Delaware County Council Approves the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” Program for 2022

Released: April 29, 2022

Delaware County Council unanimously approved the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program for 2022, providing $100,000 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 so parents are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work.

The “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program will help reduce barriers experienced by families that are struggling to find work—a situation made more challenging by the summer closure of schools and the difficulty in finding adequate child care to allow them 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 that their children are safe and in a positive environment.

The program not only benefits caregivers, but also the children who are offered rewarding and enriching summer experiences, Unemployed parents in Delaware County will receive up to $1,000 in credit towards the participating summer camps, to be applied towards attendance fees and other fees charged by the camp.

Councilwoman Elaine Schaeffer, echoing the sentiments shared by all County Council members, spoke to the urgency of making these new funds available to Delaware County families in need. “We know that many parents in Delaware County continue to struggle to get back into the workforce. With schools soon closing for the summer, unemployed parents without access to childcare will be challenged to find the time to search for work. This program is exactly what hardworking Delaware County families need to help them bounce back.”

Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 are encouraged to take advantage of this program. Summer Camps are also encouraged to participate in the program by applying on the PA CareerLink® Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.

As of April 28, participating camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester in Chester, Camp Garrett in Newtown Square, the Darlington Fine Arts Center in Garnet Valley, camps at the Delaware County Community College in Media, Summer Discovery at Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills, and several YMCA camps in Lansdowne, the Ridley area, and in Springfield. A complete list of approved camps is provided on the website and will be updated weekly as new camps are added.

Program details, including application requirements, eligibility, and deadlines are available online at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.