Summer in the City of Brotherly Love is right around the corner, and local officials are making sure Philadelphians have plenty of to do.
City leaders recently announced a plethora of summer programming, including thousands of summer camp opportunities, PlayStreets, summer jobs, and reading and learning programs.
“Serving and supporting our city’s children is a year-round priority for the City of Philadelphia,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I’m proud that we’re able to offer so many opportunities for children and youth this summer.”
To help families find programs and activities to be active and engaged this summer season, the Office of Children and Families launched PlayItSafePHL, a digital hub of information for Philadelphia families.
“From swimming pools and summer camps to libraries and teen jobs, families can find summer programs for all ages right in their neighborhood,” said Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke.
The Philadelphia Police Department also recently announced programs for the Police Athletic League.
“With the summer months soon upon us, it is critical that we continue to work together with our community partners and city agencies to ensure that Philly kids have access to safe havens where they can learn, play, and have fun,” said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Altovise Love-Craighead. “The PPD provides many opportunities for kids to engage, including our Youth Advisory Commission meetings, as well as our 16 beautiful PAL centers, where we have an exciting schedule of summer programming in store.”
Free or low-cost in-person activities available include various camps at recreation centers, PlayStreets, the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder and Science in the Summer programs and the opening of public pools.
“Every year, the Free Library helps reduce summer learning loss with a ‘Summer of Wonder’. The free program encourages children, teens, and adults to read and engage in literacy-based activities all summer. This year’s theme is ‘Everyone. Everywhere,’ and we look forward to welcoming all of Philadelphia to participate in person and online,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
There are also citywide opportunities to earn money this summer through the city supported WorkReady program, managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network. There are job opportunities — such as lifeguards, pool maintenance attendants, seasonal maintenance attendants and recreational specialist instructors working at summer camps and play parks — available to young Philadelphians as well.
“Parks & Rec staff are among Philly’s summer heroes,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “From keeping residents safe while they cool down in a public pool to bringing playful learning to campers in every part of the city, working at Parks & Rec is a way to make a big difference in the lives of kids in your community.”
For information, visit Phila.gov/PlayItSafePHL. All programs will follow applicable COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
