PCA Tampa Bay – Support for Character Development Makes an Impact Over Time

As summer begins, over 2,200 children and their families across Hillsborough County are gearing up for weeks and weeks of fun, friendships, field trips, and PCA! Amidst the indoor and outdoor activities kids participate in daily, they also are introduced to topics such as filling Emotional Tanks, respect for teammates and opponents, mastery, and growth mindset through PCA’s Character Development Program.  While kids learn about these ideas in the context of sports, games, and activities, staff also lead discussions on how the kids can apply the lessons at the park, at home, in their community, and then back at school in the fall. 

Within Hillsborough’s Parks & Recreation 19 traditional summer camps, dedicated counselors, all certified in PCA’s foundational principles, are committed to creating a supportive and exciting environment where every child experiences positive youth development.

What sets the County’s summer programming apart is its leadership, veteran staff, positive culture, common language, consistency across the county, and PCA’s programming with support from local donors. But don’t just take our word for it – hear it from Karlie, one of the staff herself.

“I work in Parks & Rec because I love the kids, I love being able to be a role model to them… I like giving them a place where they can come here, be excited about it, and learn the correct things they may not be getting anywhere else.” 

Parks include: