Camp Schuylkill provides a summer of immersive outdoor exploration, discovery and wonder for campers ages 4-12. Located in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, just minutes from Chestnut Hill and Manayunk, the Schuylkill Center is 365 acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds. Summer camp is led by our expert educators who inspire kids to explore nature through hands-on discoveries and play.
Registration for Camp Schuylkill 2025 opens in January.
The camp counselors this year were very caring, engaged, and motivated my son to participate and explore nature. He came home very excited to go back every day and really enjoyed the activities the counselors planned. We are super grateful for the Schuylkill Center and look forward to remaining connected through camp next summer! Thank you!
The Camp Policy Guide Family Handbook is an introduction to our summer camp program, registration policies and procedures, daily life during a typical camp week, our strategies and expectations for effective family/staff relationships, and our policies and procedures for keeping children healthy, safe, and supported during camp.
Schuylkill Center Members have access to priority registration for summer camp starting on January 15th, 2025. Non-Members will be able to register starting on January 22nd, 2025.
Camp Schuylkill (ages 4 -12) runs from June 17 to August 16. Camp operates Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:30 pm.
Drop off: 9:00am
Pickup: 3:00 to 3:30 pm
Pick up for half day 4-5 year olds: 12:30 pm
Before care and aftercare is available for all age groups at a weekly rate. Registration and payment are required for before and aftercare.
Before care: Monday-Friday, 8:00-9:00 am
Aftercare: Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:00 pm
Contact Us
Questions about Camp Schuylkill? Contact us by phone at (215) 853-6249 or email our registrar directly at [email protected]
Age Groups
I can’t praise the staff enough. Crawling Caterpillars were an amazing team. The fact my daughter could rattle off their names from Day 1 makes me so happy that she was building real relationships with them. Every morning they all greeted her warmly and would introduce her into an activity or would follow her lead if she was looking to explore. I can only hope that her counselors next summer are just as wonderful!
Ages 4-5
Camp Schuylkill is the perfect place for young children to deepen their connection to the natural world through unstructured, imaginative play. Here, kids grow and learn while immersed in nature. We explore ponds and streams, observe tadpoles and butterflies, and build knowledge and relationships. Kids uncover the skills to improve our world and take simple steps to care for the earth. Children attending our full-day program will participate in a mid-day siesta to rest before afternoon activities. We also offer a morning option until 12:30 pm. Children must be toilet trained and toilet confident to attend our program. Children ages 4-5 are divided into three groups: Crawling Caterpillars, Slimy Slugs, and Wiggly Worms. If coordinating with others to attend camp together, please be sure to communicate your group selection before registration.
Bird Buddies | June 17-21 Tweet, chirp, flutter, and quack! We’ll keep our eyes on the sky this week as we look and listen for the sights and sounds of our feathered friends. Paint with feathers, use binoculars to scan the treetops, and make a bird feeder to take home. This week is sure to be a hoot!
Wildlife in Your Backyard | June 24-28
Have you met your nature neighbors? Raccoons, opossums, foxes, pigeons (and more!)-they live in our parks, in our yards, and all around us! Come help us discover how urban wildlife plays such an important role in our city. We’ll spot squirrel nests, listen for bird calls, and discover all the creatures great and small that call our city home.
Dive into Water | July 1-3
Note: Shortened week due to observation of the July 4 holiday Splash through streams, run through sprinklers, and paint with mud as we dive into the wacky world of water. From providing shelter to habitats to clean drinking water and more, explore the many reasons why water is important as we meet some of the aquatic creatures that call streams, ponds, and even puddles their home.
Magic in Nature | July 8-12
There is magic all around us! Paint with color-changing pigments, look for fairy houses in our forests, and try to spot our animal friends hidden in their camouflage. Learn to see the wonder that exists in our forest, our meadows, and more! A little imagination and a whole lot of fun are sure to make this week feel magical!
Incredible Insects | July 15-19
What would it be like to be as small as an ant? Or to see through the complex eyes of a dragonfly? Come face-to-face with the creepy, the crawly, and the incredibly cool insects that fly, flutter, and forage through our forests. Search for pill bugs under logs, examine leaves for caterpillars, and spot butterflies overhead in a week that’s sure to be buzz-worthy.
