Shelby County has taken a decisive step in supporting its youth as summer approaches, announcing a substantial investment in local camp programs. According to Action News 5, the county is allocating $180,000 to finance scholarships for 18 camp programs, ensuring that over 1,000 young residents can access enriching summer experiences free of charge.
In a move that highlights their dedication to the community’s youth, the Shelby County government's investment will each grant $10,000 to chosen camps to cover attendance fees, this initiative marks the fourth consecutive year of the Shelby County Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Program, as reported by Local Memphis, in a statement obtained by the publication, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris expressed that "Through our Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Program, we provide youth in Shelby County with a positive summer camp experience at no cost to their families."
The range of programs receiving support is diverse, catering to a variety of interests, from the arts to STEM, from sports to leadership development. Among the beneficiaries are YMCA Elevate Teen Camp, Boys to Men of Memphis Mentoring Camp, and Six Twelve Sports Camp, alongside specialty programs such as New Ballet Ensemble- Intensives Camp and Metal Museum- Metal Marvels STEM Camp.
These grants enable children to explore their interests and passions during the critical out-of-school months. As a result, the scholarship scheme helps to lift financial barriers that often preclude participation in such formative experiences it’s a clear indication of Shelby County’s prioritization of nurturing the potential within its younger generation, the full list of camps can be found in the reports from WREG News, which covered the story in detail, Mayor Harris told the outlet, "This year marks our biggest investment because it’s a priority of this Administration to identify strategies to support the youngest members of our community, provide free or low-cost resources to families, and maintain the programs that give our youth fun and productive experiences."
To take advantage of the opportunities offered by the scholarship program, Shelby County families are encouraged to contact the selected camps directly for more information and to secure a spot for their children. This proactive approach represents another step toward making enrichment programs inclusive and accessible for the community’s youth.
