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DHSP Summer Camps and Programs Lottery

By

Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)

Outdoor play at Community Schools Summer Camp.

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.

Application required

  • Specific 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.

Monday through Friday.

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. 

Outdoor play at Community Schools Summer Camp.

This program runs during the summer.

Monday through Friday.

View more dates

Is there anything wrong or outdated? Please let Find It Cambridge know!

Last updated February 3, 2025.