ARTS
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
Age Range: 10+
Dates: Various dates for various programs, visit online
What Campers Learn: This four-week program offers students a variety of dance styles, some of which include ballet, pointe, contemporary and modern. Classes are taught by Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance faculty and guest faculty. At the end of each week, the children will show off their skills at a showing. Contact Berks Ballet Theatre for more on their Nutcracker in July Camps, Princess Ballerina Camps and Young Dancers Summer Sessions.
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 12-16
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.
GOGGLEWORKS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600 | goggleworks.org
Age Range: 7-13
Dates: July 10-14, Aug. 14-18
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!
SUMMER JAZZ CAMP WITH MIKE EBEN & CHRIS HESLOP
Albright College Center for the Arts
Roop Hall, 1621 N. 13th St., Reading
610.921.7715 | albright.edu/centerforthearts
Age Range: Those entering grade 7 or older
Dates: June 19-23, July 17-21
What Campers Learn: Calling all pianists, bassists, guitarists and percussionists! Young musicians are invited to the Center for the Arts Summer Jazz Camp for the opportunity to hone their music skills with saxophonist and music teacher Mike Eben and jazz composer and saxophonist Chris Heslop. Participants will learn the basics of jazz performance, including jazz styles, solo performance and accompaniment, and improvisation using scales and modes. Each session features visits and advice from renowned jazz artists. Get ready to listen, practice, engage and play!
THE YOCUM INSTITUTE FOR THE 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 9-week program is offered as a 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
THE GODDARD SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP
25 Commerce Dr., Wyomissing
610.478.8757 | goddardschool.com
Age Range: Preschool to age 10
Dates: June 12-Aug. 31
What Campers Learn: The Goddard School’s summer camp features different activities each week. With a new focus each week centered on science, technology, engineering, arts and music, these STEAM-focused activities will keep your little one busy all summer long. Each lesson offers hands-on opportunities for your child to participate and learn inside and outside the classroom.
SUMMER CAMP AT LINDEN HALL
212 E. Main St., Lititz
717.626.8512 | lindenhall.org
Age Range: 7-14
Dates: July 9-Aug. 5
What Campers Learn: During this traditional day camp experience, young girls are offered a multitude of programs. Some morning programs include mythology, robotics, Spanish and creative writing. In the afternoon, elementary and middle schoolers have a choice of different electives in the areas of academics, athletics and creative activities. If your child is looking to experience a full sleep-away camp, overnight sessions are also offered to those ages 11-14 years. Overnight programs will also feature trips to various locations.
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
Discovery Camps
Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township
610.369.6225 | berks.psu.edu
Continuing-Education
Age Range: Those entering grades 5-12
Dates: June 19-Aug. 4
What Campers Learn: The Penn State Berks Continuing Education camps are designed to allow middle and high school students the opportunity to further explore topics in STEM education and beyond. From criminal investigation to movie-making, from robotics to architecture, students can delve into one of a wide array of subjects during the Middle School Summer Camp and High School Discovery Camp programs. Each week-long program will focus on a different discipline. The program offered for high school students also prepares 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 | readingpublicmuseum.org
Age Range: Those entering grades 2-8
Dates: July 10-Aug. 25
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 archeology, space and even engineering. Children will leave with both knowledge and the experience of fun crafts. Registration fees vary.
CHURCH-BASED
CAMP MANATAWNY
33 Camp Rd., Douglassville
610.689.0173 | manatawny.org
Age Range: Those entering grades 1-12
Dates: June 24-Aug. 11
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 AND WELLNESS COMPLEX
Summer Adventure Camp
3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.376.2100 | bodyzonesports.com/summer-adventure-camp
Age Range: 5-13
Dates: June 2-Aug. 25
What Campers Learn: Expose your child to one or all 11 action-packed sessions of camp with a new theme offered each week. Every day is filled with a new activity, as kids enjoy Pool Party Tuesdays for a swim in the pool and Special Event Wednesdays featuring a field trip or inflatable fun. The program is offered in both half- and full-day sessions for various prices. Each camper will not only leave with memories to last a lifetime, but also a free t-shirt!
