Summer camps in Philadelphia offer an experience that goes far beyond taking part in the enjoyable activities that are typically associated with camping, such as hiking, swimming, and staying in a cabin. Lessons on character development, increased self-assurance, leadership, and teamwork are taught to campers. They make lifelong bonds that can last. There are a number of things to take into account while choosing the best summer camp for your child. You might want to think about the camp’s location, kind, accreditation status, and accepted camper ages, among other things. Keep in mind that selecting the ideal summer camp is a family decision and that your children may not benefit from the same program that your friends or neighbors attend. It is common for parents to send their kids to different camps if they have more than one child to send to camp. Your children are guaranteed to have a wonderful summer camp experience if you choose one or more of these top summer programs in Philadelphia.
A Philadelphia YMCA Called Summer Camp Speers.
Embrace the summertime fun at day camp!
At the local YMCA Summer Camp this summer, you may learn, develop, stretch, and explore. Their day camps provide a range of activities to keep your kids occupied during their vacation months. Traditional camp, a camp for sports or the arts, and much more. At the Y, a summer of fun is in store.
Authentic Camps
Campers are divided into age and grade groups where they discover new friendships and the surrounding environment. Activities at camp, including art, music, nature, swimming, and sports, are intended to develop talent, new skills, and confidence. Every week is a new journey thanks to themes, unique activities, and events.
Particular Camps
Attend a specialist camp this summer and have fun! Specialty camps, which concentrate on a particular theme, activity, art form, or subject, give campers a chance to try something new or fully commit to a favorite pastime or sport. Your kid will make friends, develop, and learn over the summer while spending time with other campers who share their interests.
Camp Dragonfly
For campers with particular needs and talents, there is the Dragonfly Forest Day Camp. The camp’s objective is to give every kid a life-changing camp experience by giving them the framework and encouragement they need to achieve in all areas of life, develop self-confidence, and inspire to give them power and choices over their destiny.
At Camp Speers in the Poconos, scale new heights.
Children may disconnect from technology and connect with fun, friendships, and nature at Camp Speers YMCA. It is a location where the Y values of respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty is integrated into every aspect of what they do, including the teams that look after your children, their programs, and the enduring camp traditions.
Nighttime Camp
Your child will have a lifetime of memories when you send them to Camp Speers YMCA for overnight camp. In regular or specialty overnight camps, children learn about themselves and what they can become in a secure, child-centered environment. Campers gain independence and self-assurance as they hike, swim, climb, play sports, be creative, acquire social skills, and just have fun.
Camp Day
Children in Pre-K through 10th grade can participate in Camp Speers Day Camp’s fascinating programming. Age-appropriate activities, including canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, sailing, arts & crafts, drama, songs and skits, survival skills, tie-dye, archery, nature art, sports, ga-ga, marksmanship, high ropes, music, and more are available for campers to choose from.
Camp Dragonfly
A classic overnight program for children with Autism, 22Q, Asthma, Sickle Cell Disease, and Hemophilia is the Dragonfly Forest specialty camp. They want as many families as possible to experience camp. They can give their campers the accommodations they need to succeed at camp by collaborating with parents and medical professionals.
Philadelphia Summer Camps That Are Free And Inexpensive
Many summer camps have started taking registrations as the season approaches (and some camps are already completely booked).
You can use the finder tool provided by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to look up city summer programs by zip code. However, the majority of publicly funded and privately managed “cheap” camps cost between $100 and over $600 per week, which adds up, especially if you have multiple children. Here are several summer camps that are available in and around Philadelphia for free or at a moderate cost.
Puerto Rican building firm
For children aged 6 to 15, Taller Puertorriqueo’s multilingual (Spanish and English) summer program is available. There is now room for 60 children to register. Music, art, dancing, theater, sports, and field trips are among the available activities.
From July 5 through August 12, 8:30 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. A free post-camp daycare service is also offered by Taller from 4 to 6 p.m.
