Summer Camp Guide 2018
ARTS
Albright College Center for the Arts
Albright College Music & Theatre Seminar
Roop Hall, 1621 N. 13th St., Reading
732.822.4665 | ACMATS.com
Age Range: Entering grade 9 or older
Dates: June 24-29
What Campers Learn: ACMATS is a 6-day/5-night experience that allows students to bridge the gap between art and commerce and is designed to help students succeed in college music/theatre auditions or develop a sense of entrepreneurship to create a self-sustaining career. Course offerings include: Audition Preparation, Studio Etiquette, Repertoire, Musical Theatre & Commercial Music Ensemble, Music Theory, Songwriting/Analysis, Daily Private Lessons, Vocal Technique, Acting Technique, Entrepreneurship, Entertainment Marketing, Event/Concert Promotion, and Audio Engineering (for auditions).
Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance
The Conservatory Summer Intensive
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Ste. 401, 201 Washington St., Reading
610.373.7577 | berksballettheatre.com/summer
Age Range: 2-19
Dates: various dates for various programs, visit online
What Campers Learn: Princess Ballerina Camp is where 2- to 4-year-olds learn the basics of ballet in a creative learning environment. Weekly ballet classes are offered for ages 3-9 to continue to lay and build a strong foundation while having fun. There is also a 4-week summer intensive with guest teachers from NYC and Philadelphia for dancers looking to take their training to the next level. Included are classes in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz and more. You can take one week or all four. Adult ballet classes for beginner and intermediate levels run all summer long.
Berks Youth Chorus
Summer Sing
Hope Lutheran Church
601 N. Front St., Reading
610.898.7664 | berksyouthchorus.org
Age Range: those finishing grades 3-6
Dates: June 18-22
What Campers Learn: Kids with an enthusiasm for music are invited to sing their hearts out during this week-long day camp. Campers will participate in fun sessions of vocal training to develop and refine their skills. To celebrate the conclusion of the program, students will perform in a special concert for family and friends.
The Ceramic Art & Culture Institute
Pottery Camp
746 Centre Ave., Reading
717.341.0518 | ceramicartandcultureinstitute.org/kids-camps/
Age Range: 7-12, 13+
Dates: June 11- August 17
What Campers Learn: Our 7-12 age group focuses on hand building techniques such as pinch pots, slab work and small sculptures. This class takes place over a week and meets for 3 hours each day. Our 13+ group is mainly dedicated to learning how to throw pottery on the wheel, and takes place over two weeks in 3-hour sessions each day. In this class, students will learn how to throw cylinders, bowls and other various forms. Projects range from cup sets, pitchers and even teapots.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600 | goggleworks.org
Age Range: 7-13
Dates: June 25-29, July 23-27
What Campers Learn: The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, in partnership with South Mountain YMCA, attempts to motivate both the creative and energetic sides of Berks County kids. These summer-long arts and day camps aim to blend together art education, collaboration amongst children, outdoor education and, of course, lots of fun. In the mornings, the GoggleWorks lets your kids explore a variety of mediums: paint, mixed media, ceramics, sketch drawing, glass blowing, photography and film. In the afternoons, kids can let out their energy at South Mountain's day camp, engaging in activities like swimming, horseback riding and more!
The Yocum Institute for Arts Education
1100 Belmont Avenue, Wyomissing
610.376.1576 | institute-of-arts.org
Age Range: 2-15
Dates:weekly programs beginning in June, running through August
What Campers Learn: The Summer Arts Connection allows children to explore different creative disciplines such as theatre, dance, movement and visual arts. Each week, there will be a new theme centered on the arts. This 1- to 3-week program is offered as full-day or half-day, either morning or afternoon. In this program, children can express themselves through creative talents and hone in on their special skills.
EDUCATION-BASED
Albright College Center for the Arts
Summer Fashion Studio
1621 N. 13th St., Reading
Email: Doreen Burdalski at dburdalski@
albright.edu
Age Range: Rising high school sophomore, junior or senior
Dates: July 29-Aug. 3
What Campers Learn: Students will explore design concepts, illustration, computer-aided design, fashion merchandising and marketing, while creating their own “Alternative Creations.” The program ends with a runway fashion show open to all family members. In addition, students will work on a portfolio and will design their own T-shirt.
