MARCH 2019 DELAWARE
mk
CAMP ABROAD Teen Travel Camps 2019 CAMP DIRECTORY
mk
Students sea kayak in the fjords of Norway on The Road Less Traveled’s Footsteps of Giants trip
Camp Camp
Teen Travelers At travel camps, kids explore the world, themselves By Susan Stopper When Upper Darby, PA native Julia Fournier aged out of the summer theater camp she had attended, she tried something new. She spent the summer after her sophomore year of high school in India with The Road Less Traveled (RLT), a travel program that runs trips for middle and high school students. In India, Fournier spent 28 days on community-service projects, hiking and absorbing Indian culture. She enjoyed it so much she went to Costa Rica and Panama with RLT the next summer. “I loved having an experience completely separate and removed from my day-to-day life,” says Fournier, who is now an admissions counselor for RLT. “You could reinvent yourself and there was space to explore different parts of yourself. “I learned I really enjoy hard work. We were moving bricks to build a classroom for a school. It was hard work and I was hot and physically exhausted, but it was so satisfying because it had an important purpose.”
Deckelbaum helped match Stacy’s son with a Rustic Pathways trip to Thailand, where he worked with abused elephants. The next summer he laid pipes to provide potable water to remote mountain villages in Peru. Her daughter wanted to try something similar, but not as far away. Deckelbaum suggested RLT’s Florida conservation trip, which she loved. “Summer travel options for this age group are quite broad,” says Deckelbaum. Teens can choose camps that focus on sightseeing, community service, language immersion, hiking, biking, photography, conservation, animal studies, cooking or a combination. After they identify the right fit for a child’s interests, parents should ask about the program’s rules, communication policies, safety procedures and staff training. What kind of emergency and first-aid training do the leaders have? Are they trained to work with teenagers? What are their emergency protocols? Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association? How can parents communicate with Broaden skills, views their children and how often? An astronomy lesson at Whale Camp on Grand Manan Island, At an age when kids are easily Parents can also request to talk New Brunswick, Canada. bored, question everything and with parents whose children often seek risks, travel programs give “It was a great experience. My daughter have attended the programs. teens a unique opportunity. conquered some fears and earned her “They get out of their comfort zone scuba-diving certification,” she says. How much will it cost? while still in a controlled, safe environRustic Pathways, an adventure and Travel programs come with a hefty ment,” says Cailin Burmaster, program community-service travel program, price tag that ranges from $1,400 to director at the Whale Camp on Grand surveys students before and after their $8,000 dependent on length and location. Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy in New trips. In 2017, participants said they Many programs, however, offer financial Brunswick, Canada. grew in openness, sense of wonderment, aid. RLT offers scholarships through an The last two summers, Sonia J., a shared humanity, a desire to have a organization called Geography of Hope, 15-year-old from Chatham, NJ, traveled positive impact, empathy, self-awareness, and Rustic Pathways offers scholarships to Whale Camp. It gave her the opporhumility, independence and intercultural as well as a fundraising guide to help tunity to explore marine biology, which competence. teens raise the money themselves. Local interests her as a career, and, in the procivic organizations, such as Rotary Clubs, cess, “I learned I was able to be on my own How to pick a travel camp can also provide help. and take care of myself. And I made a lot Stacy B. of Narberth, PA worked with of friends I still talk to,” she says. camp adviser Lois Deckelbaum from Tips Susan S. Stopper is a Pennsylvania-based Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of freelance writer. on Trips and Camps, which helps famthe American Camp Association, says, ilies choose a camp, when her children “As parents, we work hard to protect our aged out of traditional overnight camp.
10 MetroKids.com
kids from making mistakes and getting hurt, and sometimes we bubble wrap them. Then they don’t learn resilience. These programs teach them how to make mistakes and try again. They learn to work through anything they set their mind to.” Marika S.’s daughter traveled to Florida from their home in Wilmington, DE with RLT last summer to help with coral-reef reconstruction and other conservation efforts.
