Philadelphia relaunches ‘It's a Summer Thing' connecting youth to jobs and camps

Philadelphia officials are bringing back an annual initiative aimed at keeping young people engaged, employed and safe this summer.

The program, called “It’s a Summer Thing,” is designed to connect families with free camps and activities while linking teens to paid job opportunities across the city.

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“When it comes to our teens in particular we want to make sure we keep them occupied with something positive so nothing negative sneaks in the door right,” Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley said.

The School District of Philadelphia said it will have more than 100 buildings open and expects about 21,000 students to enroll in programs.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation plans to host 163 day camps throughout the city.

“We’re about to meet together the two departments to make sure we have a plan for the summer so safety is on the top of our list,” Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Slawson said.

Keeping young people safe and out of trouble is a priority for the administration.

Police data shows the number of minors arrested in Philadelphia during the summer months has been trending downward in recent years, from 666 in 2023 to 590 last summer, but officials note that still amounts to hundreds of young people in trouble.

“You give me access to opportunities so I can make money to earn what I want in life it goes a long way in reducing violence,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said.

The city is aiming to connect young people to more than 10,000 jobs this summer, including roles as camp counselors and lifeguards. They said they have opportunities for anyone looking to work and grow.

“It’s a low barrier. It’s an amazing way to earn money over the summer, and it’s a résumé builder, but also can give you an opportunity to try something and be like, “Oh no, thank you, I’m not into that” or “Well. I didn’t know I was interested in this kind of work,'” said Cynthia Figueroa of JEVS Human Services.

The city has a list of camps and programs, as well as information on free food programs, job opportunities and application deadlines, on its website under “It’s a Summer Thing.”