Cost: The first 30 children who sign up will receive free admission to the summer program. After that, fees will be charged on a sliding scale based on the parent’s or guardian’s income, though your child may still be eligible to attend for free, thanks to the Early Learning Resource Center. Free lunch in the Puerto Rican manner will be provided by Taller.
Bring your child’s physical examination form and a report card, per the requirements. Their grades are intended to monitor progress after the summer camp, not to determine whether they will be admitted to the program.
Galaei
For two weeks, Galaei offers a summer camp in both English and Spanish for gay, transgender, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC). It will consist of two sessions. The first is for children aged 8 to 12, and the second is for children aged 13 to 18. Swimming, rock climbing, music, outings, arts & crafts, a drag queen storytime, and daytime activities are all available in Norris Square Park.
Dates: The camp has not yet announced its 2022 schedule, but children in the age range of 8 to 12 can anticipate it to run the last two weeks of July, and campers in the age range of 13 to 18 during the first two weeks of August.
Price: Free
Requirements: This camp is for QTBIPOC kids or kids of QTBIPOC people, while allies are welcome at other GALAEI programs and activities.
Play Rock to the Future
All music-loving campers in grades six through twelve have the chance to learn music theory and technique via Rock to the Future. Instruments will be available on-site, and the camp is open to people who love musical instruments of all skill levels. Children will study band art, songwriting, and music production (creating band logos, album art, etc.).
No charge. There are passes for public transportation.
Philly Camp
For kids aged 8 to 12, Camp Philly is a one-week overnight camp offered by Parks and Recreation. The program is held at Camp Speers YMCA in the Pocono Mountains. There will be two camp sessions in the summer of 2022. Children can participate in sports, including basketball, soccer, canoeing, rock climbing, swimming, and arts and crafts at the camp.
Cost: The actual cost of sending your child to Camp Philly is $900; however, if you fit the criteria (which are mentioned below), they can go for free. Only a $30 application fee is required, which is due by June 30. You will also receive a refund for your application fee if you are not awarded the scholarship.
Requirements include having a recommendation from a recreation leader, participating in a Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facility program, taking advantage of free swim lessons at your neighborhood YMCA (if your child is unable to swim), getting a physical before attending camp, and attending all informational and program sessions.
Camp Rowing at Lloyd Hall
Parks and Recreation offer a low-cost alternative available if you have a 13 to 17-year-old who wants to learn how to row. This summer, there will be three two-week sessions, but you can only register your child for one. Registration is currently available: There are a limited number of spots available, and applications will be reviewed in that order. Rowing, equipment management and maintenance, and boat and water safety are among the activities that are taught by seasoned crew coaches, seasoned rowers, and licensed lifeguards.
The complete two-week class will cost $25. Included are breakfast and one snack.
You will require a copy of your child’s birth certificate in order to apply. On the first day of camp, campers must demonstrate their swimming ability and pass a test (at Kelly Pool).
Day Camp at Dorsey Playground
For children aged six to twelve, this Parks and Recreation camp option offers arts and crafts, sports, games, educational activities, and field trips. Applications are being accepted now, and registration is open.
$30 each week in addition to a $10–$20 enrollment fee. Lunch and breakfast are provided every day.
Camp American Legion Day
Children ages 6 to 12 may enroll in this Parks and Recreation day camp. Sports, games, swimming in the on-site pool, crafts, educational activities, and weekly field trips are among the available activities. Enrollment is now open.
$50 per week in cost. Keep in mind that the entire $250 for the five-week program must be paid upfront. A snack and daily breakfast are provided.
Regional Day Camp in Eastwick
For children aged 6 to 12, Parks & Recreation’s Eastwick Regional day camp offers a variety of sports, games, arts and crafts, educational activities, and field trips. Registration is now available.
$55 per week in cost. Field trips have an additional cost, which is based on the activity.
