PHILADELPHIA, PA — Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, alongside city officials, has launched the 2024 “It’s A Summer Thing!” season, a robust initiative aimed at keeping Philadelphia’s youth engaged, safe, and productive during the summer months. The program underscores the city’s commitment to providing a diverse array of activities designed to foster development and ensure public safety through proactive engagement.
The announcement comes as a welcome development for families seeking constructive and accessible options for their children once the academic year concludes. “It’s A Summer Thing!” encompasses a wide range of programs including access to pools, spray grounds, summer camps, educational opportunities, paid work-based learning experiences, play streets, and seasonal jobs, ensuring that there are options suitable for all interests and ages.
Mayor Parker expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting the dual benefits of engaging the city’s youth in positive activities while also addressing broader community needs. “Summer represents a critical period for our young people, providing them with the chance to grow, learn, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways,” Parker stated.
Echoing this sentiment, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson emphasized the importance of preventative measures in maintaining public safety, noting the value of keeping young minds occupied with constructive activities. The comprehensive nature of the “It’s A Summer Thing!” programming aims to mitigate idle time that can lead to negative outcomes, instead offering pathways to personal development and community involvement.
The initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the City’s Office of Children and Families (OCF), which includes partnerships with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), the Department of Human Services (DHS), Prevention Programs–Out of School Time (OST), and Youth Workforce Development. Additional support and programming are provided by the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), Philadelphia Works, and the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD).
Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Managing Director for Children and Families, assured that the goal is to deliver a summer filled with fun, safety, and enrichment. “By offering a variety of free or low-cost programs, we aim to reach young people across every part of the city, ensuring that no child is left without access to beneficial summer experiences,” Harley said.
Information regarding the plethora of available programs, including details on registration, timelines, locations, and requirements, is centralized in an online hub at phila.gov/itsasummerthing. This resource is intended to make participation as seamless as possible for Philadelphia families.
The “It’s A Summer Thing!” initiative represents a significant investment in the well-being of Philadelphia’s youth, with potential long-term benefits extending beyond the immediate enjoyment of summer activities. By fostering environments that encourage learning, work experience, and community engagement, the city not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also invests in the development of future leaders. As summer approaches, Philadelphia sets an example of how cities can proactively support their youngest residents, turning the seasonal break into a period of growth and opportunity.
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