NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The city of New Brunswick offers a free summer youth program from June 30th to August 8th of the summer.

The program, entitled Play S.A.F.E (Summer Activities For Everyone), is targeted for six to twelve year olds who live in the city.  Over 2,000 children are expected to participate in the program.

Play S.A.F.E is still open for any child between ages 6 and 12 who reside in the city of New Brunswick. To obtain an application, parents or guardians are asked to email [email protected].

Recreational activities such as dance, sports, swimming, environmental exploration, and games are offered.

Play S.A.F.E also focuses on academic achievement by including reading programs and staffing the program with several certified teachers.

Furthermore, children are taught about making good choices through their nutrition program and drug and alcohol prevention programs. Children also have daily access to board games, playground time, and peer engagement activities.

Participants are also provided one free meal a day courtesy of the Summer Food Service Program, backed by the Food and Nutritional Services division of the United States Department of Agriculture.

The Play S.A.F.E program is based out of several locations in New Brunswick such as the Hub Teen Center, Alec Baker Park, Joyce Kilmer Park, New Brunswick Middle School, and a variety of elementary schools.

The children participating in the program also go on several trips visiting the Liberty Science Center and the Sandy Hook National Recreation Area.

On top of the certified teachers who staff the program, other community members are encouraged to get involved.

Parents from the New Brunswick community, Rutgers University students, and local teenagers who have completed the teen employment preparation program all staff the Play S.A.F.E program.

“Our participants learn, play and exercise, visit new places and are fed a daily nutritious meal. We’re very pleased to continue to offer this program to ensure our children stay creatively and constructively busy throughout the summer months,” said Mayor James Cahill in a press release.

The S.A.F.E summer youth program is funded by the City of New Brunswick’s Youth Services System.

Reporter at New Brunswick Today