As summer winds down and Philadelphia students prepare to return to the classroom, organizations across Kensington are bringing families together with free school supplies, activities, community celebrations, and resources.

From backpack giveaways and soccer to a neighborhood water gun fight and mental health advocacy, here are five upcoming events for Kensington children, youth, and families.

 

Flyer for Harrowgate Park's Back to School Bash on August 14.

1. Harrowgate Back-to-School Bash

Friday, August 14 | 3–5 p.m.
Heitzman Recreation Center, 3631 Amber Street

Get ready for the new school year at the Harrowgate Back-to-School Bash! Children can receive a free backpack and school supplies, while The Dress Up Project will distribute free clothing. Families can also enjoy light refreshments.

Children must be present to receive supplies.

Presented by: Impact Services, Harrowgate Civic Association, Friends of Harrowgate Park, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and The Dress Up Project.

Learn more: Harrowgate Back-to-School Bash

 

Flyer for Community Water Gun Fight at Harrowgate Park on August 15.

2. 4th Annual Community Water Gun Fight

Saturday, August 15 | 12–3 p.m.
Harrowgate Park

Before summer comes to an end, cool off with an afternoon of water activities and community fun at Harrowgate Park. Bring your water guns and soakers and get ready to get soaked!

For everyone’s safety, water guns that are not brightly colored or that resemble real firearms are not permitted.

Presented by: The Old Lady Gang, Ride Free, Impact Services, Harrowgate Civic Association, Kensington Corridor Trust, and Friends of Harrowgate Park.

Learn more: 4th Annual Community Water Gun Fight

 

Flyer for the back to school backpack giveaway and soccer celebration on August 21st.

3. Back-to-School Giveaway and Soccer Celebration

Friday, August 21 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Hissey Playground

Celebrate the upcoming school year with free backpacks, soccer, light refreshments, and more at Hissey Playground. Backpacks will be available while supplies last, and children must be present to receive supplies.

Presented by: Impact Services, Friends of Hope and Hissey Park, Philadelphia Police, Love.Fútbol, Street Soccer USA, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Kensington Soccer Club.

 

Flyer for the back to school backpack giveaway at the Green Stop on August 30th.

 

4. Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway at The Green Stop

Sunday, August 30 | 12–2 p.m.
Impact’s Green Stop, 3033 Kensington Avenue

Impact Services is helping families prepare for the school year with a free backpack giveaway at The Green Stop. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts, light refreshments, and more.

One backpack will be available per child while supplies last. Children must be present to receive supplies.

 

Flyer for NAMI walks Philly on October 17th.

 

 

5. NAMIWalks Philly

Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m.
Friends Hospital, Philadelphia

Supporting children and families also means supporting their mental and emotional well-being.

NAMIWalks Philly brings community members together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support mental health. Participants are invited to complete a 1.5-mile walk while connecting with others who share a commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy.

Whether you walk, support someone you love, or simply start a conversation about mental health, the event is an opportunity to show that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

Learn more: NAMIWalks Philly

Find More Resources in Kensington

Back-to-school season is just one opportunity to connect families with support. Throughout the year, Kensington residents can access programs and services related to mental health, youth and family support, housing, substance use and recovery, community spaces, health, public safety, and more.

The Kensington Children’s Task Force is a collaboration between The Office of Children and Families and Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). The initiative is all about working with community partners and residents to make programs and resources easier for families to find and access.

Find out more about FREE programs and resources for Kensington Families!