Norfolk, VA. (Thursday, June 11, 2026) – As summer approaches, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) is rolling out a wide-ranging Youth Summer Schedule designed to keep young residents engaged, active and learning beyond the classroom.
From college tours and swimming lessons to daily meals and mentorship opportunities, the Youth Services department’s summer programming aims to meet families where they are, while opening doors to new experiences across the city.
“We’re trying to build something where kids can come every day, feel safe and leave with something meaningful,” said NRHA Youth Services Specialist Breion Taylor. “(They’re gaining) not just sports, but life skills and exposure to opportunities they might not otherwise have.”
A key feature for families this year is the NRHA Youth Empowerment Through Sports (YES) recreation card initiative, in partnership with the City of Norfolk’s Parks and Recreation department. The program will provide as many as 100 rec cards for youth residents, aged 5-17 with sign-up events already underway across the NRHA family communities.
“With the cards, kids can go to the pools, rec center, and participate in programs and sports,” NRHA Youth Services Specialist Duane Rollins explained. “Even if they’re not in a formal camp, they still have a place to go.”
Rollins added the youth services department is also looking to provide transportation to and from recreation sites – removing a major barrier for some families.
With the Chesterfield Swimming Pool open through Labor Day, swimming will be a mainstay of the summer lineup. And, at the Southside Aquatics Center on Campostella Road, the Learn to Swim program is happening every Tuesday and Thursday emphasizing both recreation and safety. The initiative is part of the Authority’s partnership with the City of Norfolk.
“Swimming isn’t just a sport – it’s a life skill,” Taylor said. “You want kids to feel confident in the water.”
The Learn to Swim program runs through Aug. 13, and ties into the summer’s broader activities, including outdoor games, sports and field trips.
Beginning June 15 and running through August 14, NRHA will operate its “Summer Fuel and Play” program at the Calvert Square Envision Center and Oakleaf Forest Computer Resource Center.
The weekday program provides the following staples:
- Breakfast (9:30-10:30 a.m.)
- Lunch (12:30-1:30 p.m.)
- Daily activities (1:30-3:30 p.m.)
Activities will range from basketball and soccer to arts, craft and computer time, with occasional trips to pools and community destinations. The goal is getting kids interacting and building camaraderie. The program is supported by Norfolk Public Schools’ Summer Food Service Program, ensuring children have consistent access to nutritious food while staying engaged.
For teens, NRHA is expanding its popular college tour series, with the following visits confirmed:
- TCC Portsmouth Campus (June 17)
- ECPI University (July 1)
- Hampton University (July 10)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (July 22)
- Old Dominion University (July 29)
Additional outreach is underway for potential tours at Elizabeth City State, Virginia State and Virginia Union Universities.
“These trips aren’t just about seeing a campus,” Rollins noted. “It’s about showing kids different communities and helping them see what’s possible beyond their neighborhood.”
There will also be a weekly College Prep and Apprenticeship series at Calvert Square Envision Center on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Another highlight of the summer is the NRHA Youth Summit, scheduled for June 27 at Norfolk State University. Designed for youth ages 12 to 18, the daylong event will focus on mentorship, wellness and leadership development – and will be largely youth-driven.
“It’s really about letting the young people shape the experience,” Taylor said. “They’ll help decide topics, speakers and what they want to get out of it.”
Participants will also have access to resources, guest speakers and networking opportunities with peers and community leaders.
Diggs Town’s Resilience Center will also feature a summer adventure program, Mindful Explorers, through Aug. 13. Jazmine Garcia, the GEAR Recovery founder and the center’s program director said the program, which runs Monday through Thursday, will focus on mental awareness and interactive learning. Lunch will also be provided for participants. Garcia added that the program is continuing to accept signups until they reach their capacity of 50 participants.
Beyond structured programming, Youth Services is also working with local partners for additional opportunities throughout the summer.
Here are some of the activities being planned:
- Financial literacy workshops with Dollar Bank
- Creative programming with local Norfolk Public Library branches
- Visits to the Chrysler Museum and Norfolk Tides baseball games
- Exploration of boxing and fitness programs in the community
These partnerships are designed to provide both enrichment and exposure, while reinforcing positive pathways.
While youth engagement remains strong, organizers acknowledge that connecting with parents is equally important – and often more challenging.
“We want parents to come meet us, talk to us and feel comfortable,” Rollins shared. “When they know who’s working with their kids, it builds trust.”
Rollins and Taylor are considering additional meet-and-greet events and outreach efforts to strengthen those relationships and encourage greater participation.
At its core, the Youth Summer Schedule is rooted in connection – helping young people discover new interests while building relationships within their community.
“We just want families to come out and see what we’re doing,” Taylor said. “Come meet us, ask questions and let us get to know you too.”
With a full schedule of programming and a focus on accessibility, NRHA leaders hope this summer will be one of growth, connection and opportunity for youth across Norfolk.
For more information about this story, contact dcuenca@nrha.us.
About Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Founded in 1940, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) is Virginia’s largest redevelopment and housing authority and a nationwide leader in real estate development and property management. With its annual capital and operating budget, NRHA continually works with Norfolk residents to renew and revitalize the city. For the latest information about NRHA, visit our website at https://nrha.us.