CAMP
MARCH 2019
continuedTHEN from p. 6 INNOVATIVE
INNOVATIVE NOW
Tower Hill School
ter by Regis th and h 15 Marc e $15 off receiv ession! s each
Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence 1919-2019
Day Camp ☙ Resident Camp ☙ Travel Camp Camp Country Center Hockessin, DE • Biology • Culinary Arts • STEM • Computer Science
Schedule a personalized tour at 302-657-8350 2813 West 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 towerhill.org
Camp Grove Point Earleville, MD • Sailing • Archery • Equestrian • Kayaking
Contact Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Tel: 302-456-7150 www.gscb.org/camp
don’t ← Youto be a have cout to Girl S to camp. come
Their Summer
Adventure Awaits!
PLAY | SWIM | EXPLORE | CRAFT
Full Day o Half Day Artventures Science Explorers Fine Arts o Drama Sports o Safety Town
You've Got Kids. We've Got Camps.
newcastlede.gov/
CAMPS
MARCH 2019
Register today! 210-94 4-1770
campcaribbeanadventure.com CAMP
MetroKids.com 11
mk
Camp Directory
Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2019! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests. Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas. • Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel. • Special features: Blue icons at the end of each listing indicate if a camp offers extended day care, part-day or part-week schedules, financial aid or transportation. Abbreviations denote whether a camp is ACA accredited, has a counselor-in-training program or may accommodate some special needs. See the key at the bottom of the page. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Kidz, Ink Camp Wow! Locations in Bear, Dover, & Smyrna, DE kidzink2@comcast.net KidzEarlyLearning.com
DAY Our summer camp program is packed with many fun activities that include weekly field trips, weekly cooking activities, swimming, music & sports, CSI Thursdays & much more. 6am-6:30pm. Breakfast & afternoon snack included. 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, 302-838-1500; 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, 302-838-5400; 645 W. North St., Dover, 302-730-4034; 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, 302-653-4034.
New Castle Cty. Summer Camps Various locations in New Castle County, DE: Claymont, Middletown, New Castle, Newport, Newark, North Wilmington, DE 302-395-5632 alexander.stephen@newcastlede.gov newcastlede.gov/camps
DAY Recreation Camps — Full-Day at 5 sites; Half-Day at Battery Park, Old New Castle & Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Newark. Specialty Camps — Safety Town, ArtVentures at NCC Art Studio, Science Explores STEM at Rockwood Park, Musical Theater Camp at NCC Art Studio. CIT SN
YMCA of Delaware Day Camps Multiple Locations in DE & MD 302-221-9622 Ysummercamp.org
DAY, RESIDENTIAL The YMCA has been hosting camps for 100+ years. Our camps provide youth 5-17 with a safe environment to play, learn, grow and make new friends while fostering social, cultural, physical & emotional development. Many options: arts & crafts, sports, team-building, science & nature, music, teen leaders and more. Staff have background checks and first aid and CPR certification. ACA
2019 Delaware Aerospace Academy PO Box 125 Bear 302-834-1978 dasef.outpost@verizon.net DASEF.org
DAY, PROGRAM, RESIDENTIAL Hands-on training in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), earth, ocean and dinosaurs. Grades 1-10. Day Academies: Two different half-day sessions offered the same week at the Environmental Outpost in Smyrna: Destination Ocean and Destination Dinosaur, June 18-22. Four different sessions offered the same week at the University of Delaware in Newark: Destination Sky and Beyond, Destination Space, Destination Flight and Destination Orbit, June 25-29. Residential Academies: Two different sessions offered the same week at the University of Delaware in Newark: Destination Moon and Destination Mars, July 8-13.
