Governor Healey Kicks Off Free Summer Youth Activities Across Massachusetts

Governor Healey Kicks Off Free Summer Youth Activities Across Massachusetts 

DCR’s Summer Nights Program partners with 101 community organizations to offer free recreational, educational and leadership opportunities for young people 

LOWELL – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today kicked off another summer of free activities for young people across Massachusetts through the Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) Summer Nights program. Throughout July and August, Summer Nights will offer thousands of young people free recreational, educational and leadership programs in communities across the state. Governor Maura Healey joined DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle and local leaders at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell to launch the program's twelfth season. 

“Every child deserves the chance to have a fun, active and memorable summer, regardless of what their family can afford,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Summer Nights gives young people a safe place to be with friends, discover new interests, build confidence and create memories that will last long after summer ends. Programs like this are part of what makes Massachusetts a great place to grow up.” 

"Summer Nights is possible because of the incredible partnerships between DCR and more than 100 community organizations across Massachusetts," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Together, they're creating opportunities for thousands of young people to stay active, explore new interests and build skills that will serve them well into the future." 

Summer Nights offers recreational and educational activities for participants between the ages of 13 and 21 living in Massachusetts’ urban communities. Since its inception in 2015, the program has expanded from just four community partners to over 100 organizations and nonprofits. Last year, approximately 30,000 children and teens participated in Summer Nights programs.  

“For more than a decade, Summer Nights has given young people across Massachusetts the chance to discover new interests, build confidence, and form lasting connections,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “With programs offered in communities throughout the state, Summer Nights makes it easier for more families to take part.”  

“Summer Nights is one of the most meaningful programs we offer because it reminds us what's possible when communities come together for young people," said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Every young person deserves the opportunity to have a fun, active, and enriching summer in a place where they feel welcome and know they belong. Thanks to our community partners, we're able to provide these programs free, opening the door for more young people across Massachusetts to discover new interests, build confidence, and create lasting connections.” 

This year, Summer Nights will be hosting activities in 154 locations including in 41 communities including Boston (Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End), Attleboro, Bridgewater, Brockton, Cambridge, Chelsea, Easthampton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Hull, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, Milton, New Bedford, Norton, Pittsfield, Princeton, Quincy, Randolph, Salem, Somerville, South Hadley, Springfield, Stoughton, Taunton, West Springfield, Westfield, and Worcester. 

"The DCR Summer Nights program is an amazing investment in our young people and community,” said Lowell Mayor Erik Gitschier. “By providing free, safe and engaging activities throughout the summer, this partnership helps ensure that Lowell's youth have the opportunity to stay active, build friendship and leadership skills. Thank you to Governor Healey, her administration, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell for putting this together." 

“The DCR Summer Nights program continues to bring tremendous energy and opportunity to communities across Massachusetts and we are proud to see Lowell once again playing a leading role in its success.  By partnering with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, we’re able to offer our young people safe, enriching and engaging activities that build confidence, encourage leadership and strengthen community connections.  Programs such as the Outdoor Adventure Club and the Peace League Basketball series highlight Lowell’s commitment to supporting youth with meaningful experiences that help them grow, explore, and thrive,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr.   “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their continued partnership with DCR and look forward to a vibrant, positive summer for all our families.” 

 

"The DCR Summer Nights Program goes beyond traditional recreation; it builds a vital bridge in our communities. By providing safe, inclusive evening spaces, it empowers our youth with the tools, skills, and joy they need to thrive and succeed," said Senator Vanna Howard. 

“I am excited that DCR is once again partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell to offer DCR Summer Nights Programming,” said Representative Tara Hong. “Summer Nights provides opportunities for our community's young people to get out and enjoy nature, socialize, and stay active.” 

“As a former employee of DCR, I know firsthand that Summer Nights is an incredible investment in our young people and our communities,” said Representative Rodney Elliott. “For more than a decade, this program has given youth safe, inclusive, and engaging places to spend their summer evenings while building friendships, confidence, and lasting memories. Thanks to its tremendous success, DCR Summer Nights has expanded significantly over the past eleven years, reaching more communities and more young people than ever before. I'm proud to support this partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and DCR to ensure every child has access to positive opportunities that help them thrive all summer long." 

Programming runs through late August and includes basketball, volleyball, dance, martial arts, fishing, kayaking, rowing, camping, swimming, theater, STEM activities, nature exploration, cooking, painting and more. Participants can also take part in leadership development, health and wellness programming, academic tutoring, career and college readiness programs, media production and other educational opportunities. 

Summer Nights also offers adaptive programming, including kayaking, biking, hiking, pickleball and martial arts. Through partnerships with Boston Harbor Now, Sciantics and Mass Audubon, participants and their families can also access free ferry rides to the Boston Harbor Islands, Connecticut River cruises and canoeing lessons. 

For a full list of programming, please visit the DCR Summer Nights webpage. 

“DCR has been a great partner for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell,” said Joe Hungler, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell. “The Summer Nights program helps provide a safe place for teens to have fun, make friends, eat and join programs like Peace League basketball, outdoor adventures, sound recording and art. Our teens look forward to it every summer.” 
 

"For the past four years, the DCR Summer Nights program has given us the opportunity to bring young people with disabilities together to experience the joy of being outdoors," said Eileen Turpin, Director of Programs & Education at Waypoint Adventure. "From adaptive hikes to kayaking on Boston's waterways, these programs create lasting memories while showing that the outdoors truly belongs to everyone. We're grateful to DCR for continuing to invest in accessible recreation and inclusive community experiences.” 

“Our students are excited to begin rehearsals for the Water Festival! The Water Festival is an important community celebration that brings the vibrancy of Cambodian cultural heritage to the stage through dance and music. Our Summer Nights program is about more than rehearsals—it’s about creating lasting memories with our teens while providing a safe and inspiring space where they can stay connected to their culture, build meaningful friendships, and deepen their appreciation for Cambodian art, dance, and music,” said Angkor Dance Troupe Program Director Chummeng Soun. “Through these shared experiences, we hope to strengthen their sense of identity, belonging, and pride in their heritage.” 

“DCR Summer Nights funding provides an opportunity for marginalized youth in Lowell to participate in free digital photography training at the YWCA of Lowell, as well as outdoor fieldwork at various locations, including DCR sites,” said YMCA of Lowell Youth and Family Services Director Christine Napolitano. “Youth participants not only acquire an understanding of photography as a form of subjective expression but also gain a brand-new awareness and appreciation of local outdoor spaces. We are honored to stand with DCR and other community partners who provide DCR Summer Nights programming. It matters.”   

“The Summer Nights Program is about much more than recreation,” said Lisa Welcome, Executive Director of the Montachusett Community Branch YMCA. “It is about providing young people with a safe place to spend their evenings, surrounded by positive role models, caring staff, and opportunities to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and connect with their peers. We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to experiences that help them thrive.” 

“The Summer Nights program has a tremendous impact on the programs and events at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford. Thanks to your support our ability to offer programs and events focusing on physical recreation, nutrition, culture, music and arts and more, for many are a life changing and positive experience for the youth we serve,” said Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford Executive Director Robert Mendes. “We thank the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for their support and the positive impact it has on the youth of our community.”