Looking for summer activities for the children and teens in your life?
The programs listed below offer a wide range of opportunities for youth ages six to 18 in Nashville. The organizations offering these opportunities received funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and MDHA administers the program on behalf of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. A portion of these funds are awarded annually to eligible nonprofits and public agencies to operate enrichment programs during the summer months for youths ages six to 18 within Nashville and Davidson County. Each summer, more than 1,300 children and teens participate in these programs.
In 2024, 24 programs were awarded funds that totaled $385,000 to support programs for local children and teens. More information about the organizations and their programs can be found below.
Click or tap on any box below to be taken to that organization’s website.
An eight-week program etiquette training program for at-risk kids in North and East Nashville. It provides a safe and enjoyable environment for them to learn and grow with a diverse curriculum that enhances their academic, social, physical and professional growth.
CONTACT:
Caroline Davis
caroline@aaoccamps.org
615-289-3148
An eight-week program for youth in grades K-10. It offers academic enrichment, sports, character education, community service, fitness activities, the arts and educational field trips. Free lunch is provided by the Metro Summer Lunch Program.
CONTACT:
Steve Fleming
sfleming@bethlehemcenters.org
615-500-3503
A summer youth job skills and internship program for individuals ages 14-16. Participants will learn various aspects of employment, including job readiness skill training, dressing for success, resume development and effective interviewing techniques.
CONTACT:
Steve Fleming
sfleming@bethlehemcenters.org
615-500-3503
A therapeutic and academic enrichment program for refugees, asylees and migrant children with complex trauma due to the political strife, oppression, poverty and discrimination. The program prepares youth for the next school year, focusing on academics, time management, healthy decision-making, goal setting and budgeting.
CONTACT:
Sarah Johnson
sjohnson@cctenn.org
615-475-7271
A program for young girls to develop self-esteem, cognitive skills, leadership abilities, interpersonal connections and emotional well-being. The program focuses on health and nutrition education and offers dance and yoga classes. It is a safe environment exclusively designed for girls to build confidence.
CONTACT:
Edwina Freeman
edwinafreeman@dymon.org
313-623-8384
The ENHE program aims to enhance student academic performance, character and social skills. It targets kindergarten and first grade students in East Nashville, receiving reading instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
CONTACT:
Nikki Walker
nwalker@enhopeexchange.com
615-608-2450
The ENHE is a character and social skills development program for children in grades two through five attending Metro Nashville Public Schools in Maplewood and Stratford clusters of East Nashville. The program promotes Positive Youth Development (PYD) in a safe and nurturing environment by emphasizing responsibility, respect, manners, leadership and discipline. It also focuses on writing and the five essential elements of reading instruction.
CONTACT:
Nikki Walker
nwalker@enhopeexchange.com
615-608-2450
These summer employment opportunities allow the youth workers to take a front seat in guiding the program’s direction. There are numerous opportunities for youth to stay engaged throughout seven weeks, including hands-on workshops with community members where they will learn the basics of gardening, nutrition and cooking.
CONTACT:
Allison Plattsmier
allison@edgehillpartnerships.org
615-533-3986
Building trust is crucial when working with young people who have experienced boundary violations or harm in the past. The program is designed to empower youth to take the lead and guide the program’s direction. We encourage participants to express their ideas and support them in leadership roles with our staff’s help.
CONTACT:
Allison Plattsmier
allison@edgehillpartnerships.org
615-533-3986
This seven-week program helps children ages 6-11 through a summer camp. Youth will rotate through different tasks such as photographer, editor, videographer and audio assistant, ensuring exposure to multiple skills. They will also learn to use media equipment, operate cameras and provide tours. The program aims to develop their skills and teach them how to use media to create support for their community’s needs.
CONTACT:
Stefanie Nsubuga
snsubuga@GODIntl.org
This program provides youth with several community service projects to take part in. One of these projects entails hosting a portrait day event for families in the local community. Participants will work collaboratively in a team-based environment, taking on various media roles, to achieve the goals set by the client.
CONTACT:
Stefanie Nsubuga
snsubuga@GODIntl.org
Youth are engaged in all aspects of gardening work, such as planting seeds, harvesting crops, taking care of chickens/livestock, creating compost and improving access to fresh food. They will also receive education on food forest management, including lessons in weeding, irrigation, caring for perennial crops and harvesting crops.
