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After School/Camps/Mentoring

Department of Recreation After School Programs/Camps

Many after school programs and summer camps listed by neighborhood – Main number 215-683-3600, After School Programs 215-683-3676 – www.phila.gov/recreation –

#ItsASummerThing Philadelphia- LOTS of stuff to do this summer from City of Phila

Your one-stop-hub of information for a Philadelphia summer jam-packed with exciting activities and cool opportunities! https://www.phila.gov/2023-04-03-welcome-to-the-home-of-itsasummerthing/

Play It Safe Philly

Connecting children, teens, and families with summer activities and information. Call 215-683-6012 https://www.phila.gov/programs/playitsafephl/

ASAP (After School Activities Partnership)

Goal is to increase supervised after school recreation activities for the city’s kids- Call 215-607-2069 for a list of activities in your neighborhood or check their website for the https://phillyasap.org/asap-directory/  broken down by zip code- One Penn Center, 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1855
www.phillyasap.org

Out of School Program Locator

Click here to find activities for children Pre-K to 12th grade. www.phila.gov/ost/program-locator

Mural Arts Program Youth Development Programs

Various after school programs and positive activities through mural making for youth ages 9-19 years old- 1729 Mount Vernon Street-call 215-685-0750 for details
http://muralarts.org/programs/art-education

Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts

  • Boys Scouts are a great way to get your child involved in positive activities. The Boys Scouts mission is for each child to master “character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.” For children 6 years-20 years old. Call 215-988-9811 or 610-688-6900 for more information or click on Boy Scouts to go to their website.
  • Girl Scouts has for over 90 years helped girls learn positive values, get involved in their community and learn to succeed. For girls 5 years old through 17 years old. Call 215-564-2030 or click on Girl Scouts.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia

The Boys&Girls Clubs of Philadelphia’s programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. The Club is a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place For Kids. 1518 Walnut Street, Suite 712. Call 215-735-8818 or email admin@bgcphila.org
www.bgcphila.org

Police Athletic League (PAL)

The mission of PAL is to offer young people a viable and constructive alternative to the ‘street life’. They serve over 28,000 children in Phila. with programs ranging from a summer baseball program, chess, golf, soccer, wrestling and a Positive Image program for girls 11-17 year old, which helps, build self esteem- 215-291-9000. here are locations at 23rd, 24th, 26th, Cozen, Fairhill, Ford, Grays Ferry, Haddington, Harrowgate, North Penn, Paley, Southwest, Strawberry Mansion, Tacony, and Wynnefield www.phillypal.org

YMCA – Summer camps, other after school activities

Many children and adult programs including: after school programs; summer camps; child care; literacy; weight management; and tutoring. FREE membership to all 7th graders!! Locations-
North Phila-1400 N. Broad 215-235-6440; South Phila- 1724 Christian St.- 215-735-5800; West Phila- 5120 Chestnut St.- 215-476-2700; NE Phila- 11088 Knights Rd- 215-632-0100; and Roxborough- 7201 Ridge Ave- 215-482-3900.
www.philaymca.org

Girls Leadership Camp

Camp Sojourner, Girls’ Leadership Camp helps girls become leaders who take charge of their own lives and act as agents of positive change in their communities. We host girls ages 8-18 at Camp Sojourner, our overnight summer camp program, and we offer year-round mentoring, service projects, creative arts, and leadership activities. 215-399-1282 or info@girlsleadershipcamp.org .  https://girlsleadershipcamp.org/

Philadelphia City Rowing

Teaches rowing to local public school students free of charge. #1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive. Go online for application or email info@philadelphiacityrowing.org
www.philadelphiacityrowing.org

Sunrise FREE Summer/School Year Programs- K-5th Grade

Please click here to apply and for info on these great FREE camps and after school programs. Call 215-952-2730 or www.sunriseofphila.org

Work to Ride

Work to Ride provides disadvantaged urban youth with constructive activities centered around horsemanship, equine sports, and education. Located in Fairmount Park, the setting provides a unique opportunity to bring 7-to 19-year-old youth in contact with animals and nature. 98 Chamounix Drive, 215-877-4419 or email wtr@worktoride.net
www.worktoride.net

Students Run Philly Style

Teams up Philly youth with adult mentors to train for marathons and develop ways to be successful in life. 1819 JFK Boulevard, Suite #480 call 267-930-3546 or Email –srps@studentsrunphilly.org www.studentsrunphilly.org