The Procrastinator’s Guide To Summer Camps In Philadelphia
Ages: 4–18 Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Kids can figuratively run away from this unusual camp and join the Mount Airy circus. Each camp, which is broken down by age group, incorporates play, mental focus, trust, and team building into a full day of teaching and activities using actual circus equipment. Without any prior experience, campers can learn acrobatics, aerial rope, trapeze, silks, feather balancing, scarf juggling, plate spinning, tightrope walking, and rolling globes. The culmination of each weeklong program is a circus performance for loved ones.
Greene Street, Mount Airy, 6452
Ages: 4–10 at Music Theatre Philly
I may be a little guilty of putting off arranging my daughter’s summer vacation, just like you readers, but when I learned that Music Theatre Philly was offering an Encanto-themed week, I immediately signed up out of concern that it could sell out. My worries were justified, but the studio gave me four more opportunities to “speak about Bruno,” even offering a second location. Other camp weeks feature Trolls, Dr. Seuss, Cruella, The Greatest Showman, and other Broadway and movie classics in addition to that incredibly well-liked Disney movie. Children study acting, dancing, and lyrics throughout the course of each week-long class, culminating in a Friday display for friends and parents. Every day begins with a thorough warm-up for the body, voice, mind, and creativity. Throughout the day, kids can take breaks from a performance by working on crafts that are connected to the week’s topic.
Philadelphia Rock Gyms 4-14 years old
Children ages six to fourteen (or as young as four if you choose half-day) will develop their problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities while learning bouldering and top rope techniques. Days at camp also feature yoga, outings, and arts & crafts.
All of PRG’s facilities, including Fishtown, East Falls, Oaks, Malvern, and Wyncote, host the camp.
Ages 4-13 at Portside Arts Center
Kids will work with various mediums, take part in daily art projects, go on field trips connected to art, and enjoy time for outdoor play each week. Themes for weeks include theatrical arts, sculpting, and puppetry. Bonus: From June 27 to August 12, in addition to its full-day camp at its headquarters, Portside is also running a half-day camp at Cherry Street Pier. This course is also divided into weeklong sections. Ages 6 to 10 may attend the Cherry Street Pier camp.
At the summer camp run by the Independence Seaport Museum, on the water. Photograph by Independence Seaport Museum
Museum of Independence Seaport Ages: 6-12
There is something for everyone in Delaware this summer, with weekly themes including pirates, the Navy, and pop art. Each week includes games and exploration in addition to river cruises and water adventures with Paddle Penn’s Landing. If your children want even more time on the water, sign them up for the final week (August 8th–12th), which is entirely devoted to kayaking and water safety skills.
Hudson Ages: 8 to 14
Your kids will gain confidence while learning some cooking techniques, such as preparation, knife skills, and baking, thanks to the mini-cuisine school-like setup. International cuisine, cooking competitions, and baking techniques are just a few of the themed weeks. All prepared foods are free of nuts.
Buddha Babe 8–13 years old
They frequently purchase baby gifts from Buddha Babe’s Mount Airy brick-and-mortar, where they also regularly hold children’s sewing workshops. Professional sewers, industry leaders, well-known manufacturers, and certified educators lead each week-long camp, which offers themes like Encanto, bedroom accents, back-to-school essentials, and “Project Runway Junior,” which features special guest fashion designers. Students design their own bags, pillows, apparel, and accessories every week. Even one of the weeks includes a trip to Chestnut Hill Taproom for pizza and blends cooking with stitching. Tweens who wish to express their creativity while learning practical life skills will love these camps.
Ages: 5-14 PAFA
You’re able to prepare for the best summer ever without anyone seeing that you completely botched the study months earlier, right? Send your budding Rembrandt to summer camp in a museum of art. Each week’s camp has a fun subject, such as comic books, sculpting, nature, or even (are you starting to see a pattern here?) Encanto. Camps are divided into small groups by age. Kids will engage with mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, painting, and sketching throughout. The culmination of each week is a campers’ work exhibition.
