Photo courtesy of South Mountain YMCA
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 26-31
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.
BERKS BALLET THEATRE CONSERVATORY OF DANCE
Summer of Dance
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington St., Ste. 401, Reading
610.373.7577
Age Range: 2-19
Dates: various dates for various programs, visit online
What Campers Learn: Princess Ballerina + Prince Camp is where 2- to 4-year-olds learn the basics of ballet in a creative learning environment. We offer 2-week Young Dancers Sessions throughout the summer as well as our all new Young Dancers Contemporary Dance Week. For the intermediate and advanced dancer, we have a 4-week summer intensive, the "Professional Dance Experience.” We bring in guest teachers from NYC, Philadelphia and beyond — this is perfect 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 COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
Nature Discovery Camp
Angora Fruit Farm, 502 Angora Rd., Reading
Bingaman Nature Center, 2843 Hill Rd., Reading
484.509.2667
email: jbrooks@countyofberks.com
Age Range: 3-11
Dates: June 8-Aug. 13
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 8-10), Explorers sessions (June 22-26) and a 3-day Art In The Park Camp for older children from July 15-17. 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 insects to archaeology. One-week Explorers campers can let their inner ‘wild child’ explore the outdoors on the Angora Fruit Farm property, and Puddle Jumpers can expect to learn amazing facts with some live animal friends.
BERKS NATURE
Eco-Camp
575 St. Bernardine St., Reading
610.372.4992
Age Range: 3 (potty-trained)-12
Dates: June 8-Aug. 14
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. Campers can enjoy hotdog parties around the fire pit, an Eco-Camp sleepover on Aug. 6, visits from the Critter Connection, BAMBA, Red Creek Wildlife Center and more!
BODY ZONE SPORTS AND WELLNESS COMPLEX
Summer Adventure Camp
3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.376.2100
Age Range: 5-13
Dates: June 8-Aug. 21
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 Lehigh Valley Zoo, DaVinci 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. Celebrating its 16th year, Summer Adventure Camp at Body Zone is not only where memories are made, but where friends are made, too!
CLAY ON MAIN
Art Around the World
313 Main St., Oley
610.987.0273
Age Range: 6-12
Dates: July 13-17
What Campers Learn: Spend five days (from 10am-3pm) learning, playing and creating at Clay on Main, Berks County’s rural community arts center. Families are also invited to an informal exhibit on Saturday, July 18, during Clay on Main’s annual Ice Cream Social, which is free and open to the public. For any additional information, call or email clayonmain@gmail.com.
COLONIAL SPORTS
Summer Day Camp
168 Shillington Rd., Sinking Spring
610.777.9651
Age Range: 6-12
Dates: June 1-Aug. 21* (dates may vary due to end of Wilson school year date)
What Campers Learn: Colonial Sports Summer Camp Program provides the proper balance of fun, learning and exercise in a safe and structured environment for school age children. The program includes a variety of activities, an afternoon snack, and outdoor play. Supervision is provided by qualified staff. Each week has a theme, including: Surf's Up, The Greatest Show, Shark Week, Olympics and more — with attendees enjoying scavenger hunts, making new friends, learning new games and doing crafts, all while having the time of their lives. Email sportscenterinfo@chbsports.com.
EASTERSEALS CAMP GROWING GREEN OVERNIGHT CAMP
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Dingmans Ferry, PA
610.775.1431, ext. 227
Age range: 10-adult
Dates: July 5-Aug. 14
What Campers Learn: Growing Green is a week-long overnight camp with an emphasis on the environment for youth 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 is available for campers who want to explore career opportunities.
FOX MUSIC: WILLY WONKA JR. MUSICAL THEATER SUMMER CAMP
3821 Main St., Morgantown
484.999.7843
Age Range: 8-16
Dates: July 13-18
What Campers Learn: Enter the magical and delicious world of Willy Wonka, as actors of all experience levels gain singing, acting and performance skills in this week-long summer camp. In addition to preparing for a final on-stage public performance, students will attend daily workshops in acting, creative writing, singing, history of theater and costume and make-up design. Performers will audition on Friday, May 29, and all who audition will receive a part. We also offer a half-day option for students interested in the workshops, but not interested in performing.
