Families

Free Summer Camps & Programs

Broadening Perspectives Year-Round

Using a $950,000 grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Springfield Empowerment Zone, in partnership with Boston After School and Beyond, provide summer enrichment programs to Springfield middle and high school students.

These programs help teach important 21st-century skills like teamwork, problem-solving, public speaking, and the ability to communicate ideas more clearly as well as help students gain new interests, build self-confidence, and become more engaged in school and learning during the school year.

Free Summer Camp & Program Finder (2025)

Search for free summer camps and programs using the list or map view below.

Program Name

Details

Location

Grade Level

Sessions

Day/Time

Program Name

American International College

Details

At the AIC Summer Connector Program, students will learn how to foster a healthier and more positive lifestyle by focusing on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Mentored by AIC students, they will also explore how to integrate healthy habits from different areas of their lives. The program aims to involve students in a variety of recreational and sports activities designed to foster teamwork, enhance effective communication, push comfort boundaries, and develop new skills. These experiences will not only help students forge a deeper sense of belonging but also enhance their self-confidence and self regulation.


Chile Salazar
mechilia.salazar@aic.edu
(860) 798-0740


Interest(s): Sports, Other


More Details

Location

Duggan Academy
1015 Wilbraham Rd
Springfield, MA 01108

Grade Level

6-8

Sessions

June 30th – July 31st

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Program Name

Follow My Steps

Details

At this program, youth will have the chance to build strength, confidence, and healthy habits through weekend fitness sessions (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) focused on cardio, strength training, and nutrition. They’ll train for a 5K run, learn to cook healthy meals, track progress, and develop discipline.


Zane Foster
zane.foster@followmysteps.org
(617) 733-0407


Interest(s): Outdoor Exploration, Sports, Other


More Details

Location

Best Fitness
1739 Allen Street
Springfield, MA 01118

Grade Level

9-12

Sessions

June 27th – August 9th

Day/Time

F,Sa,Su
Fri 11 AM – 3 PM
Sat 10:30 AM – 2 PM
Sun 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Program Name

HomeGirls

Details

HomeGirls: a Hood Girl Collective© is a transformative summer mentorship program for girls from low-income communities. We blend healing, identity affirmation, and financial literacy to disrupt cycles of poverty and trauma. Through culturally rooted workshops, mentorship, and community-based experiences, participants build wellness tools, explore their identities, and develop the skills to lead with confidence and pride. HomeGirls empowers youth to reimagine their futures, embrace their roots, and rise as changemakers in their communities. Transportation to 1350 Main Street is required.


Jacqueline Ferguson
fergusonja@springfieldpublicschools.com


Interest(s): Arts, Cultural Identity, Literacy, Outdoor Exploration


More Details

Location

Discovery High School
1350 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01103

Grade Level

7-12

Sessions

July 7th – August 7th

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Program Name

Hope For Youth and Families Foundation

Details

In the Summer Learning Academy with Hope for Youth & Families, students will improve their reading and writing skills through the Innovative Reading Program. During the morning block, students will have a safe place to have fun and meet new people while working through a specialized literacy curriculum. This program has been developed to support those behind in reading using highly engaging, age-appropriate texts. In the afternoons, students can explore sports, arts, and more during enrichment blocks! In addition, they will work with educators from the area and college students who are interested in education, creating mentoring relationships with the students and staff. Free Breakfast and Lunch is provided!


Tatiana Madera
tmadera@hyff.org
(413) 302-1911


Interest(s): Academic Enrichment, College Career Readiness, Literacy


More Details

Location

Forest Park Middle School
46 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108


Kennedy Academy
1385 Berkshire Ave
Springfield, MA 01151


Springfield Legacy Academy
355 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01104


Van Sickle Academy
1170 Carew St
Springfield, MA 01104

Grade Level

6-8

Sessions

July 7th – August 1st

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH, F
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Program Name

Hope For Youth and Families Foundation

Details

Learn a new skill. Play a new instrument. Make new friends. Have FUN. Participate in a free summer arts program where students will have the opportunity to participate in dancing, singing, making music, photography, acting, painting, writing, and more.


