LIST: Milwaukee organizations offer summer programs to keep youth busy

By: Gabriella Bachara

Posted: May 23, 2022 5:21 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58)-- City leaders are highlighting positive options for young people in Milwaukee this summer.

"We want this summer to be a safe summer for everyone involved, but especially for the youngest people among us, especially for our youth," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.

Here is a list of some summer and after-school programs offered for young people in Milwaukee.

Neighborhood House of Milwaukee:

Neighborhood House of Milwaukee (NH) serves families from all over the city. The organization offers early childhood programs, after school programs, teen programs, summer day camp, international learning center and outdoor experiences.

"During the summer months, our youth keep busy tending to our urban garden, exploring new discoveries in our art and science labs, as well as, during outdoor adventures, such as, camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing at our 90-acre nature center located in Dodge County," NH Executive Director Martha Collins said.

NH also has an indoor skating rink and newly remodeled gymnasium.

"All of these activities and so much more are done by creating a safe and solid foundation for youth to explore and develop at their own pace," Collins said. "By participating in these activities, teens discover how to become adults."

United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee:

The United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM) provides services and opportunities to urban families through its eight affiliated neighborhood centers.

"We are challenging Milwaukee's youth to get involved with something positive this summer," UNCOM Executive Director Renee Logee said.

City on a Hill is hosting Super Saturday Celebrations throughout the summer on their community lawn at 23rd and Kilbourn for children ages 3 to 12 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The youth center will be open during the week from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for children ages 6 to 18. They are hosting a family BBQ on Saturday, July 9.

COA Youth and Family Centers are hosting the Youth Leadership Institute, Barbershop Mondays, 2K tournaments, storytelling events, Cream Skills basketball, character building and healthy relationship classes, and academic enrichment programs.

Journey House is offering Premier Specialty Camps that allows for training and paid internship opportunities in sports and the arts.

Milwaukee Christian Center is hosting two summer camps at Kosciuszko Community Center and Forest Home Avenue School. They employ more than 30 young people to clean up and beautify Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Neu-Life Community Development is offering summer programs for children ages 4 to 18, including summer camp, art programming, health and wellness, movies in the park, and concerts in the park.

Northcott Neighborhood House is hosting a Father's Day and Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 19, which will include a parade, street festival and concert.

Silver Spring Neighborhood Center is offer summer programming in areas including, social-emotional development, wellness, agriculture, and field trips around Wisconsin.

Employ Milwaukee:

Employ Milwaukee is Milwaukee County's workforce development board. It works to connect job seekers with employment opportunities.

"We understand that a strong workforce with access to sustainable employment and career opportunities go a long way to stabilize a family," Employ Milwaukee President and CEO Chytania Brown said.

Earn and Learn is a summer youth employment program for people ages 14 to 24-years-old. More than 2,500 people have already signed up.

Employ Milwaukee is still recruiting for the Earn and Learn Program. The deadline was extended to Friday, May 27.

Employ Milwaukee is also looking for work sites that would like to sponsor young people for the summer.

Milwaukee Public Library:

The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) is recruiting MPL AmeriCorps members to help young people develop a love of reading, increase information literacy skills, and establish relationships that bridge the gap between in and out of school learning.

Summer Reading with MPL starts Wednesday, June 1. Children can visit any branch of MPL to sign up. They will get a free book and a bus ticket.

MPL will distribute summer reading DIY kits to about 200 partners in the community.

The Teen Connected Learning Program will reopen to in-person services later this summer.

MPL Maker Spaces will be open for teen programing.

"Your Milwaukee Public Library will be here for youth, families, and people of all ages, to keep you inspired throughout the summer and year-round to read, learn and connect," MPL Director Joan Johnson said.

Milwaukee Recreation:

Milwaukee Recreation offers free and affordable programs during non-school hours.

"We're committed to ensuring all young people in our city have access to recreation," Milwaukee Recreation Director Lynn Greb said. "We want to put smiles on young people this summer. We want them to be safe."

Twilight Centers provide teens ages 10 to 18 with a safe place to go during the evenings for free.

Midnight Sports Leagues offers free men's and women's basketball leagues for young adults ages 17 to 29.

Milwaukee Recreation partners with the Red Cross to offer $5 swim lessons.

Five pools located at Milwaukee high schools will be open for open swim during the week.

Milwaukee Recreation will provide 60 locations for all-day enrichment programs. Four locations will service youth with disabilities. Free meals will be provided.

Summer Playground Program kicks off on June 21 at 15 locations throughout the city.

The full Summer Recreation Guide can be found here.

City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention:

Summer of Healing initiatives will visit different parts of Milwaukee County with resources, entertainment and opportunities for youth.

"We have to first heal as we're moving toward prevention," Violence Prevention Manager Jamaal Smith said.

Beyond the Bell works with local organizations to showcase the out-of-school programming available to Milwaukee's youth. Their website is currently being redeveloped, but once it's done, it will be a resource for all youth programming options.

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee:

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee offer programs all-year-round for kids and teens.

"Instead of staying home, let's have some fun," Vice President of Community Affairs and Engagement Deonte Lewis said.

There are 40 locations throughout the city.

Find a list of summer options here.

Running Rebels:

Running Rebels has two locations that offer summer programming, including:

Be The Change on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Creative Writing on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Lady Rebels on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Audio/Visual Entertainment on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m.

Visual Arts on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.