DHSP Summer Camps and Programs Lottery
By
Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)
We offer safe and fun summer programming for Cambridge children and youth in Kindergarten - 8th grade that are located in school buildings and youth centers across Cambridge.
Sign-up Information
- Ages: 5 to 14.
- Grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Cambridge residents only.
- Children currently in Kindergarten - 8th grade are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be Cambridge residents or City of Cambridge employees.
- This program is free for 13-year-olds.
- Wheelchair accessible.
Application required
- Registration dates
- This webpage will be updated with the online application link on Monday, February 3, 2025
- Parents / caregivers who apply by the March 3 application deadline will be notified by the end of March of their child's placement in a camp/program or in the waiting pool.
- Applications submitted after the deadline will automatically be added to the Waiting Pool.
- If you would no longer like your child to be in the Waiting Pool, you can fill out the Opt out of Waiting Pool Form to remove your child from it.
- To learn more, visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/summercampsandprograms.
Cost
For families that pay, weekly sessions tuition rates are between $30 - $600 depending on income, household size, and the type of session. See the Summer Tuition Chart for sliding scale attached.
- A non-refundable tuition deposit is due in June.
- Tuition is free for 13-year-olds enrolled in Cambridge Youth Programs.
- If your child participated in a DHSP program during the most recent school year, your tuition will be based on your current verified income.
- Families can request a financial review if they are experiencing a hardship.
- Financial Aid and/or Scholarship Available
- Accepts Vouchers
- Sliding scale based on income
- Free for some residents
Location
The program location changes over time.
- In-person only.
Summer Locations for current Kindergarten - 4th graders:
- Amigos Community School (15 Upton St.)
- Cambridgeport Community School (at King Open School, 850 Cambridge St.)
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community School (102 Putnam Ave.)
- Fletcher Maynard Academy Community School (225 Windsor St.)
- Graham and Parks Community School (44 Linnaean St.)
- Haggerty Community School (110 Cushing St.)
- Kennedy-Longfellow Community School (158 Spring St.)
- King Open Extended Day Summer Program (850 Cambridge St.)
- Morse Community School (40 Granite St.)
- Peabody Community School (70 Rindge Ave.)
Summer Locations for current 3rd - 8th graders:
- Frisoli Summer Program, Frisoli Youth Center (61 Willow St.)
- Gately Summer Program, Gately Youth Center (70R Rindge Ave.)
- Russell Summer Program, Russell Youth Center (680 Huron Ave.)
- Sports Leadership Academy, Moore Youth Center (12 Gilmore St.)
Dates and Times
This program runs during the summer.
Every weekday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. All programs are divided into the following four sessions:
Applicants can apply to the following sessions:
Session 1 (1 week): June 30 - July 3 (closed July 4)
Session 2 (2 weeks): July 7 - 18
Session 3 (2 weeks): July 21 - August 1
Session 4 (2 weeks): August 4 - 15
Please note: applicants cannot split or combine sessions.
Additional information
The DHSP Summer Camps and Programs Lottery Application includes the following programs:
- Community Schools Summer Camps
- King Open Extended Day Summer Program
- Cambridge Youth Programs (CYP) Pre-Teen and Middle School Summer Programs.
You can view sample schedules of DHSP Summer Camps / Programs (K-5) and CYP Pre-Teen / Middle School Programs (3-8). All summer camps and programs include weekly swimming opportunities at local pools.
In-Person Application Help:
Applicants can get help completing their application at the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) on Monday, February 3, Monday, February 10, Monday, February 24, and Monday, March 3 at 51 Inman St. 3rd Floor, between 5 - 7:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome.
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Last updated February 3, 2025.
See all events from Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)
See all programs from Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)