Welcome to our 2023 Guide to Summer Camps in South Central PA! It’s hard to believe, but with the days just flying by, it’s time to start making plans for summer. And if you’re looking for the best summer camps in the area for your kids, we’ve got you covered! From Hershey to Lancaster, and everywhere in between, from overnight camps to just for a few hours, the options are endless.
Looking to find a camp by location? Jump to: DAUPHIN COUNTY – LANCASTER COUNTY – LEBANON COUNTY – YORK COUNTY
Summer Camps in Dauphin County
ZooAmerica ZooCamp
Grunts and growls, hoots and howls . . . this camp is wild! Discover a camp unlike any other at ZooAmerica®! Sign your kids up for a journey of exploration, learning, and adventure this summer. ZooAmerica offers exciting camp sessions for children of all ages, from preschool through high school. Campers will leave with a greater appreciation for nature and a deeper understanding of the wild of North America.
Ages: Preschool through high school
Dates: June through August; dates vary based on camp ages.
Cost: $195 – $410
Location: ZooAmerica
Contact info: (717) 534-3900
For more information, visit the ZooAmerica website.
Appalachian Kayak Day Camp
Campers will learn basic kayak skills and water safety and get to try both single and tandem kayaks on calm, nearby waterways. We will also learn a little about local history, wildlife and ecology. Activities will be chosen based on both weather and campers’ interests and may include fishing, crafts, games and swimming. Kayaks, paddles and life vests will be provided. Campers should wear water shoes or old sneakers and bring a change of clothing, sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle and a lunch. Our main objective is to have FUN while staying safe!
Ages: Nine and up
Dates: TBD
Cost: $285 for 5 days; $240 for 4 days
Location: Fort Halifax Park
Contact info: (717) 805-8980
For more information, visit the Appalachian Kayak website.
Mt. Lou San Bible Camp
Established in 1941, Mt. Lou San is located on 150 acres at the foot of Blue Mountain in Linglestown, PA. We believe that the Bible is God’s literal Word and are excited to share its truth with children and teens in our unique camp setting.
Are you ready for an amazing week? Just imagine all the fun you’ll have playing Bazookaball, Lasertag, Mt. Lou San’s Most Wanted and so many more creative games. The list goes on and on of endless fun. We also know that one of the most important things we can do for you is to show you how to have a vibrant relationship with Jesus. It’s hard being a teenager who follows Christ in today’s culture. We get it. That’s why we’ve geared our content specifically with teen issues in mind so that you can connect with the lessons from God’s Word in a relevant way. We want your faith to grow stronger while you’re here, and we really believe that one week here could change your life forever! So come make some new friends and have a blast with us while experiencing God in a fresh way. We can’t wait to see you!
Ages: Kindergarten through 18
Dates: June 19 through July 31
Cost: $160 for all four days of day camp; $320 – $380 for overnight camp
Location: Fort Halifax Park
Contact info: (717) 805-8980
For more information, visit the Mt. Lou San website.
SKY Summer Camp
Our vision is to see children and youth reach their highest potential in everything they set out to do. Our goal is to serve the local community by providing an affordable summer day camp program for families in the area that would give children a safe place to have a great time, grow in their skills and talents, and learn more about God so that they can be a positive influence on the world around them.
SKY Summer Camp was opened in 2013 by Pastor Teresa Conlon, the President of Summit International School of Ministry, and it is run by staff and students of the school on our 100 acre premises. We started small, with just 15 campers when we opened, but now we serve over 100 children per week coming from over 300 families per summer. We are so thrilled that our service is appreciated, and returning campers always bring more friends with them the next year.
Ages: 5-15
Dates: Weekly June 12 through August 14
Cost: $175 per week
Location: Summit International School of Ministry
Contact info: (717) 469-4500
For more information, visit the SKY Summer Camp website.
Camp Hebron
Summer is our favorite time of year. The kids get a break from school and the parents dream of a getaway. Going to summer camp is the perfect family tradition! We offer a wide-range of Christian summer camps in PA, with options for all ages. Send each child on their own adventure or bring the whole family. Or, come for the weekend and stay at our campground or retreat center. However you slice it, Hebron will be the highlight of your summer.
Ages: Grades 1-12
Dates: Weekly June 18 through August 7
Cost: $185 through $998
Location: Camp Hebron
Contact info: (717) 896-3441
For more information, visit the Camp Hebron website.
Summer Camps in Lancaster County
Lancaster Barnstormers Softball and Baseball Camps
Baseball summer camps provide professional instruction to improve kids’ game, with various age and skill levels available. Softball camps and clinics provide professional instruction from Julie Thomas, with various age and skill levels available. Julie is a former collegiate softball pitcher for Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has worked as a private softball instructor for 5 years through a family owned business. There are player-run camps, skills camps, pitching/catching camps, hitting and agility clinics, and more!
