by Jessica Stuebner
As a mama of four myself, I completely understand that panicked feeling when you realize you never procured a camp spot for a week you forgot about!
Look no further, because we have compiled a list of the most epic (and still available) camps for your tween! Enjoy…Indulge…We won’t judge! We are right there with you!
This camp guide is sponsored by Julian Krinksy Camps & Programs
Julian Krinsky Summer Camps & Programs
For over 40 years, Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs has been providing unforgettable summer experiences with 25+ programs in Art, Business, Esports, Cooking, Fashion, Sports, STEAM and more! With programs situated on four campuses; The University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Haverford College, and Yale University, convenience and setting contribute to an unforgettable experience. Julian Krinsky believes that summer should be about doing something you love; Come meet and join students, ages 5-18, from 45 states, 140 countries and 6 continents. With amazing facilities and programming; surrounded by food, history, and culture – JKCP is the place to be this summer. Learn more by visiting jkcp.com.
ENTER TO WIN A WEEK OF DAY CAMP!
Complete the form online (CLICK HERE) before June 30, 2019 11:59 (EST).
Enter code “TWEEN” in the code area. Winner announced July 1 on JKCP’s Facebook & Instagram
Phield House Camps
Phield House, the indoor sports complex at 9th & Spring Garden offers camps all summer long for kids/tweens ages 6-14. To help facilitate the ten weeks of Summer Camp, Phield House partnered with suburban camp experts, LifeSeeds, which provides quality sports instruction and healthy competition in a safe environment. Kids will be offered development and competition in three different sports – basketball, soccer, and baseball/softball (in the form of Quickball) each week. Additionally, Gap and Summer Camp emphasizes the importance of character development and fill each day with experiential activities that teach the qualities that are fundamental to success in sports and in life.
For a full write-up on Phield House, click here.
Penn Charter Summer Camps
Penn Charter Summer Camps have been making summer fun for 50 years! With 26 camps this year providing a unique variety of programming, each child will be inspired and engaged. Design your own summer by mix-and-matching any weeks of Day, Sports or Specialty Camps that include pottery, dance, girls empowerment, tennis, soccer, science, fashion sewing, Minecraft, chess, DJing and more. Penn Charter Summer Camps also offer a four-week Performing Arts Camp featuring exceptional instruction with professional actors, dancers, musicians, and stage designers. The camp culminates with a full-scale musical production, Aladdin, Jr. in the state-of-the-art performing arts center.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
The Business of Doing Good Camp
If your child dreams of one day starting a business or giving back to the community, they might be a great fit for social entrepreneurship camp with The Business of Doing Good. These 5-day summer programs teach middle school children about social entrepreneurship; providing the exposure and tools through independent study. Campers will have the opportunity to meet and engage with local entrepreneurs, who will share their stories. They will teach kids how to create, present, and launch their unique social entrepreneurial endeavor. The dynamic and engaging curriculum will leave kids inspired to change the world. Registration for the two Philadelphia programs can be found on online and scholarships are available.
For a full write-up onThe Business of Doing Good Camp, click here.
Adventure Aquarium Sea Camp
Dive in to an aquatic adventure this summer at Sea Camp hosted by the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Campers will explore the wonders of the aquatic world in this fun-filled day camp program! Meet live aquatic animals up close, experience aquarium exhibits and behind the scenes, embark on field trips to natural habitats, conduct hands-on science investigations, and much more! Weekly sessions from July 8 – Aug 30, see the website for full schedule and to register online.
For more information, email seacamp@aquaticsciences.org or call 856-361-1025.
AR Workshop
Join AR Workshop for creative and crafty Summer ARt Camps! Camps run from Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. each day at a super affordable cost. Designed for girls and boys, ages 7-14, campers will create four DIY youth projects and a DIY camp t-shirt over the course of camp. Participants will have the opportunity to customize and choose their own personalizes project paint colors from our decor line of paints. Also offered is an optional Friday half-day camp. Summer ARt Camp Projects for 2019 will include canvas tote bag, pillow, wood photo frame, and more!