Nature’s Artists | July 22-26
Let’s put our imagination and creativity to the test by looking at the forest in a whole new way. Can pine needles be turned into paintbrushes, or sticks into musical instruments? Create beautiful works of art from natural materials as we explore the many reasons that we’re all nature-ally artistic.
Plants and Pollinators | July 29-Aug 2
Come explore what plants are growing all around us! Blades of grass to tall tree canopies. Let’s make art with flowers and leaves while we’re at it! Search for seeds, buds, and branches! Who uses plants for food? Learn about the native plants that live here at summer camp and why they are so important to our pollinator friends!
Marvelous Mammals | August 5-9
Mammals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes in our forests, from the smallest mice to our largest deer! What makes them similar? What makes them different? Fur or Fluff, hooves or paws. Come join us as we search for what makes our mammals so marvelous!
The Dirt on Decomposers | August 12-16
Get ready to get dirty as we flip over rocks, poke into logs, and dig under dirt to discover the super tiny but incredibly cool creatures that call the underground home. What role do decomposers play in our ecosystem? Why do worms create tunnels? Grab a shovel and get ready to make a mess as we unearth the hidden secrets of what’s below the surface
We absolutely loved our time at camp this summer! Our counselors were TREMENDOUS and our kiddo woke up happy each day to attend, and came home each day bubbling over with stories and nature facts learned. We will certainly be back next year!
Ages 6-7 Program
Campers ages 6-7 will hike, canoe, create and investigate while learning about the natural world – enjoying a mix of environmental education and unstructured free play. Crafts, games and incredible discoveries will make learning about nature fun and create wonderful lasting memories. Children ages 6-7 are divided into three groups: Amazing Ants, Busy Bees and Dashing Dragonflies. If coordinating with others to attend camp together, please be sure to communicate your group selection before registration.
Urban Wildlife | June 17-21
Let’s explore the wildlife that calls our city home. Have you seen a caterpillar inching along? Or a fox dash into the safety of the woods? Did you know that the only marsupial on our continent lives right in our backyard? These animals play a very important role in the ecosystem of Philadelphia and many other cities. Come discover what’s hiding in plain sight!
Feathered Friends | June 24-28
From feisty blue jays to majestic bald eagles, we’ll learn about the distinct characteristics of local birds-what they eat, where they migrate, and how they build their nests-and break out the binoculars to see who resides in our forest. To help out our feathery friends, we will build birdhouses and create pinecone bird feeders to hang throughout the forest.
Dive into Water/Wonderful Water | July 1-3
All living things need water to survive, but what exactly is this amazing liquid that is so essential to life on Earth? This week get ready to splish and splash as we dive into the wonderful world of water! Explore its properties with dewy experiments, wade into our streams, and discover the slimy and scaly creatures in their depths, and don’t be afraid to get wet as we cool down by playing fun water games.
Nature-ally Artistic | July 8-12
Let’s put our imagination and creativity to the test by looking at the forest in a whole new way. Can pine needles be turned into paintbrushes, or sticks into musical instruments? What can we turn into paint? Create beautiful works of art from natural materials as we explore the many reasons that we’re all nature-ally artistic.
Plants and Pollinators | July 15-19
Fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees fill our meadows and fields throughout the summer months. Pollinators and their relationship with plants play an enormous role in our ecosystem and even more so in our food. This week take a closer look at the different native plants that attract pollinators, learn about the secret lives of bees, and even plant our own native wildflowers.
Magic in Nature | July 22-26
Get ready to unlock the enchantment of nature! From potion-making with plant ingredients to fairy tale hikes where every tree holds a secret. It’s a week of whimsy, wonder, and the kind of magic that only nature can provide. Join us as we sprinkle a dash of imagination into the great outdoors – where every rustle of the trees and bird song carries a hint of the extraordinary!
