Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Never too soon to think about SUMMER
Camp registrations in Pottstown are open
Despite it feeling as though winter hasn’t fully kicked in, camp registrations for the summer are now open. While it might seem too soon to start thinking about what’s going to keep your kids active once school lets out, it’s actually the perfect time to ensure that your child gets their first choice before slots fill up.
Camps serve as a wonderful opportunity for a child to learn something new, explore the great outdoors, build confidence and make new friends. Maybe your child wants to learn the life of an astronaut, create works of art, or perform in a musical. Whatever their interest, camp can serve as a foundation for them to explore.
Pottstown is brimming with opportunities for kids to get plenty of physical activity through a camp experience, which equates to less screen time. Full day and half day camps cater to various budgets and ages.
Some camps, such as those offered by ArtFusion 19464, offer a way to make their programming more accessible to all.
“A limited number of scholarships are available for all three camps,” ArtFusion shares on their website. “Scholarships are generously sponsored by the SEI Cares foundation. Applications are due by April 29.”
Others offer financial assistance, such as the YMCA of Pottstown.
“The Financial Assistance Program is central to our mission here at the Y,” the YMCA states on their website. “When someone loses a job, when medical bills become overwhelming, or when other challenging situations occur, people need the support of the Y. Our program is tied to the Federal Poverty Guidelines and offers a range of assistance to fit the financial situation of our community.”
Here’s a selection of convenient camps to help get you started on your search for a good fit for your child this summer.
YMCA Pottstown Area Summer Camp
All YMCA Summer Camps are available to register for one week at a time. You can mix-and-match your summer adventure with a variety of camps, add in camps between family vacations and trips, or simply register for one week this summer. Grouped by age and grade, campers learn how to create new friendships and explore the natural world around them.
Camp activities like art, music, nature, swimming, and sports are designed to build confidence, new skills, and untapped talent. Themes, special activities, and events make it a different adventure every week. For more information on Pottstown YMCA Camps, 724N. Adams St., Pottstown, PA 19464., www.philaymca.org/camp/pottstown-area
Althouse Arboretum Summer Outdoor Camps
All camps are held outdoors at the Althouse Arboretum, a 17-acre site preserved as open space by Upper Pottsgrove Township and converted into an outdoor learning center by the nonprofit GreenAllies. The Arboretum is complete with trails, outdoor classrooms and nature education sites. Your child will have a fun time outdoors doing activities that foster a better understanding of our natural world. Their camps offer a fun way to learn. Half and full day camps available. For more information on Althouse Arboretum Camps, 1794Gilbertsville Road, Pottstown. www.althousearboretum.org/naturesummer-camp/
Montgomery County Community College: Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy
Get ready for an out-of-this-world STEAM experience. Blast off and launch a lifelong love of all things space and science with Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy — an in-person summer camp that creates an out-of-this-world experience with Janet and her team of educators and experts. Each day brings a new mission and new expert guests from the science community. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative STEAM learning experiences, including astronaut challenges, science experiments, Challenger Learning Center simulations and aviation workshops. For more information on Montgomery County Community College’s camps, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. www.mc3.edu/forour-community/summer-camps
ArtFusion 19464 Summer Camps
At ArtFusion’s ‘Art Full’ summer camp, campers will express their creativity using a wide variety of mediums, learning from talented teaching artists. Each day of camp includes two in-depth art classes in different mediums. Campers will create their own unique tie-dye tshirt, and have fun playing games and getting to know their fellow campers. An off-site field trip to a local art destination is a part of the experience.
For more information on ArtFusion camps, 341 Beech Street, Pottstown. www.artfusion19464.org/classes/summer-camp/
Steel River Playhouse Summer Camp
Steel River Playhouse is a creative and performing arts playground that offers a variety of education programs. Steel River offers a learning experience to develop a greater knowledge and love of the performing arts while enhancing one’s talents. Steel River’s camps are offered in July and August for children ages 8to 18. Two-week sessions end with musicals. For more information on Steel River Playhouse Camps, 245 E. High Street Pottstown. www. steelriver-playhouse.org/education/