Ages of Nest: 2.5–5 (must be potty-trained)
With weeklong theme camps covering everything from music to sports to science to Disney, your youngest campers can spend their mornings in the secure confines of Nest’s three-story Center City play area. Each camp includes activities like exercise, arts and crafts, music, stories, interactive activities, and plenty of time for play in Nest’s indoor gym and playground. Children who have never attended camp or preschool before and are just starting to separate from their parents may find Camp Nest to be a perfect alternative because it is only half-day. Campers must be trained to use the toilet.
Ceramic Studio Ages: 6-17 (varies by week) (varies by week)
The Clay Studio’s new, larger space allows for more summer programming. Since not every week is open to all age groups, you’ll need to supplement this camp with others on the list, but there isn’t a better location for creative kids who want to master clay-based techniques like wheel throwing and even claymation! Every week-long camp is concluded with a party for campers and parents that features a showcase of student work, a claymation film festival, and an ice cream social on the rooftop deck.
Ages: 5–10 Mister John’s Music
Kids’ music hero Mister John has arranged 11 themed weeks of multi-disciplinary arts tuition in his fantastic Italian Market studio, which is brand-new for this year. With each week concluding with a display for parents, children will learn singing, dance, drumming, visual arts, and more. Each week is a different adventure as the themes range from Disney to disco, Hamilton to Harry Potter.
Field House 6–12 years old
Field House’s enormous indoor sports complex on Spring Garden Street is a great place for kids to spend the day playing sports and having fun, or they may sign up for their new outdoor sports camp at FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Both camps include a warm-up as well as a range of sports and games. For 13-year-olds, there is also a CIT program offered.
Philadelphia Kids Summer Camps
Camp at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Fly through the air effortlessly in a welcoming air-conditioned environment. The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts runs four summer camps for kids ages 5 to 18 that are open to all ability levels. The most skilled aerials teachers in the area will be supervising campers as they move, climb, and swing upside down. This is the ideal chance to act silly without getting into trouble. The summer courses begin on June 10 and last until August 30. Greene Street, 5900A.
Discovery Camps at the Franklin Institute
Discover science in a new way. The Franklin Institute provides 12 separately themed, 12-week summer classes. Kids can select from a wide range of scientific topics, including physics, astronomy, natural disasters, and more, depending on whether they are Mini Molecules (grades K–2), Awesome Atoms (grades 3-6), or Excited Electrons (grades 7-9). During Blast Off Week, campers have the option of living the life of an astronaut in space in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission or entering the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibition to take on evil masterminds. Here are descriptions of each themed week. The first week starts on June 1 and ends on August 30. 20th North Street, 222.
Academy of Young Journalism and Film
Let the presses stop! Aspiring journalists have the chance to embrace their inner watchdog at the WHYY Summer Journalists camp. Teens in grades 9 through 12 can learn from award-winning instructors how to convey a compelling story on multimedia platforms. For campers to shoot, compose, and edit reporter packages, WHYY supplies production equipment. The mini-Walter Cronkites will be dispatched into the field to investigate and film the immediate vicinity of Philadelphia’s Old City, Chinatown, and Society Hill/Washington Square West areas. Throughout the summer, there are three sessions. June 24 through July 12 is the first session for student filmmakers; July 15 through July 26 is the second session for student journalists; and August 5 through August 16 is the final session for middle school filmmakers. North 6th Street 150
PA Center for the Arts
At the Philly Art Center, children and teenagers can paint the town. All summer long, the acclaimed summer camp offers weeks with a certain subject. Through the Kids camp and Tweens camp, the program offers children ages 4 to 14 the chance to think abstractly on both two and three-dimensional media. The young Picassos can also look forward to outdoor activities, museum outings, and artist visits during the week. As your children develop the creative skills they will bring it forever for the rest of their life, let the paintbrushes do the talking. The program start date is June 10. Fairmount site at 2501 Olive Street and 514 Bainbridge Street (Queen Village location).
