DCR Launches 10th Year of Program, Largest Year Yet with 100 Partners from Across the State Including Four New Western Mass Youth-Focused Organizations

HOLYOKE - On July 17, 2024, Governor Maura Healey, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo joined Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, local leaders and community organizations at the Boys and Girls Club of Holyoke to celebrate the 10th year of DCR's annual Summer Nights Program. The program provides free educational and recreational programming to young people in urban areas across the state during July and August.

“The memories, connections and personal growth I gained from playing sports growing up were invaluable. Now in its 10th year, the Summer Nights Program continues to be a key part of our administration's commitment to keeping young people safe and active during summer break. We’re proud to provide families and youth across the state with opportunities to play outdoors,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Programs like Summer Nights remove financial barriers to accessing summer recreational activities. My hope is that everyone who takes part in these programs will leave with lifelong memories and a sense of community.”

“Collaboration between state agencies, municipalities and community organizations has resulted in 10 years of impactful Summer Nights programming in Massachusetts. We are grateful for the dedication and efforts of all our partners to create life-changing opportunities for young people,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Each year Summer Nights has brought together families, young people and educators to foster creativity, mentorship and have fun. Intentional outdoor programming is crucial to creating enriching childhoods and empowering our youth to become tomorrow's leaders.”

The Summer Nights Program offers a variety of free activities aimed at fostering personal development and community engagement to young people, ages 13 to 21, in urban areas across the state. Since the first year with four partners, the program has grown significantly, serving nearly 20,000 young participants, annually. This year, for its 10th anniversary, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has expanded the program to its largest year yet with a budget of $3 million, $2.6 million directly benefitting partners and additional funds allocated for police details, equipment and marketing. This funding will support 100 organizations including municipalities, community groups, and public safety agencies that will provide free activities including sports, arts and crafts, music, and mentoring and life skills workshops at approximately 125 locations across the state including 34 in Western Massachusetts.  

“Access to nature is essential to our communities and young people's development and well-being. Summer Nights offers valuable experiences to connect youth with the outdoors, especially in urban areas where young people have limited opportunities to explore nature,” said Secretary Tepper. “Our agencies and partners are committed to expanding access to summer recreation and bridging the nature gap.”

“The Summer Nights program exemplifies our commitment to creating healthy communities across Massachusetts by providing families and residents with access to safe, inclusive, and welcoming outdoor spaces,” said DCR Commissioner Arrigo. “We are thrilled to be expanding this successful program to more communities in and more partners in Western Mass, allowing us to make an even bigger impact on our young people in the region. We hope this array of diverse educational and recreational activities inspires and empowers young people to become leaders in their communities and stewards of our environment.”

“I have a sentimental attachment to Holyoke’s Boys and Girls Club. I did most of my growing up here and I can tell you that summer programming was especially enriching. As Mayor, I deeply appreciate the DCR’s “Summer Nights Program” for providing our young people with the same kind of guidance, adventure, and enlightenment I experienced. This kind of initiative can be literally life-altering. And I say that as one whose life was altered,” said Mayor Joshua Garcia.  

This year, Summer Nights partners will provide programming in: Boston (Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roslindale, Hyde Park, East Boston, South Boston), Attleboro, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Easthampton, Everett, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, Milton, New Bedford, Norwood, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Springfield, Stoughton, Taunton, Westfield and Worcester. This year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has added four new communities from Western Massachusetts: Chicopee, Westfield, Easthampton, and Pittsfield. Norwood, Everett, Revere, Somerville, Attleboro and Bridgewater are also new this year.

"We are thrilled about the profound impact the Summer Nights Initiative has had on the South End Community Center and our youth this summer. Our extended programming, running from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, provides a haven for activities. From professional haircuts to structured basketball training and personalized fitness sessions, our youth are gaining not just skills but also confidence and a sense of community. This initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing holistic development and fostering a supportive environment where every participant can thrive and build lifelong connections," said Wesley Jackson, Executive Director of South End Community Center in Springfield.

“Thanks to the DCR Summer Nights funding, we can build the capacity of our teen program to serve even more young people in Holyoke. We are grateful to Governor Healey for recognizing that this funding is very important to a community like Holyoke and impacts the young people we serve who need opportunities and positive relationships,” said Eileen D. Cavanaugh, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke.

“The DCR Summer Nights Program is one of the most essential programs for our youth in the city of Springfield. This program allows us to keep our doors open later during the week for the youth and allows us to keep them safe in the city. We have done an amazing job to offer many programs inside and out of the Club, and we also work closely with our other DCR partners. Without the Summer Nights program, it would be a struggle to sustain our great programs throughout the summer,” said Keshawn Dodds, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Club Family Center in Springfield. 

Programming will continue through late August, featuring a wide range of activities such as basketball, volleyball, yoga, dance, martial arts, flag football, corn-hole, fishing, ping-pong, cardio boxing, swimming, camping, rowing, kayaking, cooking, painting, Zumba, dodgeball, tennis and nature exploration. Programming also includes sessions on leadership skill-building, health and wellness, poetry, academic tutoring, storytelling, animation, music, media production and career and college readiness programs. Additionally, three providers will provide accessible and adaptive programs, including theater, swimming and kayaking. Every Summer Nights participant and their families also receive a complimentary ferry pass to the Boston Harbor Islands through Boston Harbor Now.    

For a full list of programming, please visit DCR’s Summer Nights Program webpage. DCR will hold additional events celebrating the 10-year anniversary this summer.