Ages: 6 to 14, depending on camp or clinic
Dates: June 20-22; July 10-13, July 17, July 18-20; August 1-3, August 7, August 8-10, August 14
Cost: $65 – $150
Location: Clipper Magazine Stadium
Contact info: (717) 509-4487
For more information, visit the Lancaster Barnstormers website.
Woodcrest Retreat Summer Camps
Voted a favorite in Lancaster Newspaper’s Readers Choice Awards for 15 years!
Summer is a time for vacation from school and making memories! Some of the best memories are made here at camp in either overnight or day camp. Whether it’s flying down the water slide at record speeds, enjoying cabin group time, laughing in crazy group games, or singing camp songs, camp is all about people, God, and the great outdoors. Come on over and join the fun!
Woodcrest has great programs planned for action packed weeks in the great outdoors.
With over 1900 children attending last summer, Woodcrest Retreat offers a Christ-centered summer camp for youth ages 6-16 in a beautiful outdoor wooded setting. Under the supervision of dedicated, Christian staff, summer campers will enjoy a week of non-stop fun in a wholesome, safe, and caring atmosphere. Children will discover God’s creation through interesting nature lessons and explore our God through Bible lessons. They’ll have the opportunity to form new friendships, discover new interests and learn new skills. Campers will be encouraged in positive Christ-centered relationships and prayed for by staff, volunteers and camp supporters.
Consider sending your child(ren) to Woodcrest this summer!
Ages: 7-15
Dates: Weekly June 21 through August 7
Cost: $200 through $385 for overnight camp; $155 through $225 for day camp
Location: Woodcrest Retreat
Contact info: (717) 738-2233
For more information, visit the Woodcrest Retreat website.
Lancaster Technology Camps
Lancaster Technology Camps has been offering students technology based summer camps for the past ten years! Over the past ten years, hundreds of students have learned new technology skills and had a blast doing it! We know that your child will have an amazing time at our camps!
All of our camps are run by Hempfield School District Teachers! Each of our instructors works with students every day! All are passionate about the courses they teach during the summer. Our teachers donate their time to students because they enjoy working with students and love what they teach! Because all of our instructors are current teachers, you can be assured that your child’s instructor has all of their clearances and is aware of the best teaching strategies and knowledge in their field.
Ages: 4th through 9th grade
Dates: Weekly June 12 through July 17
Cost: $175 – $220
Location: Varies within the Hempfield School District
Contact info: [email protected]
For more information, visit the Lancaster Tech Camps website.
Camp Conquest
Summer Camp is a great way for young people to grow and mature. A week away from home encourages independence and decision-making; it helps develop interpersonal skills, and gives children confidence in facing new opportunities. Camp Conquest programs include a lot of time to develop new friendships and enjoy the wonders of creation.
Summer camp doesn’t have to include sleeping bags to lead to a life change. A Christian day camp can be a powerful tool for the Lord to work in a child’s life, while allowing parents the freedom to continue their necessary work schedules in the summer no-school months. The hours where children enjoy God’s beautiful creation and interact with caring staff will make a difference for years to come.
We have partnered with local churches to create the ultimate camp experience for kids and busy parents. Drop your child off at any of the churches on our route, and we’ll handle transportation to camp and back each day.
Know that you’re making the best choice for your child when you choose Camp Conquest for one, two or multiple weeks of summer day camp this year. Camp Conquest is where lives are changed!
Can we cram all the excitement of a week of camp into a two-night experience? We do our best! We pack in a great deal of fun and time with friends as we learn about God and one another. Girls, here is your chance to have dad’s undivided attention! Dad, here’s your opportunity to make an impact on your daughter’s life. Enjoy numerous camp activities and quality time together. For girls ages 7-14 with their dad. Multiple daughters per dad (or grandad or uncle).
Dad, it’s tough being a man in today’s culture. The best way to show our sons the value of following a Godly path to manhood is in the community of other men. Join us for great food, good fellowship and fun activities with our boys. For boys ages 7-14 with their dad.
Ages: 7-15
Dates: Weekly June 19 through July 31; dad-and-child weekends held in April and October.
Cost: $100 for a weekend; $462 through $582 for overnight; $220 for one week of day camp.
Location: Camp Conquest
Contact info: (717) 336-2541
For more information, visit the Camp Conquest website.
Black Rock Retreat Summer Camps
Are you wondering how to get your kids excited to be outside this summer? Black Rock Retreat is excited to offer 8 weeks of high-energy, intentionally-programmed summer day camp in Lancaster County for campers entering 1st through 6th grade in the fall of 2023. Give your kids a summer experience they will not soon forget.
