Philadelphia Parks & Recreation unveils 2025 Summer Plans Camp registration opens and lifeguard jobs available with $1,000 bonuses

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the launch of registration for its 2025 summer camp season. Returning campers can register starting Thursday, February 27, 2025, while new campers can secure their spots beginning Monday, March 3, 2025. With more than 100 camps available citywide, families are encouraged to register early, as spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Over 7,000 youth participate in Parks & Recreation’s affordable, engaging programs at neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds across Philadelphia. Campers enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, educational programs, and field trips. In addition to general day camps, specialty camps offer unique experiences in performing and visual arts, nature exploration, and sports for children with specific interests. Camps will operate from July 7 to August 15, 2025.
As a result of an additional $3 million in funding from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s “One Philly Budget” specifically for youth sports and activities, Parks & Recreation and their partners, including Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, will expand programming to include structured activities that teach conflict resolution skills and provide mentorship, reducing the likelihood of violence by ensuring safe, supportive environments where youth can grow.
“We’re excited to welcome campers back for a summer of fun, friendship, and exploration,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “Our camps bring energy to neighborhoods, creating spaces for kids to learn, play, and make lifelong memories. At the same time, we are providing much-needed jobs as there is a critical need for lifeguards to help keep our pools open and our communities safe this summer.”
How to Register for Camp
Find a playground or recreation center near you.
Use Parks & Rec’s Finder app.
Enter your address in the search bar labeled “Address or zip code.”
Click on the blue “Locations” tab.
Choose a site.
Scroll down to look for a summer day or theme camp at that site.
Call or visit the location to confirm that space is still available. Or, look for another site with a camp near you.
Once you confirm that a space is available:
Print the Youth Registration and Waivers form (PDF).
Fill it out and bring it to the location. Registration forms are available online, but registration is not complete until families visit their chosen camp. We encourage parents and guardians to do this as soon as possible, as spots are limited and fill up quickly.
If you are not able to print the form, please visit the location to fill out a form.
In addition to summer camp registration, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is kicking off lifeguard recruitment for City pools, offering competitive pay starting at $16 per hour–with the potential to earn up to $18 per hour. Lifeguard positions are eligible to receive a $1,000 end-of-season bonus for those who meet the April 15, 2025, deadline or a $500 bonus for those who submit applications before May 15, 2025. 
Free training and Red Cross certification are available for those ages 16-24 interested in becoming lifeguards. With both camp and lifeguard opportunities, Parks & Recreation provides a rewarding summer experience for everyone.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through intentional and sustained stewardship of about 10,100 acres of public land and waterways. PPR fosters community and well-being through hundreds of safe, engaging recreational and cultural centers. Philadelphia’s residents and visitors are enriched and connected to the natural world around them through 184 PPR trails and environmental centers. PPR preserves historically significant events, traditions, and sites in Philadelphia and works collaboratively with local communities and organizations to lead capital projects and innovative programming.
To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.