Following the success of last year's Fresh Air Fund trip to the Cayman Islands, the destination is poised to host a group of inner-city youths again this summer. The kids, ranging in age from 10-12, will stay with host families July 28th to August 3rd, experiencing some of the most unique and exciting activities the Caribbean has to offer through a partnership with the Cayman Islands, Cayman Airways and The Fresh Air Fund. The program commenced last summer to commemorate the June 2007 launch of Cayman Airways' non-stop route from New York's JFK Airport to Grand Cayman.

The Fresh Air Fund is an independent, not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. The Fresh Air Fund adolescents headed down to Cayman were selected by the organization based on their achievements, their willingness to succeed, and their history with the organization, and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has been working closely with The Fresh Air Fund to prepare all who are involved for the trip ahead.

"The Cayman Islands is proud to be working with an organization beloved by New Yorkers," said Acting Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands Mr. Shomari Scott. "Our community is excited to welcome these children and we look forward to building upon the success of last year's program. The goal is to help these children experience and appreciate the unique culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands while having the vacation of a lifetime."

Last summer eleven teens enjoyed a week in Cayman experiencing all the destination has to offer -- a safe, fun-filled, outdoor adventure in paradise. During the day the teens took part in Cayman's fun and interactive attractions including Stingray City, Boatswain's Beach, Pedro St. James historic site, and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where an encounter with the rare and endangered Blue Iguana, (found only in Grand Cayman) was the highlight. The group kayaked through the mangroves, snorkeled in Cayman's pristine waters, and even took a day-trip to Cayman Brac, where they experienced the Parrot Reserve and Cayman Brac Heritage House and museum. In the evenings, the teens were able to get a real sense of Caymanian hospitality, from family life to cooking traditional dinners. It made for a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that the Cayman Islands is looking forward to sharing with this year's group of Fresh Air Fund kids.