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City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)

News for Kids, Teens, and Families

Thank you for subscribing to DHSP's monthly newsletter! At the end of each month, we will share information about our upcoming programs, opportunities, and events for Cambridge children, teens, and families. If you have any questions about this newsletter, please email [email protected].

Apply to the DHSP Summer Lottery February 1 – March 3

We offer summer camps and programs for Cambridge children and youth in Kindergarten through 8th grade! 

  • All camps are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 
  • Choose from camp sessions between July 1 – August 16 
  • Affordable cost based on family size and income
  • All summer programs filled through a lottery process 
Apply Here Beginning Feb. 1!

Community Schools Summer Camps &

Cambridge Youth Programs Summer Programs 

Community Schools

Summer Camps

Open to Cambridge children who will be in Kindergarten – 5th grade

in Sept. 2024


View Sample Schedule


View Tuition Rates

Cambridge Youth Programs

Summer Programs

Open to Cambridge pre-teens and middle schoolers who will be in

4th - 8th grade in Sept. 2024 


View Sample Schedule


View Tuition Rates

Free for 13-year-olds!

Interested in more local summer camp options? The Cambridge Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time created a guide to share K-8 summer camp registration dates and timelines for full-day programs across Cambridge. View the guide.

Learn More 

DHSP Summer Lottery Application Assistance

Get in-person help with completing the online DHSP Summer Lottery application to apply to Community Schools Summer Camps and CYP Summer Programs!

Come to our office at 51 Inman St., 3rd Floor, on the following dates (no appointment needed): 


  • Monday, February 5, 5 – 7:30 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 12, 5 – 7:30 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 26, 5 – 7:30 p.m.  

Save the Date: Rollin' & Summer Resources Event March 2nd

Rollin’ & Summer Resources Event

Saturday, March 2

CSUS/King Open Community Complex,

830 Cambridge St., 1 - 4 p.m.


Enjoy rollerskating and family activities while you explore 50+ local summer camps, programs, and providers. Stop by DHSP's table to ask questions and get help with your DHSP Summer Lottery application. View event flyer.

Register here!

2024 MSYEP Applications Open in April

The annual Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) places Cambridge teens in public sector and non-profit jobs for 6 weeks each summer. Teens get paid to work 20 hours a week at their job site and have opportunities to join educational trainings and social events offered by the program. This is a chance to earn valuable work experience - and get paid!


Learn more about the program:

www.cambridgema.gov/MSYEP

Fun, Local Ideas for February Break

The Cambridge Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time created a "February Break Fun" resource guide. It includes local events, activities, and programs for elementary and middle school aged children happening during February vacation week, February 19 - 24, 2024. View February Break Fun!

Try a STEAM@Home Activity this Winter!

Looking for fun, family-friendly activities that you can do inside? The Cambridge STEAM Initiative's STEAM@Home Activities provide instructions for doing a variety of activities with children (ages 3 - 13+) using common household items. Build your own basketball hoop, garden from grocery scraps, learn a new math game and more -- all while supporting STEAM learning!


Check out STEAM@Home Activities

How would you improve Danehy Park?

Does your family enjoy Danehy Park? The City is starting a community process to gather ideas, information, and feedback about how to make Danehy Park even better! Take a brief survey to share your favorite thing about the park and ideas for improving it.


The survey deadline is February 15, 2024.

Danehy Park Survey

MBTA Red Line Closures in February

As part of the MBTA's Track Improvement Program, there will be multiple Red Line closures throughout the year, beginning in February. Expect and plan for longer-than-usual travel times when driving, taking shuttles, riding buses, and traveling.


Monday, February 5 – Wednesday, February 14, 2024

  • Red Line closed all day from Alewife – Harvard Square 
  • Red Line closed after 8:45 p.m. from Alewife – Park Street 


Saturday, February 24 – Sunday, February 25, 2024: 

  • Red Line closed all day from Harvard Square to Broadway 

 

The MBTA will provide alternative travel options during Red Line Closures: 

  • Free, accessible shuttle buses will replace the T, stopping at each Red Line station along the closed routes. 

·      

  • People with additional needs may request accessible vans either by using a station call box or asking an MBTA staff member. 

·      

  • The Commuter Rail will be free between Porter and North Station. 
Learn More

More Resources for Families

Looking for more activities and resources in Cambridge? Use Find It Cambridge to search for childcare, afterschool programs, housing resources, free events, and more!

Need help searching? Call or text 617-686-2998 or email Andrew Liedtka at [email protected].

CFF Current Logo

DHSP's Center for Families (CFF) offers programming and supports for Cambridge families with children ages birth to 8 years old. Programs include parenting workshops, parent support programs, infant supports, Cambridge Dads (programs specifically for fathers and male caregivers), Baby University (long-term parent support program), playgroups, parent-child activities, family fun events, and more! CFF's monthly newsletter provides program and event updates. To subscribe, email: [email protected]

The Cambridge Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time (AFCOST) maintains resource guides with out-of-school time opportunities for Cambridge children and youth from providers across the city. View resource guides.

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Our services and and programs support newborns to seniors, school-aged children to families experiencing homelessness, non-profit organizations to local employers, and many others in the Cambridge community. Learn more at www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP.

Phone: 617-349-6200  Email: [email protected]

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City of Cambridge seal and logo for the Department of Human Service Programs