COLONIAL SPORTS
Summer Day Camp
168 Shillington Rd., Sinking Spring
610.777.9651 | chbsports.com
Age Range: 5-12
Dates: June 12-Aug. 25
What Campers Learn: Colonial Sports Day Camp provides kids with memories to last a lifetime! 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.
MANOR GOLF CLUB
First Tee Fantastic Golf Camp
153 Bran Rd., Sinking Spring610.678.9597 | themanorgolfclub.com
Age Range: Sticks for Lil Kids, 4-7; First Tee Fantastic Golf Camp, 8-15
Dates: Sticks sessions: June 5, 7, 12, 14, 26-28 & July 10-12; First Tee sessions: June 19-22, July 17-20
What Campers Learn: The First Tee Fantastic Golf Camp gives kids the opportunity to not only learn the game, but also to practice safety, etiquette, and First Tee Core Values. 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 are also taught and 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
Kutztown Summer Camp
15200 Kutztown Rd., Kutztown
Email: twitmer@ragesoccerclub.comragesoccerclub.com
Age Range: U9-U17 players
Dates: July 23-27
What Campers Learn: During this 5-day overnight 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.
EQUINE
HERON MEAD FARM
Horse & Pony Camp
15 School Lane, Robesonia
610.488.8978 | heronmeadfarm.com
Age Range: 5-18
Dates: June 26-30, Aug. 14-18
What Campers Learn: Camps are offered to all levels, from first-time riders to advanced. 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, 7-11; Mini Camp, 5-7
Dates: Mini Camp: TBD (tentatively June 19-23); Full-Day Camp: June 19-23
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 and equipment needed. Each camper will also have the opportunity to practice riding and leading. A snack, along with a craft or game time, is included in the half-day camp, and fullday campers will catch a swim down at Maple Springs Pool!
SUGAR VALLEY FARM
Horseback Riding Camp
9273 Kemp School Rd., Kempton
610.858.7683 | thesugarvalleyfarm.com
Age Range: 7-15
Dates: June 26-30, July 31-Aug. 4
What Campers Learn: For young English-style horseback-riding enthusiasts, Sugar Valley Farm provides a week-long day camp — a chance for both beginners and advanced riders to enrich their knowledge of horsemanship, to develop riding skills and to always keep safety as the number one priority. A beautiful, spacious, outdoor farm setting allows children to ride together and make new friends.
VALLEY MIST FARM
Summer Horse Camp
125 Boyer Rd., Oley
484.824.1110 | valleymistfarm.com
Age Range: 3-15
Dates: Mini Camp: Aug. 2-4
Regular Camp: June 19-23, July 17-21, Aug. 7-11
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.
SCIENCE/NATURE
BERKS NATURE
Eco-Camp
25 N. 11th St., Reading
610.372.4992 | berksnature.org/eco-camp
Age Range: 4 and older
Dates: June 12-Aug. 18
What Campers Learn: Featuring wetlands, bats, and more, each themed week focuses 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 animals in our environment.
BERKS COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
Nature Discovery Camp
Angora Fruit Farm, 502 Angora Rd., Reading
Bingaman Nature Center, 2660 Hill Rd., Reading
484.509.2667, ext. 3 | email: jbrooks@countyofberks.com
Age Range: 3-11
Dates: June 7-July 27
What Campers Learn: Join Environmental Educator Jennifer Brooks for four different themed camp programs. Angora Fruit Farm and Bingaman Nature Center are hosting the camps, offering Puddle Jumpers sessions for ages 3 to 5, Explorers sessions and Discovery Days for ages 5 to 8, and a 3-day Arts Camp for older children from July 12-14. Through the Art in Nature Camp session, children interested in expressing their creativity are encouraged to expand their knowledge with projects centered on paper making and tie-dying with natural dyes.
HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY
Raptor Adventure Camp
1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton
610.756.6000, ext.208 | hawkmountain.org
Age Range: Those entering grades 4 to 8
Dates: July 18-20, July 24-27
What Campers Learn: Campers can enjoy a daily scenic hike to discover the outdoors in a whole new way. Binoculars will be provided for campers to scout local birds. Lessons will focus on the different species of raptors, incorporating fun activities and crafts. The program from July 18-20 will be for children entering grades 4-5, while the program from July 24-27 will be for children entering grades 6-8. The camp is open to both members and non-members.
