Summer Central

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What Should I Expect at Summer Central?

Summer Central is a safe, recreational environment in the summer months for middle and high school students. Most Summer Central-CC activities are FREE, with the exception of an exclusive, discounted, field trip to Deep River Waterpark. All activities are dependent on weather conditions.

How Do I Sign Up?

Registration is required for Summer Central. You can register using the button below, allowing 48 hours for processing. Transportation before and after programming is available upon request during registration.

2026 Summer Central-CC Schedule!

🎉 6/3/26: Kickoff Summer Party @ Pope Pond, 2:30PM-5:30PM (FREE)
Fun, games, and summer kick-off activities at Pope Pond. Bring a towel, dry clothes, a modest swimsuit, and sunscreen.

🌊 6/10/26: Pond Party @ Pope Pond, 2:30PM-5:30PM (FREE)
Swimming, games, and snacks at Pope Pond. Bring a towel, dry clothes, a modest swimsuit, and sunscreen.

☀️ 6/24/26: Pond Party @ Pope Pond, 2:30PM-5:30PM (FREE)
Swimming, games, and snacks at Pope Pond. Bring a towel, dry clothes, a modest swimsuit, and sunscreen.

🏖️ 7/1/26: Pond Party @ Pope Pond, 2:30PM-5:30PM (FREE)
Swimming, games, and snacks at Pope Pond. Bring a towel, dry clothes, a modest swimsuit, and sunscreen.

🍉 7/8/26: Pond Party @ Pope Pond, 2:30PM-5:30PM (FREE)
Swimming, games, and snacks at Pope Pond. Bring a towel, dry clothes, a modest swimsuit, and sunscreen.

💦 7/15/26: Pond Party @ Pope Pond, 2:30PM-5:30PM (FREE)
Swimming, games, and snacks at Pope Pond. Bring a towel, dry clothes, a modest swimsuit, and sunscreen.

🎢 7/22/26: Deep River Water Park, 9AM-6PM ($25)
Full-day water park trip with transportation and lunch provided. Bring a towel, modest swimsuit, sunscreen, water bottle, and dry clothes.

Just Give Me The Details!

COST

Most Summer Central events are 100% FREE! Select days with field trips have a discounted cost. Please note that scholarships are available upon request!

LOCATION

201 W. Market Street, Columbia City, IN 46725

(Please use Door 1 @ corner of Chauncey and Market St.)

HOURS

Most Wednesdays from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

See schedule above for more info…

CONTACT

More questions? No problem!

Contact one of our Summer Central-CC directors below…

Meet Our Staff

Meet our Staff

At The Center, we believe students need healthy role models. Learn more about our Summer Central-CC staff below.

Kylee Gudeman
Kylee GudemanProgram Director
During the 2021-2022 school year, Kylee served as a volunteer for The Center’s After School Central-Columbia City program. Kylee formed deep connections with the middle school girls and found her passion for youth development. Kylee enjoys backpacking in the mountains. Life-giving activities for Kylee include spending quality time conversing with family and friends and backpacking in the mountains!
Liam Strong
Liam StrongCo-Director
During the 2023-2024 school year, Liam Strong joined The Center as Co-Director of Programming for Columbia City and Churubusco. Liam has a deep passion for working with youth, and he’s excited to build relationships and watch students grow. In his free time, Liam enjoys golfing, playing video games, and spending time with friends. Life-giving activities for Liam include connecting with others and being active on the golf course.

What Are They Saying?

I come to The Center because it gets me away from my homelife and improves my mental health!
John, Student

The experience that The Center provides for my kids is not one that I could give them as a single parent.

Mary, Parent
I come to The Center because sometimes I need help my parents can’t give me.
Madison, Student

At The Center, I had people who cared for me and rooted for me every day. It meant so much to me and I 100% believe I wouldn’t be who I am today without having the boundaries, respect, and expectations that I was given during that time.

Katie, Center Alumni
The Center gave me a place to go and to have a warm meal when I know my mom would be working overtime and wouldn’t be able to cook for us.
Nick, Center Alumni

The Center helped me develop skills that I’ve used on a daily basis in my life.

Kali, Center Alumni
[My Daughter] does well in the program and even gets her homework done on time. She builds friendships and relationships with her peers that she may not have been able to do in school.

Rebekah, Parent