Dept. of Human Service Programs Shares 2026 Summer Highlights

This summer, thousands of Cambridge residents participated in summer programs, activities, and events offered by the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP):

• 57,000+ free meals served through the Cambridge Summer Food Program.
• 16,601 rounds of golf were played at Fresh Pond Golf Course in July and August.
• 14,345 visitors swam at Gold Star Pool and the War Memorial Recreation Center this summer. 1,739 young people received swim instruction across the two facilities.
• 2,000+ free books were given to Cambridge children through Cambridge Book Bike, a collaboration between the Center for Families, the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative, and the Cambridge Public Library.
• 1500+ children in K-8th grades participated in a DHSP Summer Camp or Program offered by Community Schools, King Open Extended Day, and Cambridge Youth Programs. 30 participants enjoyed Camp Rainbow, a summer camp that serves Cambridge young people with disabilities.
• 1,400+ older adults enjoyed classes, trips, and other activities offered at the Cambridge and North Cambridge Senior Centers. 367 older adults participated in the Cambridge Senior Center's meals program, which served 2,134 fresh-cooked meals in July and August.
• 1,000+ teens participated in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), where they gained valuable, paid work experience.
• 717 people attended the Center for Families' Family Fun Day. The annual event brings Cambridge families with young children together for a day of fun focused on literacy and community.
• 564 young people participated in summer Recreation Programs, including golf, tennis, basketball and street hockey leagues.
• 385 youth participated in Cambridge Youth Programs' Pre-Teen / Middle School Summer Programs.
• 135 families participated in weekly playgroups hosted by the Center for Families. The playgroups were open to families with children ages 3 months - 4 years and were held at locations across Cambridge.
• 131 adults enrolled summer classes offered by the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC). This September, close to 400 adults will begin their school-year programs at the CLC, with over 800 students served each school year.
• 123 teens participated in teen internships offered at Youth Centers by Cambridge Youth Programs. The six internships, offered in collaboration with MSYEP, focused on themes of self-discovery, personal growth, creative exploration, and community building.
• 50-70 teens participated in Teen Night Live each week. Hosted by CYP, Teen Night Live invited Cambridge residents ages 14-19 to join workshops, dance lessons, gardening, trivia, cooking classes and more on weekday evenings at Youth Centers.
• 52 special events, including the World Cup soccer events, were organized or supported by Recreation staff.
• 45 families accessed free children's clothing, gear, and toys at an event organized by Center for Families to support local parents and caregivers.

Additionally, hundreds of community members enjoyed our weekly programs and events, including Screen on the Green Family Movie Nights, the Danehy Park Summer Concert Series, and recreation activities offered to Cambridge youth through the Summer Food Program.

Thank you to the community members who joined us this summer and the staff who made these programs and events possible!