Stewards of the Forest | July 29 – August 2
It takes a lot of work to keep our 365-acre forest healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. Go behind the scenes and meet with our land stewardship team to learn just how it’s done. Get your hands dirty tackling projects aimed at improving the beauty and biodiversity of our forest – from caring for young trees to improving habitats and trails to removing invasive species and more.
Marvelous Mammals | August 5-9
Are you as fast as the sly fox, or as silly as a squirrel? What mammals live at the Schuylkill Center? Prepare for a week of fun with our four-legged friends! We will explore the fascinating world of mammals. Unleash your creativity with our crafty critters, where we design our own animal masks, transforming into our favorite mammals for a day. Let’s search for signs of mammal life, make treats for some friends at the Wildlife Clinic, and more!
The Dirt on Decomposers | August 12-16
Get ready to get dirty as we flip over rocks, poke into logs, and dig under dirt to discover the super tiny but incredibly cool creatures that call the underground home. What role do decomposers play in our ecosystem? Why do worms create tunnels? Grab a shovel and get ready to make a mess as we unearth the hidden secrets of what’s below the surface.
My son enjoys the program & I enjoy the fact that he is outdoors and exploring. The information he brings back in relevant and interesting. I am so glad that he’s come up through the Schuylkill Center program.
Ages 8-9 Program
Campers in the 8-9 age group will delve a bit deeper into environmental topics while spending plenty of time exploring, hiking, canoeing and playing. Campers will participate in environmental stewardship projects, helping to develop their knowledge, a sense of pride in their accomplishments, and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world. Children ages 8-9 are divided into two groups: Wild Wolves and Radical Raccoons. If coordinating with others to attend camp together, please be sure to communicate your group selection before registration.
Incredible Invertebrates | June 17-21
Unleash your curiosity and explore the incredible world of invertebrates! Grab your magnifying glass as we explore these small but mighty creatures. Learn about what makes these animals unique, from the smallest slug to the biggest beetles. We will make creepy crawly crafts, talk beetle biology, and explore our ponds to see what we can find. This week will surely be a buzzing good time!
Junior Birders | June 24-28
From feisty blue jays to majestic bald eagles, we’ll learn about the distinct characteristics of local birds-what they eat, where they migrate, and how they build their nests-and break out the binoculars to see who resides in our forest. To help out our feathery friends, we will build birdhouses and create pinecone bird feeders to hang throughout the forest.
Urban Wildlife | July 1-3
Note: Shortened week due to observation of the July 4 holiday Let’s explore the wildlife that calls our city home. Have you seen a caterpillar inching along? Or a fox dash into the safety of the woods? Did you know that the only marsupial on our continent lives right in our backyard? These animals play a very important role in the ecosystem of Philadelphia and many other cities. Come discover what’s hiding in plain sight!
Budding Naturalists | July 8-12
Calling all young naturalists! Our junior naturalists will immerse themselves in hands-on adventures, from decoding animal tracks to uncovering the hidden stories in the soil. Get ready for amazing hikes, tree identification challenges, and even a BioBlitz where we’ll observe the many living things around us. It’s a week of discovery, curiosity, and fostering a lifelong love for the great outdoors.
The Dirt on Decomposers | July 15-19
Get ready to get dirty as we flip over rocks, poke into logs, and dig under dirt to discover the super tiny but incredibly cool creatures that call the underground home. What role do decomposers play in our ecosystem? Why do worms create tunnels? Grab a shovel and get ready to make a mess as we unearth the hidden secrets of what’s below the surface.
Plants and Pollinators | July 22-26
Fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees fill our meadows and fields throughout the summer months. Pollinators and their relationship with plants play an enormous role in our ecosystem and even more so in our food. This week take a closer look at the different native plants that attract pollinators, learn about the secret lives of bees, and even plant our own native wildflowers.
Stewards of the Forest | July 29-August 2
It takes a lot of work to keep our 365-acre forest healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. Go behind the scenes and meet with our land stewardship team to learn just how it’s done. Get your hands dirty tackling projects aimed at improving the beauty and biodiversity of our forest – from caring for young trees to improving habitats and trails to removing invasive species and more.
