OXFORD – Fishing, camping and spending time outdoors aren’t things that Adrian Guevara gets to do at home. Thanks to a local family, the 10 year-old Brooklyn youth had the opportunity to enjoy all of these things this summer.
As a part of the Fresh Air Fund Friendly Town program, Guevara spent 10 days with the Follett family at their home outside of Oxford. This is the second year Gary and Sandy Follett and their son Devin have hosted the young boy.
Participating in the program is about a change of routine for children like Adrian. “It’s not about taking them to amusement parks or anything, it’s the change of environment that is important,” said host dad Gary Follett.
One of the family’s favorite activities with Adrian is fishing “We try to go a couple of times during Adrian’s visit,” said host mom Sandy Follett.
Adrian was hooked on the outdoor activity after he caught his first fish last summer. The group has fished at various locations in and around the county, but Adrian’s favorite fishing hole is a friend’s camp at Chenango Lake.
This year’s visit also included swimming, blackberry picking, camping out and a trip to the Chenango County Fair. “We went on a lot of rides,” said Adrian, whose favorite was the Gravitron.
The hardest part of the experience for Adrian is being away from his mom, but talking to her every day makes it easier.
Adrian admits that his friends are a little jealous when he goes home and tells them of his summer exploits. “They don’t get out of the city much,” said the boy.
For the last two years, the Follett family has hosted two boys for separate visits. Emmanuel Fischer, age 12, spent two weeks at their home earlier this summer.
Participating in the program has been a positive experience for the entire family, including the Follett’s teenage son. Seventeen year-old Devin, an only child, likes having the chance to play older brother. “It’s pretty cool actually,” Follett said. “I like being able to have someone to hang out with.”
“It’s pretty boring after (Adrian and Emmanuel) leave,” added the teenager. Sandy Follett agreed, “The first couple of days are hard.”
Communication doesn’t stop when Guevara goes back home. The Folletts keep in touch all year with frequent phone calls, birthday cards and even Christmas presents.
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