The Culinary Classroom
Junior Chef Summer Camp
West Lawn United Methodist Church, West Lawn
610.374.2674 | theculinaryclassroom.com/kidsinthekitchen
Age Range: 10-14
Dates: June 19-21, 26-28
What Campers Learn: From 11am to 2pm daily, the camp will offer Berks children the chance to gain invaluable kitchen experience and cooking tools while having fun making recipes they can also prepare at home. Children will also be introduced to some “new” foods to expand their palates.
The Goddard School Summer Camp
25 Commerce Dr., Wyomissing
610.478.8757 | goddardschool.com
Age Range: Preschool to age 10
Dates: June 11-Aug. 24
What Campers Learn: The Goddard School’s super summer camp is filled with weekly themes focused on kindness. This year’s Kindness Camp theme will encourage children to focus on how they can make a difference in our world. Attendees will participate in kindness activities to learn that kindness truly matters.
Montessori Country Day School
Summer Camp Program
53 Vermont Rd., Sinking Spring
610.777.3080 | email: info@MCDSberks.org
Age Range: 1-12
Dates:June 19-Aug. 25
What Campers Learn: Over a span of 10 weeks, multiple sessions and rates are offered to provide children with a summer of fun. These programs will allow attendees to learn and interact with each other through both indoor and outdoor activities in line with the Montessori philosophy. Children enrolled in half sessions are provided with a snack; children enrolled in full sessions must pack a lunch. All sessions will embark on field trips to local destinations, such as the Gouglersville Fire Company playground.
Penn State Berks Continuing Education
Summer Youth Programs
Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township
610.369.6225 | berks.psu.edu/continuing-education
Age Range: those entering grades 5-12
Dates: June 18-Aug. 3
What Campers Learn:The Penn State Berks Discovery Summer Camps are designed to allow middle and high school students the opportunity to further explore topics in STEAM education and beyond. Introductory Veterinary Science, Pre-Med, Computer and Cybersecurity, Theatre, Engineering, Movie Making, RoboCamp, and more allow students to delve into a wide array of subjects during the full-day, week-long Middle and High School Discovery Camp programs. Several programs offered for high school students also prepare them for the college experience by offering a room and board option.
Reading Public Museum
Summer Discovery Camp
500 Museum Rd., Reading
610.371.5850, ext. 227
Age Range: those entering grades 1-6
Dates: July 9-Aug. 31 (topics change weekly)
What Campers Learn: Join the Reading Public Museum for a summer of fun with six weeks of themed summer camps. Each week will incorporate different disciplines, such as art and science. Expose your child to topics involving archaeology, space and even engineering. Children will leave with knowledge and having experienced fun crafts. Registration fees vary. New for 2018 are special pre-K camps. Call for more info.
Reading Public Museum & Berks County Intermediate Unit
Forensics Career Exploration Camp
500 Museum Rd., Reading
610.371.5850, ext. 227
Age Range: Grades K-12
Dates: June 18-19 (High School); June 21-22 (Middle School); June 25 (Elementary)
What Campers Learn: Join the Reading Public Museum and the Berks County Intermediate Unit for this special exploratory camp where campers will learn about careers in forensic science. Campers will meet career professionals and get hands-on experience in various laboratory techniques used in forensic science, including bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA extraction and fingerprinting.
CHURCH-BASED
Camp Manatawny
33 Camp Rd., Douglassville
610.689.0173 | manatawny.org
Age Range: those entering grades 1-12
Dates: June 23-Aug. 10
What Campers Learn: Camp Manatawny provides elementary to high school students the opportunity to explore camp activities such as swimming, archery and crafts with a Bible-based influence. Campers will participate in both small and large group Bible studies as well. Both day and overnight sessions are available.
SPORTS
Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex
Summer Adventure Camp
3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.376.2100 | bodyzonesports.com/camp
Age Range: 5-13
Dates: June 11-Aug. 24
What Campers Learn: With different themes and attractions for each of the 11 weeks of camp, there’s something for everyone. Your child will stay active and healthy all summer long with various activities such as ice skating, swimming, sports and games, Gaga ball, arts and crafts, fresh air activities and exciting field trips! Field trips include: Lincoln Financial (home of the Eagles!), Lancaster Science Center, Xtreme Air Trampoline Park and more. The camper/counselor ratio is 12:1, with a great group of counselors that your child is sure to love. Several packages are available, with lunch and extended care options. Summer Adventure Camp at Body Zone is not only where memories are made, but where friends are made, too!