Aquatic Adventures | August 5-9
All living things need water to survive, but what exactly is this amazing liquid that is so essential to life on Earth? This week get ready to splish and splash as we dive into the wonderful world of water! Explore its properties with dewy experiments, wade into our streams, and discover the slimy and scaly creatures in their depths, and don’t be afraid to get wet as we cool down by playing fun water games.
Happenin’ Herpetology | August 12-16
Unleash your inner herpetologist! From croaky choruses in the wetlands to the sneaky salamanders hidden under logs, our campers will embark on a journey of discovery. They will learn to distinguish between the cold-blooded characters that make our ecosystems so vibrant. It’s a week where curiosity meets camouflage, and every encounter brings us a step closer to understanding the enchanting world of scales, tails, and slime. Get ready for a slithering good time!
Y’all are the best! Your kindness this summer literally made me cry. With [Camper] behavior problems I am used to feeling defensive and knowing that he’s been pegged as a “bad kid” – to have a set of people who see him as the great kid he is so special and appreciated beyond I could ever put into words. I sing your praises from the rooftop to anyone who will listen.
Ages 10-12 Program
Campers ages 10-12 will be challenged to improve their outdoor knowledge and skills in a supportive setting with seasoned instructors and outdoor guides. As each week’s destination and focus changes, campers will engage in a wide variety of activities and habitats.Campers start the week bonding at home base-the Center’s 365-acre forested oasis. Every Tuesday, we will go off-site to explore the Wissahickon. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we will take day trips to nearby state parks, natural areas and cultural institutions. The day trips vary each week, depending on the theme. On weeks with an asterisk, campers will spend Wednesday night (Thursday if inclement weather) camping at the Schuylkill Center.
Up in the Trees | June 17-21 (No Overnight Camping)
We’ll reach new heights as we take a closer look into forest ecosystems. Learn about the animals that call the treetops home, take part in a restoration project to help revitalize our forests, and spend time swinging, climbing, and zipping from tree to tree at a local high ropes course.
Wonderful Water | June 24-28*** (Overnight Camping)
Water is one of the most important resources we have. It provides us with so many things, including drinking water, habitat for our aquatic life, and so much more! Join us as we visit Ricketts Glen State Park to hike the waterfall loop and see over 15 waterfalls! This week is sure to make a splash!
Rock On | July 1-3 (Note: Shortened week due to observation of the July 4 holiday/No Overnight Camping)
From dust-like mica to large, towering boulders, we will spend the week exploring the geological landscape that surrounds us. Adventure through a real life mine! Did you know that mines stay the same temperature all year long? Learn about the geological history of our amazing Wissahickon! End the week with a climbing excursion where guides will teach us how to properly climb and belay.
Birding | July 8-12*** (Overnight Camping)
With its proximity to one of the main migratory bird flyways, Philadelphia offers an abundance of birding hotspots. Learn to identify common birds by sight and sound before putting our knowledge to the test at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. End the week with a stewardship project to help conserve wild bird populations.
State Park Week | July 15-19*** (Overnight Camping)
With our prime location near both mountains and shore, Philadelphians are fortunate to have an abundance of state parks nearby. Hike at Hickory Run State Park and kayak on Lake Nockamixon as we take in all of the wonders right in our backyard.
Philly’s Hidden Treasures | July 22-26 (No Overnight Camping)
Have you ever thought about the adventure that could be in your backyard? Philadelphia has plenty of hidden gems throughout its urban jungle. Take in the marvelous view at the Discovery center – where tons of migratory birds pass through every year! Play disc golf at the oldest course on the East Coast (second oldest in the world), and join us for a kayak tour in our very own Schuylkill River as we discover what makes Philadelphia so special.
Young Naturalists | July 29-August 2*** (Overnight Camping)
Time to put your naturalist skills to the test! Get your feet wet as we test water quality and soil samples with the Wetland Institute. Visit their spectacular wetlands, marshes, and even their maritime forest – one of the last left in America! Then join us as we host our own mushroom foray! We’ll even end the week hosting a BioBlitz at the Schuylkill Center!
