The WYC Summer Program lottery will open on February 1, 2023!!

The Wellesley Youth Commission is excited to announce the 2023 lineup of summer programs. Get an insider view of the Town of Wellesley by experiencing one of our amazing programs!

All summer programs offered through the Wellesley Youth Commission are free and for Wellesley youth (residents) and students attending WPS and must be entering grades 6, 7, and 8 Fall of 2023. The programs are held at various locations throughout Wellesley.

Applicants apply online beginning February 1, 2023, and may choose to apply to any of the summer exploration programs, but applicants can attend only one program per summer.   A lottery will be drawn on March 1, 2023 and applicants will receive a confirmation the week of March 6. 2023.  After March 1, summer program spaces are available on a first come first serve basis until all spots have been filled.

Fire Rescuers - 

Fire Rescuers is a week-long exploration for 20 youth with the Wellesley Fire Department the week of  July 10-July 14, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Highlights for this program include:

  • Experience a working Fire Department with hands-on training including fire extinguishing, knot tying, water rescue, and much more.
  • Field trip to local Fire Academy
  • Visits and demonstrations from the MBTA Bomb Squad.


Wellesley Eco Summer Program 

Eco Summer Program is a week-long exploration for 20 youth with the Natural Resource Commission and Wellesley Conservation Council the week of  July 17-21, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  
* This is a Shine-only program, if it rains the activities may be canceled for that day.

Highlights for this program include:

  • Hands-on fishing demonstrations by the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
  • Wilderness survival and fire-building
  • Experimentation with drones
  • Kayaking, swimming and shoreline restoration (Must take a swim test to participate in this days activities)
  • Learn about how to protect and preserve the natural environment in Wellesley


Wellesley Police Department (WPD) Youth Academy 

WPD Youth Academy is a week-long exploration for 25 youth with the Wellesley Police Department the week of July 31-August 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Highlights for this program include:

  • Learning the importance of law enforcement in their community and beyond.
  • Experiencing hands-on demonstrations involving radar, motor vehicle stops, mock arrests, and crime scene search.
  • Discover the valuable collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
  • Field trips to Boston area law enforcement agencies, FBI, and State Police.