Hampton Kicks off Summer Season with a Robust choice of Camps, Programs, Parks & Facilities

City welcomes new director to lead Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services

Jun 20, 2025

As summer officially begins, the City of Hampton is set to provide a comprehensive lineup of summer activities and resources for residents of all ages, including access to its extensive network of parks, community centers, engaging programs, and diverse summer camps. From outdoor recreation in Hampton's various parks and lively events at neighborhood and community centers, to specialized offerings like the Summer Fun Full Day Camp for younger children, the Teen Life Unplugged Summer Camp, and various basketball camps, there's something to ensure an active and enriching season for everyone. Overseeing these initiatives as of June 16, 2025, is Darrell Crittendon, the city's newly appointed Director of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services.

Summer Recreation Activities & Camps (June-August 2025)

Hampton Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services is excited to offer a variety of summer programs for eligible participants.

Summer Fun Full Day Camp: Designed for campers aged 6-10, this program features weekly themes, enrichment activities, play, swimming, and field trips to Busch Gardens and Ocean Breeze (additional fees apply). It runs Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 16 to August 20, 2025. The non-refundable registration fee is $20 (includes a T-shirt), with weekly costs of $80 for members ($75 for additional children) and $100 for non-members ($95 for additional children). Free lunch and snacks are provided.
Teen Life Unplugged Summer Camp: For ages 11-14, this camp includes swimming, art and design, crafts, sports, a talent show, and field trips to Busch Gardens and Ocean Breeze (additional fees apply). It operates Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 16 to August 20, 2025. The non-refundable registration fee is $20 (includes a T-shirt), with weekly costs of $80 for members ($75 for additional children) and $100 for non-members ($95 for additional children). Free lunch and snacks are also provided.
North Phoebus “All-City” Basketball Camp: Campers aged 8-14 can participate in small-group training sessions to learn basketball fundamentals, including shooting, dribbling, and defense. This camp runs Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., from June 30 to August 20, 2025. There is a non-refundable $20 registration fee and a weekly cost of $50 per child. Free lunch and snacks are provided.
Therapeutic Recreation Camp Superstar: This program is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities aged 6-22, focusing on recreational activities, games, creative endeavors, and cooking. Participants must be able to use the restroom with minimal support, follow two-step directions, and desire to participate. The program maintains a 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio. It runs Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 16 to August 20, 2025. The non-refundable registration fee is $20, with weekly costs of $100 for members and $120 for non-members. Free lunch and snacks are included.
Rec 'n' Roll: Scuttle Bus: Starting in July, the "Scuttle Bus" will bring recreational activities to neighborhoods, loaded with equipment for sports, arts and crafts, and fitness. It also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. Open to all ages, with fun for children aged 5-15, no registration is required, and USDA bag meals and snacks will be provided.
USDA Summer Food Service Program: In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hampton Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services provides free meals to children 18 years or younger when school is out. This program also serves those over 18 enrolled in public or private nonprofit school programs for individuals with disabilities.
Friday Night Fast Break Basketball: While specific summer event dates for this program are not yet announced, the department encourages checking back for future basketball events.

Community Parks & Facilities

Hampton is home to numerous parks, each offering unique features for public enjoyment.

Air Power Park is a 15-acre space featuring vintage aircraft and space launch vehicles with connections to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and NASA Langley Research Center. It's also part of Hampton's Waterwalk trail.
Buckroe Beach & Park boasts three-quarters of a mile of clean beach along the Chesapeake Bay, with lifeguards on duty during summer months, picnic shelters, an observation pier, and a stage pavilion.
Bluebird Gap Farm offers a family-oriented adventure and educational experience in an urban setting.
Fort Wool is located in the Hampton Roads bay and is owned by the Commonwealth.
Gosnold's Hope Park, the city's second-largest developed park at 105 acres, provides picnic facilities, campsites, a public boat ramp, a fitness trail, athletic fields, a children's playground, and a BMX track.
Sandy Bottom Nature Park is Hampton's premier 456-acre environmental education and wildlife management facility.
Other options include Neighborhood Parks & Trails, Waterfront & Feature Parks like Carousel Park, and Dog Parks for furry companions.

Community & Neighborhood Centers

The city also operates several Community & Neighborhood Centers that serve as hubs for various programs:

Fox Hill Neighborhood Center
Fort Monroe Community Center
Kenneth Wallace Neighborhood Resource Center
Little England Cultural Center
Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center
Northampton Community Center
North Phoebus Community Center
Old Hampton Neighborhood Network Center
West Hampton Community Center
Y. H. Thomas Neighborhood Center

For more information on these programs or general inquiries, the Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Department can be contacted at 757-727-6348 or via the 311 Citizen Contact Center at 757-727-8311.

A Hampton Daily Contributor used AI and these sources to produce this report: