Empowers Brown Girls of all shades to embrace their confidence and natural beauty, strive for excellence, and grow in sisterhood and community. They provide mentorship opportunities for young women and their parents through group programming in Columbus. They meet several times a month at various Columbus Parks and Recreation Centers. The program includes lectures, trainings, and fun activities to build self-confidence, develop relationships, resolve conflict, and develop practical life skills.
(614) 831-0955
browngirlsmentoring.org
A week-long summer day camp for youth ages 13-17. Campers explore how professionals like doctors, nurses, and epidemiologists protect different populations and promote healthy communities. Participants learn from professionals at Columbus Public Health and Ohio State University College of Public Health. There is a small fee for participation but financial assistance may be available. Interested students should register through the Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
(614) 645-2694
columbusrecparks.com/summer-camps/camp-public-health
CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:
(614) 645-2275
All Library Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
Upcoming Events: events.columbuslibrary.org/events?
Website: columbuslibrary.org
Free afterschool program for children K-8 to get homework help, a nutritious snack, and recreation activities. The Capital Kids program is hosted at Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Centers. Visit for locations and registration.
columbusrecparks.com/community/arc
Workforce development initiative for youth ages 14-23. Participants gain paid work experience with Columbus city departments and local businesses. Youth development specialists provide linkage to support services and mentorship to ensure participants’ success. Applications typically open in February for summer placements. Visit the website to apply and find additional contact information.
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/apps
A nine-month leadership program for youth entering grades 6-9, who are residents of the City of Columbus. Participants receive mentorship from city leaders and improve teamwork, public speaking, community awareness, and leadership skills. Participants must complete the application with recommendation letters and be available for monthly meet-ups during the school year. Applications typically open in May.
Jerry Hammond Center: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-0886
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/city-leaders-academy
Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Centers open for extended hours during Columbus City Public Schools’ spring, fall and winter breaks. The program allows youth to take part in a variety of activities during the day to help meet the needs of working parents. Visit the website for community center locations and to register.
columbusrecparks.com/community/schoolsout
Sponsors recreational activities that are modified to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities at Columbus Community Centers. Families can fill out an Inclusion Support Request online and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will coordinate accommodations. They also offer an adaptive fitness center, inclusive summer camps, adaptive sports clubs, and events.
Adaptive Fitness Center at Franklin Park Adventure Center: 1755 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5648
Inclusion Support Request: columbusrecparks.com/wellness/therapeutic-recreation/inclusion-support
Website: columbusrecparks.com/wellness/therapeutic-recreation
Columbus has parks and recreation centers throughout the city and surrounding areas. They provide a variety of programs, camps and classes for children, teens and adults. Financial assistance/Scholarships for programs may be available. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.
Operates sustainable gardens and an urban farm at several sites in downtown Columbus. They also offer school and community visits with mobile labs. The Urban Garden operates as an Applied STEM Learning Lab for youth, families, and community members to learn about composting, bioengineering, biodiversity, sustainability and renewable energy. Families can take a stroll through their gardens or sign up for educational workshops. They offer several hands-on STEM Summer Camps through partnerships with The PAST Foundation and Columbus Recreation and Parks each year. The Environmental and Climate Justice Academy is a free, year-round program for middle and high school students to learn about environmental crime scene investigation, climate change, and complete hands-on STEM projects. They also offer several volunteer and internship opportunities. Visit the website to register for a program or to contact the organization.
33 North 20th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
mezzacello.org
Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. Passes cover entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. They are also used for day use fees at lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Free Interagency Passes are available for 4th graders, senior citizens, U.S. military families, and individuals with permanent disabilities. Find program details and park locations online.
nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website has information on parks, trails, state park lodges, and historic places to explore throughout Ohio. Find upcoming events, hunting licenses and regulations, safety tips, or make a camping reservation. Use the Ohio Trails Partnership Map to find out where to go hiking, biking, birding, paddling, and horseback riding in Ohio.
ohiodnr.gov/home
Nature and history conservatory offering parks & trails, facilities, and programs for families to explore. They offer group hikes, community events, and more.
2656 Hogback Road, Sunbury, Ohio 43074
(740) 524-8600
preservationparks.com
Part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department network, they offer year-round art classes, workshops, exhibitions, and meeting spaces. Week-long or 7-8 week class sessions for youth and adults include ceramics, enameling, painting, and much more. Conversations & Coffee meets every other Thursday for artist talks and community discussion. Class fee assistance is available, apply online.
139 West Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7047
culturalartscenteronline.org/classes-workshops/art-classes
A paid summer work experience for 15-18 year-olds to gain hands-on experience in urban farming. Participants receive a stipend for working in the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden for 8 weeks, and sell the produce they grow at the Conservatory’s Farmer’s Market. Students learn about gardening, cooking, customer service, and more. Participants must have a Columbus address or attend at Columbus City School to qualify, and complete an application and interview process.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps