If your child’s already thinking about summer camp, it might be time to start looking into early registration. Some camps accept applications as early as December, so you can take care of the registration process early and have plenty of time to prepare before the summer starts.
Check out these Philly-area camps with early registration in December and January. From classic day camps to specialty camps focused on one area of interest, there’s a lot to explore!
Open for Registration
Briar Bush Nature Camp
Abingdon, PA
Day, overnight and travel camps with a focus on nature
Registration via waitlist only
briarbush.org/about-our-summer-camps
Camp P.O.P
Philadelphia, PA
Day camp meant to teach children important life skills and help them develop socially
Registration currently open
Germantown Friends School Summer Camps
Philadelphia, PA
Quaker school offering a variety of summer camps with different subjects
Registration currently open
germantownfriends.org/community/summer-camps
GSK Science in the Summer
Locations around Greater Philadelphia, PA
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) -based programming available at locations around the Philadelphia area
Registration currently open
scienceinthesummer.fi.edu/phila
iD Tech Camps at Villanova University
Philadelphia, PA
Computer science and STEM camp with day camp and overnight options
Registration currently open
idtech.com/locations/pennsylvania-summer-camps/villanova-university
Made Institute Kids/Teens Summer Camp
Philadelphia, PA
Fashion design summer camp for kids and teens; teaches design and sewing skills
Registration currently open
made-institute.com/summer-camp
Music Theatre Philly
Philadelphia, PA
Performing arts camp with a focus on musical performance
Registration currently open; early bird prices available until Jan. 1
musictheatrephilly.com/about-camps
Summer Sea Camp
Camden, NJ
Marine biology camp at Adventure Aquarium that lets kids interact with animals and meet marine biology professionals
Registration currently open
The School District of Philadelphia Summer Academic Programs
Multiple locations around Greater Philadelphia, PA
Many of these programs offered by The School District of Philadelphia are free for students. Activities include summer school, career readiness and the All City Orchestra.
Registration varies by program
philasd.org/academics/summerprograms
Opening in December
Camp Schuylkill
Philadelphia, PA
Outdoor camp with a focus on environmental education and nature
Registration opens Dec. 1 for members and Jan. 5 for non-members
schuylkillcenter.org/education/camp-schuylkill
Opening in January
A Tatnall Summer
Wilmington, DE
School-based summer camp with many different programs, including a traditional day camp, specialty camps and a travel camp
Registration opens in January
tatnall.org/life-tatnall/a-tatnall-summer/a-tatnall-summer
Camp JCC Delaware
Wilmington, DE
Jewish day camp that incorporates Jewish teachings into camp activities
Registration opens Jan. 2
Philly Art Center Summer Camps
Locations in Philadelphia, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ
Art-focused summer camp with options for kids, teens and aftercare
Registration opens Jan. 8
phillyartcenter.com/camps/summer-camps
Fleisher Art Memorial Camp
Philadelphia, PA
Summer art classes for different age groups and skill levels. Young campers do themed activities, tween campers explore art mediums and teen campers take art intensives.
Registration opens Jan. 21
fleisher.org/take-a-class/summer-workshops-for-children-and-youth
Brandywine Zoo Summer Camp
Wilmington, DE
Nature camps at the zoo with a variety of different themes each week
Registration opens late January for Delaware Zoological Society members and early February for general public
Opening in February
Miss Betty’s Day Camp
Chester Springs, PA
Day camp with arts activities and an emphasis on nature play
Registration opens in February
Salesianum Summer EDGE
Wilmington, DE
Sports and academic programs for students
Registration opens in February
salesianum.org/summer-programs
More to Explore
As more summer camps announce their registration dates, many will be opening for registration from January through March. Here are just a handful of camps to look out for this winter. For even more options to fuel your camp search, visit metrokids.com/campdirectory
Overnight Camps
- Habonim Dror Camp Galil, Ottsville, PA
- Camp Speers YMCA, Dingmans Ferry, PA
- Camp Arrowhead, Lewes, DE
- Camp Dark Waters, Medford, NJ
- Camp Matollionequay, Medford, NJ (Girls only)
- Camp Ockanickon, Medford, NJ (Boys only)
Specialty Camps
- Blooming Artist Studio Summer Camp, Philadelphia, PA (Visual arts)
- Summer Rowing Camp at Lloyd Hall, Philadelphia, PA (Boating)
- The Candlelight Theatre Summer Camp, Wilmington, DE (Performing arts)
- Delaware Nature Society Summer Camp, Hockessin, DE (Nature)
- Philadelphia School of Circus Arts Summer Camp, Philadelphia, PA (Clowning and circus performance)
Spotlight: Made Institute’s Summer Camps
A unique offering in the Philly area, Made Institute’s summer camps for kids and teens offer an opportunity for young people to get connected to the fashion industry — and even get a head start on networking for internships. The institute is a school licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that follows a direct-to-learn approach to give students projects that help them build necessary skills for working in fashion. The camps provide guidance for beginners as well as those who already have experience or a developing passion for design, but even those who just want to broaden their horizons still get to learn a practical skill like sewing, which is not as widely taught as it used to be. For those interested in practicing their skills after camp, there are after school and weekend sewing classes.
The Kids’ Summer Camp introduces ages 7 to 12 to mood boards, sketching, sewing and building a portfolio, while the Teen Summer Camp for ages 13 to 17 delves into more fashion research and trends, with focused projects such as creating a 90s slip dress, complete with a professional photoshoot. Once campers have a portfolio, camp staff can connect them with their network of creatives, fashion designers and brands to find a match to the camper’s individual style for potential internships. Camp supplies are provided for kids, but teens are given a shopping list that can be purchased through the school’s shop.
Learn more about camp, including payment plans and scholarships at made-institute.com/summercamp.
