HAGERSTOWN – The Hagerstown City Council has approved the distribution of $75,000 in grants to support local summer camp programs, ensuring continued access to camp experiences for children in the community. The funding will be distributed among four organizations that applied for assistance.
The YMCA of Hagerstown and the Robert W. Johnson Community Center will receive their full requested amounts, while the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County and Girls Inc. of Washington County will receive funding slightly below their original requests.
Grant breakdown:
● YMCA of Hagerstown – Fully funded at $18,500
● Robert W. Johnson Community Center – Fully funded at $15,000
● Boys & Girls Club of Washington County – Approved for $19,500 (requested $20,000)
● Girls Inc. of Washington County – Approved for $22,000 (requested $22,500)
The city’s summer camp grant program has been a longstanding initiative, helping local organizations provide recreational, educational and developmental activities for area youth.
“This program is an annual commitment to ensuring that children in our community have access to safe and engaging summer experiences,” said Eric Deike, the director of public works. “We’re pleased that we can meet nearly all of the funding requests this year.”
The grants help offset families’ costs and allow the organizations to provide more scholarships, enhance programming, and improve facilities for campers.
Sustained support for youth programs
Council members expressed appreciation for the program’s continued success, noting its role in supporting working families and keeping children engaged during the summer months.
Over the years, the number of applicants has remained steady, though a private school that previously participated dropped out due to closure. As a result, the funding has been redistributed among the remaining applicants.
With summer approaching, parents are encouraged to contact participating organizations to learn about registration opportunities and financial assistance programs. For more information about local summer camp options, readers may visit the City of Hagerstown’s official website.
