The Summer Hip-Hop Hangouts group gathers after a day of activities at Your Move MKE. With them is their program coordinator SilkE (center, front row). (Photo by Hannah Freireich)

As summer break approaches for most Milwaukee youths, they need things to do. There are a number of local programs and camps for them to participate in.

Here are some summer programs to consider. 

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(Are we missing something? Feel free to email cwardell@milwaukeenns.org)

Milwaukee Recreation

Milwaukee Recreation is opening its child care camps, community learning centers and more beginning June 22 at over 90 locations in Milwaukee for K3 through 12th grade students. 

Participating students experience engaging indoor and outdoor activities, receive free meals and make new friends.

Click here to register and learn more about the sessions offered. 

Our Next Generation

Our Next Generation, 3421 W. Lisbon Ave., is offering a free summer camp from June 29 through Aug. 21 for first through 12th grade students. 

Full days at camp include academic support, fun indoor and outdoor activities and nutritional meals. 

To register, stop in person or contact Erica Tate at ETATE@ONGKIDS.org  Spots are limited. 

More information here.

Hip-Hop Hangouts

Your Move MKE is offering opportunities for individuals from 11 to 21 to participate in its Hip-Hop Hangouts, a summer program that provides mentorship, development and creative spaces to explore music and art.

The program begins June 22 and lasts through Aug. 14. Sessions are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1674 S. 11th St. 

Students will go on a field trip each week, engage in workshops and be fed daily. Click here to register.

More information here. 

Summer Empowerment Experience

Ladies With A Purpose MKE is hosting a six-week program for girls ages 11 to 17 from June 22 through Aug. 1 on Mondays and Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Girls will learn how to gain confidence, self-care, receive mentorship and more. Click here to register as spots are limited to 10 participants. 

Location will be shared upon acceptance. 

More information here.

Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp

The Greater Milwaukee Urban League, 435 W. North Ave., is offering a free four-week artificial intelligence camp for youths in eighth to 12th grade. 

Students will learn coding, automation and other skills. For those who have 90% attendance, a completion award will be sent electronically. 

Start dates vary by cohort and classes are held Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here to register. 

More information here.

Pro Style Basketball Summer League

Cream Skills Inc. players dress up for the 2024 Creams Skills Basketball Association’s NBA-style draft. This summer’s camp will also include a draft. (Photo provided by Cream Skills)

Cream Skills invites youths 14 to 17 to its free 11-week co-ed summer basketball league that offers the opportunity to learn team work and other life skills.

The camp includes a player draft, basketball contests and weekly games at the COA Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St., or the Milwaukee Area Technical College Downtown Campus, 700 W. State St. 

The camp will conclude with a playoff tournament and championship game. 

After you register, you will be contacted and invited to tryouts on Wednesday, May 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Harold S. Vincent School of Agricultural Science, 7501 N. Granville Road. 

More information here.

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Chesnie Wardell serves as the intergenerational reporter for NNS. In addition, she writes features on notable North Side and South Side residents. She reported for other newsrooms like the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, covered teacher vacancies through an O'Brien fellowship and was selected as an inaugural member of the New York Times Corps. She is a 2025 graduate of Marquette University, where she studied journalism and theology.