2019 Summer Stage Dance and Theatre Camps at Delaware Arts Conservatory 723 Rue Madora, Ste. 4 Bear; 302-595-4160 info@delarts.com; DelArts.com
DAY 2 Summer Stock Camps in musical theatre with Candlelight Theatre in Arden, dance and acting camps in Bear, evening camps in art and music, and more! Day and evening programs for all ages, beginning to advanced, including adult classes. Summer ballet maintenance and Dance Intensives for serious dancers. Pursue your passions at DelArts! SN
A Tatnall Summer: Day Camps, Sports Camps, Swim Team 1501 Barley Mill Rd. Wilmington; 302-892-4347 ATatnallSummer@tatnall.org ATatnallSummer.org
DAY Tatnall’s expansive campus is filled with exploration, imagination, and summer fun. Campers participate in programs, from traditional day camp to enrichment, arts, technology, dance, and sports. Half and full-day camps, lunch options, Extended Day program, and swim team offer convenience and flexibility. CIT
DELAWARE
Brandywine Zoo Camp 1001 North Park Dr. Wilmington 302-571-7850, ext. 209 education@brandywinezoo.org Brandywinezoo.org
DAY, PROGRAM Brandywine Zoo offers indoor/outdoor spring break and holiday camps, and full- and half-day summer camps. For ages 5-13, aftercare available. Focus on fun, animals, and learning through live animal presentations, crafts, games, stories, and learning projects. See Camps section on website.
Camp Arrowhead 35268 Homestead Way Lewes wlafontaine@camparrowhead.net camparrowhead.net
DAY, RESIDENTIAL Located on the shore of the beautiful Rehoboth Bay. Traditional camp activities from swimming and zip line to crafts, ropes, archery, dances and sailing. The Arrowhead experience enriches young people’s relationships with one another, nature and God. Delicious food! Call to set up a tour. CIT
NEW Camp DSFC
DAY, RESIDENTIAL Camp DSFC keeps kids moving with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. From swimming, to open gym and outdoor play, campers will learn exercise is a product of staying active through play. Designed to accommodate all agility levels.
Camp Firefly at Red Lion 1390 Red Lion Rd. Bear lpargoe@reachschools.online Reachschools.online
DAY Igniting The Flame of Explorations and Discovery! Come join us this summer at Camp Firefly! Lunch, snacks, field trips, and extended care included! Water Slide and Water Ice Truck every Friday.
CCArts Fine & Performing Arts Camp 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row Yorklyn; 302-239-2434 nschmid@ccarts.org ccarts.org
DAY A half or full day camp with before and after care offering flexibility for busy summer schedules. Professional teaching artists offer painting, drawing, ceramics, fibers, photography, printmaking, mixed media, theater and music. Portfolio prep and camps for older teens also.
Centreville Layton School Summer Program 6201 Kennett Pk. Centreville 302-571-0230 djarrell@centrevillelayton.org Centrevillelayton.org
DAY Centreville Layton School offers a summer program to reinforce academic skills and organizational strategies. Additionally, our afternoon program, offered to ages 3-13, provides a nurturing environment where children can focus on building social skills and having fun. Our program is offered to students ages three to eighteen. Camp runs from June 25-July 27. SN
Concord Preschool and Childcare; 1800 Fairfax Blvd. Wilmington 302-654-9629 Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com
DAY, TRAVEL Kids ages 1-9 can join the fun all summer or choose a specialty camp. Flexible options. Safe, fun and nurturing atmosphere where each child is encouraged to play, learn and experiment. Quality teaching and care since 1956. Call for a tour.
Delaware Art Museum’s Summer Art Camp 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. Wilmington; 302-571-9590 artiscreating@delart.org DelArt.org
DAY Delaware Art Museum’s summer art camp provides a fun, creative experience with professional instruction. Young artists will explore drawing, painting, ceramics, and more! Ages 6-16. Full-day 9am-4pm + camper art show. New expanded sessions and age groups!