CONTACT:
Stefanie Nsubuga
snsubuga@GODIntl.org
The program offers opportunities for individuals to learn various skills in the fields of mass media, culinary, gardening, fashion design, cosmetology and art studio. Participants will have the chance to create their own studio album and a comprehensive visual art portfolio.
CONTACT:
Morgan Campey
mcampey@marthaobryan.org
615-254-1791
The theme for this year’s camp is “Our World of AI.” The program aims to help students improve their skills in unique ways. The focus is on encouraging students to think creatively and solve complex problems innovatively. The program also includes job skills training and project-based STEAM learning opportunities.
CONTACT:
Che’Ara Dykes
cdykes@marthaobryan.org
615-254-1791
The theme proposed for this year’s camp is “WE ARE.” All attendees will receive t-shirts with the phrase ‘We are…’ printed on them, followed by positive attributes such as intelligent, funny, talented, loving, strong, loyal and passionate. The summer literacy program will incorporate the five components of quality reading programs recommended by the National Reading Panel, which include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
CONTACT:
Che’Ara Dykes
cdykes@marthaobryan.org
615-254-1791
The Moves & Grooves “Arts & Culture” Summer Enrichment Camp is a unique program that offers participants an opportunity to learn about music and dance traditions from around the world. The camp is designed to foster awareness of cultural differences and promote a sense of belonging among students. The program runs for six weeks and includes dance training, nutrition education, self-image workshops and academic lessons.
CONTACT:
Emerald Mitchell
emitchell@movesandgrooves.org
615-554-1809
NICE’s program promotes self-awareness, vocabulary and civic understanding. Students’ English as a second language and social-emotional learning skills will be assessed. The daily schedule includes civic engagement, literacy and subject-based activities.
CONTACT:
Rob Manauis
rob@empowernashville.org
615-969-5503
YEA! Summer Camp is designed to help students master the English language and develop their social-emotional skills. The program runs for six weeks, with each week focusing on a different theme related to social and emotional development.
CONTACT:
Rob Manauis
rob@empowernashville.org
615-969-5503
This summer program is for at-risk youth ages 12-18 in Davidson County. Students will rebuild motorcycles, learn about bike safety and bike maintenance and participate in team-building activities. The program will also help immigrant and refugee teens find their identity and adjust to a new culture. All programs aim to teach job skills, promote healthy habits and empower students through service learning and volunteerism.
CONTACT:
Laurel Centi
lreeves@oasiscenter.org
615-327-4455
The Summer Literacy Program is designed to cater to children in grades one through eight who reside in three Nashville neighborhoods – East Nashville, Antioch and Madison. We prioritize building academic skills while nurturing the children’s abilities to engage in constructive activities, collaborate with others, form deep bonds and learn to give and receive. Each student can participate in 24 hours of structured programming for eight weeks.
CONTACT:
Christina Dotson
dotson@pttennessee.org
615-810-9620
Project Transformation is an organization that offers a summer literacy program in South Nashville, specifically in the Woodbine area, for children who are in grades one to six. The program includes reading enrichment, recreational activities and creative arts. Each student can participate in 24 hours of structured programming per week for eight weeks.
CONTACT:
Christina Dotson
dotson@pttennessee.org
615-810-9620
A unique and free summer program offered by Rocketown, aimed at middle and high school students. The program will include activities that help students find their passions, become more active and develop a healthy lifestyle. These activities include computer work, cooking, community involvement and career exploration.
CONTACT:
Mark Weller
mweller@rocketown.org
615-843-4007
This summer camp aims to serve students mostly from families earning a low- to moderate-income living in the Edgehill neighborhood. The students will benefit from six weeks of professionally instructed enrichment classes and enhancement activities. This summer’s planned activities include reading/literacy, daily career exploration, public speaking/communication skills, healthy lifestyles/healthy eating, physical activity and professional performing arts instruction.
CONTACT:
Dawana Wade
dwade@salamaserves.org
615-251-4050
The Leadership Academy is an eight-week program to prevent the decline of summer education. Students will engage in activities related to science, technology, engineering, math, language, arts and sports/fitness. Additionally, they will be taken on weekly college tours and field trips.
CONTACT:
Darrell Caldwell
dcaldwl@comcast.net
615-810-6630
