MORRISONVILLE -- Darryl Simons dreamed of fishing.

But growing up in New York City didn't provide much opportunity, unless he wanted to hit Central Park.

"I don't go there," said the 13-year-old.

His desire became reality last year when he spent part of the summer in Clinton County, fishing from a boat on Lake Champlain with his host family, the Coddings. Simons is one of more than 20 youths who arrived here this week as part of the Fresh Air Fund program.

"It's peaceful up here," Simons said.

The Fresh Air Fund, which relies on donations and host families, provides inner-city youth with the chance to escape the crowded, fast pace of urban life for two weeks to a month during the summer.

"When they get up here, they are in and out, running and free," said Vanda Garneau, Fresh Air coordinator for northeastern New York. "It teaches them a different side to life."

In fact, Garneau said adults who participated in the program in their youth have told her it changed their lives.

Host families who want to participate are interviewed, and everyone 18 and older undergoes a background check.

"I check for safety and how they react to their own children," Garneau said.

The program is constantly in search of new host families.

Fresh Air is also currently looking for a representative in the Plattsburgh area.

Children who want to join the program must be income eligible and are matched with families best suited to provide them with the experiences they are looking for.

Since 1877, the non-profit agency has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada.

"It is very important for children to continue to come to the area," Garneau said. "This changes a lot of kids."