Contact
(413) 285-8886


Interest(s): Arts, Cultural Identity


More Details

Location

150 Bridge Street
Springfield, MA 01103

Grade Level

6-12

Sessions

July 7th – August 1st

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH, F
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Program Name

Jewish Family Service (Soccer Without Borders)

Details

The Jewish Family Service soccer program focuses on a whole-person approach
to youth development, supporting newcomer participants in their integration into their
new communities. The main goals of the program are to help participants to develop personally, improve their English, build social capital, learn leadership skills, and adopt healthy lifestyles through soccer.


Evan Bixby
e.bixby@jfswm.org
(413) 658-5583


Interest(s): Sports


More Details

Location

Emergence Academy
415 State St
Springfield, MA 01105

Grade Level

6-12

Sessions

July 7th – August 7th

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Program Name

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

Details

Our program combines leadership training, hands-on experience, and creative impact projects. Teens work as Junior Counselors-in-Training, supporting younger campers while developing real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and digital media. They also design and present a project that addresses a youth or community issue, giving them a voice and purpose. Participants earn a stipend, gain valuable experience, and end the summer with confidence, new skills, and something to be proud of.


Karon Forde
kingskids1@mlkjrfs.org
(413) 746-3655


Interest(s): Arts, College Career Readiness, Cultural Identity


More Details

Location

MLK Community Center
3 Rutland St.
Springfield, MA 01109

Grade Level

6-10

Sessions

July 1st – August 15th

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH, F
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Program Name

Neighborhood Guidance Sports

Details

NG Sports is dedicated to helping student-athletes grow both on and off the field by providing opportunities to build athletic skills, develop social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies, and foster teamwork. Through a combination of sports training, leadership development, and intentional team-building activities, we empower young athletes to gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of community that extends beyond the game.


Mark Jenkins
MJenkins@NeighborhoodGuidance.com
(413) 784-5171


Interest(s): Cultural Identity, Sports, Other


More Details

Location

Van Sickle Prep
1170 Carew St
Springfield, MA 01104

Grade Level

6–8

Sessions

June 30th – July 31st

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Program Name

New North Citizens Council

Details

Get ready for an impactful, intentional & incredible time at NNCC’s Summer in the City 5-week Leadership Academy! Together we will explore diverse opportunities to broaden each participant’s knowledge, skills & abilities through foundational principles on effective leadership. We will learn about a variety of career pathways, which will include college visits, diverse guest speakers and weekly recreational field trips that are leadership development focused. Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity that will surpass your expectations & equip you for long term success. Please note that unfortunately transportation will not be available to camp or after camp.


Jason Carrasquillo
jcarrasquillo@newnorthcc.org
(413) 930-5713


Interest(s): Academic Enrichment, Arts, Literacy, Outdoor Exploration, Sports, STEM


More Details

Location

New North Citizens’ Council
2455 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107

Grade Level

6–9

Sessions

July 7th – August 8th

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH, F
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Program Name

Next Level Adventures

Details

At this program, students will have the chance to learn about the outdoors and develop outdoor skills. They will also have an opportunity to challenge themselves and learn to work with a group through cooperative team games and challenges. Students will also gain a deeper respect and appreciation for themselves, their peers and the natural world. Most importantly they will have a chance to be active and social in a safe outdoor setting with highly trained outdoor educators.


Brad Miller
nextleveladventures@hotmail.com
(413) 530-1301


Interest(s): Outdoor Exploration, Sports


More Details

Location

Van Sickle Academy
1170 Carew St
Springfield, MA 01104

Grade Level

6–8

Sessions

June 30th – July 24th

Day/Time

M, T, TH
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Program Name

Rise Leap & Achieve

Details

Get ready for a high-energy summer where sports, skills, and fun come together! Our sports-focused summer program is built for young athletes who want to stay active, build confidence, and grow both on and off the field. Each day is packed with athletic training, team-building games, and fun competitions that help students sharpen their physical abilities while developing leadership, discipline, and teamwork. From drills and scrimmages to sportsmanship workshops and outdoor challenges, we create an environment where kids push themselves, support one another, and have a blast doing it. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just love to play, this program is all about movement, motivation, and making summer unforgettable.


