When Fran Carlos Galicia-Sanchez first attended a sleepaway camp at age 11, he brought a partially eaten sandwich with him, concerned that food might not be provided. However, the camp, operated by the Fresh Air Fund, a nonprofit serving New York City youth, offered much more than meals. Placed in a supportive village setting with counselors and peers, Fran Carlos quickly adapted, forming friendships and engaging in activities such as football, gardening, and campwide water balloon games.

A significant challenge for many campers, especially those from the Bronx, is limited swimming ability. During his initial swim test, Fran Carlos was assigned a red wristband, indicating the lowest skill level, reflecting a common issue among city children. His swim lessons at the camp sparked progress, which he continued by practicing at public pools and joining a swim team at a local recreation center.

Now 20 years old, Fran Carlos has returned to the Fresh Air Fund as the waterfront director at Camp Junior, overseeing lifeguards and teaching swim lessons. Camp Junior was established in memory of a 15-year-old Bronx resident who was killed in a gang-related attack. The camp aims to provide Bronx youth with a safe environment to enjoy childhood, removed from urban challenges. All six Fresh Air Fund camps are offered free of charge, presenting a rare opportunity given the high costs and long waiting lists of many New York City summer camps.

Camp Junior enforces a strict no-cellphone policy, encouraging campers to communicate with family through letters and packages instead. This screen-free approach allows children to fully participate in activities such as art projects, guitar lessons, and high rope climbing. Fran Carlos notes that this environment benefits both campers and counselors, including himself, whose personal screen time decreased drastically.

His supervisors commend Fran Carlos for making routine activities engaging. He uses inventive methods to help children overcome their fears of water, including games that encourage them to mimic marine animals. Campers progress through swim skill levels, moving from red to blue, then yellow wristbands, and often express surprise and pride at their achievements. Fran Carlos credits their success to their own efforts.

Each two-week session at a Fresh Air Fund camp costs nearly $3,900 to support. The organization aims to raise $12 million this year to expand opportunities for more children to experience summer camp. Interested donors can contribute online or via mail, while families seeking to enroll children can contact the Fresh Air Fund directly.