Colonial Sports
Summer Day Camp
168 Shillington Rd., Sinking Spring
610.777.9651 | chbsports.com
Age Range: 6-12
Dates: June 11-Aug. 25
What Campers Learn: Providing kids with lifetime memories! Each week, attendees have a chance to get outside and enjoy the fresh air through team building activities, sports, park trips and more. There's never a dull moment, whether your child is singing songs on the bus or going on a weekly field trip. While enjoying all these fun activities, children will also be growing physically, socially and emotionally.
hOMe Digital DetoxSummer Camp
154 Skyline Drive, Reading
610.621.6351 | homepym.com
Age Range: 3 years-adult
Dates: select weeks June-August
What Campers Learn: Join hOMe staff for a screen-free summer of fun, relaxation, connection and community for all ages at our beautiful, wooded, natural setting in Berks! Each week will include yoga and meditation practices and other holistic wellness activities geared towards the specific group. Enjoy the present moment with us and with mother nature!
Manor Golf Club
Golf Camp for all: First Tee Fantastic Golf Camp
153 Bran Rd. Sinking Spring
610.678.9597 | themanorgolfclub.com
Age Range: Sticks for Lil Kids, ages 4-7; First Tee Fantastic Golf Camp, Ages 8-15
Dates: Sticks sessions: May 29-31; June 4, 6, 7, 12-14, 25-27 & July 10-12 (varied times); First Tee sessions: June 18-21, July 16-19 (10am-1pm)
What Campers Learn: The First Tee Fantastic Golf Camp gives kids the opportunity to not only learn the game, but also practice safety, etiquette, and First Tee Core Values with a major emphasis on fun! Junior Golfers are introduced to all golf skills: putting, pitching, irons, driving and on-course play. The camp is run by owner Cheryl Heckman with instruction by Patrick Spang, PGA pro. High school and collegiate golfers also offer aid to enhance learning and fun. First Tee Core Values include courtesy, respect, honesty, judgment, sportsmanship, confidence, integrity, perseverance and responsibility. Manor has conducted golf camps for 10+ years and receives rave reviews and return campers. No clubs are necessary. Clubs are on site to borrow.
Rage Soccer Club
2018 Pre-season Residential Camp
Kutztown University
Email: twitmer@ragesoccerclub.com
Age Range: Birth year 2002-2010, All U9-U17 players
Dates: July 22-25
What Campers Learn: During this camp, boys and girls participate in training to improve their skills on the field. Each day is filled with sessions and workshops taught by Rage coaches with years of experience, with assistance by S.C. alumni and current soccer players. Participants will learn everything from basic skills to advanced techniques. Campers can commute or stay overnight in Kutztown University dormitories under supervision with meals provided.
Wyomissing ATA
ATA Summer Camps (Session 1: Nerf Camp, Session 2: Extreme Ninja Camp, Session 3: ATA Explorer Camp)
98 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing
610.375.3170 | atakaratepa.com
Age Range: 5-12
Dates: June 18-22, June 25-29, Aug. 13-17
What Campers Learn: Campers will explore a variety of activities from rock climbing to laser tag, all while learning basic martial arts and training with our certified instructors. Each week has multiple field trips that correspond with the theme of the camp that week and includes a pizza party on Friday! Come kick it with us this summer — space is limited!
EQUINE
Foxtale Farm Riding Camp
12 Foxtale Lane, Oley
610.987.9309 | foxtalefarm.com
Age Range: 5 and up
Dates: June 11-15, July 9-13, Aug. 6-10
What Campers Learn: At Foxtale Farm, campers learn all aspects of handling, working around, and riding horses and ponies. In addition to riding, they learn horse care, grooming, safety and stable management skills. Campers also participate in crafts and many group activities. Foxtale Farm is an equine facility with a family farm setting.
