Portsmouth City Council funds free summer camp, jobs program for hundreds of children

PORTSMOUTH — More than 500 children in Portsmouth will benefit this summer from a new jobs program and multi-week camps at no cost.

The city’s Summer RAYS camp program is completely booked for the summer, and 400 of the city’s youth will get to participate for free regardless of income thanks to an investment from Portsmouth City Council. Following a request first made by council member De’Andre Barnes several weeks ago, the council agreed to spend $115,000 to fund free summer camp for all 400 children enrolled. The move also means those who have already paid will be refunded in the coming weeks.

The city’s Summer RAYS camp is a seven-week program for youth and teens between the ages of 5 and 17, held across various locations Monday through Friday from June 24 to Aug. 9. Without the city covering the bill, the seven-week camps would cost $231 for residents and $385 for nonresidents.

Like most summer camps, children will have plenty of activities to enjoy in large and small groups, including sports, games, arts and crafts, music, dance, and even character and leadership development sessions. Camps also offer science and technology, reading, and environmental educational opportunities. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day through the USDA Summer Meals program.

Barnes, who grew up attending the same camps, said the investment is a “step in the right direction” in dealing with crime in the city as it keeps children “occupied and out of trouble” during a time when crime typically peaks. And those without jobs or other opportunities are often the ones who resort to crime, he added.

“(Right) now we’re making an investment in 530 kids, which ultimately, those kids won’t be getting into trouble this summer,” Barnes said. “We wanted to make sure that we did something that all of our kids can benefit from because ultimately they will all benefit from each other and being around each other.”

In addition to the free summer camps, a new program will offer 130 teenagers summer jobs in the city at a cost of just under $400,000, according to Barnes. He said details are still being finalized and more information is on the way, but youth can earn up to about $3,000 across several weeks.

“They’ll be making some money. They’ll be learning tools that they can use in the future that will keep them out of trouble,” Barnes said. “So I think (the investment) was definitely a bang for the buck.”

Through the camps, youth also enjoy field trips across Hampton Roads and swim days at Cavalier Manor Pool and the splash park at Neighborhood Facility Rec Center. One of the camp sites, Cradock Recreation Center, offers a therapeutic program for individuals with special needs aged 5 to 21.

Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Director Mark Palamarchuck said since the 2024 Paris Olympics are taking place this summer, camps will be themed around that. Palarmarchuck said the investment from council to make this happen was “fantastic” and also helps many parents.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com