Norfolk announces packed summer camp and event schedule for youth and families

The Norfolk City Council held a work session on May 13, 2025, focusing on summer programming and recreational services for the community. The meeting highlighted various initiatives aimed at enhancing youth engagement and community involvement through camps and special events.

The session began with discussions on staff training and facility preparations for the upcoming summer camps. The Parks and Recreation Department emphasized the affordability of their programs, noting that the Norfolk Explorers Camp for ages 5 to 12 sold out within 15 minutes of registration. The camp, which runs for eight weeks, costs $100, while the Norfolk Navigators camp for teens aged 13 to 16 is priced at $50 per week.

In addition to traditional camps, the department is offering specialty camps that include visual arts, dance, music, and performing arts. The meeting also announced the return of popular events such as Nighthawks, starting June 13, and a growing skate park event expected to attract around 500 participants.

Several new events were introduced for the summer, including the Motown Mingle on May 23, the 1 Love Festival in June, and family-oriented activities like Paws and Popsicles. The council expressed optimism about the success of these events, which aim to foster community spirit and engagement.

The discussion also touched on the therapeutic recreation programs, which serve approximately 85 participants annually. The need for expanded therapeutic services was acknowledged, with suggestions for integrating these programs into new recreational facilities.

Council members raised concerns about the rapid registration for camps, prompting discussions about potential in-person registration options to accommodate dedicated families. The idea of utilizing vacant schools for summer camps was proposed to alleviate waiting lists and provide more recreational opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a focus on future initiatives, including a proposed preteen lifeguard camp aimed at training younger individuals in lifeguarding skills, potentially creating a pipeline for future lifeguards.

Overall, the work session underscored the Norfolk City Council's commitment to enhancing recreational offerings and community engagement through diverse programming and events for all ages.