basketball, baseball and swimming. We’re going to a family fun day with him, a friend’s barbecue, Compo Beach and the movies.”

Donte said Saturday that it was good to meet the McCarthys. "We became friends quickly.I'm looking forward to spending the week with them. It will be like having more brothers and a sister. I'm excited to go to the pool - love to swim," he said.

Veterans of the Fresh Air Fund program, the Diamond family of Fairfield was hosting a 13-year-old Brooklyn boy named William for the eighth consecutive summer. “He was 6 that first summer,” said Jennifer Diamond.

Jennifer's son, Ben, said William is "like a brother and just helped me celebrate my bar mitzvah."

Added Ben’s 9-year-old sister Ella, “He’s like a part of the family. He’s good at basketball and teaches me shots. We’re going to go to day camp together, too.”

William said the Diamonds are like family to him. "They send me Christmas gifts and invite me to special occasions. Ella refers to me as her 'other brother.' When I first started coming, Ben and I didn't get along. But as we found things we liked in common. We became friends - brothers, really."

Long-established

Mintzer said this is the 135th summer in which the Fresh Air Fund has operated this program. She said she experienced it in her own family as a child in Larchmont, N.Y., when her family took in a youth.

“I remember my family talking about their experience,” she said, “and after moving to Weston in 2005, I joined Fresh Air Fund. It’s a cultural exchange for everyone involved. We learn about the kids; they learn about us.”

Families need not be traditional units to qualify as hosts. Mintzer said the program has single parents, empty nesters and people with older children. She said a host can take more than one child as long as there are no other children at home.

"The ultimate objective is to host kids year after year to build a relationship with them,” Mintzer said. "The experience puts a smile on everyone’s faces while serving as a vacation for the kids. It’s a rewarding time for all.”

The Fresh Air Fund seeks is still looking for host families. Anyone interested may call Martha Mintzer at 203-226-6627 or email her at Martha_mintzer@yahoo.com

Editor's note: This article originally was published by Fairfield Patch.