Delaware Dance Co. Summer Dance & Theatre Camp 168 S. Main St. Madeline Crossing, Suite 101 Newark; 302-738-2023 Delawaredancecompany.org
DAY With over 20 years of experience, DDC dance camps have proven to please both those who love dance as well as those with no dance experience. DDC will offer 3 weeks of camp, each one centered around a style of dance. Beautiful Ballet & Broadway Bound for ages 4-10, as well as Contemporary Concepts for ages 6-10. Each camp culminates in a fully costumed performance on stage at the University of Delaware. Camps are held June 24-28, July 8-12 & July 15-19. A special 2 musical theatre week camp is held July 22-August 2 for younger dancers ages 6-12 and older dancers ages 1218. Early drop off and late pick-up are included. Any age half day or full day option!
Delaware Museum of Natural History 4840 Kennett Pike, Rte. 52 Wilmington 302-658-9111, ext. 328 education@delmnh.org Delmnh.org/camps
DAY Summer day-camps for children completing kindergarten through sixth grade to explore science and nature in-depth and up-close, with a new animal exploration camp for seventh-ninth grade. This year features some of our campers’ favorite camps with new hands-on learning activities, as well as brand new camps for each age group. Includes outdoor fun, museum gallery exploration, traveling exhibit discoveries, live animal experiences, and more! For grades 3-6, two camps include optional overnight. Museum Babies program for 3 and under and Museum Peeps (half day sessions) for ages 4-6. Extended care available for an extra fee.
4905 Mermaid Blvd. Wilmington christydsfc@gmail.com delswimfit.com
Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated
12 MetroKids.com
CAMP
MARCH 2019
Wilmington Friends School Summer Camps
June 17 through August 23 Lower School Camp, lscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org For children in preschool - 5th grade. Weekly themes, active games, and art; ice skating, swimming, and bowling; optional specialty camps including soccer, tennis, art, STEM Design, cooking, and adventure camps. Middle School Camp, mscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org For children entering 5th - 9th grade. Choose Base Camp or Theme Camps: art, adventure, sports, STEM, cooking and Digital Music.
Quaker matters. Come see why. Visit us at wilmingtonfriends.org or call 302-576-2998. RUN • LEARN • SWIM • EXPLORE • SMILE • ADVENTURE • FRIENDS • MEMORIES • PLAY • CLIMB • SING • GROW • FUN • SUMMER • HAPPY • NATURE • LEARN • EXPLORE • HIKE • GROW • SUMMER • ADVENTURE • SWIM • RUN • FRIENDS • SUN • SWIM • NATURE • SMILE • LAUGH • CLIMB • SING • GROW • FUN • SUMMER • ADVENTURE • PLAY • HAPPY • RUN • LEARN • SWIM • EXPLORE • SMILE • ADVENTURE • FRIENDS • MEMORIES • PLAY • CLIMB • SING • GROW • FUN • SUMMER • HAPPY • NATURE • LEARN • EXPLORE • HIKE • GROW • SUMMER • ADVENTURE • SWIM • RUN • FRIENDS • SUN • SWIM • NATURE • SMILE • LAUGH • CLIMB • SING • GROW • FUN • SUMMER • ADVENTURE • PLAY • HAPPY • RUN • LEARN • SWIM • EXPLORE • SMILE • ADVENTURE • FRIENDS • MEMORIES • PLAY • CLIMB • SING • GROW • FUN • SUMMER • SUN • NATURE • LEARN • EXPLORE • HIKE • GROW • SUMMER • ADVENTURE • SWIM • RUN • FRIENDS • SUN • SWIM • NATURE • SMILE • LAUGH • CLIMB • SING CAMP • FRIENDS • MEMORIES • PLAY RUN • LEARN • SWIM • EXPLORE •SU SMILE MME• RADVENTURE A C M Y • CLIMB • SING • GROW • FUN • SUMMER • HAPPY • NATURE • LEARN • EXPLORE • HIKE • GROW • SUMMER • ADVENTURE • SWIM • RUN • FRIENDS • SUN • SWIM • NATURE
E R U T N E V AD AWAITS!
