The Paul Robeson House & Museum is planning an exciting “Arts in the Parlor” program this fall, and is seeking talented youths to perform and present.

The Robeson House is seeking youths 16 and under to show off their talents in the same parlor where Paul Robeson, the legendary African American singer, actor, activist and professional football player, sang during the last 10 years of his life and where he lived with his sister in West Philadelphia. The talent can be singing, dancing, music, art, cooking, crafts and other creative expressions.

Presentations/performances will be held on Sundays from September to November 2023. They will be both virtual and live at the house, located at 4951 Walnut Street.

Parents can apply and give permission for their child to participate here: http://bit.ly/artsinparlor2023.

For more information, email: wphlca@gmail.com.

City Councilmember, Jamie Gauthier’s office is hosting its first 3rd District Back-to-School Drive for local families. Donations of backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off through August 25th at the 3rd District Office located at 606 S. 52nd Street, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Families with school-age children are asked to register if they want to receive school supplies. Please click here to fill out an online registration form. Additional info is below.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (right) had her hand traced on a mural by camper, Syrena McCoy, 8, during a celebration of the first week of camp at Caring People Alliance West Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club’s new camp.

Caring People Alliance West Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club (5843-55 Catherine St.), in Cobbs Creek, announced the opening of its new, 10-week summer camp, offering a wide range of engaging activities and educational experiences for children in the community ages 2-18.

The Caring People Alliance celebrated the first week of camp with a community-wide block party last Thursday. Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier joined campers and staff, as a mural made by the campers was unveiled to commemorate the occasion. The mural showcased the handprints of all the children already enrolled in the camp and contained each camper’s aspirations for the summer. Councilwoman Gauthier added her handprint to the mural.

Continue Reading

The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting dozens of summer camp programs for children ages 6 to 12 across the city this summer. The office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) has compiled a list of camps located at West Philly rec centers and playgrounds. These day camps offer a variety of activities, including arts & crafts, sports, educational activities, games, field trips, and more.

Parents and guardians are invited to contact the camp sites in their area directly. Please note that fees vary by site and scholarships are available upon request.

See the flyer below with the list of West Philly Parks & Rec camp sites and their contact details. Also, check out our Summer Camps listings here if you’re still looking for a camp for your child.

Continue Reading

Just in time for summer, a new state-of-the-art nature-themed playground has opened in Cobbs Creek near 63rd and Spruce. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by state and city officials, as well as students from Add B. Anderson Middle School and community members, took place on Wednesday afternoon.

The new Cobbs Creek Nature Playground combines modern and unique features to create a “nature-themed play oasis.” All play equipment was made from refurbished solid wood and the playground was designed around the existing trees. The playground itself has been designed to cultivate imaginative play with ample swinging and climbing structures.

“I’m grateful to see the vision for this site come to fruition just in time for summer,’ said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Cobbs Creek Playground has been an integral part of the West Philadelphia community, and now it’s a space where the community can safely play and proudly call their own.”

Continue Reading

Philadelphia’s free spraygrounds are expected to be reopened for the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27, according to an announcement by Parks & Rec. There are over 90 water-based play spaces in Philadelphia, many of them are spraygrounds or spray parks, but some sites include a single sprinkler, or spray jet.

During the season, which ends on Labor Day, spraygrounds will be open seven days a week, with the exception of bad weather days, at the following hours:

Weekdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekends: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Continue Reading