SCIENCE EXPLORERS
Science Explorers Inc.
110 W. Wyomissing Avenue, Mohnton
610.816.5047 | scienceexplorers.com
Age Range: 4-11
Dates: July 17-28
What Campers Learn: Science Explorers is offering two sessions developed by trained scientific educators. Campers can enjoy a full-day or a half-day of camp filled with fun experiments. For the week of July 17, children ages 7-11 can explore space, magic in science and marine biology. Children ages 4-6 can attend camp the week of July 24 for lessons on topics such as oceanography, astronomy and magnets with an experiment with “magic” magnet bottles.
OUTDOORS
ALBRIGHT COLLEGE EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Junior Explorers Summer Camp
3040 Kutztown Rd., Reading
610.921.9324 | albright.edu
Age Range: Those entering grades 1-6
Dates: June 12-Aug. 18
What Campers Learn: At the Junior Explorers camp, each fun-filled week is focused on a specific topic. Children experience exciting hands-on learning centered around culinary arts, zoology and more, featuring all-new activities like myth-busting and a science lab just for kids. For junior explorers, each day is a new opportunity for educational excitement!
4-H CAMP MANATAWNY
Berks County Summer Camp
33 Camp Rd., Douglassville
610.378.1327 | extension.psu.edu/4-h/counties/berks/4-h-camp
Age Range: 8-13
Dates: June 20-23
What Campers Learn: This overnight camp is designed to enhance one’s connection with nature through craft workshops, team building exercises, campfires and camp songs. Juniors, ages 8 to 10, and seniors, ages 11-13, will participate in camp activities geared toward their age group. A 4-H membership is not required.
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 18-Aug. 12
Bynden Wood Day Camp: June 12-Aug. 18
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 aged 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 literary theme 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.
HISTORY
DANIEL BOONE HOMESTEAD
History Day Camp
400 Daniel Boone Rd., Birdsboro
610.582.4900 | danielboonehomestead.org
Age Range: Those entering grades 3-6
Dates: July 17-21; 9am-3pm daily
What Campers Learn: The legacy of Daniel Boone lives on at The Boone Homestead. While visiting the site, kids can interactively explore what Boone did and accomplished through themed activities and demonstrations. A look into a child's life during the 18th century will also be explored.
Special Needs
AARON’S ACRES
Berks Summer Camp
South Mountain YMCA
201 Cushion Peak Rd., Wernersville
717.917.6101 | aaronsacres.org
Age Range: 5-21
Dates: June 19-30
What Campers Learn: This camp provides a safe and fun camp experience for individuals with developmental disabilities. Offered in both half- and full-day sessions. Aaron's Acres provides a 1:1 or 1:3 certified staff to camper ratio. Through music theory, swim and more, children and young adults will enhance their communication and social skills.
CAMP LILY-BERKS
90 George St., Muhlenberg Township
610.775.1431, ext. 402 | easterseals.com/esep
Age range: 8-young adult
Dates: July 3–Aug. 11
What Campers Learn: Children and young adults with disabilities enjoy outdoor sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music, science exploration, cooking, horticulture, barbecues, special guests and field trips to regional attractions. Camp Lily-Berks is a day camp dedicated to enriching the lives of campers through an atmosphere of caring and community inclusion. Staff ratio is 1:3. TSS and other support staff welcome. Located on Mount Penn at the intersection of Angora & List roads.
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
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 and 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!
BELL TOWER
Beauty Camp 2017
18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing
610.372.6379 | belltowersalonspa.com
Age Range: 12 – 16 years old
Dates: July 11-14, July 25-28, Aug. 15-18
What Campers Learn: Everything a diva needs to learn about beauty! You will experience a new hair style and makeup application each day. And will focus on your inner diva and bring out the best “you”! Lessons in skin care; daily hair style; diva glamour; a diva photo shoot and more. Includes lunch from the Bell Tower Café daily; BT Beauty Camp T-shirt; 12 piece makeup brush set; 50% off coupon for a BT academy facial; $25 BT Gift Card and free smoothie card.
Compiled by Camille Fuller & Alyssa Reimenschneider
