Top Summer Day Camps In The Philadelphia Area
Summer camps are a great way for kids to spend their summer. While there are many camps in the Philadelphia area that focus on one specific activity or skill, all children will benefit from a camp that allows them explore both favorite and new activities. Day camps can provide learning opportunities and create a variety of unique experiences while allowing the kids to come home at the end of the day and enjoy time with family. Anyone interested in an overnight camp experience may want to check out the Best Sleep Away Summer Camps. Camps do fill early, so it is best to sign up before the ground thaws.
Just be aware: For all camps, parents should look for certification from the state and the American Camp Association.
Lake Stockwell Day Camp
1303 Stokes Road
Medford, NJ 08055
(609) 654-8225
www.ycamp.org
Nestled in the Pine Barrens, Lake Stockwell offers a classic day camp experience with YMCA standards and values. Campers can explore trails and forests, play sports outdoors and indoors (meaning in air conditioning) and make crafts. The entire group can do many activities together, and campers get to select those that fit their interests. The day camp is for ages five to 11, but there is also a half-day pre-school program as well as a special Explorers program for young teens ages 12 to 15.
Malvern Day Camp
20 Creek Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
(610) 558-3200
www.malverndaycamp.com
Malvern Day Camp has all of the activities parents would expect from traditional day camp – sports, arts and crafts and swimming. But it also has indoor rock-climbing, a go-kart race track and a water park. Parents can also select between a three-day, four-day or five-day camp week to suit their child's needs. This 15-acre camp on park-like grounds is for kids ages five to 14.
Related: Top Spots For Kids' Summer Art Activities In Philadelphia
Ramah Day Camp
7601 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
(215) 885-8556
www.ramahdaycamp.org
Parents who want their children to attend a traditional day camp with Jewish values will love Ramah Day Camp. Kids are encouraged to learn new skills and face challenges in a supportive environment. Programs range from arts to nature to sports. The camp, established in 1996, is for kids in grades two to 10.
Tall Pines Day Camp
1349 Sykesville Road
Williamstown, NJ 08094
(856) 262-3900
www.tallpinesdaycamp.com
Tall Pines offers more than 40 activities, from arts to athletics, each week for kids ages three to 12. Kids are even given the option to spend extra time at a favorite activity. This year, the camp added twin 800-feet-long zip lines. Special events throughout the summer include an Olympic Day, Carnival Day and King Neptune Day. Parents who wish to visit the camp before making a decision can attend one of the upcoming open houses on March 15 or April 26.
Related: Ask A Philadelphia Guide: Packing List For Your Next Campout
Valley Forge Military Academy Summer Camp
1001 Eagle Road
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 989-1200
www.vfmac.edu
Parents (and kids) shouldn't let the fact that this camp is at a military academy scare them. Valley Forge provides a traditional day camp for kids ages six to 17. Campers will learn team building, leadership and other skills through activities like rock climbing, archery, paintball and swimming. The camp will welcome potential campers and their parents to visit for an open house on April 12.
Samantha Sinclair is a freelance writer who lives in South Jersey. She has two boys who love "adventuring." Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
