Safe Summer 2025
Summer Youth Activity Options for 2025 / Parents Information
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Summer Notices
Safe Summer Pledge
I promise to enjoy my summer and while I am enjoying summer:
I promise to stay safe from hate
I promise to resolve conflicts with peaceful solutions
I will stand up for a friend in trouble by telling a responsible adult
I will set goals for my future, make decisions that help me reach them, and avoid situations that don’t support them.
I will not steal. I will respect other people’s property.
I will remain drug and alcohol free by avoiding substance and alcohol abuse.
Summer Curfew Notice
A curfew for juveniles 17 years old or younger is in effect from 9pm – 6am every night through August 31
Submit Programs and Events
If you are running a program or event for youth in or around Chester that you would like to be included on this page, please email all relevant information to publicaffairs@chestercity.com for review.
Success Training and Employment Program (STEP)
The Chester Education Foundation (CEF) is now recruiting high school students ages 16-18 for their year-long Success Training and Employment Program (STEP)! This incredible opportunity is open to students who are currently enrolled in high school and have not yet graduated.
Program Highlights:
- Summer Employment: Work 28 hours per week for 6 weeks at $15/hour
- School Year Employment: Continue working 9 hours/week during the academic year
- Professional Development: Attend weekly employment sessions to build your skills and support your success
Ready to get started or have questions? Contact Ms. Jenkins or Ms. Greene at 610-364-1212 to enroll today!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to earn money, gain experience, and grow your future!
Clinical Medical Assistant Program
The Clinical Medical Assistant Program for Youth is now accepting applications!
This program is designed to help out-of-school youth gain the skills for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
Program components include:
- Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) courses
- CMA certification
- Paid clinical externship with a local healthcare provider
Requirements:
- Be between the ages of 17 and 24
- Currently reside in Delaware County
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be ready to jumpstart a new career!
Income eligibility guidelines do not apply. TANF / SNAP recipients automatically qualify. Call today to see if you are eligible and to register.
Contact Melanie Cooper at Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) at 215-378-6570 or email mcooper@caadc.org
Summer Social Club
Your summer. Your vibe. Your space to create.
Tuesdays – Thursdays | 3pm – 5pm
J. Lewis Crozer Library (620 Engle Street)
Join us for an afternoon packed with hands-on art, games, and creative exploration. From art and science to movies and gaming, each week celebrates a new way to express yourself, try something new, and connect with your community.
As part of our healthy meals initiative with Feed Philly Now and Ava’s Farm, all participants can enjoy free, nutritious meals throughout the summer. Meals are available for all ages, and food pantry items and fresh produce will also be provided on select days.
✨ No need to sign up—just stop by, create, and connect.
Leaders In Training (LIT) Academy
The L.I.T. (Leaders In Training) Academy is a FREE 8-week summer program for children ages 4-8 that blends stories, creativity, and social-emotional learning. Through books, hands-on activities, and visits from inspiring local community mentors, children build strong reading skills, confidence, and connection in a supportive and engaging environment.
Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
June 28 – August 16, 2025
J. Lewis Crozer Library
620 Engle Street
Register now – space is limited!
The Look Forward Village Academy (LFVA)
The Look Forward Village Academy (LFVA) is a FREE weekly summer academy over 6 weeks designed for high school students and recent graduates ages 13 – 19. This program empowers youth through education, career exposure, mentorship, and creative development, while fostering pride in themselves and their community.
Thursdays from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
July 10 – August 14, 2025
The Look Forward Center
410 Welsh Street
- Week 1 – Self-Discovery: Vision building, strength assessments, and motivational speaking
- Week 2 – Mental Health & Wellness: Fitness, meditation, nutrition demos, and “Real Talk” with licensed therapists
- Week 3 – Career Exploration: Career Carousel, resume workshop, and professional panelists from law, healthcare, IT, education, the Navy, and more
- Week 4 – Entrepreneurship: “Shark Tank” pitches, business skills, and guest youth entrepreneurs
- Week 5 – Leadership & Professionalism: Dress for Success, headshots, public speaking, and CEO mentorship
- Week 6 – Youth Showcase: Pop-up shops, awards, and family dinner celebration
W.A.R. Ready Boxing Camp
Chester Community Coalition’s W.A.R. Ready Boxing Camp is back!
