Last updated: April 13
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Summer is still two months away but Philadelphia officials already have big summer plans for the city’s youth, with an assortment of free and paid activities.
Among activities offered through Parks and Recreation, the Free Library, the School District of Philadelphia, the Department of Human Services and the summer jobs program, Mayor Cherelle Parker says there’s something for everyone this summer. She believes that offering summer activities for every child in the city is important on many levels.
“We know that keeping young people engaged and active can improve not only their physical health and well-being, but prevent learning loss and to reduce violence,” she said.
Parker says there’s no excuse for any young person not to be plugged in to some sort of activity, given the array of options, from classes, camps and clubs to sports and — for teenagers — jobs.
First of all, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson says the city is hiring 400 lifeguards.
“This year, we’re bringing back bonuses for our lifeguards. If you sign up by April 15 and you work throughout the summer, you get an additional $1,000,” Slawson explained.
In addition, there are 8,000 career path summer jobs for teens through a program called C2L — formerly known as WorkReady. At least 2,000 of them will continue into the school year.