NEW HAVEN, CT – Today, Mayor Justin Elicker, alongside representatives from the City of New Haven Youth and Recreation Department (YARD), New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), and the Police Activity League (PAL) announced dozens of fun and enriching summer activities, events and programs for New Haven’s children, youth and families. The press announcement took place at the iconic Lighthouse Point Park, the site of one of the City’s upcoming Summer Camps and one New Haven’s busiest parks, providing residents with access to the beach, a splash pad, a playground, carousel rides and other outdoor recreational activities.
“Summer is just around the corner and the City of New Haven will be bursting with fun and fulfilling activities in every neighborhood and for children and youth of all ages, interests and abilities,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “From Summer Camps to Movies in the Park to Family Fun Days to organized sports to youth employment to academic enrichment programs, New Haven families have so much to choose from and enjoy. I know my family and I can’t wait!”
The Youth and Recreation Department, along with other local non-profits and organizations, are offering a wide variety of summer activities and programs across the city, which are listed in the newly released Mayor’s 2022 Summer Youth Guide, a comprehensive 50-plus page booklet and helpful resource for parents, that is now available online. Printed copies are also being backpacked home to New Haven Public School families beginning today. In addition, if a child or parent requires a disability-related accommodation to participate in the City’s programs, it can be requested through the Youth and Recreation Department.
“We have something fun for everyone this summer, and we encourage New Haven’s children, youth and families to join the fun and create new memories this summer. There are so many exciting events and programs happening, residents won’t be able to fit it all in!” said Gwendolyn B. Williams, Director, of the City of New Haven’s Youth and Recreation Department. “In addition, students will also be provided with meaningful ways to develop their individual skill sets through positive and affirming activities while also in a structured and organized environment.”
• Movies in the Park occur on Friday evenings at sunset, beginning June 3rd.
• Family Fun Days occur on Wednesday afternoons between 2:30 and 5:30pm, begin on July 13th and include free food, games, activities, bouncy houses, lives DJs and more.
• Weekly Summer Camps, which take place in city parks, schools and public spaces, begin on June 27th and continue through August 12th.
• Open swim sessions at city pools at Hillhouse High School and Wilbur Cross High School begin on June 27th during the weekdays (M - F) from 5 to 7 pm and on the weekends from 11 am - 3 pm.
• Youth@Work summer employment opportunities begin July 5th for New Haven Public School youth ages 14 – 21, providing young people with workplace exposure, mentoring and school and community-based enrichment activities.
New Haven Public Schools are also offering Summer of Fun programming from July 5th to July 29th, on a staggered schedule between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., depending on grade level and location. Students will be engaged in reading, writing, science and outdoor learning each day. Enrichment activities will include kayaking, hiking, arts and crafts and theater. The program is available to children from grade pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Information is available on the NHPS website.
“The Summer of Fun in New Haven Public Schools balance academic and enrichment activities to engage all pre-K to 12th grade students. Students will be exposed to kayaking, hiking, arts and crafts, theater, as well as literacy and mathematics,” said Assistant Superintendent Keisha Redd Hannans of New Haven Public Schools.
Gemma Joseph Lumpkin, NHPS Director of Youth, Family and Community, added “Learning doesn’t take a vacation. We use this time of year to implement fun, exciting and challenging learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs and interests of our students and families.
The Police Activity League of New Haven also offers a free four-week summer camp from July 5th through July 29th for kids ages 8 to 11 years old. The PAL Summer Camp provides days filled with athletic activities such as basketball, kickball, swimming, running and hiking as well as arts and crafts and other educational activities. Residents can access PAL Summer Camp applications on the City’s website here.
In addition, summer programming from many other local organizations is also included in the Mayor’s 2022 Summer Youth Guide, which can be accessed online at https://bit.ly/2022SummerYouthGuide. For more information, residents can also contact the Youth and Recreation Department at 203-946-7582 or online at newhavenct.gov/youth.
Video recording of press conference: https://bit.ly/NHV-Summer-Fun-2002-Press-Conference-06-03-2022
Press Contacts:
Lenny H. Speiller (he/him)
Director of Communications
Mayor Justin Elicker | City of New Haven
165 Church Street | New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: (203) 725-4249
Email: Lspeiller@newhavenct.gov
Justin Harmon
Director of Communications
New Haven Public Schools
54 Meadow Street | New Haven, CT 06519
Phone: 475-254-2820
Email: justin.harmon@new-haven.k12.ct.us
