SUMMER 2026 • ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Roots & Rise Summer Experience
Building confident, connected, and future-ready youth.
A free summer program for Washington County youth ages 12–16 — field trips, leadership,
sports, swimming, STEM and so much more.
FREE • Limited Spots Available
Key Information
Program Dates:
Starts Monday, June 15, 2026 — runs through the end of summer holidays.
Days:
Monday – Thursday
Time:
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages:
Open to all Washington County youth ages 12–16
Location:
Robert W. Johnson Community Center, 109 W. North Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Cost:
Completely free
Meals:
Snacks and a meal provided each day
What Students Experience
Every day at Summer Experience is built around exploration, growth and joy. Here’s what students get:
Field Trips
Monthly outings to museums, parks, college campuses and cultural sites across the region.
Leadership Development
Real-world leadership skills, public speaking, decision-making and confidence building.
Sports & Recreation
Daily physical activity, team sports and games that build health, teamwork and fun.
Swimming
Supervised swim sessions throughout the summer.
Arts & Creativity
Hands-on art, music and creative expression projects.
Mentorship
Daily connection with caring adults who show up, listen and believe in every student.
STEM Exploration
Science, technology, engineering and math activities — hands-on, project-based and fun.
Cultural Enrichment
Continue the Know Who I Am curriculum — Hagerstown's history, identity and community.
Limited Spots Available
Summer Experience runs on small group ratios so every student gets the attention they deserve. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Enroll now to reserve your child’s place.
What Happens After Summer Holidays End
When Washington County Public Schools resume, Roots & Rise transitions back to its regular after school schedule: Monday – Thursday, 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Students who attended Summer Experience are warmly encouraged to continue with us during the school year — it’s the best way to build on the friendships, mentorship and growth that started in summer.
How to Enroll
There are three ways your family connects with the Summer Experience — find the one that
matches your situation.
Already Enrolled in Our Regular After-School Program?
You're automatically qualified for Summer Experience. No new form needed. Just confirm your child's attendance with us.
New to Roots & Rise? Want to Join Just for Summer?
Welcome. Complete the Summer Experience enrollment form to reserve your child's spot.
Want to Continue After Summer Ends?
Highly recommended. Once summer wraps up, our regular school-year program picks up Monday–Thursday, 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Families who only joined for summer will need to complete the regular enrollment form to continue.
Transportation
Drop-off and pickup is the responsibility of parents and guardians throughout the summer program. Whether you drop off and pick up daily or coordinate carpools with neighbors, we are open and welcoming during all program hours (Monday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
Information on whether WCPS bus transportation will be available for the summer program is pending. We will update this page as soon as we have confirmation. For now, please plan for parent drop-off and pickup.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — completely free for all eligible students. Snacks and a meal are also included each day at no cost.
Any Washington County youth ages 12–16. Unlike the regular school-year program, summer is open to families across the county — not limited to specific school attendance zones.
No. If your child is already enrolled in the regular Monday-through-Thursday after-school program, they automatically qualify for the Summer Experience. Please just confirm their attendance with us.
Welcome. Please complete the Summer Experience enrollment form. If you would like your child to continue with us once school starts (highly recommended), they will then need to complete the regular after-school enrollment form.
Programming starts Monday, June 15, 2026 and runs Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM, throughout the summer holidays. The program ends when WCPS summer break ends and the school year begins — at which point we transition to the regular after-school hours of 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Yes. Snacks and a meal are provided each day.
Parent drop-off and pickup is the standard plan for summer. WCPS bus service for the summer program is still being confirmed — please check back on this page for updates.
No. The Summer Experience runs as a flexible drop-in program — students can attend daily, a few days a week, or whenever it fits their schedule.
Just themselves and weather-appropriate clothing. For days with swimming or outdoor activities we will share specific notes in advance. We provide all activity materials, snacks and meals.
Click the Enroll for Summer button on this page to complete the Summer Experience enrollment form. Spots are limited and assigned first-come, first served.
Give Your Child a Summer They'll Remember
Free. Welcoming. Built around belonging. Reserve your child’s spot today.
