More than 400 children across Hillsborough County will have access to summer camps this year, thanks to new funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.
In response to increased demand, the Children’s Board has approved $471,329 to expand summer camp offerings at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. The additional support will fund 422 new camp slots, across nine local Club sites, from June 9 to August 1.
“This program ensures that local youth are in safe, enriching camps and supports families with additional resources,” said Rebecca Bacon, executive director of the Children’s Board. “Partnering with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs enables us to respond quickly to emerging family needs.”
The camps, which run weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., focus on education, recreation and social-emotional development. Organizers say the program plays a key role in preventing summer learning loss, especially among underserved communities.
“Access to safe, enriching summer programs isn’t just helpful, but essential,” said Freddy Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. “Research shows students from underserved communities can lose up to two months of academic progress over the summer. Through this partnership, we’re helping stop that slide.”
Scholarships are available for camps at nine locations: Belmont, Brandon, Dover, Freddie Solomon, Garcia Salesian, Riverview, Temple Terrace, West Plant City and Wimauma. Enrollment is based on availability.