Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off 11th Year of DCR’s Summer Nights Program
103 Community Partners will Provide Free Recreational and Educational Programming to Thousands of Young People in Urban Communities Across Massachusetts this Summer
BOSTON – As part of a continuing commitment to provide free, safe and fun recreational opportunities for young people across Massachusetts, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the start of the 11th year of DCR’s annual Summer Nights Program. During July and August, the Summer Nights Program offers a variety of recreational and educational programming aimed at fostering community and personal development for thousands of young people in urban communities across Massachusetts.
“For over a decade, the Summer Nights program has helped connect young people with nature,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “No matter where you live, you should be able to get outside and enjoy all the beauty and fun Massachusetts has to offer. Summer Nights is a fun and safe way to introduce young people to nature, helping them take an active role in caring for our shared greenspaces.”
“The Summer Nights Program is a great example of our continued commitment to ensuring that children and young adults have access to outdoor recreation in safe, inclusive, and supportive environments regardless of their financial ability,” saidDCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Through a diverse range of educational and recreational programs we aim to empower the next generation of environmental stewards and community leaders.”
The Summer Nights Program provides free recreational and educational activities for young people from ages of 13 to 21 in urban areas across the state. Since its start in 2015 with four community partners, the program has grown significantly. Now in its 11th year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration expanded Summer Nights to 135 locations and 102 partners serving approximately 20,000 teens and young adults this summer. This year’s Summer Nights budget includes $2.6 million to support partners, police details, equipment, marketing and staffing costs. The funding will support the 103 organizations providing programming, which include municipalities, community groups, and public safety agencies.
This year, Summer Nights partners will provide programming in Attleboro, Boston (Allston, Brighton, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End), Bridgewater, Brockton, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Easthampton, Everett, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, Milton, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Quincy, Randolph, Salem, Springfield, Stoughton, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester.
Programming will run through late August and features a wide range of activities, including 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. Participants will also have access to activities focused on leadership skill building, health and wellness, poetry, academic tutoring, storytelling, animation, music, media production, and career and college readiness programs.
Additionally, three of this year’s providers will be offering accessible and adaptive programs for theater arts, swimming and kayaking. The program also offers free ferry passes for Summer Nights participants and their families to the Boston Harbor Islands through Boston Harbor Now.
For a full list of programming, please visit the DCR Summer Nights webpage.
“The Summer Nights Program, funded by DCR, is vital for The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield to provide teen programming during the summer months,” said Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield CEO Bo Sullivan. “The opportunity to have basketball and volleyball programs this summer is keeping our teens engaged and active. We appreciate all the support from DCR.”
“The Urban League of Springfield is proud to partner with DCR’s Summer Nights program to provide a safe, vibrant space for youth to grow, lead, and connect,” said Urban League Program Director James Lightfoot. “These programs are essential in fostering positive development and reducing risk during critical evening hours. Together, we are creating a stronger, more equitable community—one opportunity at a time.”
“Last year, OrigiNation empowered over 2,000 youth and families through culturally relevant programming that fostered artistic excellence, leadership, and mental wellness. Summer Nights had become a tradition at OrigiNation since its first inception,” said OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center’s Director Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga. “With the world in its current state, people from all walks of life join us for dance classes in everything from Salsa to hip hop and stretch classes. We love Summer Nights!”
"This summer marks the third year the YMCA Montachusett Community Branch has delivered the Summer Nights program, providing local youth with a safe and welcoming space many consider a second home,” said YMCA of Central MA - Montachusett Community Branch Executive Director of North County Lisa Welcome. “Through structured community and wellness activities, participants strengthen their leadership skills, embrace healthy lifestyles, and build meaningful connections within their community. By fostering trust and belonging, the program not only engages teens during the summer months but also encourages continued growth and social responsibility through our year‑round after-school programming.”
"IFSI is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Summer Nights program, supporting children and youth through both our Mattapan and Brockton programs,” said Immigrant Family Services Institute Executive Director Dr. Geralde Gabeau.“The unique outdoor experiences to learn and explore and have fun are invaluable for those who lack such opportunities on a consistent basis. The young people in our programs are excited for what’s in store for them this summer!”
“Mass Audubon is pleased to be partnering with DCR again to offer free programs in July and August, at eight locations from Boston to the Berkshires,” said Mass Audubon Education Department Coordinator Alexandra Dohan. “Participants will be able to paddle the Charles River at Magazine Beach Park Nature Center in Cambridge, meet animal ambassadors including hawks and owls at Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton, learn about wildlife from bats to fireflies through hands-on activities and art projects in New Bedford, and much more!”
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