A Boynton Beach community group wanted to give children a safe place to hang out over the summer. So the Boynton Strong group, alongside other community members, started a free summer camp at the Carolyn Sims Center.
“I am glad they started this free program, and I volunteer my time every day,” said Tiara Harp.
The camp had dozens of children playing at the park at the community center. Organizers said this creates a safe place for kids in the neighborhood.
“At least they are busy, not in the streets going out and joining gangs,” said Harp.
“We are not going to subject these children to the elements of the street,” said Bernard Wright.
Wright said they would like to have better access to the recreation building.
“This should be open for the public because it is my tax dollars,” he said.
The city's summer camp uses the center, and that camp costs $575. The city said outside children can come to get a drink of water or use the bathroom, but public access is limited.
“When we have summer camp during the summer, we have to be very careful about who comes into our buildings,” said Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Director Wally Majors.
The free camp is run by volunteers, and they hope it will make a difference. The enrollment was all week and organizers say they had 65 children sign up for the camp.
The city said they do offer scholarships for their summer camps.
