SOUTH PHILLY: Tolentine Community Center Opens Doors For Summer

by Jean Donohue
The cadence of sneakers sliding across a basketball court is the backdrop of summer days at the Tolentine Community Center on 10th and Mifflin streets.

THE SIGN at the entrance to the Tolentine Community Center states all the activities it touts. Photo by Jean Donohue

The nonprofit organization boats a summer camp for kids in kindergarten to eighth grade. The camp’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but additional before and after care are available for a nominal daily fee; $5 for the morning and $8 for the evening.
On June 22nd, the camp’s first day, kids congregated within their age groups and did their own thing whether that be playing basketball or working on arts and crafts. Some days will be just like this and on others the campers will go on trips to local museums such as the Franklin Institute.
Although the community center is consumed with its summer camp during June, July, and August, it maintains an active senior citizen program. Seniors are welcome inside the community center at any time, even when the camp is going on.
“It gives a lot of help (for seniors); it provides a place to gather and connects the community,” a member of the senior center shared.
Seniors meet at the center every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and although the summer months have altered scheduling,
Tolentine’s infamous bingo games are still held on Wednesdays for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Although the center has faced opposition in regard to its societal value and function, the Tolentine Community Center is a favorable (air conditioned) spot among kids, their parents of course, and senior citizens especially for the summer.

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