Ed Snider Youth Hockey

The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation’s mission is to have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of underserved children in the Greater Philadelphia Region by providing a program that incorporates both on-ice and off-ice activities. The program is provided, at no cost, to both boys and girls. The Foundation provides the equipment, ice time and experienced coaching. 100 W. Oxford Street. Call 215-952-5271 or email info@sniderhockey.org
www.esyhf.org

Starfinder Soccer Program

Starfinder’s mission is to create inspirational learning environments where children starting at 6-12 years old, are encouraged through soccer to develop strong moral character, strive for academic excellence and live with a positive attitude, regardless of their socio-economic status. Starfinder has affordable summer camps and after school programs, as well as several youth development programs- 4015 Main Street- Call 215-764-5410 for more info.
www.starfinderfoundation.org

SquashSmarts

Combines the sport of Squash with Academic Tutoring and Mentoring of under-served, urban youth in order to develop self-esteem and discipline through academic, athletic and personal achievement. Students in Grades 5-12 attending any Philadelphia Public school are eligible to join SquashSmarts. 215-221-6860
www.squashsmarts.org

Legacy Youth Tennis and Education (formerly Arthur Ashe)

Founded in 1952 their mission is to prepare young people, especially those from under-resourced families and communities, for success as individuals and as active, responsible citizens through innovative tennis, education, life skills, and leadership development programming. Main office is 4842 Ridge Ave. Call 215-487-3477 or check their website for listing of programs. http://www.legacyyte.org/

 

PreScribe Outside

Research shows that spending time in nature is good for your health – mind, body, and spirit. All around the world, doctors have begun prescribing time in nature to help patients lead healthier, happier lives. Prescribe Outside, Philadelphia’s nature prescription program, is a partnership between Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Awbury Arboretum, Let’s Go Outdoors, and the US Forest Service. The goal of the program is to provide physicians and families with tools to improve the health and wellness of Philadelphia children by helping them locate and use safe, accessible, and convenient public green space and discover the benefits of time spent in nature. https://prescribeoutside.org   Contact us at prescribeoutside@awbury.org or gallen@awbury.org

My Philly Park

Info on all the amazing Philly Parks, events, and park maps. Get out, explore Philly parks. myphillypark.org

Neighborhood Bike Works

Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW) provides educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities for youth through bicycling; it also promotes cycling as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly form of transportation. NBW’s free or low-cost youth programs include Summer Cycling Day Camp and after-school programs like Earn-A-Bike and Ride Club. NBW’s address is 3939 Lancaster Ave.; call 215-386-0316 for more info.
www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org

Fleisher Art Memorial’s Teen Lounge

Fleisher Art Memorial’s Teen Lounge is a FREE, drop-in afterschool program for students ages 13-19 focused on the visual arts. With guidance from Fleisher’s Teen Lounge Monitor, teens develop their own creative program by choosing teaching artists with whom they wish to work.
Projects are often collaborative and rely on a strong group dynamic, allowing teens to explore media ranging from clay, painting, and silkscreen to stop motion animation and darkroom photography. Teen Lounge meets Monday through Wednesday, 4-6PM. Call 215-922-3456 or go to  fleisher.org/community-programs/teen-lounge

Project 440 Music Programs

Project 440 teaches high school students to use their interest in music to forge new pathways for themselves and ignite change in their communities. Project 440’s after school programs are offered in the fall and spring semesters and include Instruments for Success: focused on College Preparedness and Career Pathways and Doing Good: emphasizing social entrepreneurship and community service. Alumni of Project 440 programs can also participate in the Youth Advocacy Council. Students meet twice a month and receive leadership, project management, governance and advocacy training.  https://project440.org/

Zhang Sah Martial Arts

Zhang Sah is a non-profit organization that provides character, cultural, physical and academic development through martial arts training into its After-School, Pre-Kindergarten, Teen Lounge, Winter, Spring, and Summer Camp Programs.
main location: 530 Bainbridge St. (215) 923-6676 or email info@zhangsah.org. Other locations Queen Village/South Philly, Mt Airy/Germantown, Wynnefield/Belmont, John Barry Elementary, Casarez Elementary, Pennypacker School, and McCall School
www.zhangsah.org

WINS (Women in Natural Sciences)

Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) is a free after-school and summer science enrichment program at the Academy of Natural Sciences. WINS provides young women with the information, encouragement, and confidence they need to shape their futures. Starts in 8th grade and students must have a B average. Go to ansp.org/education/programs/wins for info, ANS_WINS@drexel.edu or call 215-299-1064.

LEAP at the Free Library of Philadelphia

A free, drop-in after school program that provides homework help, computer literacy, library skills, and presents cultural enrichment programs that assists children and teens Grades 1-12- 215-686-5372 libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/leap/
LEAP@freelibrary.org

Summer of Wonder at the Free Library

Sign up for Summer of Wonder at your neighborhood library or online for fun craft and maker activities, storytimes and book clubs, gaming and STEM programs, and more to help your mind stay curious and active all summer long!

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

The Kroc center has dozens of sports, arts, aquatic and education programs for children, teens, and adults. 4200 Wissahickon Avenue. Call 215.717.1200, PhillyKrocInfo@use.salvationarmy.org,  for info or visit their website.
www.salvationarmykroccenter.org/

Kids Bowl Free Summer Program

2 free games for kids, every day,  all summer long late Spring to early Fall, at the following bowling alleys. Register below at particiapting lanes. www.kidsbowlfree.com
Erie Lanes 1310 East Erie Ave (North Philly)- 15 and under
South Bowl 19 East Oregon Avenue (South Philly)- 16 and under
Thunderbird Lanes 5830 Castor Ave (NE Philly)- 15 and under
Thunderbird Lanes 3075 Holme Ave (NE Philly)- 15 and under

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse

Smith’s huge Playground and beautiful Playhouse in East Fairmount Park is open for FREE to children 10 and younger and their adult caregivers for unstructured physical and imaginative play, weekly story time, monthly arts and crafts sessions, and several special kids’ celebrations throughout the year. For more information, including visiting hours, directions, and how to schedule a group visit or birthday party, please contact Smith at 215-765-4325. 3500 Reservoir Drive, “info@smithplayground.org”; http://smithkidsplayplace.org/

Art Reach/ACCESS Philly/STAMP

The ACCESS Program allows Art-Reach ACCESS Cardholders and people receiving benefits from the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware to attend cultural sites for just $2! High school students can use their student ID for free access. Click here for Spanish Click here for info or go to www.art-reach.org or click here for brochure that lists all the museums and details, click here for Spanish

 

Library Card Experience Pass

Those 18 and up can use your library card for amazing free passes to several attractions around the city. Even tickets to major league games. Click here for info libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/experience-pass/attractions

Village of Arts and Humanities

The Village of Arts and Humanities (often called the Village) is a community arts organization located in North Central Philadelphia seeking to raise consciousness and spirits, and empower people of all ages through the arts.
Operates an after-school program for teens ages 13 to 19 offering video production, step, and hip hop dance, as well as homework help, academic enhancement, and tutoring. 2544 Germantown Ave. (215) 225-7830 or info@villagearts.org
www.villagearts.org

Rock to the Future

Free Music Education for Philly’s Youth- Programs include: MusiCore Kensington (Grades 6-12), MobileMusic Hunting Park (Grades 6-12) and MusiCore Germantown (Grades 6-12) and summer camp for ages 7-17. Go to rocktothefuture.org for info or call 215-302-9633 or info@RocktotheFuture.org

TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image FREE Teen Photo class

een Photo is a free, comprehensive photography after-school program (4pm-6pm) that will teach students the basics of photography and photoshop, how to plan and build a creative body work, participate in a group exhibition, and create their own photo book! Provides students with cameras, printing and editing resources, college prep, and professional development. Program starts October. Info and application at tiltinstitute.org/teen-photo/, email dmorris@tiltinstitute.org, or call 215-232-5673

 

PhillyCAM- film/video for youth

Youth programs at PhilyCAM offer an open creativity studio that provides access to media equipment and other tools that help Philly youth to explore various forms of film/video. Through participation in our programs youth will make and share media that challenges commercial norms while promoting creative expression, critical thinking skills, and community participation. 699 Ranstead St. 267-639-5481. We welcome students ages 12-18 to find out more go to phillycam.org

 

Caring People Alliance (CPA)