Amazing Arboretums | August 5-9 (No Overnight Camping)
Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia region are filled with so many wonderful green spaces! Join us as we visit some of the amazing arboretums that we share with our home. Take a tour of Morris Arboretum, which has more than 13,000 labeled plants, representing plant life from around the world! Next, we will visit Tyler Arboretum – filled with natural beauty and history dating back to the time of William Penn!
Summer Send Off | August 12-16*** (Overnight Camping)
Kick off the end of summer exploring with us! We’ll spend this week having tons of fun (and s’mores) before we go back to school! Join us as we ride railbikes from the heart of Cape May. We will be sure to spot their expansive native wildflower meadows and flora, as well as migrating songbirds, raptors and pollinators. Then make your way to the Elmwood Park Zoo to learn more about the wildlife from Philadelphia and beyond!
Check out this article in The Philadelphia Inquirer “My Summer Job: A South Philly educator goes to the forest, taking hikes with tikes at Camp Schuylkill.”
Counselor in Training Program
The Schuylkill Center’s Counselor In Training (CIT) Program is designed to provide adolescents, ages 15 to 17, with valuable work experience while maintaining a fun camp atmosphere. This is a volunteer-based program in which working hours can be exchanged for service hours for a school or an organization. A commitment of two full weeks is required at this time. Councilors In Training may be asked to work for three weeks at the maximum.
Assisting with the supervision of campers ages 4-12
Assisting camp counselors with responsibilities and activities as needed
Assisting staff with additional projects
Qualifications:
Between the ages of 15-17 years old
Responsible work ethic
Comfortable in the outdoors
Demonstrated ability to be a positive role model for campers
Dates of Program:
June 17, 2024 – August 16, 2024 (with one Saturday training date on May 18th (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Note: Camp Schuylkill is very grateful and excited to welcome another group of teen volunteers for the 2024 Camp Season. As our camp thrives with the help of CITs who enjoy being in nature, take the initiative to assist their counselors and other team members, actively engage with our campers, and participate in all aspects of Camp, please consider your teen’s personality and interests to the expectations of the CIT Program before completing the application to ensure this is the best choice.
To apply:
Please submit an application through our Google Form. This includes a one-page essay that addresses the topics below:
Why you would want to volunteer as a CIT with the Schuylkill Center
Any experience you have working with children
What you enjoy most about nature
The application closing date is March 31st, 2024.
* As there are a limited number of positions and an overwhelming number of applications, please note that completing an application does not guarantee a CIT position.
The Schuylkill Center is an Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Camp operates Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Pickup begins at 3:00 and ends at 3:30 pm. We have before and after care available for those who need additional care.
Before care: Monday-Friday, 8:00-9:00 am $55/week
Aftercare: Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:00 pm $110/week
*Registration and payment are required for before and aftercare.
All 4-5 year old camper groups have 18 children per group overseen by 3 educators and 1 CIT. There are 3 groups in this age range: Wiggly Worms, Crawling Caterpillars, and Slimy Slugs.
All 6-9 year old camper groups have 16 children per group overseen by 2 educators and 1 CIT. There are 3 groups of 6-7 year olds: Dashing Dragonflies, Amazing Ants, and Busy Bees.
There are 2 groups of 8-9 year olds: Radical Raccoons and Wild Wolves.
The 10-12 year old camp group has 16 children per group overseen by 3 educators. There is 1 group of 10-12 year olds: Adventure Trekkers.
All age groups between 4-9 years old are split into smaller groups. To ensure your camper and their buddy are in the same group please communicate with that child’s adult that you are both selecting the same group during the same week(s) when you register. Example: All Wiggly Worms will be together. All Radical Raccoons will be together.
Camp groups are supervised by adult environmental educators. Each age group has one coordinator to assist with group-specific needs. One teenage volunteer (CIT) will be paired with each group to assist the educators.
Children ages 4-5 will grow and learn while immersed in nature. A typical day includes exploring ponds and streams, observing tadpoles and butterflies, and building knowledge and relationships. Getting messy and having fun through unstructured, imaginative play.
