Released: April 5, 2024
$50,000 in Funding Approved by Delaware County Council for 2024
Delaware County Council has approved the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program for 2024, 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 program allows unemployed caregivers seeking employment and transitioning back to the workforce 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.
“Searching for a job during the summer months when children are home from school can be a challenge” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “That’s why we’re so happy to renew this program for a fourth summer, and we’re glad that we can help families who need those extra hours for their job search.”
As of April 5, participating summer camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Chef Dad's Table, Colonial Plantation, Darlington Fine Arts Center, Delaware County Community College Kids Camp, Media Arts Council, and the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County (with camps at the Lansdowne, Ridley, and Springfield branches). Additional camps are expected to participate in the coming weeks.
How Unemployed Caregivers Can Apply for the Program
Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 can register.
To register for a camp, visit the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” page on the PA CareerLink Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/summer-camp, and review the list of camps. Caregivers are responsible for contacting camps, confirming dates and times, and completing the registration process.
Once registered, the Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution program will work directly with the camp to cover attendance costs and other related fees, up to $1,000 per caregiver. Caregivers may only participate in the program one time; residents who participated in previous years are not eligible.
How Camps Can Still Sign On
Camp organizations throughout Delaware County are encouraged to participate. To become a participating camp, please send an email to Delaware County Workforce Development at WorkForce-Camp@co.delaware.pa.us and a member of the team will be in contact to discuss program details.
For additional information of interest to job seekers and employers, please visit the PA CareerLink of Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org.