Summer at NJCDC: Free Programs, Fun for All Ages, and Community Connections
July 2, 2025
At NJCDC, summer isn’t just a season — it’s a time for community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a young person looking to try something new, a parent searching for safe and engaging activities, or a resident hoping to connect with neighbors, we’ve got something for you.
This summer, NJCDC is offering a wide variety of free programs for youth, families, and residents across Paterson through our resident-led classes supported by our Neighborhood Help Center (NHC), our Great Falls Youth Center, and our NJ4S Passaic County Hub. From soccer to sewing, drumming to dance, and writing to wellness, we invite you to make the most of your summer with us!
Resident-Led Summer Classes & Activities Supported by our NHC
Arts & Crafts
Sewing for Middle Schoolers
A creative sewing program for youth (ages 8-13) that encourages focus, patience, and self-expression.
Dates/Times: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM
Ages: 8–13
Start Date: August 4, 2025
Location: GFYC (52 Front St)
Register: Sewing for Kids
Balloon Creations for All
A fun and creative class for teens (13+) and adults to learn balloon art and design.
Dates/Times: Monday–Wednesday, 6:00 PM
Ages: 13+
Start Date: July 7, 2025
Location: CCSP Gym (6 Morris St.)
Register: Balloon Creations
Youth Photography
Capture Paterson: Through Our Eyes is a photo project showcasing the city's beauty as seen through the eyes of its young residents (10-13).
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 12:00 PM
Ages: Youth
Start Date: July 12, 2025
Location: GFYC (52 Front St)
Register: Photography
Music & Dance
Caporales (Peruvian Folk Dance)
A cultural dance class open to all ages that celebrates South American heritage through the lively art of Caporales.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 3:00 PM
Ages: All Ages
Start Date: July 12, 2025
Location: CCSP Gym (6 Morris St.)
Register: Caporales Dance
Bomba y Plena (Puerto Rican Dance)
An all-ages dance class that introduces participants to Puerto Rico’s rich musical and cultural tradition.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 12:00 PM
Ages: All Ages
Start Date: July 12, 2025
Location: CCSP Gym (6 Morris St.)
Register: Bomba y Plena Dance
Piano Classes for Beginners
Introductory piano lessons for youth (12+) up to explore their musical talents for 12 weeks.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 10:00 AM
Ages: 12+
Start Date: July 12, 2025
Location: GFYC (52 Front St)
Register: Piano Classes
Cooking
Dominican Cooking with Lety
A cooking class open to teens (13+) and adults, focusing on traditional Dominican recipes and family favorites.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 12:00 PM
Ages: 13+
Start Date: July 12, 2025
Location: GFYC (52 Front St)
Register: Dominican Cooking
Baking with Brenda
A hands-on baking class where teens (16+) and adults can learn how to create delicious desserts.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, 2:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Start Date: July 12, 2025
Location: GFYC (52 Front St)
Register: Baking with Brenda
Get Active
Youth Soccer
A free soccer program for children ages 4-12 to build skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Dates/Times: Monday–Wednesday, 2:00 PM
Ages: 4–12
Start Date: July 7, 2025
Location: CCSP Gym
Register: Youth Soccer
Neighborhood Clean-Ups
A community service project that invites residents of all ages to come together and keep their streets and parks clean and welcoming.
Dates/Times: Saturdays at 9:00 AM and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM
Ages: All Ages
Start Date: July 9, 2025
Meet-up Location: 52 Front St, Paterson
Register: Community Clean-Up
Great Falls Youth Center: Free Weekly Programming for Youth and Families
Our Great Falls Youth Center (GFYC) is the place to be this summer for youth ages 12–18 and their families. Weekday activities are packed with creativity, sports, and self-expression, while Saturdays offer family-friendly fun for all ages.
Register for these summer programs at bit.ly/njcdcyouth.
Apply to be a Great Falls Youth Center participant at bit.ly/gfycapp.
Weekday Youth Program Schedule
Monday
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sports Camp
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Diamond Art
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Boxing
Tuesday
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sports Camp
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Songwriting & Recording
Wednesday
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sports Camp
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Boxing
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Instrument Classes
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Writing Workshop
Thursday
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sports Camp
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Culinary Arts
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Songwriting & Recording
Friday
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sports Camp
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drumming
Register for these summer programs at bit.ly/njcdcyouth!
Saturday Family Activities (Open to all ages)
No registration required, just drop in and join the fun!
12:00 PM | Drum Class
12:00 PM | Boxing
1:00 PM | Yoga
1:00 PM | Instrument Class
2:00 PM | Diamond Art
3:00 PM | Self-Defense
Extended Summer Programs for Youth of All Ages
From kindergarten through high school, our Great Falls Youth Center is buzzing with activity all summer long. With extended programs designed to spark creativity, strengthen academic skills, and inspire curiosity, there’s something for every age group. Whether your child is discovering the arts, preparing for college, or diving into hands-on science and engineering, our Youth Center is the place to grow, learn, and connect this summer.
Read about last summer’s youth programs!
Summer Arts Program (K-5th)
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Runs from Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 25)
This free four-week program is for youth entering Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Students will have fun exploring a variety of art forms, including music, dance, and arts & crafts.
While the program is currently at capacity, we encourage you to fill out this registration form to be added to the waiting list.
Bridge to Success (High School Students)
Prepare for the road ahead with our Bridge to Success program, designed to help high school students get ready for both high school and college. Participants will work closely with our team of youth specialists on academic and personal development — and students who complete the program will receive a $100 stipend!
Dates: July 28 – August 15, 2025
Time: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Great Falls Youth Center (52 Front St.)
Last Day to Register: Monday, July 21 — Register here
STEAM Summer Program (Middle & High School Students)
Thanks to the support and funding from the PSEG foundation, this hands-on science and engineering program challenges students to design, build, and compete. Through team-based projects and creative problem solving, students will explore real-world applications of STEAM while having a blast.
Dates: July 28 – August 15, 2025
Middle School Time: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
High School Time: Monday–Friday, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Great Falls Youth Center (52 Front St.)
Last Day to Register: Monday, July 21 — Register here
NJ4S Passaic County Hub: “End of Summer” Camp
Close out summer with energy and excitement! The NJ4S Passaic County Hub is hosting a weeklong End of Summer Camp for students entering grades 4–8.
Dates: August 25–29, 2025
Location: 101 Oliver Street, Paterson
Cost: Free to attend
Bonus: Students who attend all five days will receive a $50–$100 gift card for school supplies
Final Day: Fun field trip (location to be announced)
Focus: Academic skills, team-building, and getting ready for the new school year
Registration Deadline: July 18 - Register Here
Let’s Make Summer Count
Whether you're learning a new skill, engaging in creative expression, or enjoying family time, NJCDC’s summer programming is here to support and celebrate our community. We hope to see you at one (or more!) of our programs this summer.
Have questions? Reach out to us at info@njcdc.org, or contact the program staff listed in the registration forms.
Let’s make this summer one to remember!