Wellness. Accountability. Respect.
A FREE 6-week summer program for youth ages 13–18, combining boxing, mentorship, and healing.
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 5–7PM
- Transportation available
- Meals provided
- Real Talk Circles + Trauma-Informed Coaching
Build strength inside and out.
Camp starts July 15th and spots are limited — register today!
For more information, contact the Chester Community Coalition at 610-368-0714 or info@chestercommunitycoalition.org
Hoop Sessions
12 to 18 year olds are invited to come out to the Boys and Girls Club of Chester (201 E 7th Street) every Tuesday at 7pm for Hoop Sessions!
- Open Gym
- Workouts
- Food
- Safe Space
Call 610-333-9184 to sponsor or volunteer!
Safe Summer Soccer Tickets
The Philadelphia Union has generously partnered with the City of Chester to provide FREE Union 2 summer home game tickets for Chester youth and family members!
Parents / guardians / chaperones may reserve up to 5 tickets for any of the following games:
- Thursday, June 26 at 7pm vs. New England Revolution II
- Sunday, July 6 at 4pm vs. Toronto 2
- Saturday, July 12 at 3pm vs. Chattanooga 2
- Sunday, August 3 at 3pm vs. Cincinnati 2
To reserve your tickets, either:
- Download the Chester City Connect mobile app and click on “Safe Summer Soccer Tickets,” or
- Contact the Office of the Mayor at publicaffairs@chestercity.com or 610-447-7718
Summer Food Service Program
The Chester-Upland School District (CUSD) Summer Food Service Program kicked off on June 23!
Meal Sites & Dates:
Chester High School – 232 W 9th St
6/23–7/24 & 8/4–8/14
STEM Academy at Showalter – 1100 W 10th St
6/23–7/24
Edgmont Scholars Academy – 1450 Edgmont Ave
7/7–7/30
Breakfast: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Lunch: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Times may vary—stay tuned for updates!
No registration required. Just show up and enjoy!
Summer Food Program
The City of Chester Summer Food Program starts July 7!
The City of Chester is pleased to provide FREE, nutritious lunches to children 18 and younger during the summer months, ensuring that children continue to receive meals when they are not in school.
Registration forms are available at each site as well as at City Hall (1 E 4th Street).
Program runs at the designated times Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- Bethany Baptist Church (1121 Tilghman Street) | 11am – 12:30pm
- Christian Church of Chester (308 W 3rd Street) | 11am – 12:30pm
- Life in Christ Church (3012 W 3rd Street) | 11am – 12:30pm
- Crosby Square Basketball Court (1300 Crosby Square) | 12pm – 1:30pm
- Highland Gardens Playground (1300 Culhane Street) | 12pm – 1:30pm
- Veterans Memorial Park (2200 W 7th Street) | 12pm – 1:30pm
- 7th Street Courts (621-623 Penn Street) | 12pm – 1:30pm
- Chester Park (298 Elkington Blvd.) | 11am – 12:30pm
Please note different times for different locations
Call 835-220-4440 for more information!
The Look Forward Food Pantry & Diaper Giveaway
Memorial Park Pool
Memorial Park Pool is open DAILY from 12pm – 6pm from June 21 through September 1!
Apply for a season pool membership at the pool. Fees are listed below:
| Children 0 - 3 years old | ||
| Youth 4 - 17 years old | ||
| Adults (18+ years old) | ||
| Organizations | ||
| Replacement Cards | ||
J. Lewis Crozer Library
The J. Lewis Crozer Library – located at 620 Engle Street – is open throughout the summer and has a variety of events and programs for youth of various ages.
Check out their calendar at https://crozerlibrary.org/events/month/ for a full listing of upcoming activities and events.
Hours
Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Sunday and Monday: CLOSED