DHSP Celebrates Highlights from Summer 2025 Programming
8/26/2025 • 3 months ago
This summer, thousands of Cambridge children, youth, and teens participated in summer camps, programs, and events offered by the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP).
- 40,000+ meals served through the Cambridge Summer Food Program.
- 2,630 free books were given to Cambridge children through Cambridge Book Bike, a collaboration between the Center for Families, the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative, and the Cambridge Public Library.
- 1,248 children took swimming lessons at Gold Star Pool through local summer camps.
- 1,000+ teens participated in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), where they gained valuable, paid work experience.
- 929 children attended Community Schools Summer Camps and King Open Extended Day Program's Summer Program. Children in Kindergarten – 5th grade enjoyed crafts, drum circles, outdoor games, swimming lessons, and more.
- 684 people attended the Center for Families’ Family Fun Day. The annual event brings Cambridge families with young children together for a day of fun focused on literacy and community.
- 410 young people played in one of Cambridge Recreation’s Summer Leagues: 6 Summer Basketball Leagues and the Cambridge Youth Street Hockey League.
- 385 youth participated in Cambridge Youth Programs’ Pre-Teen / Middle School Summer Programs.
- 70-80 teens participated in Teen Night Live each week. Hosted by CYP, Teen Night Live invited Cambridge residents ages 14-19 to join workshops, dance lessons, gardening, trivia, cooking classes and more on weekday evenings at Youth Centers.
- 125 families participated in weekly playgroups hosted by the Center for Families. The playgroups were open to families with children ages 3 months – 4 years and were held at locations across Cambridge.
- 71 teens participated in teen internships offered at Youth Centers by Cambridge Youth Programs. The six internships, offered in collaboration with MSYEP, focused on themes of self-discovery, personal growth, creative exploration, and community building.
- 30 participants attended Camp Rainbow, a summer camp offered by Recreation that serves young people with disabilities ages 6-22.
We also hosted a variety of free events for families, including Screen on the Green Family Movie Nights, the Danehy Park Summer Concert Series, and Arts in the Park activities and performances for young children.
Thank you to our dedicated staff and all of the community members who joined us this summer!
Photo caption: Children and community members enjoy a moon bounce, volleyball, free food and other activities at the Summer Food Kickoff event held in June.