Vacation Sea Camp
This summer, the Adventure Aquarium is experiencing a surge in sea campers. Young people between the ages of 4 and 15 are given a chance to explore the deep blue through the Center for Aquatics. Three specially designed groups are now part of the program: Small Fry (ages 4-5), Ocean Explorer (ages 6–11), and Junior Marine Biologist (12-15). Field outings, close animal interactions, and behind-the-scenes exhibit tours at the Aquarium round out the experience. Campers will have an incredible summer that rivals Discovery Channel’s Shark Week because each week will center on a new type of shark. July 8 through August 30 are camp dates. The registration fee must be paid in full by June 1 at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden.
Camps at Lavner
Creative people require other creative people. Children and teenagers can explore the campus at UPenn and take on tasks set up by Lavner Camps between the ages of 6 and 15. Skills will be tested with the assistance of qualified tutors. Each week, campers are encouraged to develop their interests and skills in order to reach their greatest potential. Over the course of this 10-week adventure, activities will include designing clothes, coding video games, and making robots. From June 17 until August 23, there is a camp. Penn University, 3417 Spruce Street.
Summer Camp PAFA
At the Philadelphia School of the Fine Arts this summer, campers will explore stunning and distinctive pieces of art while discovering the importance of friendship. 4 to 15-year-old campers will use their senses to explore the truth of their surroundings. While the older campers try to create their own masterpieces, the younger campers will discover sight and sound throughout their sessions.
Summer Camps at YMCA
For the three types of summer camps offered by the YMCA in the Philadelphia region, children are divided by age and needs. The YMCA is prepared to work with children in kindergarten and up, offering anything from day camps to overnight Camp Speers YMCA programs in the Poconos to its Dragonfly Forest overnight camp for kids with particular medical needs. The campuses in Northeast and West Philadelphia provide a variety of activities, including field trips, crafts, athletics, and much more. The West Philly campus has a specific dance camp for any camper with a keen interest in dance. From June 10 through August 30, there will be a camp. Two weeks prior to the start of camp, registration, and payment in full are required. West Philadelphia: 120 Chestnut St., Northeast: 11088 Knights Rd.
Summer camp Heart to Hand
All foodies and aspiring young chefs are invited! At Heart to Hand, campers learn the fundamentals of cooking, baking, and the history of recipes and ingredients. The younger Top Chef candidates will benefit from these seminars for kids ages 7 to 12. Three tracks—Global, Culinary, and Baking—make up the camp. A buffet-style meal hosted by the campers for their parents will wrap up their summer adventure. From June 18 until July 27, 4501 Spruce Street will be quite hot.
ComedySportz Camp
ComedySportz, the oldest running improv comedy performance in Philadelphia, is a great way for kids to learn while having fun this summer. From July 8 through July 12, campers will work with expert improv instructors on team-building and creative exercises to master improv fundamentals, stage presence, scene work, and more. Teams for each grade are formed, with Team Red being for grades 4 through 6 and Team Blue being for grades 7 through 9.
F.A.Q.
Is going to a summer camp a wise idea?
Summer camps provide a chance to engage in non-competitive activities and achieve a variety of successes. It instills the belief that “I CAN” while boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Are there really summer camps?
In practically every town and city nowadays, there are summer day camps, the majority of which are administered by the local government or specific nonprofits. Additionally, there are other camps run by churches of various denominations.
Parents send their kids to summer camp for what reasons?
You’re providing them with an opportunity that could have a lot of wonderful, lifelong effects. You are giving them a chance to mature and acquire abilities and character characteristics that are frequently difficult to acquire in the comforts of home.
How much do summer camps in America pay?
They take great pride in providing you with the most affordable rates for the finest summer pay for your time spent at camp. By choosing USA Summer Camp, you can earn more money in the United States. With them, you often make over $150 every month! The Program Agreement contains a detailed description of your expected earnings based on your age and qualifications.
Why do American children attend camps?
They acquire incredible skills. All children who attend summer camp leave with new abilities and knowledge that will help them develop from fundamental camping skills to independence.
Why are summer camps so pricey?
Location, meal options, amenities, transportation, and other factors can affect how much a camp costs. Specialty summer camps, on the other hand, can cost as much as $270 per week and focus on topics like soccer, STEM, or the arts.
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