The Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) Summer Urban Program exemplifies how a university and a nonprofit organization can partner to provide a continuum of supports to children, youth and young adults in their community.

Read about the journey that started a little over 60 years ago, the first SUP programs, the campers, and their counselors.

In the summer of 2023 we were able to run at full scale, we welcomed increased in-person moments with our partners who participated in and witnessed that magic first-hand and brought their spark to the summer. From Senator Ed Markey making a surprise appearance to thank SUP directors during their training week, to SUP visits with our Harvard and community partners, to final shows organized by campers’ family members and a Midsummer Celebration organized by our junior counselors—the foundational magic of partnership ran through our summer camps! Read stories below from the past and present of SUP as we continue to run for another magical summer.

By design, Summer Urban Program (SUP) is not just a one-time camp, but a community of people sharing a decades-long legacy of transformative experiences. It is this time-transcendent bond of compassion that is unique to SUP amongst other youth programs. Read and watch some of our stories here.

Phillips Brooks House was dedicated as a home for service in honor of Phillips Brooks in 1904, students then came together to form the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA). The Beauty of a Life of Service: Phillips Brooks’ Legacy at the Phillips Brooks House Association written by Alum Mary Cate Curley sheds light on his legacy and how it impacted students across generations. Over the next year, we hope to share 120 stories and then some through the lens of those who have experienced PBHA over the decades. Join us in learning more about our collective story that began 120 years ago!