FOXTALE FARM RIDING CAMP
12 Foxtale Lane, Oley
610.987.9309
Age Range: 5 and up
Dates: June 15-19, July 6-19, August dates: call for info
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.
GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA DAY AND RESIDENT CAMPS
Info by Email at: memberservices@gsep.org
215.564.2030
Age Range: girls ages 5-17
Dates: Day Camps: June 15-Aug. 14; Resident Camps: June 21-Aug. 8
What Campers Learn: With six 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!
THE GODDARD SCHOOL
Summer Camp
25 Commerce Dr., Wyomissing
610.478.8757
Age Range: Preschool to age 10
Dates: June 8-Aug. 21
What Campers Learn: The Goddard School summer camp theme will be Wide World of Sports and will celebrate the Summer Olympics and explore the countries participating in the games.
GOGGLEWORKS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600
Age Range: 6-18
Dates: June 22-Aug. 21
What Campers Learn: We encourage kids and teens to explore and experiment in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, virtual reality, writing, printmaking, fused glass and more. GoggleWorks is also partnering with South Mountain YMCA, Wickline Casting, LaunchBox and Snapology to bring you the most engaging, fun and educational summer camps you could possibly imagine!
CAMP GOTR
Governor Mifflin Intermediate School
600 Governor Drive, Shillington
484.332.6132
Age Range: 8-13
Dates: July 20-24
What Campers Learn: Girl on the Run programming will be provided by trained GOTR coaches in the morning sessions and fun, girl-empowering field trips will be provided for the afternoons. Each girl will receive fun items from Girls on the Run, snacks, lunches and fun memories to last a lifetime.
HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY
Summer Nature Camps
1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton
610.756.6000, ext. 209
Age Range: those entering grades 1-6
Dates: June 22-26, July 6-10, Aug. 3-7 & 17-21
What Campers Learn: These week-long Summer Nature Camps get kids outdoors, developing a deeper connection with the natural world through fun and educational activities, featuring a different theme each session. Campers can choose one week or join for the entire summer! The camp is open to both members and non-members.
HERON MEAD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Horse & Pony Camp
15 School Lane, Robesonia
610.223.1079
Age Range: 5-18 (3-8 for Tiny Tots)
Dates: June 16-19, June 22-26, July 7-9 (Tiny Tots), July 20-23, Aug. 3-6, Aug. 10-14
What Campers Learn: Camps are offered for all levels, from first-time to advanced riders. This program teaches riders effective positions and techniques in trotting, cantering and jumping. Campers with more experience will go on supervised trail rides on Blue Marsh Lake trails bordering the farm. Horse management also plays a huge part with riders learning vital skills needed to keep a horse healthy. The final day of camp, "Demonstration Day," allows campers to show off all they've learned to their family and friends.
CAMP LILY – BERKS DAY CAMP
Easterseals Eastern PA
610.775.1431, ext. 227
Age range: 8-young adult
Dates: July 6-Aug. 14
What Campers Learn: Camp Lily is designed to provide a well-rounded summer camp experience for children and young adults with disabilities. Offered in a series of one-week sessions, Camp Lily offers a full schedule of fun activities, including swimming, games, cooking, arts and sports. Special guests teach things like art workshops, horticulture, nutrition, safety and other special topics, and campers enjoy field trips to regional attractions. Our camp is dedicated to enriching the lives of campers through inclusive activities that build skills and promote friendships. Staff ratio is 1:3. TSS and other support staff are welcome and encouraged to attend. Located on Mount Penn at the intersection of Angora & List Roads.
MANOR GOLF CLUB
Golf Camp for all: First Tee/Sticks 4 Kids Golf Camp
153 Bran Rd. Sinking Spring
610.678.9597
Age Range: Sticks for Lil Kids, ages 4-7; Sticks Fore Kids, ages 8-15
Dates: Sticks for Lil Kids: May 26-28; June 8-10, 22-24 & July 6-9 (varied times); Sticks Fore Kids: June 15-18, July 13-16 (10am-1pm), June 29-July 1 (6-8pm)
What Campers Learn: The First Tee/Sticks 4 Kids Golf Camp gives kids the opportunity to not only learn the game, but to 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 Manor's professionals. First Tee Core Values include courtesy, respect, honesty, judgment, sportsmanship, confidence, integrity, perseverance and responsibility. Manor has conducted golf camps for 12+ years and receives rave reviews and return campers. No clubs are necessary. Clubs are on site to borrow.
