Science & Sustainability
Academy Explorers Camp
The Academy of Natural Sciences introduces two new educational camps this year for teens who love the great outdoors. In Invertebrate Camp, participants can meet live insects and learn about basic handling and care, get an up-close look at the animals from the academy’s invertebrate collection, venture into invertebrate-rich local parks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and work with academy staff to help prepare live invertebrate displays. Another new series, Animal Husbandry Camp, offers an opportunity to meet live animals and learn about basic handling and care, get first-hand experience with the animals, attend a wildlife rehabilitation inspired field trip, and work with academy staff to help prepare a naturalist presentation for academy guests. ansp.org
AGE RANGE: 13–16
WHEN: July 11–15 and Aug. 8–12, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: $500–$525
WHERE: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Adventure Treks
The Schuylkill Center’s Summer Adventure Treks challenge pre-teens and teens to improve their outdoor knowledge and skills in a supportive setting. Participants learn more about themselves, strengthen self-confidence, have a lot of fun and gain teamwork skills while exploring the outdoors in unique and fun ways. During the day, participants enjoy organized activities such as biking, white water rafting and swimming. At night they gather by the campfire to talk about the day’s adventure, roast marshmallows and sing songs.
schuylkillcenter.org
AGE RANGE: 10–15
WHEN: June 13–Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
COST: $350–$1,019
WHERE: Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Anthropologists in the Making
Campers will discover the wonders of human civilizations past and present, with plenty of time for socializing and reflecting on each day’s lesson. Topics will include myths and mysteries of Egypt, magic in the ancient world, women’s history and more. penn.museum/camp
AGE RANGE: 7–13
WHEN: June 27–Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended care available
COST: $290–$310 per week
WHERE: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
Be Outside Teen Adventure Program
Activities such as kayaking, rockclimbing, hiking and ziplining keep Be Outside participants active. They’ll learn useful skills such as GPS navigation and the importance of the “leave no trace” principle. This six-week program also focuses on career exploration, financial management and social responsibility. phila.gov
AGE RANGE: 12–14
WHEN: June 17–Aug. 4, Monday–Thursday,
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: $250
WHERE: Gustine Recreation Center, 4868 Ridge Ave., and Chalfont Playground, 4330–40 Deerpath Lane
Elmwood Park Zoo Camp
Kids are invited to explore the habits and daily lives of some of the zoo’s residents while making friends and learning about the importance of wildlife conservation. Each weeklong camp includes crafts, stories, snacks, animal visitors and tours of the zoo. Camps do not change from week to week. elmwoodparkzoo.org
AGE RANGE: 6–11
WHEN: June 20–July 22 for ages 6–8, July 25–Aug. 19 for ages 9–11; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended care available
COST: $250–$275 per week
WHERE: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa.
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To a 3-year-old, Sandy Hill Farm Camp must seem like a storybook come to life. Megan Oberholtzer, now 16 and a Sandy Hill counselor, recalls how much she enjoyed the freedom to make choices as a young camper. “Kids can pick which horse they want to ride, if they want to play with the bunnies or the chickens, or if they want to swim or go on the playground,” she says. “It is very laid-back.” Sandy Hill offers small group interaction with farm animals, and a chance to “make new friends and get out of your comfort zone.”
AGE RANGE: 2–11
WHEN: June 6–Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended care available
COST: $55–$350
WHERE: Sandy Hill Farm, 1918 Sandy Hill Road, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
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Lavner Camps at UPenn
Is your child an aspiring computer whiz? Get them introductory courses in robotics, 3-D Minecraft, Java and coding, video game design and computer programming with Python. Lavner Camps offers a full listing online, along with info for programs in surrounding areas, such as Malvern, Plymouth Meeting and Cherry Hill. lavnercampsandprograms.com
AGE RANGE: 6–15
WHEN: June 20–Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: $329–$549
WHERE: University of Pennsylvania, Houston Hall and Irvine Auditorium, 3417 Spruce St.
LocoSummer: Robotics and Digital Literacy
LocoRobo is a team of engineers and designers who created a five-day immersion program that will touch on coding, sensor physics and algorithms for intelligent robot behaviors. Students will need to bring a laptop, but no prior experience in robotics and programming is necessary. locorobo.com
AGE RANGE: 10–18
WHEN: July 11–15 for grades 5–8; July 18–22 for grades 9–12
COST: $980–$1,180
WHERE: 2125 Chestnut St.
