Friendly Town Summer Stories

The Fresh Air Fund isn’t about a house with a backyard or a camping trip or summer vacation — it’s about the people involved. It’s about the bonds they create, the emotions they share and the stories they take away.

Through some notebooks, a few disposable cameras and the cooperation of some great families, we were able to capture those Fresh Air Fund stories from the perspectives of everyone involved — from the host families to The Fresh Air Fund children themselves.

What was the first day like? The trips? The barbecues? Who was happy, homesick or excited? Flip through Summer Stories to see what The Fresh Air Fund is all about.

The Sulouff Family

Joe, 13, has spent two weeks every summer since he was just six years old with the Sulouffs, who he considers a second family...

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The Hurst Family

Ever since Meah's first visit with the Hursts in 2003, she has fit right in with the family's four children...

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The Van Horn Family

According to Dana and Craig Van Horn, the reason behind their involvement in The Fresh Air Fund is simple. "I have been involved in the Fresh Air program basically all of my life," Dana states...

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The Macey Family

The Macey family of Crown Point, NY has looked forward to welcoming 10-year-old Chad into their home each summer since 2006...

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The DePhillips Family

The past two summers for nine-year-old Tatyana of New York City have been very special, but not because she was out of school...

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