For more information and to register, visit online.
Villanova Youth Soccer Camps
The Villanova camp community helps student-athletes grow intellectually, professionally, and spiritually, and challenges them to reach their full potential. Meeting the needs of all-leveled soccer players, Villanova Youth Soccer Camps service children ages K-12th grade with two locations for convenience (Radnor High School and Villanova University).
Mention this ad to receive a $50 discount off of the full price of camp. Email info@vusoccer.com for more information.
Independence Seaport Museum Camps
Independence Seaport Museum offers unique summer programming focusing on history, science and maritime life! Perfect for ages 6-12, their award-winning Seaport Summer camp features full days of activities and exploration on the water. Participants will even learn how to row or kayak on the Delaware River! Every week is a new discovery at the Seaport; with an in-depth look into the science and history of Philadelphia and its waterways. With popular themes such as Navy Boot Camp, Captains and Commanders, Eco Ambassadors, and more– there’s something for everyone.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
School Of Rock Camp
From singing to drums to guitar, School of Rock Philadelphia’s music instructors inspire and teach students how to perform live. At School of Rock Philadelphia you’ll meet instructors who are successful working musicians and are filled with passion. Their summer camp entitled “Rock 101 Summer Boot Camp” is for beginners, 7-12 years of age. Campers will learn and practice the School of Rock method while exploring instruments through musical games and activities. No experience is needed!
For more information and to sign up, click here.
Curio Theater Camp
Curio Theater serves the West Philadelphia Community, providing the local area with affordable theatrical opportunities. Their summer camp accepts 1st graders through 12th graders, and campers of all experience levels. With 2 two-week sessions, Curio engages campers in a nurturing and fun setting during the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Programming includes improv, movement, staging and more. The camp experience culminates in a public showcase performance on the last Friday of each camp session for family and friends.
Appel Farms Day Camp
If you’re looking for an arts-focused program with all the outdoor play of traditional summer camps, Appel Farm Arts Camp is the perfect fit. For nearly 60 years, summers at Appel Farm have offered children ages 7-17 the chance to join a creative, nurturing community of artists from around the world in rural South Jersey. Flexible, combinable two-week session and dynamic learning programs with a 3:1 camper to counselor ratio allow campers to practice the creative process with hands-on learning and collaborative projects. A focus on camper choice, personal attention, and love of learning helps children identify and ignite their unique strengths, skills, and confidence in music, theatre, dance, color guard, visual arts, photography, video, creative writing, sports, and swim. Learn more online.
Snapology Summer Camps
Snapology camps use LEGO® bricks as well as other educational tools to teach children development skills and concepts of science. Through play, children can develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally and gain the self-confidence required to engage in new experiences and environments. In the Amusement Park Engineering camp kids will make roller coasters and other awesome rides. In the Animation Studio camp, campers will learn about stop motion animation and produce their very own movie complete with dialogue and sound effects. In Mega Machines Robotics campers create some of their favorite motorized vehicles and learn about gear ratio, sensors, pulleys, cranks, and programming as they build trucks, space rovers, helicopters, and much more. Click here to see the options listed under Snapology on Locust St.
Kids Photography Camp
Try something different this summer and give your child a week at photography camp! Wanda Thomas Photography is offering a one-week photography camp this summer at the new Studio on McCallum in West Mount Airy. From Aug. 12-16, your child will learn the history of photography, exposure, and camera settings as well as the art of nature photography while shooting at Wissahickon trails, the art of composing a good self portrait, and how to use mobile photography to tell a story. Each camper will receive a camp shirt, photo ID badge, camp bag, digital gallery, and five prints of their work! Sign up online.
Also, just for readers of Philly Tweens – use promo code PhillyCamp2019 before June 30, 2019 for a 15% discount!
Check out more of our favorite camps here! Looking for more camps that fill the early June and late August gap weeks? Click here.
