If you’re looking for family-friendly activities this summer, look no further than offerings from the City’s Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE).
“We know the challenges families have faced when trying to find safe activities for their kids during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Director of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment Mario Lara. “We’re proud to offer a wide array of in-person opportunities this summer, with safety for everyone as a top priority.”
Summer youth programs through community centers
YPCE will offer free and fee-based camps including free Kids Camp, free Teen Scene Camp, free Hot Spots Remix, Early Learning Recreation Camp (ages 3 to 5) and leisure enrichment youth programs. Participants in these programs ages 18 and under will receive free meals.
Kids Camp and Teen Scene run from June 28 through Aug. 13 at the following locations:
- Pannell Meadowview Community Center
- Oak Park Community Center
- George Sim Community Center
- Mims Hagginwood Community Center (ends Aug. 6, 2021)
- South Natomas Community Center (ends Aug. 6, 2021)
- Southside Clubhouse
Hot Spot Remix is a new program this summer. Themes include Sit-in Movie Night, Silent Disco Party and Extreme Craze Fun Fest and will take place throughout the summer at various community centers, including Oak Park Community Center, South Natomas Community Center and Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center.
Community centers will continue to offer drive-through events, which began as a response to the pandemic.
Youth sports leagues and conditioning now are underway, and softball and sports fields are available to use. Leagues run from June 15 though Aug. 7 at George Sim Park, William Land Park and Robla Community Center.
Aquatics
The City will open 14 pools this summer, 10 more than last year, beginning in early June. Programs offered at the pools include:
- Recreational swim
- Swim lessons
- Swim team
- Junior Lifeguard and Lifeguard training programs
The City offers a Swim Safe scholarship program for residents interested in the above swim programs. In addition, the City is partnering with Sacramento Library to offer a summer reading program where kids receive free passes to City pools for every five books they read.
Access Leisure
This summer, YPCE’s Access Leisure program, which caters to children, teens and adults with disabilities, will offer new park play dates, an adaptive sports program and an inclusion program.
Summer Oasis 2021
Outdoor summer day camp is back from June 28 through Aug. 13. Each weekly session has 60 spots available per site.
Summer Oasis Sites:
- Tahoe Park (new location!)
- Garcia Bend Park
- William Land Park
- East Portal Park
- Robla Park (new location!)
- North Natomas Regional Park
Kids ages 6 to 12 will enjoy science projects, arts and crafts, sports, guest speakers, skits/songs and games, to help them explore social and emotional learning.
Scholarships are available for Summer Oasis/Kids Camp sessions. For more information about scholarship opportunities, call call 916-808-6021 or email jbrunetti@cityofsacramento.org. Staff are also available to help complete/submit scholarship forms.
4th “R” 2021
4th “R” Childcare will be available this summer for Kindergarten through 6th graders from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 28 through Aug. 13 at multiple locations within Natomas Unified and Twin Rivers Unified school districts.
Youth workforce development
Prime Time Teen Virtually Connected (PTTVC)
Prime Time Teen is an interactive work readiness training program for young people. All participants who meet attendance goals and participate in a youth-led community service project will receive a $300 stipend. 160 slots are available in four sessions for youth ages 13 to 17 from June 21 through Aug. 5.
WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act)
WIOA, a strengths-based, paid-work experience program for high school seniors. WIOA partners with local government, private business and the retail industry. Participants with specific barriers receive training in pre-employment skills such as resume writing, employer expectations, service learning and navigating college campuses. Applications will open July 1 for school year 2021/22.
Sign up to stay in-the-know
Sign up to receive the latest YPCE news and the Come Out and Play catalog to learn about these and other classes, programs and events.
Additionally, the City just released a new “Come Out and Play” card which residents can use to register for events and classes, and stay up-to-date with YPCE offerings.