Summer camps offer youth wellness benefits
Summer camps can be very beneficial by promoting confidence, social skills, healthy living and more.
Schools are out for the summer which makes it the perfect season for children to camp out.
Summer camps can be very beneficial for a student’s development by promoting confidence, social skills, healthy living and more. The American Camp Association is an organization that strives to better the lives of people through the camp experience.
“We help children develop self-esteem, character, courage, responsibility, resourcefulness, and cooperation. Quality camp experiences help children develop the healthy emotional and social skills necessary to grow into strong, considerate, competent adults,” stated the American Camp Association website www.acacamps.org.
Whether it’s sports, art or nature; odds are there’s a camp out there that focuses on the subject. Although many camp opportunities have enrollment deadlines before school ends, there are still several organizations with open registrations for camp experiences in the area. Below is a sampling of student camp options being offered throughout the summer.
Serve & Connect Tennis Program in Pottstown on June 14, 21 & 28
The Greater Pottstown Tennis & Learning Association is partnering with the local police department and the borough to offer a community engagement program this summer. The program is designed to bring area youth and police together through a fun, physical activity. The Serve & Connect program offers opportunities for the two groups to build a relationship and work on life skills. As part of the program, free tennis and pizza will be offered at Maple Street Park in Pottstown for the next three Fridays. For more information and to register, email maryellen@gptltennis.com or visit greaterpottstowntennis.org/community/serve-connect/
Summer Nature Day Camp in East Nantmeal from June 17 to Aug. 9
The Green Valleys Watershed Association offers weekly outdoor adventures in the summer for children as young as four years old through students in the 7th grade. Children develop a connection with the outside world at the nature camp. Camp activities include special presentations, live animal demonstrations, outdoor skills, games and more. Students in the 4th and 5th grade even have an option to participate in an overnight camping program. Each week’s camp has a different theme depending on the age group. Registration remains open throughout the summer if spaces are available. The camp will take place at the association, which is located at the address 1368 Prizer Road, Pottstown. For more information, visit www.greenvalleys.org/summer-nature-day-camp/
Junior Naturalist Summer Camp in Upper Pottsgrove from June 17 to June 21 & July 15 to July 19
Middle School students are invited to join this camp, which has two sessions, at the Althouse Arboretum. The outdoor camp will develop students into land and wildlife managers. Campers will learn the importance of protecting the environment. Participants will help create a wetland, learn how to identify wildlife, learn nature photography and even help run camp activities for younger children. The cost is $188 per week. The camp will take place at the arboretum, which is located at 1794 Gilbertsville Road in Upper Pottsgrove. For more information and to register, visit althousearboretum.org/ or call 267-371-2288.
H2YO! Summer Camp in Pottstown from Aug. 12 to Aug. 16
This new 5-day camp for middle school girls is made possible through a partnership between Montgomery County Community College, the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area and the Green Valleys Watershed Association. Students part of the camp will receive a hands-on experience to help them learn about the Schuylkill River Watershed and the different factors that impact the waterway. Campers will observe, research and experiment then present what their findings at the end of the week. Activities will include kayaking, creek snorkeling, water testing and reading lab results. The camp will take place from the MCCC west campus located at 101 College Drive, Pottstown. The cost to register is $25. For more information and to register, visit www. mc3.edu/courses/llkc2256-h2yo-summer-camp or email aaker@mc3.edu.
Basketball Day Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 7 to 13
The Philadelphia 76ers Basketball Camps are being offered at different schools throughout the region this summer. Enrollment is still possible at locations in Exton, King of Prussia, Newtown, and Hatfield. Children learn basketball fundamentals such as shooting, ball handling, passing and general movement. The camps take place Monday through Friday during the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $475 per camper. For more information and to register, visit www.76erscamps. com/basketball-camps/ basketball-day-camps/ or call 610-668-7676.