The FYC is proud to announce partnerships with the Town of Phillipsburg, Borough of Alpha, Pohatcong Township, and Phillipsburg Housing Authority to bring the Playground Program to 6 parks in 3 different municipalities this Summer! Again this year, the weeks of open locations will strategically overlap to spread out the opportunities across 8-weeks, rather than just 5! Check out more information, FAQ's, and photos from last year's Playground Program below.
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Check out the Activity Calendars for Weeks #1 & #2 below! These calendars feature the highlights, but more activities are planned each day. When the Activity Calendars are finalized for the remaining weeks, they will be published on our website, social media, and available at the Playgrounds.
Playground Program FAQ's:
- What is the Playground Program? The Playground Program is a 5-week, hands-on, interactive program that happens during the summer. The program runs Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm.
- 5 Weeks? I thought I read it was 8-weeks? In 2025, each location will open for 5-weeks, however, other locations will run during different weeks to maximize the opportunities kids have to experience the Playground Program. If a Phillipsburg child goes to the Delaware Heights Playground June 23-July 24, they can then could go to Green Street or Firth for July 28-August 15. This helps accommodate for children who enroll in the Summer Learning Academy, go on vacation, or split time in different households throughout the summer.
- Where is the 2025 Playground Program? In Phillipsburg, the locations are: Walter's Park, Delaware Heights, Firth (Corner of Bates/Marshall St.), and Green Street (behind the Primary School). Additionally, the Phillipsburg Housing Authority will host the program at their playground for residents. The Borough of Alpha will bring back the Playground Program again to their Pavilion/Park for Alpha and Pohatcong residents.
- What is the daily schedule like? A typical day includes large group activities, craft kits, games, and competitions. Special visitors are planned throughout the summer to enrich the program. Past visitors included Police Officers, Fire Departments, EMS Responders, Therapy Dogs, Cultural and Diversity Experiences, Sports groups, and much more! Each week also features a special theme. When the calendar of activities are available, they'll be published on our Website, Social Media, and copies will be available at the park. Check out past program calendars below.
- What is new in 2025? The FYC, Borough of Alpha, and Pohatcong Township are partnering to bring the Summer Playground Program to both Alpha AND Pohatcong kids ages 6-12! Pohatcong youth can now attend the Alpha Park & Pavilion Playground Program. Additionally, the FYC Team will once again partner with Norwescap Food Bank to bring the Summer Lunch Program to Walter's Park, Delaware Heights, Alpha, and new this year, Firth and Green Street Playgrounds! Plus, children who attend the PHA location have access to lunch at the EnVision Center. In 2025, a total of 791 free lunches were served in just 5-weeks of the Playground Program at the 3 locations!
- What ages can participate? 6-12 year olds
- How do I sign up? The only form required is the FYC Waiver/Emergency Contact Form. Once this is complete, your child can show up at the program to check-in for the daily activities. Copies are available at the FYC, linked above to download/print, and at the Playgrounds during program hours. Staff can also mail a copy upon request. Just call the FYC Office at 908-454-7281.
- Is there a cost? No. The program is free for residents of Phillipsburg, Alpha, and Pohatcong.
- Do I have to send my child to every day? No, you can pick and choose which days your child attends. Attendance is not mandatory and pre-registration is not required.
- How are staff trained? All FYC staff are listed with the Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing. Staff are First Aid/CPR certified and take a series of required Child Health & Safety Classes. Staff also have a 2-hour Mandated Reporting Training, as well as Orientation. All Staff are required to have a Criminal History Record and Child Abuse Clearance on file, per regulations.
Check out some highlights from Summer 2024 Playground Program...
