From the time he walked into the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club at the ripe old age of 4, Adam dos Santos knew he was in a good place.
"I remember feeling very comfortable and welcome," he recalled. "I loved being in the library. It was a very calm place where we played cards and did drama."
For more action, he and his buddies hightailed it over to the gym to shoot some hoops, the games rooms to shoot some pool or to the pool for swimming.
When the weather got hot, everyone in the neighbourhood signed up for summer camp at the club.
"There were so many activities and a lot of choices to suit everyone," said Dos Santos. His favourite part of camp was the weekly day trips in and around the city. "I've always associated the club with fun."
It's why he became a volunteer leader, to make sure other kids have as much fun as he did.
"It's great to be here and help out," the 14-year-old said, adding volunteering is his way of giving back.
During the summer, he has been lending a hand at camp three days a week. During the school year, he was part of the leadership program.
About 1,700 kids, most of them from the downtown neighbourhood, will flock to the club for camp this summer. It's one of 106 camps to receive support from the Fresh Air Fund. The Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club has been part of their community for 50 years.
Matteo Severino is a Dovercourt old boy. He joined the club in 1967. A big kid at heart, he's never left and is the club's program director.
"They are what keep me here," he said of the kids. The club and camp, he said, are their home away from home – a place where they're occupied, learning new skills and getting ready for the future while having a whole lot of fun.
If you have been touched by the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca or phone 416-869-4309.
