The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is proud to announce the 2026 Fresh Air Fund grantees, continuing a long-standing commitment to ensuring that young people across Baltimore have access to enriching summer camp experiences. This year, BCF will distribute $160,549.42 to 14 exceptional organizations through the Children’s Fresh Air Society Fund, supporting 258 campers in opportunities that promote growth, exploration, and joy.
A Legacy of Opportunity
Summer camp offers more than recreation—it provides a critical environment for social-emotional development, leadership skills, and exposure to new experiences that can broaden a child’s sense of possibility.
For more than three decades, the Fresh Air Fund at BCF has opened doors for thousands of children and teens to experience the benefits of summer camp—building on a legacy that stretches back over a century in Maryland. As highlighted in BCF’s recent 35th anniversary reflection, the fund has helped connect generations of young people to nature, community, and personal growth through transformative summer experiences.
Diverse Programs for Diverse Needs
The 2026 grantees represent a diverse array of programs that meet the needs of Baltimore’s youth. Several organizations focus on traditional overnight or outdoor camp models, including Camp Opportunity, Camp Possibilities, Camp Puh’tok, Camp Rock, Pecometh Camp & Retreat Ministries, and Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center. These programs immerse campers in nature and encourage independence.
Other grantees bring unique, specialized experiences to students. Echo Hill Outdoor School provides hands-on environmental education, while the National Aquarium offers immersive learning centered on marine science and conservation. These programs spark curiosity and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.
The Fresh Air Fund grants also support organizations that serve youth with specific needs or circumstances. Horizon Day Camp provides a joyful camp experience free of charge for children with cancer and their siblings, while Roberta’s House offers grief-informed programming to support children coping with loss. Natural Born Champions and Middle Grades Partnership deliver mentorship and enrichment programs that strengthen confidence and academic engagement among middle school students.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, the largest grant recipient this year, will serve 98 campers through its extensive summer programming, ensuring access for families who might not otherwise be able to afford these opportunities.
Diverse Programs for Diverse Needs
Together, these organizations reflect a shared commitment to equity and access. Whether through traditional camp experiences, educational enrichment, or specialized support programs, each grantee plays a vital role in helping young people build resilience and create lasting memories.
