Lisa Ciccotelli of Berkshire Hathaway shares a guide to help you find the perfect half-day, full-day or sleep away camp for your child this summer that will give them an opportunity to explore an area of interest or discover a new one. In the process, they will likely make some new friends, foster independence and gain self-confidence.
There’s even a family camp experience available in Berks County. Some registrations for the camps listed are already open, so if you want to be guaranteed a spot, it’s worth signing up soon, since some camps have limited space and fill up quickly.
For the watersports lover
Marsh Creek Watersports, Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County
Located at Marsh Creek Lake, this watersports camp offers campers the opportunity to learn and become comfortable on the water while making memories and creating lasting friendships.
Campers will strengthen their water skills by learning how to paddle and sail. Water safety instruction is provided throughout the well-rounded experience.
Campers will take part in four rotating activities each day, three of which will be on the water. In addition to paddle boarding, kayaking, and multiple sailing disciplines, daily camp activities are selected based on wind conditions and may include cooperative games such as capture the flag, frisbee, sponge tag and more. Activities are designed to build confidence, hone new skills and discover untapped talent.
Source: Marsh Creek Water Sports
For more information: www.marshcreeklake.com/summer-camp
For the horse lover
Firefly Farm Equestrian Summer Camp, East Nantmeal Township, Chester County
Firefly Farm’s summer day camps are geared toward riders who enjoy enhancing their riding skills as well as learning about the care of horses. The camps are kept small to ensure quality instruction and more in-depth learning opportunities.
Activities may include trail rides, pony painting, horse conformation, crafts, first aid for horses, horse care, pony club, games, braiding, tack care and demonstrations. Firefly also offers an adult summer camp.
Source: Firefly Farm
For more information: www.fireflyfarm.net
For the nature lover
Kimberton Waldorf School Summer Camp, Kimberton, Chester County
Kimberton Waldorf Summer Camp offers a traditional day camp experience while maintaining the essence of Waldorf education. Led by Waldorf educators and alumni, it offers a nurturing, structured, yet relaxed environment. Splash and play in French Creek, learning first-hand about our ecosystem each day. Delve into art like tie-dye, painting and nature-based crafts.
Get moving during collaborative and friendly field day activities and get nourished with healthy snacks. Keep your mind in motion over the summer by staying for afternoon story time in our library and enjoying classical concerts at lunchtime. Whether your child joins us for one week or the entire summer, expect days filled with adventure and creativity.
Source: Kimberton Waldorf School
For more information: www.kimberton.org/summercamp
For the art lover
ArtFusion 19464 Summer Camp, Pottstown, Montgomery County
ArtFusion offers full- and half-day camp programs geared toward young artists of different ages. Campers will work with a variety of mediums during their camp experience including clay, painting, drawing, crafting and more. Scholarships are available.
Source: ArtFusion 19464
For more information: www.artfusion19464.org
For the Lego lover
Bricks 4 Kidz Camps, Collegeville, Montgomery County
Experienced teachers lead Brick 4 Kidz’s camps, which are built around a variety of exciting themes. Children will explore the world of engineering using specialized Lego Technic pieces such as gears, axles and electric motors. Activities are designed to trigger young children’s lively imaginations and build their self- confidence.
Source: Bricks 4 Kidz
For more information: www.bricks4kidz.com/pennsylvania-collegeville-lansdale
For the space lover
Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy Science Camp, Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown, Montgomery County
Blast off and launch a lifelong love of all things space and science at MCCC’s Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy. You’ll get to experience a summer camp that creates an out-of-this-world experience with Janet and her team of educators and experts. Each day brings a new mission and new expert guests from the science community. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative STEM learning experiences, including astronaut challenges, science experiments, Challenger Learning Center Simulations and aviation workshops.
Source: Montgomery County Community College
For more information: www.mc3.edu/for-our-community/summer-camps/janets-planet-steam-science-camp
Sleep away family camp and youth sleep away camp
South Mountain YMCA camps, South Heidelberg Township, Berks County
Family camp is about spending time with those you care about most and having fun. It’s an opportunity for your whole family to experience a relaxing weekend on the mountain. Develop strong family bonds during this special time away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday world as you enjoy a camp experience everyone will remember all year long.
They do all the cooking and cleaning while you enjoy quality time with your kids and loved ones. “Camptivities” are scheduled throughout the day so that your family members can participate as much, or as little, as they like.
There are plenty of things to do for both the young and young-at-heart, from hiking, canoeing and swimming to crafts, archery, campfires and more. Evenings are filled with themed all-camp programs. Kids’ tech-free overnight camp experiences are also available
Source: South Mountain YMCA Camps
For more information: www.smymca.org/year-round-camp-programs/family-camps; https://www.smymca.org/summer-camps
For the theater lover
Yocum Institute for Arts Education Performing Arts & Specialty Camps, Spring Township, Berks County
Be onstage! Dive into developing believable characters however fanciful they may be. Working in a short musical format, pieces will be selected from scripted works. This workshop will have a strong acting focus along with developing a singer’s voice.
The Institute’s Summer Arts Camps have campers engage in hands-on activities led by experienced teaching artists in a professional studio environment. The camps feature fun, innovative and creative camps for ages 2–15.
Each week offers a new unique theme, encouraging campers to explore, create, innovate and problem solve while growing critical thinking skills and making new friends.
Scholarships are available.
Source: Yocum Institute for Arts Education
For more information: www.yocuminstitute.org
For the tennis lover
Hillcrest Racquet Club Summer Tennis Camp, Exeter Township, Berks County
Hillcrest offers age- and level-based instruction with professional instructors at their one-week camps. The camps are designed to move your child to the next level on the junior pathway in a fun, supportive environment. Campers get 15 hours of practice and play in one week.
Source: Hillcrest Racquet Club
For more information: www.hillcresttennis.com
