Summer in the City’s Project Play is one of the top worldwide producers to smiles, buddies and memories. It’s no secret that kids in Detroit have great obstacles between them and an education and, for that matter, a childhood. During summer vacation in Detroit, kids run the risk of missing even the limited structure and stability that an overstuffed, under-resourced classroom provides. Or, if they find their way to Summer in the City – and we do our job right – they might just have the most incredible, self-esteem-building, baking-soda-and-vinegar-volcano summer of their lives, until next summer, that is.

Project Play taps the inner-child and outer-role model of enthusiastic, attentive volunteers for programming that provides one teen “buddy” for each and every elementary-age camper. In pairs, teams and groups, everyone enjoys our “Three Rs”: Arts, Athletics and Academics. While every day is an adventure, few can compete with our world-famous Friday Field Trips – DIA, Science Center and Zoo, to hame a few. A new tradition born in 2010: Year-End Backpacktacular, sending every kid packing back to school with a new backpack chalk full of art and school supplies.