Nature Ramblers
Kids in this camp get access to 340 acres of forest, fields, streams, ponds and an organic farm, where they can explore the natural world through hands-on discoveries, hiking excursions, art, play and field trips. Each camp session features an age-appropriate theme for gaining knowledge and awareness of the natural world. schuylkillcenter.org
AGE RANGE: 3–9
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: $135–$319
WHERE: Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Science Summer Camp
Each week, this camp explores an exciting new theme and features an off-site field trip. Themes this year include: Ooey Gooey Science, Bizarre Animals, Planet Dinosaur, Animal Myths and Legends and more. ansp.org
AGE RANGE: 5–12
WHEN: July 5–Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
COST: $320–$360
WHERE: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Seaport Summer Camps
Learn all about history, science and how to row or kayak on the Delaware River. In addition to on-water programming, campers will tour National Historic Landmark ships, cruiser Olympia and submarine Becuna, and participate in a variety of hands-on activities and crafts. Every week offers a new in-depth look into the science and history behind the region’s waterways.
phillyseaport.org
AGE RANGE: 6–12
WHEN: June 27–Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
with extended care options
COST: $
290–$315 per week
WHERE: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.
Exploration and Adventure Camps at Riverbend Environmental Education Center
Hiking, stream-stomping and bug-catching are highlights in this 11-week program, which offers children the opportunity to explore nature while having fun. Through nature study and investigation, games, crafts and hikes, educators guide children in hands-on exploration and science-based learning. riverbendeec.org
AGE RANGE: 3–13
WHEN: June–August, organized by age; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: $395–$775
WHERE: Riverbend Environmental Education Center, 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, Pa.
William Penn Charter School Science Camp
Steven “Science Steve” Wade, a National Board certified teacher and a member of Penn Charter’s science department and Lower School faculty, teaches this engaging inquiry-based camp. Themes include robotics and engineering, homemade rockets, electrical inventions and more. penncharter.com
AGE RANGE: 6–12
WHEN: June 27–July 1 and June 11–15, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended care available
COST: $395 per week
WHERE: William Penn Charter School, 3000 W. School House Lane
Arts & Culture
Arden Summer Camp
These one-day masterclasses and multi-week camps train aspiring actors to take their technique to the next level, and give them an opportunity to learn more about theatrical process as they rehearse for a fully realized show. Weeklong themes this year include “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Star Wars and Space Adventures,” “Harry Potter and Magical Creatures,” “The World of Seuss” and more. ardentheatre.org
AGE RANGE: Grades 1–12
WHEN: June 27 through Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended care options.
COST: $350 per week
WHERE: Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. 2nd St.
Appel Farm Arts Camp
Campers share in an overnight camp experience involving music, theater, dance, visual arts, photography, video, robotics, recording arts, creative writing, sports and swimming. Healthy food choices and modern bunking make it easier for campers to spend some time away from home as they engage in traditional camp activities such as campfires, dances and carnivals. appelfarmartscamp.org
AGE RANGE: 7–17
WHEN: June 26–Aug. 14, overnight
COST: $1,500–$9,000, with tuition assistance available
WHERE: Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, 457 Shirley Road, Elmer, N.J.
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Step out of the glaring August sun into the cool interior of Saint Mark’s Church where for one week Choir Camp welcomes aspiring singers ages 7 to 17. Third-grader Chiara “Kiki” Crociata, 9, describes herself as friendly, funny and weird, and advises choir campers to “sing their heart out,” she says. “It’s OK to make mistakes, just don’t be shy about them. It’s the way to get better.” She loved the end-of-camp showcase and came away with sound advice: “I learned how to sing for solos—loud and clear.”
AGE RANGE: 8–14
WHEN: Aug. 1–5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended care available
COST: $150–$200
WHERE: Saint Mark’s Church, 1620 Locust St.
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Beginner Dance Camp
Children can learn the basics of ballet, jazz, hip-hop and modern dance in a fun atmosphere, focusing on basic positions and movements and allowing for creativity—all within the course of two weeks. Each day will include a warm-up, dance phrases in four styles, improvisational exercises and a break for snack, when participants will learn about some of the greatest dancers and dances of all time. The camp culminates with a performance for family and friends.
wissahickondance.com
AGE RANGE: Children 7 and up
WHEN: July 18–29, 9 a.m. to noon
COST: $200–$375
WHERE: Wissahickon Dance Academy, 38 E. School House Lane
Clay Camp
Whether working with sculpture, claymation, or wheel-thrown pottery, students at the Clay Studio learn in a supportive, small class setting with plenty of individual instruction. These weeklong courses are interspersed with supervised lunches, games, field trips to local galleries and historical sites, and more. theclaystudio.org
AGE RANGE: 6 and up
WHEN: June 27–Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (half-day classes and extended care available)
COST: $160–$360, with sibling and bring-a-friend discounts available
WHERE: The Clay Studio, 137–139 N. 2nd St.
