City hosts Summer Blitz to connect youth with enrichment programs

Published on February 18, 2025

The City of Gainesville is excited to announce Summer Blitz 2025, the second annual resource fair designed to help local youth and their families explore summer camps and enrichment programs. The event is free and open to the public.

When: Sat. March 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr., Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14th St.

Summer Blitz 2025 will feature more than 30 organizations offering enrollment opportunities in a variety of programs. Students will find offerings in art, archery, gymnastics, basketball, boxing, theater, dance and more. For those interested in innovation and education there are programs in STEM, veterinary medicine, biomedical and artificial intelligence and college preparatory tours.

The resource fair is presented by the City of Gainesville, with support from Alachua County Public Schools and the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. These partnerships widen the scope of opportunities to include camp counselor positions and summer jobs provided through the TeensWork Alachua Summer Youth Program, funded by the Children’s Trust.

“This is an event that’s open to all young people in our community,” said City of Gainesville Government Affairs and Community Relations Director John Alexander. “We want to make sure every student has a productive and rewarding summer. By attending this event, families can see what’s available and find out how to register for camps and programs that provide a safe and engaging environment.”

Research indicates that high-quality summer programs can effectively mitigate learning loss, reduce risky behaviors, and narrow educational and opportunity gaps. These are among the goals city leaders had in mind when coordinating the Summer Blitz event.

“Providing opportunities for our youth to learn, grow and thrive is a priority for the City of Gainesville,” said City Manager Cynthia W. Curry. “By offering access to enriching summer programs, we are investing in our future leaders and ensuring that families in our community have the support they need.”

Summer Blitz 2025 is a one-stop destination for learning about the various programs available across the community. The event includes free food, music, games and giveaways. Young people and their families can interact directly with program organizers, ask questions, and find the perfect fit for a fun, educational and enriching summer experience.

For more information about the event, contact John Alexander at 352-393-8676 or alexanderjw@GainesvilleFL.gov.