Groups create online summer camps
With the coronavirus pandemic causing shortfalls in kids’ summer camp options, a group of local organizations have banded together to create a free online option.
Fifteen Berks County nonprofit community organizations have chipped in to create “Berks Summer Camps Unite.” The initiative will provide kids with daily virtual programs starting June 15.
The programming can be accessed through Berks Community Television’s website at www.bctv.org/ berkssummercampsunite.
Content will be offered for a variety of age groups, and some will be available in English and Spanish. A letter system will be used to categorize the programming: “F” for family (preschoolers with parents or grandparents), “C” for children, “T” for teens and “A” for programs appropriate for all ages.
Within each age bracket content will be split into seven topics: fitness, literacy, life skills, arts and crafts, science, nature and special topics.
The website will also have a special section titled “camp experience” that includes virtual campfires, camp games and songs.
In addition to weekly content, camp packages of hands-on activities and books will be distributed by the Reading Recreation Commission and Olivet Boys and Girls Club in July. Some “camp in a box” programs may be targeted to specific neighborhoods by certain organizations depending upon available funding.
Kim Murphy, Berks Nature president, said the idea of providing a virtual summer camp experience was in response to the uncertainty many local organizations that provide summer programming felt about the feasibility of holding their camps this summer. Leaders of a few of those groups got together to figure out what they could do about it.
“We turned to each other for support and ultimately decided to work together to share virtual programming for our clients and the community,” Murphy said. “Once we decided to share and create virtual summer camp content, we began opening the tent to the myriad of other organizations who are facing similar challenges.”
Daphne Klahr, executive director of the Reading Recreation Commission, said she was thrilled her organization could be part of such a unique response to the challenges of COVID-19 with the creation of an online summer camp initiative.
“Our community has always been a trailblazer in creative thinking and Berks Summer Camps Unite is another example of how, by working together and thinking collaboratively, we can make great things happen for our children,” she said. “The Reading Recreation Commission is proud and excited to be a part of this effort to keep our kids happy and healthy this summer.”
Chris Winters, CEO of Olivet Boys and Girls Club, said finding a way to provide summer programming to kids despite the ongoing pandemic was vital.
“We acknowledge summer camp programming serves an important role in keeping our kids active, engaged, educated and positive, especially during the summer months,” he said. “In recognition of the value of summer camp, we are happily partnering with other local non-profits who offer summer camp programming to form a countywide coalition that will collectively provide a central repository of creative and varied virtual programming.
“The virtual concept, combined with on-site special events through the summer months, will allow all of us to address the well-being of the estimated 84,000 children of our community collaboratively. This is a top priority of Olivet Boys and Girls Club, and by work
ing in cooperation with our community partners, we are addressing the needs of the children of Berks County this summer.”
Murphy said she sees an added bonus to the virtual summer camp initiative. She said it gave local organizations with similar missions a reason to work together.
“I’m certain we would never have all come together if it weren’t for this challenging and uncertain time,” she said. “However, I am convinced that our organizations and our community will be stronger and better because of this collaborative. It is a pleasure to lead with these other community leaders.”
Any organizations not already involved with Berks Summer Camps Unite interested in providing content for the initiative or wish to provide activity bags for kids can contact Murphy at kim.murphy@berksnature.org or 610-372-4992 extension 106.
Another option
Berks Summer Camps Unite isn’t the only online options kids will have this summer.
The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania has announced it will hold virtual summer camps this summer through a program called Camp@Home.
Starting July 6 and running through Aug. 7, the program will feature fiveweek-long sessions. Each session is designed by age level, has a unique theme and is led by Girl Scout of Eastern Pennsylvania staff.
The sessions cost $50 to $75 and includes a camp kit that is shipped to campers homes. The sessions consist of more than three hours of daily virtual and “unplugged” activities.
All campers and their families will connect on Thursday evenings each week for a virtual “all camp” campfire that will feature a slideshow from the week, a beloved Girl Scout camp tradition.
“At Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, we look forward to camp each and every year,” said Kim E. Fraites-Down, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. “After reviewing our operations, we have determined for the health and safety of our girls, leaders and staff to move our in-person camp season to a virtual experience this summer. One adventure at a time, we continue to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. We hope to see many familiar faces virtually this summer as we continue to learn, grow and face this challenging time together.”
For a full list of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Camp@Home programs visit www.gsep.org/campathome.