Kayjuan Bynum
leap.bynum@gmail.com
(413) 693-5625


Interest(s): Arts, Outdoor Exploration, Sports


More Details

Location

Higher Expectations
49 Caldwell Drive
Springfield, MA 01104

Grade Level

8-12

Sessions

July 7th – August 15th

Day/Time

M, W, TH
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Program Name

Springfield Ballers

Details

The Springfield Ballers provides youth in the community access to a variety of sports and activities. Some of these include lacrosse, golf, basketball and track & field. Our program also provides arts & crafts, high school prep, mentoring and field trips. Our staff consists of certified educators, mentors and highly skilled adults. We promote teamwork and sportsmanship with a goal to create a culture of respect among each other in a safe and supportive environment.


Michael Anderson
ballers413@gmail.com
(413) 693-5343


Interest(s): Academic Enrichment, Arts, Cultural Identity, Outdoor Exploration, Sports


More Details

Location

Chestnut TAG
355 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01104


Kiley Campus
180 Cooley St
Springfield, MA 01128


Springfield Realization Academy
46 Oakland St
Springfield, MA 01108

Grade Level

6-8

Sessions

July 7th – July 31st

Day/Time

M, T, W, Th

Chestnut TAG: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SRA: 9:00 AM – 1 PM
Kiley Campus: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Program Name

Springfield JCC

Details

At this program, students will have the chance to engage in a wide range of sports and recreational activities including swimming! Most importantly, we strive to use sports as a platform to encourage healthy habits while enhancing students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Students will be led by AIC student athletes who will act serve as mentors and coaches. Food will be provided each night. Special events throughout the summer! Limited PVTA passes are available to assist students in accessing the program (must get a referral from school personnel).


Evan Pycko
epycko@springfieldjcc.org
(413)739-4715


Interest(s): Sports


More Details

Location

Springfield JCC
1160 Dickenson Street
Springfield, MA 01108

Grade Level

6-12

Sessions

June 30th – August 6th

Day/Time

M, W

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Program Name

Strong Young Minds

Details

Our summer camp offers a one-of-a-kind approach to youth development, nurturing the whole child, physically, mentally, and creatively. Our campers become a close-knit family while exploring the arts, leadership, financial literacy, mental wellness and sports. Our program ends with a fun fashion show that your child will showcase the skills they learned in either modeling, dancing, marketing, designing or vending. Youth also dive into video production, acting, entrepreneurship, and teamwork projects that build confidence and purpose. Our staff, guest speakers and coaches are experts in their field. Guest lead engaging sessions on generational wealth, community impact, and healthy living. We are more than a summer camp, it’s an experience.


Teka Jones
tekajones15@gmail.com
(413) 330-0458


Interest(s): Academic Enrichment, Arts, College Career Readiness, Literacy, Outdoor Exploration, Sports


More Details

Location

Kennedy Academy
1385 Berkshire Ave
Springfield, MA 01151

Grade Level

6-12

Sessions

June 23rd – August 7th

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Program Name

The Center After School Program

Details

Students will explore their interests and develop new skills. Students will have the chance to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Students will have opportunities to engage in hands on activities and participate in attending field trips.


Alethea Stevenson
centerafterschool@yahoo.com
(413) 734-3106


Interest(s): Academic Enrichment, Arts, College Career Readiness, Cultural Identity, Literacy, Outdoor Exploration, Sports, STEM


More Details

Location

The Center After School Program
33 Oak St Ste 100
Springfield, MA 01109

Grade Level

6-9

Sessions

July 7th – August 22nd

Day/Time

M, T, W, TH, F
7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Program Name

Western Mass Literacy Collaborative – Summer Learn and Earn Literacy Corps

Details

Work with skilled educators on literacy and comprehension. They will participate in grade level reading tasks in preparation for the upcoming school year.


Ebony Branch
branche@springfieldpublicschools.com
(413) 787-7240


Interest(s): Academic Enrichment, Literacy


More Details

Location

Kiley Campus
180 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128


Springfield Realization Academy
46 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108

Grade Level

6-8

Sessions

Kiley Campus
July 7th – July 31st


Springfield Realization Academy
July 7th – July 25th

Day/Time

Kiley Campus
M, T, W, TH
8:00 AM – 1:30 PM


SRA Campus
M, T, W, TH, F
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

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