From nurturing individuals and families to entire communities, Caring People Alliance provides a wide range of services. Our Boys & Girls Clubs in West (215-386-4075), North (215-763-0900), and South (215-218-0800) Philadelphia provide high quality childcare, afterschool, summer programs, senior services and more. We also operate a one-stop-shop for families in Philadelphia with child care needs through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC-18). The ELRC helps with finding quality child care that meets the family’s needs, determines eligibility for child care subsidy, and then works with child care providers to help them achieve the highest levels of quality. Go to caringpeoplealliance.org

 

Girls Who Code

FREE virtual summer emersion program. Offers a 2 and 6 week program for 9-12 graders for computer science skills they need to make an impact in their community while preparing for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood of girls in tech.girlswhocode.com/programs/summer-immersion-program
or info@girlswhocode.com

Episcopal Community Services

Episcopal Community Services – After-school programs, other supports for families. Main Office – 225 South 3rd St – 215.351.1400 – info@ecsphilly.org; St. Barnabas Mission Community Center – 6006 West Girard Ave – 215.528.5400 – sbm@ecsphilly.org; Out Of School Time, Feltonville Elementary – 238 E. Wyoming Ave – 215.456.3160 – ost@ecsphilly.org; Out Of School Time, Feltonville Middle School – 210 E Courtland St – 215.456.3160 – ost@ecsphilly.org; Out Of School Time, Anderson – 1034 S 60th St – 215.456.3160 – ost@ecsphilly.org; Out Of School Time, Finletter – 6100 N Front St – 215.456.3160 – ost@ecsphilly.org; Out Of School, Darby – 523 S Union Ave – 215.456.3160 – ost@ecsphilly.org; Out Of School Time, WPace – 6701 Callowhill St – 215.456.3160 – ost@ecsphilly.org www.ecsphilly.org

 

Summer Opportunities for Teens in Philly. Look NOW!!!

Please click here for document for FREE opportunities in Real Estate; Coding/AI; Health Sciences; Environment; Life Guarding; Libraries  and more. Some pay you!!

College Settlement Camp

A low-cost outdoor camp where campers engage in environmental and traditional camp activities. Offers a Day Camp (ages 7-12), Overnight Camp (ages 8-12), and Teen Adventures Program (ages 13-14). Transportation from Philadelphia to the campgrounds is provided. For more info, go to www.collegesettlement.org or call 215-542-7974

 

Ladore Summer Camp

Run by the Salvation Army, this 1 week camp allows low income families to experience overnight camping in a beautiful setting for  7-16 years olds. You must contact your closest Salvation Army for information and an application or call # 215-787-2800 (ask for Youth Department for both winter and summer)
ladore.org

 

Camp Philly

Click here phila.gov/programs/camp-philly to find info about getting a scholarship ($900 value, you only pay $30) to this 1 week overnight camp in the Poconos for 9-11 year olds at Camp Speers, around since 1948. 215-683-3600 or parksandrecreation@phila.gov

Philly Youth Basketball (PYB)

PYB is an innovative community-based organization that uses basketball for health promotion, educational success and mentoring for children, teens and young adults.   Dozens of free and low cost programs to help in all facets of a families life.  For info on specific programs and registration, visit www.phillyyouthbasketball.org.
Also, in the spring of 2024, PYB will open the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center, (www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/sixthman-center)a large building with 7 basketball courts and much more in Nicetown. It will be like a second home for many kids, and will help the community for many years to come. 4250 Wissahickon Avenue.  Click here for list of programs

Dream Camp

Free or low-cost summer camp and after school academy for students grades 1-12, offering sports, writing, arts, performing, production, entrepreneurship, and other activities. For more info, go to esfdreamcamp.org/programs/ or call 610-724-8380 or 856-304-4972 or info@ctbrivervalley.org

 

Dragonfly Forest

Dragonfly Forest is committed to offering children with serious illnesses and disorders the opportunity to enjoy a free overnight camp experience in an environment that is safe, equipped to meet a variety of physical, medical and psychological needs, nurturing, and filled with activities that allow each child to reach their “full fun.” Summer Sessions are available for children with Autism, Persistent Asthma, bleeding Disorders and Sickle Cell Disease. Applications must be completed by March 31 each year. For more information or to apply go to website or call 610-298-1820.
https://www.campspeersymca.org/summer-camp/dragonfly-forest.html

Camp Kesem

Camp Kesem  provides a week-long, free summer camp experience to children ages 6-16 years who have been impacted by a parent’s or primary caregiver’s cancer (has cancer, had cancer or died from cancer). 253-736-3821 or support@kesem.org. Go to http://campkesem.org/ and click on “register a camper” for dates and info.

