New York City children enjoy the outdoors with local host families

For the sixth year, 14-year-old Quitonne Davis of Brooklyn enjoyed a week-long stay with the Wiggins-Wisely family of Laurel, thanks to the Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.

Lauren Wisely said she grew up with exchange children in her home, so when she heard Fresh Air Fund was seeking Sussex County families to host New York City children for a week in the summer, she applied. 

“I thought it would be fun for our family,” she said. “We get as much out of his visit as he does.”  

During Quitonne’s visits, the family enjoys being tourists in their own community, enjoying all the attractions that draw visitors to the Cape Region. Wisely said she has enjoyed watching the children grow up together.

“He actually pre-dates our daughter Sarah - he’s been coming here longer than she’s been around,” Wisely said. “It’s fun to watch her grow up with him here. All year long, since she was 2, she always asks when he’s coming again.”

While Quitonne will age out of the program at age 18, the family connection will continue.

“We’ll just have him down to visit anyway,” Wisely said. “He’s part of our family now.”

Go to freshair.org.