Santa Fe outlines after-school, day‑camp and summer youth programs; officials discuss expansion and wait list

The City of Santa Fe presented details of its after‑school, school‑closure day camp and summer youth programs during the Quality of Life Committee meeting on May 21, explaining fees, staffing, enrollment limits and partnerships while committee members pressed staff about wait lists and possible expansion.

The programs provide after‑school care and year‑round options for elementary and middle school students, operate on sliding‑scale fees and rely on partnerships with Santa Fe Public Schools for meals and site support, City of Santa Fe youth program staff said. The presentation highlighted program capacity, a significant waiting list and recent one‑time funding for transportation.

Melissa Bustos, the City of Santa Fe youth program manager, told the committee that the after‑school program at the GCC includes transportation from participating schools, an hour of daily recreational activities, a healthy snack and homework help and that “when fully staffed, we serve up to 90 participants ages 6 through 12.” She said after‑school hours are Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and that the…