REGISTER YOUR KIDS TODAY FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER! WWW.YSUMMERCAMP.ORG Financial assistance is available.
MARCH 2019
CAMP
MetroKids.com 13
mk
Camp Directory
OUTLYING AREAS - MARYLAND
Delaware Nature Society (Ashland, Abbott’s, Coverdale, DEEC) PO Box 700, Hockessin 302-239-2334 candy@delnature.org Delnature.org
DAY Children 3-15 connect with nature through hands-on, outdoor experiences with highly qualified instructors. Children try new activities, develop creativity and enjoy hiking, kayaking, cooking, harvesting, archery, farm animal care, nature photography, fishing, overnights, travel, explorations and dip netting. Staff are certified in first aid & CPR. CIT
NEW Edu-Care Summer
DAY, PROGRAM Summer camp is filled with many adventures! This year’s camp includes a variety of exciting themes. These themes are incorporated into all the daily activities which include special guests and field trips. Flexible hours and schedules are available. Open door policy - stop in anytime for a tour!
Program 345 Polly Drummond Hill Rd. Newark 302-453-7326 educarepd@verizon.net educarepreschool.com
Easterseals Camp Fairlee 22242 Bay Shore Rd. Chestertown, MD 410-778-0566 fairlee@esdel.org Easterseals.com/de/fairlee
RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL Camp Fairlee provides a traditional summer camp experience for children (age 6+) and adults with various disabilities including developmental, CP, MD, MS, orthopedic impairments and other disabilities. Special Autism weeks with 1:1 counseling. Wall climbing, high ropes, zip-lining, pool, canoeing & kayaking horseback riding plus other activities. Nurses on staff 24/7. We also have off season respite weekends for children and adults. In addition we also have travel trips for adults over age 18. All facilities are new including our 12,000 square foot activity center, new health center, expanded dining hall, and four new cabins. ACA SN
Echo Hill Camp 13655 Bloomingneck Rd. Worton, MD 410-348-5303 EchoHillCamp.com
RESIDENTIAL Echo Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay is a traditional, sleep-away summer camp with 2- to 8- week sessions. Non-competitive, free-choice program. Waterskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, crabbing, ropes course, nature, art and much more! ACA OUTLYING AREAS - PENNSYLVANIA
Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Rd. Lewisberry, PA 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/ camps/summer-adventure-camps
DAY Book your child’s best week of the summer at South Central PA’s favorite ski resort where campers enjoy a multitude of adventure-based activities including zip lines, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, paintball, OGO balls, high and low ropes courses, the super slide, chairlift rides and much more. All right here on our beautiful 1200 acre mountain property. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets. CIT
Darlington Arts Center Summer Camp 977 Shavertown Rd. Garnet Valley, PA 610-358-3632 info@darlingtonarts.org Darlingtonarts.org/camp
DAY, PROGRAM The learning doesn’t stop when school is out! Creative kids ages 3-14 are inspired to keep creating throughout the summer and express themselves through the visual and performing arts. Music, Visual Art, Dance, and Drama. The Arts are Everywhere! Explore all 4 art-forms with a different theme each week. Arts-intensive camps are also available. Download a brochure and register online (sign up by April 1 and save 10%!) SN
DAY Summer at Tower Hill’s Day Camp offers unlimited opportunities for fun and learning for ages 3 - 6th grade, including field trips.
Science Camp Watonka PO Box 127 Hawley, PA 570-857-1401 mail@watonka.com Watonka.com
RESIDENTIAL For boys 8-16. Camper-selected program includes hands-on laboratory experiences in astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers, electronics, earth science, physics, robotics. A wide range of other activities includes ropes, archery, climbing, woodworking, sailing, rocketry, mini-bike riding, sports, windsurfing & trips. 2-, 4-, 6- & 8-week sessions available. CIT ACA SN
University of Delaware ELC Summer Camps 489 Wyoming Rd. Newark; 302-831-6205 ud-elc@udel.edu elc.udel.edu
DAY The University of Delaware Early Learning Center provides summer camp filled with adventures that support a child’s interests through STEAM guided activities. Sign your rising 1st – 3rd grader up now! Visit our website for details.
YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser 201 Cushion Peak Rd. Wernersville, PA 610-670-2267 SMYMCA.org
Wilmington Ballet Summer Dance Camp 1709 Gilpin Ave. Wilmington; 302-655-1004 info@wilmingtonballet.org Wilmingtonballet.org/summer-program
DAY Princess camp for ages 3-5 years. Three sessions: July 9-14, July 16-20 and Aug. 6-10. Dance camp featuring ballet, contemporary and musical theatre dance for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Before and after care available.
RESIDENTIAL We welcome you to our 600 mountain top acres in Berks County, PA. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers come for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 7-16 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure & teen leadership. We also offer a variety of specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips. We can’t wait to see you on the mountain! ACA
Wilmington Friends School Day Camps 101 School Rd. Wilmington 302-576-2998 lscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org Wilmingtonfriends.org
DAY June 17-Aug. 23, 2019: Lower school camp features weekly themes, soccer, tennis, art, STEM design, cooking and adventure camps, plus swimming, ice skating & bowling. Middle school camp offers Base Camp with swimming, fishing, gardening, hiking, ice skating and bowling plus sports camps & programs in art, adventure, sports, STEM, cooking and 3D printing. Before & after care available. Online registration available — early bird discount! Check online for Open House dates.
Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay - Camp Country Center 1051 Sharpless Rd., Hockessin 302-456-7150 camp@cbgsc.org Gscb.org/camps
DAY Do you love science and technology? GSCB STEM day camps at Country Center have something for everyone — marine biology, Minecraft, digital media, culinary science, robotics and more! Try your hand at archery. Ages 6-18. No prior Girl Scout experience needed.
Pilot Summer Camp 208 Woodlawn Rd., Wilmington cshivone@pilotschool.org pilotschool.org
DAY Children ages 5-12 will benefit from our multi-sensory approach, which offers them the opportunity to engage in activities while learning. This fun, hands-on camp focuses on special skills, team building, science experiments and nature while integrating reading and math.
Prompt & Play, LLC 5157 W. Woodmill Rd., Ste. 16 Wilmington 302-691-5658 info@promptandplay.com Promptandplay.com
DAY, TRAVEL Prompt & Play’s camp program is designed so children have the opportunity for both structured and non-structured play. There are two camp group options daily based on ages and abilities. There is a different theme each week and weekly trips designed to engage children’s creativity and imagination, while teaching them ways to interact with one another appropriately. SN
Summer at Tower Hill 2813 W. 17th St. Wilmington; 302-472-7370 summer@towerhill.org Towerhill.org/summer
mk smart. local. parenting.
OUTLYING AREAS - OTHER Camp Caribbean Multiple Locations in Mexico Info@grupoeduplay.com Campeduplay.com
TRAVEL, RESIDENTIAL We are a camp based in the Mayan Riviera/Cancun. With us, you’ll get to zip-line through the jungle, swim with turtles, scuba-dive in crystal clear waters, swim in the underground rivers of XCARET, train dolphins, feed monkeys and play with macaws, sail the beautiful Caribbean, and enjoy a whole day at the XEL-HA, XENSES, and XPLORE parks. Spend quality time with your counselor, play night games, sing silly songs around a bonfire, and eat delicious food!
Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Institute Grand Manan Island New Brunswick, Canada 888-54-WHALE info@whalecamp.com WhaleCamp.com
RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL No other marine science camp offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board our research vessel for unmatched opportunities to observe marine life. Explore beaches, coastal trails and fishing villages on beautiful Grand Manan Island. Ask about our $40,000 college scholarships, STEM projects & college credits.
Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated
14 MetroKids.com
MARCH 2019