The Fresh Air Fund

The SMBC Global Foundation is proud to announce the expansion of SMBC Building Resilient Futures. We’re excited to welcome The Fresh Air Fund and NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership Program) as grantees joining our existing partners,?American Camp Association, Change Summer, and Outward Bound USA. SMBC Building Resilient Futures seeks to empower a greater number of young people with access to high-quality, outdoors-based experiences that enhance confidence, character, and well-being while instilling an appreciation for the natural world. The program’s expansion reflects SMBC’s growth in the Americas and commitment to creating social value, or “Shaka-kachi”, and is inspired by the causes our employee care most about. Learn more about our new and renewed grantees for the 2025 Building Resilient Futures program below. #TeamSMBC #SMBCBuildingResilientFutures #CreatingSocialValue

Check out Lisa Gitelson, Fresh Air Fund CEO, accompanied by Jai’den, Fresh Air camper, on PIX11!? Watch now to learn more about the impact of The Fresh Air Fund’s sleepaway camps and how to apply for this summer!??

The Fresh Air Fund recently hosted a kick-off event to connect with many of our community partners and prepare for an exciting summer. It was an opportunity to provide updates about The Fresh Air Fund’s summer camps and for our partners to share more about what motivates them and inspires?their commitment to helping more NYC children have the summer of a lifetime at Fresh Air Fund sleepaway camps.? ? A big Fresh Air thank you to our incredible partners. We’re excited for what we will accomplish together!? ? CAMBA Mixteca SCAN-Harbor Children's Aid? YWCA of Queens Part of the Solution Children's Rescue Fund Good Shepherd Services The New York Foundling Riverside Park Conservancy Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield The CUNY Mexican Studies Institute Bronx County District Attorney Office Puerto Rican Family Institute (PRFI) Inc New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Bridge Builders Community Foundations FORDHAM BEDFORD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso AECI 2 NYC Charter High School For Computer Engineering and Innovation

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to highlight on our latest blog just a few of the many inspiring College Connections Program (CCP) mentors who guide our students through college access and support their personal growth and development. The Fresh Air Fund is grateful to all our mentors for their commitment and dedication. Mentors make a critical difference in the lives of students and play an invaluable role in shaping their futures and setting them up for success. Read our latest blog in honor of National Mentoring Month! https://bit.ly/40z4K3Y

“CCP put me ahead of most people my age. When my teachers bring up topics around applying to college or the college experience, I already know the lessons because of CCP,” - Mia, CCP Student Check out our latest blog and learn more about how Mia, Camp ABC alum and College Connections Program student, developed a love for dancing and helping others at Camp ABC leading to big dreams for her future.? https://bit.ly/4jmBoOJ

Watch our new Camp Hayden-Marks video to?learn about all the adventures awaiting campers this summer and see what makes Camp Hayden-Marks so special!? ? A big Fresh Air thank you to Heather Greer and the talented team at Black Tartan Studios for their creative partnership and dedication to showcasing our camps and impact.? ? The video truly captures what makes Camp Hayden-Marks unique and a second home to many campers, encouraging them to be curious, try new things and step outside their comfort zone.

“My favorite part is definitely the connections I’ve built in this role, especially the bonds with campers and students. I feel like every day I come into the office, those bonds grow stronger and stronger.”? ? Read about Bentley Gordon’s inspirational transition from camp counselor to The Fresh Air Fund’s?Director of the College Connections Program (CCP) and Camp Hayden-Marks in our latest blog! https://bit.ly/40p6zBJ

And somehow it’s the end of Fall semester of 12th grade at The Fresh Air Fund in New York City. Excited to get back from winter break and find out where these Seniors are going off to college !! Where did the years go?!! (Thanks for the inspiration to take this photo Cara )

As we say farewell to an incredible 2024, we're reflecting on our favorite moments that made this year so memorable. From campers learning guitar to honoring Mariah Carey at our Spring Benefit, join us in celebrating our top ten special moments by reading our latest blog! https://bit.ly/3VPHBbW