Curio Theatre School Summer Camp
Qualified theatre professionals engage campers in acting, improvisation, movement/dance, theatrical design, and playwriting. Campers will present a final performance for family and friends on the final day of each session! curiotheatre.org
AGE RANGE: 7–17
WHEN: July 5–29, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: $450 per session
WHERE: Curio Theatre School, 4740 Baltimore Ave.
Itty Bitty Briars
Toddlers and adults learn and play together as camp instructors weave stories, introduce games, songs, crafts, live animal encounters and nature walks—all while making sure toddlers feel safe and comfortable as they take their first adventures in nature. briarbush.org
AGE RANGE: 2–4 with adult
WHEN: June 6–10 and 13–17
COST: $58 per week
WHERE: Briar Bush Nature Center, 1212 Edge Hill Road, Abington, Pa.
PAFA Summer Art Camps
Themes include “Frozen,” “Star Wars,” mural arts, gardening, culinary arts, “Project Runway,” Marvel and DC comics, magic as an art form, green-screen movie making and more. pafa.org
AGE RANGE: 5–15
WHEN: June 17–Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: $280–$330
WHERE: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118–128 N. Broad St.
Rock to the Future
Learn to play guitar, bass, drums or keyboards while making friends, forming a band, learning covers and writing original music. rocktothefuturephilly.org
AGE RANGE: 7–17
WHEN: July 18–22 for ages 7–12, July 11–15 for ages 13–17; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
COST: $250, with scholarships available
WHERE: Rock to the Future, 2139 E. Cumberland St.
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
A flexible schedule allows aspiring performers to take their time in perfecting techniques such as trapeze, aerial rope and silks, feather-balancing, scarf-juggling, plate-spinning, tightwire and acrobatics. Students in the older age bracket will be allowed to focus primarily on their favorite circus discipline. phillycircus.com
AGE RANGE: 5–18
WHEN: June 20–Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: $80–$855
WHERE: 5900A Greene St.
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Antell Cole is a shy second-grader, but if he hears the beat of “Whip/NaeNae” or “Uptown Funk,” you’d better give him some space to move. Antell joined the 2015 summer program at 954 Dance Movement Collective because he loves music and wanted to learn different dance styles. The 8-year-old said the experience was “amazing—the instructors are really nice and we had a lot of fun,” especially during a show the students staged on the last day. The collective’s mission is “to get you dancing” and help kids like Antell become better dancers through fun instruction.
AGE RANGE: 6–17
WHEN: June 22–July 31, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: $315 per week
WHERE: 954 Dance Movement Collective, 954 N. 8th St.
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Summer Dance and Fitness Camp
Kids can stay healthy and active while making new friends in these ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop classes, each organized for specific age groups. lerouxarts.com
AGE RANGE: All
WHEN: June 27 through Aug. 22, afternoons
and evenings
COST: $50–$145, with bundle discounts
WHERE: LeRoux School of the Arts, 200 West
Ridge Pike, Suite 201, Conshohocken, Pa.
Spanish Summer Camp
Children will be fully immersed in Spanish daily as trained teachers provide an environment supportive of each child’s learning style. Educational activities include games and interaction, planned learning time, story time and reflection, and more. bilingualbutterflies.com
AGE RANGE: 0–10
WHEN: July 11–Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: $325 per week, with sibling and
refer-a-friend discounts
WHERE: Bilingual Butterflies, 627 S. 2nd St., Second Floor
Philadelphia Woodworks
No previous skills are necessary for these one-week camps, which are run by expert youth educators who provide hands-on assistance as participants gain knowledge of basic woodworking tools and techniques. Each week focuses on creating projects unique to the session, so multiple sessions will reinforce skills but will not result in duplicate projects. philadelphiawoodworks.com
AGE RANGE: 9–11
WHEN: July 11–Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
COST: $299 per week, plus $69 for materials
WHERE: 4901 Umbria St.