Every week at Blast Day Camp, campers will experience the natural world around them, grow in knowledge and skills, and connect with new friends. It’s fun, with no Wi-Fi required!
Looking for soccer camp in Lancaster, PA for your 1st-8th grader? Join Black Rock in welcoming the Charlotte Eagles to host our first ever Soccer Day Camp in Lancaster County, PA (Quarryville). Rising 1st through 8th graders will have the chance to improve their soccer skills while cultivating friendships with their peers. With skills sessions, scrimmages, and swimming time every day, your camper will experience an active week full of fun!
Located on over 100 acres of beautiful woodland in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Black Rock has offered a quality co-ed Christian camp experience for over 60 years! Our motto and passion is “To Know Christ and Make Him Known!”
Each of our summer staff members and programs are intentionally focused on helping our campers do just that each day of camp! Our overnight summer camp in Lancaster, PA program runs from mid-June to mid-August and is available for youth entering into grades 2nd-12th in the fall. Please see the Registration Info page for current dates, times, prices, and to register online.
Also known as a “sleep away camp”, campers sleep in dormitory-style cabin facilities, each with its own bathroom. Three hearty, balanced meals are served each day, including two family-style meals served in the air-conditioned dining hall and one outdoor picnic for either lunch or supper. All of our facilities meet or exceed OSHA and PA State inspection standards. All counseling and program staff are trained in CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross.
Ages: Grades 1 through 12
Dates: Weekly June 11 through July 30
Cost: $179-$509 for overnight camps; $160 through $265 for day camps.
Location: Black Rock Retreat
Contact info: (717) 529-3232
For more information, visit the Black Rock Retreat website.
Aaron’s Acres
Aaron’s Acres is about connecting with children of all different abilities and their families. Aaron’s Acres focuses on the entire family throughout the year that we provide various programs and activities to all of the members of the families. Aaron’s Acres is about partnering with people of all ages and experiences. Come and join the Aaron’s Acres family in a way that is meaningful to you. I look forward to having you become a part of the Aaron’s Acres experience!”
Children and young adults ages 5-21 can attend a half day or full day camp program.
Activities consist of the following: Swimming, Therapeutic horseback riding, Music therapy, Fitness/exercise, Group games, Crafts, Creating own snack. Special visitors come to camp including: Petting zoo, Reptiles, Magician, Ventriloquist.
Daily thematic schedules are created by our staff during our staff orientation sessions. Routines and structured camp days result in campers feeling safe and secure in knowing what is planned. Schedules are posted at camp every day, providing that constant reinforcement to those participants who need to repeatedly check the schedule in order to feel less anxious.
Aaron’s Acres Acts of Kindness Program (ages 13-21 in afternoon sessions): In this program, the adolescents have the opportunity to participate in community service projects. As a result of this program, participants are giving back to others, instead of only being viewed as recipients of services.
A-Team (ages 13-21 who have been diagnosed as having high functioning autism): Throughout the camp session, these campers are engaging in age-appropriate activities, with staff focusing on developing and strengthening socialization and communication skills.
In addition, this group has engaged in giving back to others (visiting Ronald McDonald House and creating greeting cards for families whose children are hospitalized).
Ages: 5-21
Dates: Sessions run June 19 through July 24
Cost: $175-$210
Location: New Holland Community Pool and Park
Contact info: (717) 917-6101 ext. 103
For more information, visit the Aaron’s Acres website.
Greenview Bible Camp
We are a non-denominational ministry located in Eastern Lancaster County. Established in 1959, our vision is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with young people and to challenge and assist young people to grow in the Lord. We operate a variety of camping and retreat programs throughout the year. In addition we provide facilities for local churches or Para-church organizations to operate their own camping or retreat programs. Last year over 1000 young people participated in summer camps or school year retreats at Greenview.
Day Camps are open to campers who have completed Kindergarten through the 5th grade. These camps normally run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and allow campers to experience most, but not all of the activities as resident campers will. These are ideal for those who aren’t quite ready to stay overnight.
Overnight camp caters to kids who want the full experience of being away for a week at camp! We will be offering three separate overnight weeks this summer: Primary Week (for grades 1-3), Elementary Week (for grades 4-6), and Jr. High Week (for grades 7-8).
The staff at Greenview are focused on assisting our camper’s growth in the Lord. Cabin Counselors lead the kids to and from activities, in group devotionals, cabin discussions, and during free time.
Ages: K-8
Dates: June 19 through July 31
Cost: $180-$335 for overnight; $185 for day camp
Location: Greenview Bible Camp
Contact info: (717) 445-4828
For more information, visit the Greenview Bible Camp website.