 

 

Camp to Belong

Camp To Belong River Valley reunites siblings separated by foster care and other out-of-home placements. https://www.ctbrivervalley.org/

Camp Mariposa (9-12 yr olds impacted by familial substance use)

Camp Mariposa-FREE
·  For children aged 9 – 12 who have been impacted by any type of familial substance or alcohol use
·  Children can live in Philadelphia or the surrounding region
·  Six free weekend camping trips per year; children can remain in program until they are 13
·  Camp weekends include therapeutic activities led by professionals and adult mentors, as well as typical camp activities like rock climbing, boating, hiking, etc.
·  Transportation, food, camp gear, etc. are all provided at no cost to the family
Call 267-679-6158 for info or click here for info

 

Camp Achieve- Epilepsy

Camp Achieve
Camp Achieve is a week-long sleepaway summer camp for youth ages 8-17 living with epilepsy. Campers will participate in traditional summer camp activities with the guidance of experienced camp counselors, and the supervision of trained medical professionals at all times. Camp Achieve will be held from August 13th-18th, 2023. Cost is $350, but full and partial scholarships are available, and no campers will be turned away for financial reasons.  For more information, or to register, please visit https://www.efepa.org/programs/camp-achieve/ or (215) 629-5003 x103 or contact Andrew at camp@efepa.org

Kamp for Kids

WHAT: At Kamp for Kids, we aim to help many different audiences, from youth at risk to children with Autism. Kamp For Kids achieves its mission by providing free events, offering direct assistance, and facilitating programs for today’s youth by celebrating parities and differences. Provides camping programs and services to youth from the greater Philadelphia and Bucks County area, for those who are economically disadvantaged
WHOChildren ages 8-18
WHERE: Victory Valley Youth Camp, 7352 Salem Bible Church Rd, Zionsville, PA 18092. Transportation leaves from Bristol, Pa
COST: Free
https://www.kampforkids.org/

American Camping Association

Will send ‘Parent’s Guide to Accredited Camps’ which lists accredited camps in area and camps for special needs children- 1-800-428-2267 www.acacamps.org

Youth Ministry Diocese of PA Day Camps

City Camps in various ministries. Click below for info or (215) 627-6434 or youth@diopa.org
http://www.diopayouth.org/day-camp-locations.html

Every Kid Sports Pass

Youth sports grant that offers up to $150 to cover youth recreational sports registration fees ages 4-18. Child must be enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC. See website for the application form and more criteria/information. https://everykidsports.org/every-kid-sports-pass/

Rock Reach

RockReach offers in-school and low cost after-school dance programs for kids in grades K-12 at 8+ Philadelphia schools. Call 215-551-7010 or email WhiteA@therockschool.org. Learn more and see if the program is at your child’s school https://rockreachdance.org/.

Girls on the Run

Running based program to inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness, and decision making skills in a program ending with a celebratory 5k. For girls in 3rd-5th grade at 35+ elementary schools and other locations in the Philadelphia area. Financial assistance available. Call 215-247-8598 or email heather.plastara@girlsontherun.org. https://www.gotrphiladelphia.org/

Kensington Soccer Club (KSC)

Offers many different soccer programs at various locations in Philadelphia that are either free or “Pay-What-You-Can” to make soccer accessible to everyone. KSC even provides free equipment to all players before programs start. Call 267-526-2727, email kensingtonsoccerclub@gmail.com, or visit https://www.kensingtonsoccer.org/ to learn more and start playing soccer!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence is a donor-supported organization that enriches, encourages and empowers children to reach their highest potential through safe, one-to-one mentoring relationships. Serving children ages 7-13 in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in PA and Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties in NJ. Visit www.independencebigs.org or call 215-790-9200 or 610-277-2200 for more info.

Amachi

Amachi provides mentoring to children with incarcerated parents and military families. For more info, visit http://www.amachimentoring.org/index.html or email mwalker@amachimentoring.org or call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 215-729-0248 and mention Amachi
http://www.amachimentoring.org/index.html


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