Fresh Air Home Offers ‘Summer Retreat’ for Phila. Children

NORTH WILDWOOD – “Envision a world where every child can experience the sand between their toes, the warmth of the sun, and the wonders of the ocean.”
These words explain the mission and drive of the Children’s Fresh Air Home, an organization in operation since 1896. Founded by L. Ida Dukes, the Fresh Air Home offers a “summer retreat from city life” and has hosted children for over 115 years.
Dukes, described as a “compassionate mother of six,” began the program by “inviting children from disadvantaged families.” Ever since, the Fresh Air Home’s directors, staff members, and volunteers continue to carry the vision forward.
On a steamy morning at 10 a.m., July 28, summer campers/students of the Gesu School of Philadelphia arrived at the grounds of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Children’s Fresh Air Home Board Director Milt McFalls and an array of staff and volunteers welcomed 39 elementary school students along with teachers and helpers. Eyes wide with excitement, the children disembarked the school bus and mingled in the courtyard area.
“This is our big trip,” said Gesu Director Laura Weather. Weather has served as director for 12 to 13 years. “They (the students) are excited.” Weather stated that a total of 60 children are in the “entire camp” and summer program. “We strive to be academic,” Weather said, stressing Gesu’s emphasis on study skills, reading, writing, and other fields of study. Outdoor activities include tennis, other sports, and involving local organizations such as Girl Scouts.
When asked who can participate in Gesu, Weather replied that all are welcome – enrolled students and neighborhood children can join the summer program. Teachers at Gesu are certified and many are graduates of the program as well, teaching in other regional schools in the Philadelphia area. “We’ve grown a lot,” Weather said.
Yet what awaits the students during their day at the beach? According to McFalls, students arrived at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and then took a short ride to the 15 Avenue beach where North Wildwood Beach Patrol members were waiting. Volunteers and staff members interacted with the students while on the beach, building sandcastles and playing in the surf under Beach Patrol supervision. “Are we going to be in the news?” one student asked, her eyes smiling.
Around 1 p.m., students returned to the Lighthouse grounds where lunch was served. McFalls states in the volunteer hand-out “Many kids don’t realize that they can have more food if hungry so it is best to pass around and make them happy.”
After more time on the beach, students prepared to leave at 3:30 p.m. for the ride home.
“It’s three days of work for a one-day event,” said McFalls, who added that the day is worth the effort. The Fresh Air Home in North Wildwood has been raised and the foundation filled. Much work, however, remains to be done.
McFalls, who has served at the Fresh Air Home for over 43 years, and fellow staff members are determined to continue Dukes’ dream of ensuring fun and memories in the sun even “for only a day.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.