MEDIA, PA — Delaware County Council recently approved the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program for 2023, providing $50,000 in assistance to Delaware County parents and caregivers looking to return to the workforce.
The popular program, first launched in 2021 by the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development and the Delaware County Commerce Center, provides unemployed residents up to $1,000 in financial credit towards the cost of a child’s summer camp — which can be applied towards attendance fees and other fees charged by the camp — so that parents and caregivers are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work.
The “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program helps reduce barriers experienced by families that are struggling to find work—a situation made more challenging during the summer months with the closure of schools and the challenge of finding adequate childcare to allow parents and caregivers the time and energy to conduct a successful job search. While caregivers seek employment or transition back to the workforce, they will have the peace of mind knowing their children are safe and in a positive environment.
The program not only benefits caregivers, but also the children who are provided with rewarding and enriching summer experiences.
“Finding a job can be a major challenge for anyone and finding a job while balancing the demands of family life and children is often a barrier that can’t be overcome,” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer. “This wonderful program has helped many Delaware County families over the past two summers, and we’re excited that we can provide this program again to families in need in 2023.”
As of May 1, participating camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Chef Dad’s Table in Broomall, Delaware County Community College Kids Camp in Media, the Media-Providence Friends School, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA (the Haverford branch, with camps at the Haverford Community Recreation & Environmental Center, the Haverford YMCA, the Torah Academy, the Haverford College), and the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County (with camps at the Lansdowne branch (including the Kindergarten Center in Upper Darby), Ridley, and Springfield branches).
Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 are encouraged to take advantage of this program. A complete list of participating summer camps, as well as applications for parents, caregivers is available at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/summer-camp/. Additional camps may be added in May.
Camp organizations that are not currently participating are encouraged to apply! To become a participating camp, please email Delaware County Workforce Development at WorkForce-Camp@co.delaware.pa.us.
For additional information of interest to job seekers and employers, please visit the PA CareerLink of Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.
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