Summer Camps in Lebanon County
Gretna Glen Summer Camp
The tradition of summer camp at Gretna Glen has deep roots as we celebrate 63 years of programming this summer. Our 200 acres of scenic hills and woodlands are ideal for day and overnight programs. The opportunities for children & youth to explore nature, develop friendships, broaden their experiences, learn new skills and embrace their faith journey are never-ending. Our staff team at Gretna Glen is dedicated to your child’s camp experience and it is truly our life’s work to provide a positive life changing week for every camper.
Gretna Glen is owned and operated by The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church. While Gretna Glen serves the majority of our camper population from our local community we do have attendees from all over Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Campers come from many different denominations or have no church affiliation. We welcome all children and youth to come experience summer camp at Gretna Glen. Every child deserves a week of camp.
Ages: 4-18
Dates: Weekly June 25 through August 6
Cost: $225 through $735
Location: Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center
Contact info: (717) 273-6525
For more information, visit the Gretna Glen Retreat Center website.
Kenbrook Bible Camp
Kenbrook has been providing summer camp experiences for children and youth for over 70 years! While some things have changed over time, one thing has remained constant: our deep desire for young people to know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We will provide your camper with the opportunity to experience God in new ways through programs that are geared to their age group. This means that sessions, games, Truth Talks, how-tos, and even mealtimes will be tailored to your camper’s age group so that they can have the best experience possible.
Ages: 6-15
Dates: Weekly June 11 through July 23
Cost: $100 through $500
Location: Kenbrook Bible Camp
Contact info: (717) 273-6525
For more information, visit the Kenbrook Bible Camp website.
Camp Rocky Creek
Situated on 120 acres of beautiful, forested land in Cornwall, PA, YMCA Camp Rocky Creek provides day and overnight camping experiences, environmental and adventure education, and community events to youth and families. We are committed to quality, safety, affordability and accessibility.
Ages: 5-15
Dates: Weekly June 18 through August 6
Cost: $100 through $500
Location: Camp Rocky Creek
Contact info: (717) 273-6525
For more information, visit the Camp Rocky Creek website.
Camp Kirchenwald
Lutheran Church Camping in Central Pennsylvania is an extension of the congregation’s ministry in the unique setting that our camps provide. Children, youth, and adults learn, worship, witness, and serve within a Christ-centered Lutheran tradition.
All Children are welcome to attend Camps Kirchenwald and Nawakwa, regardless of race, creed, religion or color.
Children with special needs can participate in many of our programs. Camp staff need to know the nature of the child’s special needs before arrival in camp. Please contact the camp of your choice for further information.
Camp Week: Each camp week begins Sunday with check-in between the hours of 3:00 and 4:30pm. Early check-in is not possible. Parents may pick up their children on Saturday morning between 9:00 and 9:30am.
Ages: Grades 1-11
Dates: Weekly June 18 through August 6
Cost: $495 through $830 for overnight camp; $175-$295 for day camp
Location: Camp Kirchenwald
Contact info: (717) 677-8211
For more information, visit the Camp Kirchenwald website.
Summer Camps in York County
Next Level Sports Camps
Staying active, building confidence, making memories.
Head Coaches are comprised of local teachers and experienced athletes/coaches with knowledge in not only the sport they are coaching, but also in managing and dealing with kids. Assistant Coaches are high school athletes and current/former college athletes with experience in the sport and well versed on fundamentals of the game.
To stay aligned with the main goal in keeping kids active and healthy, we have brought back the days of being outside ALL DAY playing with friends. Your child will spend the time with Next Level Sports running around outside, playing with other kids and being engaged in a safe environment.
Sports offered: football, cheerleading, field, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, softball, baseball, field hockey, soccer, and basketball.
Ages: 5-12
Dates: June 12 through August 4
Cost: $175-$210
Location: Next Level Sports Facility
Contact info: [email protected]
For more information, visit the Next Level Sports website.
Roundtop Mountain Resort
Summer Camp at Roundtop is one of the best parts about being a kid! Not only does camp promote physical activity, teach life-long skills, and build new friendships; it is a BLAST! We are ecstatic to be back for this year and cannot wait to welcome you to our Roundtop family.
Ages: 8-15
Dates: June 12 through August 4
Cost: TBD
Location: Roundtop Mountain Resort
Contact info: (717) 432-9631
For more information, visit the Roundtop Mountain Resort website.
Camp Pennwood
Camp Pennwood provides young people with and without intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a traditional day camp. Campers participate in activities such as arts and crafts, archery, swimming, and musical activities during the five-week summer run.
Ages: 6-21
Dates: July 10 through August 12
Cost: $530 per week
Location: Camp Pennwood
Contact info: (717) 846-6589
For more information, visit the Camp Pennwood website.