Campers ages 6-7 will hike, canoe, create, and investigate while learning about the natural world. Enjoying a mix of environmental education and unstructured free play. A typical day includes crafts, games, guided hikes, and incredible discoveries that will make learning about nature fun and create wonderful lasting memories.
Campers in the 8-9 age group will delve a bit deeper into environmental topics while spending plenty of time exploring, hiking, canoeing, and playing. A typical day includes environmental stewardship projects, helping to develop their knowledge, community and team-building, and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.
Campers ages 10-12 will be challenged to improve their outdoor knowledge and skills in a supportive setting with instructors and outdoor guides. As each week’s destination and focus changes, campers will engage in a wide variety of activities and habitats.
Campers start the week bonding at our home base. Every Tuesday, we will go off-site to explore the Wissahickon. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we will take day trips offsite to nearby state parks, natural areas, and cultural institutions. The day trips vary each week, depending on the theme. On weeks with an asterisk, campers will spend Thursday night camping at the Schuylkill Center.
Yes, after camp registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt of the order. We will also reach out via email on April 1st, 2024 with the required documents needed for camp and we will ask for the completion by April 17th, 2024. Approximately one week before your child’s scheduled camp week, you will receive a Camp Itinerary via email outlining general camp activities and general reminders.
Drive down our driveway and into the parking lot. Meet your groups at the designated home base and check in with camp staff. Children will only be released to their guardians and individuals named in the child’s files as approved for pick-up. Families must check in with their child’s counselors when picking up and signing their child out on the daily attendance sheet. Children will not be released to unauthorized persons.
If a family would like to add or remove names from this list, they may do so by contacting Beatrice Kelly at [email protected] or 215-853-6249.
Staff is encouraged to check IDs if someone they do not recognize comes to pick up a child. Therefore, all adults should bring a form of ID to pick up, even if they are on the authorized pick-up list.
All campers should be in comfortable clothing for outdoor nature play. Clothes that they are comfortable getting dirty or wet in. Closed-toed shoes are required. Please no flip-flops or Crocs!
Campers should arrive each day with a backpack containing a reusable water bottle, a healthy lunch, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and an extra set of play clothes (Labeled). No food will be provided. Personal items including toys, games, cards, etc, should be left at home.
All items brought to camp by participants should be clearly labeled with the camper’s name. Items left in public areas will be placed in lost and found, located at the front desk in the Visitor Center. Items not collected within 2 weeks will be discarded. Electronics, cell phones, and toys are not permitted at camp. The Schuylkill Center is not responsible for personal items that are misplaced, stolen, or broken at camp.
Camp will continue! Campers have the option to gear up and head out for rain play and exploration. If the rain is posing a safety issue, including but not limited to thunderstorms, heavy winds, etc. We will move each group to their indoor location.
If your child is not feeling well please refrain from bringing them to camp. This can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, new and persistent cough, etc. Please let us know in advance through phone call or email.
Our educators are trained to avoid hazards like poison ivy and perform tick checks. We will work with our campers to learn these skills as well. However, be sure to check your child for ticks thoroughly after each camp day.
Please park in our parking lot at the end of the driveway. Please refrain from parking on our blacktop during Please refer to our 2024 Camp Handbook and Policy Guide for an in-depth review of summer camp.
Questions about Camp Schuylkill? Contact us at (215) 853-6249 or [email protected]
become a member
HELP SUPPORT THE SCHUYLKILL CENTER and enjoy benefits including discounts on bird seed, our gift shop, native plants, tickets to public programs, our newsletter, access to over 180 national nature centers, priority registration, and so much more! You'll be a part of a special community of nature and wildlife champions helping connect people to the outdoors in Philadelphia.
IF YOU HAVE FOUND AN INJURED WILD ANIMAL, the Schuylkill Center Wildlife Clinic can help! At the Wildlife Clinic, our goal is to provide professional care to sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife so healthy animals can be returned to their natural habitat.
Please call our 24-hour wildlife hotline at 215-482-7300, option 2 to for our team to assist. Do not try to pick up or move an inured animal until you have spoken with a professional who can guide you on the safest method of action.