Heron Mead Farm
Horse & Pony Camp
15 School Lane, Robesonia
610.488.8978 | heronmeadfarm.com
Age Range: 5-18
Dates: June 25-29, July 16-20, Aug. 13-17
What Campers Learn: Camps are offered to all levels, from first-time to advanced riders. This program teaches techniques in trotting, cantering and jumping. Campers with the capability will go on supervised trail rides on Blue Marsh Lake trails bordering the farm. Horse management also plays a huge part as riders learn the importance of keeping a horse healthy. The final day of camp, "Demonstration Day," allows campers to show off all they've learned to their family and friends.
Shady Hollow Assisted Riding
Summer Equestrian Full-Day & Mini Camp
959 E. Main St., Birdsboro
610.582.4050 | hugahorse.com
Age Range: Full-Day Camp, 8-11; Mini Camp, 5-7
Dates: Mini Camp: July 24-26; Full-Day Camp: June 11-14
What Campers Learn: These riding camps, with the option of three-hour morning sessions or full days, are great for preparing your young equestrian. Trained instructors and supportive volunteers will teach attendees essential skills, from proper grooming and care to feeding the horse, plus equipment needed. Each camper will also have the opportunity to practice riding and leading. Game and craft time is also included.
Valley Mist Farm
Summer Horse Camp
125 Boyer Rd., Oley
484.824.1110 | valleymistfarm.com
Age Range: 3-15
Dates: Mini Camp: July 11-13
Regular Camp: June 18-22, July 23-27, Aug. 6-10
What Campers Learn: Send your child to Valley Mist Farm this summer for a week of equestrian fun. Campers will ride horses, of course! Mini camps are offered for children ages 3 to 5, introducing them to ponies, and regular camps are designed for ages 5 to 15, with no experience necessary. When campers aren't riding, they will learn grooming and safety, enjoy demonstrations by vets and advanced riders, make arts and crafts and much more.
Windswept Acres Riding Camp
472 Manatawny Rd., Boyertown
610.413.1447 | windsweptacrespa.com
Age Range: Ages 6 and older
Dates: Week 1: June 18-22; Week 2: July 16-20; Week 3: Aug, 6-10; Upper Level Camp: June 12-14
What Campers Learn: Calling all riders and horse lovers alike! All experience levels welcome. Groups are formed according to experience. No experience? No problem! Campers will learn riding and general horsemanship skills, make crafts, swim and more!
SCIENCE/Nature
Berks Nature
Eco-Camp
575 St. Bernardine St., Reading
610.372.4992 | berksnature.org/eco-camp
Age Range: 3 (potty-trained) and older
Dates: June 11-Aug. 17
What Campers Learn: Full- and half-day camp opportunities focused on a different component of eco-friendly living. Led by veteran teachers, support staff and guest instructors. At The Nature Place at Angelica Park, young children and teens learn the importance of taking care of the planet and the animals in our environment. New this year, campers in grades 3-8 will be able to participate in excursion activities at locations like the Union Canal, French Creek State Park and more.
Berks County Parks & Recreation
Nature Discovery Camp
Angora Fruit Farm, 502 Angora Rd., Reading
Bingaman Nature Center, 2843 Hill Rd., Reading
484.509.2667 ext. 3email: jbrooks@countyofberks.com
Age Range: 3-11
Dates: June 4-Aug. 2
What Campers Learn: Join Environmental Educator Jennifer Brooks for four different themed camp programs. The camps are being held at the Angora Fruit Farm and Bingaman Nature Center, offering Puddle Jumpers sessions for ages 3 to 5 (June 4-6), Explorers sessions (June 18-22) and Discovery Days (June 28- Aug. 2) for children Kindergarten through grade 3, and a 3-day Arts Camp for older children from July 10-12. Through the Art in Nature Camp session, children interested in expressing their creativity are encouraged to expand their knowledge with projects centered on using natural materials, while each One Day Camp Experience focuses on a different theme ranging from geology to insects. One-week Explorers campers can get excited about water as they explore creek and pond habitats, and Puddle Jumpers can expect to get up close and personal in the garden at the Angora Fruit Farm. All camps are hands-on fun as campers get outside and get active!
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Raptor Career Exploration Camp
1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton
610.756.6000, ext.208 | hawkmountain.org
Age Range: those entering grades 5 to 8
Dates: June 18, 25; July 9, 16 & 23
What Campers Learn: Spend five days immersed in nature and learn first-hand about raptor biologist and educator careers while you visit with them or join them in the outdoor classroom. Binoculars will be provided for campers to scout local birds. Lessons will also focus on the different species of raptors, incorporating fun activities and crafts. The camp is open to both members and non-members.
OUTDOORS
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Day andResident Camps
Info by email at: memberservices@gsep.org
215.564.2030 | gsep.org/camps
Age Range: girls ages 5-17
Dates: Day Camps: June 18-Aug. 17; Resident Camps: June 24-Aug. 10
What Campers Learn: With seven camps offering all types of adventure, there's something for every girl at Girl Scout camp. The best part is you don't already have to be a Girl Scout. Climb the rock wall, learn to paddleboard standing up, race down the river in a canoe. How about a night hike under the stars creating homemade crafts and cooking over a campfire (s'mores, anyone)? It's all here waiting for you!
South Mountain YMCA
Camp Conrad Weiser & Bynden Wood Day Camp
201 Cushion Peak Rd., Wernersville
610.670.2267 | smymca.org
Age Range: 5-15
Dates: Camp Conrad Weiser: June 2-Aug. 11
Bynden Wood Day Camp: June 11-Aug. 17
What Campers Learn: Camp Conrad Weiser & Bynden Wood Day Camp seek to instill the values of the YMCA — respect, responsibility, honesty and caring — in each program offered. Camp Conrad Weiser provides an array of activities, including boating, fishing, arts and crafts and more. The program, designed in sections for campers ages 7 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 15 years, includes an overnight option. Camp Conrad Weiser also offers the opportunity to participate in week-long specialty camps. At Bynden Wood day camp, kids try a little bit of everything to get the full camp experience, from wildlife education to shooting sports like archery. For an additional fee, riding lessons are also available. A special GoggleWoods Arts Day Camp in partnership with the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts will be held the first half of the day June 25-29 and July 23-27 and will feature classes from artists before heading back to Bynden Wood Day Camp for the remainder of the day.
Special Needs
Camp Lily-Berks Day Camp
Easterseals Eastern PA
610.775.1431, ext. 402 | easterseals.com/esep
Age range: 8-young adult
Dates: July 2-Aug. 10
What Campers Learn: Camp Lily is designed to provide a well-rounded summer camp experience for youth and young adults with disabilities. Offered in a series of one-week sessions, Camp Lily is a busy place every day with a full schedule of arts and crafts activities, outdoor sports, swimming, music, games, science exploration, cooking lessons, gardening and field trips to regional attractions. Camp is dedicated to enriching the lives of campers through inclusive activities that build skills and promote friendships. Staff ratio is 1:3. Other support staff are welcome. Located on Mount Penn at the intersection of Angora & List roads.
Easterseals Camp Growing Green Overnight Camp
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Dingmans Ferry, PA
610.775.1431, ext. 209 | easterseals.com/esep
Age range: 10-adult
Dates: July 1-Aug. 10
What Campers Learn: Growing Green is a week-long overnight camp with an emphasis on the environment for children and adults with disabilities. Overnight camp provides incredible opportunities for growth and development in a safe, nurturing environment staffed by Easterseals trained counselors. Growing Green campers gain environmental awareness and learn organic gardening in specially designed gardens while also enjoying traditional camp activities like hiking, canoeing, sports, arts & crafts, campfires and swimming. An optional career experience track is available for campers who want to explore career opportunities.
VARIOUS
YMCA of Reading and Berks County
Summer Adventure Camps
Sinking Spring YMCA | 610.678.0484
Mifflin Area YMCA | 610.750.5036
Reading YMCA | 610.378.4732
Tri Valley YMCA | 610.944.6515
Age Range: Students starting grades 1-7
Dates: All summer
What Campers Learn: This program is jam-packed with fun activities, rotating between swimming, arts & crafts, sports and more. Each week, children are also treated to a special field trip. There’s never a dull moment with a summer spent at the YMCA!
Want your Berks County camp included in the 2019 edition?
Email us your information at bcleditor@berkscountyliving.com.
