County Rolls Out

Klausmeier Highlights Summer Programs, Youth Opportunities, and Public Safety Initiatives Across Baltimore County

TOWSON — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier yesterday announced a County-wide summer effort to connect young people and families with recreation programs, educational resources, meal programs, and public safety initiatives designed to ensure communities are safe, active, and engaged throughout the summer months.

Klausmeier was joined at the Middle River Recreation Activity Center by Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, Recreation and Parks Acting Director Bryan Sheppard, Ann Beegle, Chief of External Affairs at the Baltimore County Public Library, and Baltimore County Council Chair Mike Ertel, along with Councilmembers Julian Jones and Pat Young. The center is one of 11 Recreation Activity Centers operated by Recreation and Parks.

Recreation Activity Centers provide safe, structured environments where young people can participate in activities, access technology, and spend time with friends.

You can view event photos here.

"Summer is a season of opportunity for every young person in Baltimore County," said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. "Whether it's a recreation program, a summer job, a library activity or simply a safe place to spend time, we're making sure young people and families have access to resources. We want everyone engaged, connected, and successful throughout the summer."

As part of the County's summer public safety strategy, the Baltimore County Police Department will maintain a strong presence throughout the County while expanding youth engagement efforts and continuing to work closely with community partners to address emerging concerns before they escalate.

“Public safety remains the Department’s top priority, and this year’s summer deployment strategies are designed to proactively identify and address emerging concerns before they escalate,” said Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough. “This summer, the Department will expand its efforts to reduce gun violence, engage with young people through camps and community outreach, and strategically address unlawful behavior associated with large gatherings throughout Baltimore County.”

Opportunities available to young people and families include:

• A record 500 youth have signed up to participate in the Department of Economic and Workforce Development's Summer Youth Employment Program, gaining paid work experience, workforce readiness training, and financial literacy skills (positions are filled).
• Leadership and mentorship opportunities through the Baltimore County Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy, Youth Mentoring Program, and Baltimore County Public Library Teen Advisory Boards.
• Youth leadership opportunities include Cops and Kids Baseball Camp and Cops and Kids Basketball Camp.
• Junior Firefighter and Cadet programs
• Vision To Learn partnership that helps connect eligible students with free eye exams and vision care in order to help prepare kids for the next school year.
• Recreation programs, camps, and activities at Recreation Activity Centers, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, nature centers, beaches, and skate parks.
• A summer reading program, educational activities, technology access, and teen programming through Baltimore County Public Library branches.
• Free summer meals available at participating locations across the county.

To find more information about Recreation and Parks programs, activities and parks, click here. For a map of major parks and facilities, click here.

To find more information about available youth programs through the Baltimore County Police Department, click here.