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 22-Aug. 28
What Campers Learn: Over a span of 10 weeks, multiple sessions and rates are offered to provide children with a summer of fun. Each week has a unique theme around which a variety of games, projects and activities are centered. These programs will allow attendees to learn and interact with each other through both indoor and outdoor activities in line with the Montessori philosophy. Flexible half-day and full-day programs are available, plus flexible days-per-week options. Before and after care available: 8am-5pm.
OLIVET SUMMER THEATRE CAMP
PAL Center for the Arts
328 Walnut St., Reading
610.373.8910
Age Range: 9-18
Dates: June 22-Aug. 14
What Campers Learn: Join Olivet’s award-winning Summer Theatre Camp and expand and refine your acting, singing and dancing skills assisted by a staff of professionals at our 200-seat theatre in downtown Reading. Skills acquired are applied to auditions and rehearsals for this year’s show, Disney’s MOANA, Jr., on Aug. 14 and 15.
PENN STATE BERKS CONTINUING EDUCATION
Summer Youth Programs
Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township
610.369.6225
Age Range: those entering grades 5-12
Dates: June 15-July 31
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. Movie Making: Storylines and iMovie, Virtual Reality: The Future is NOW!, Discovering Engineering Camp, Veterinary Science Camp 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.
READING PUBLIC MUSEUM
Summer Discovery Camp
500 Museum Rd., Reading
610.371.5850, ext. 258
Age Range: those entering grades 1-6
Dates: June 29-Aug. 21 (topics change weekly)
What Campers Learn: Join the Reading Public Museum for a summer of fun with eight 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 experiments and projects. Registration fees vary. Call or email rebeka.birch@readingpublicmuseum.org for more info.
ROCK HOLLOW WOODS ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
615 Rock Hollow Rd., Birdsboro
610.582.0415
Age Range: toddlers with parents, kindergarten & grade 1, grades 2-6, grades 5-8
Dates: June 15-July 27
What Campers Learn: We offer a variety of camps, from Outdoor STEM to Camp Innovate. Each camp specializes in a certain area and all of our camps include: free play and discovery, guided exploration, immersion into topics, hikes that unfold surprises in nature, and magical moments that inspire special conversations.
CAMP SAFE BERKS
Immanuel United Church of Christ
99 S. Waverly St., Shillington
610.370.7811
Age Range: 13-17
Dates: July 20-24
What Campers Learn: This free summer camp brings together youth and adults to form alliances of support to promote peace and justice in our schools and communities, as well as enjoy fun summer activities and special guests. Free transportation and meals provided.
VALLEY MIST FARM
Summer Horse Camp
125 Boyer Rd., Oley
484.824.1110
Age Range: 3-15
Dates: Mini Camp: July 15-17
Regular Camp: June 15-19, July 20-24, Aug. 10-14
What Campers Learn: 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
Age Range: Ages 6 and older
Dates: Week 1: June 22-26; Week 2: July 20-24; Week 3: Aug. 3-7
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!
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 entering grades 1-7
Dates: All summer
What Campers Learn: The Y is jam-packed with engaging ways to learn and play, including STEAM activities, swimming, sports and more. Serving 14 locations between playgrounds, day camps, and our NEW Amity Township and Kutztown locations, there’s no better place to play this summer than the YMCA of Reading and Berks County!
THE YOCUM INSTITUTE FOR ARTS EDUCATION
3000 Penn Avenue, West Lawn
610.376.1576
Age Range: 2-17
Dates: weekly programs beginning in June, running through August
What Campers Learn: The Yocum Institute offers multi-arts, specialty and theater camps led by experienced teaching artists in a professional studio environment. Each week offers a unique themed experience. Campers engage in hands-on activities that allow them to create, innovate and problem solve while growing critical thinking skills.
