273. Summer Learning Through Outdoor Joy with Lisa Gitelson

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the powerful intersection of summer camp and education with Lisa Gitelson, CEO of the Fresh Air Fund. With over 148 years of impact, the Fresh Air Fund offers low-income youth from New York City transformative summer experiences—think swimming, hiking, stargazing, and leadership training—all designed to develop independence, confidence, and community connection.

Lisa shares how the Fresh Air Fund continuously evolves its programming through strategic planning, curriculum themes tied to outdoor learning, and feedback from youth, alumni, and families. We discuss the barriers many families face in accessing outdoor experiences and how the organization builds trust through transparency, outreach, and storytelling—like youth-produced podcasts.

We also talk about how these immersive, joyful experiences shape not just campers but future leaders. Lisa highlights the ripple effects of camp, from mentoring and year-round programming to encouraging curiosity and questions in every learning environment. Join us as we imagine how summer camps can inspire schools to embrace joy, agency, and community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The Fresh Air Fund’s 148-year legacy of empowering NYC youth

• Why outdoor learning fosters leadership, confidence, and curiosity

• Tackling cultural and logistical barriers to access

• Year-round programming that builds on summer experiences

• How summer camp values can inform classroom teaching

Resources:

• Learn more at The Fresh Air Fund

• Follow Lisa on X (formerly Twitter): @LisaGitelsonConnect with Lisa on LinkedIn

• Follow The Fresh Air Fund on Instagram: @thefreshairfund

• Transcript

Produced by NOVA

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