Camp Schuylkill provides a summer of immersive outdoor exploration, discovery and wonder for campers ages 4-15. 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.
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 Family Handbook and Policy Guide is an introduction to summer at Camp Schuylkill and includes 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.
Pennsylvania Child Care Works/Early Learning Resource Center Subsidy
We proudly accept Pennsylvania Child Care Works/Early Learning Resource Center subsidy payments for low-income families (formerly known as CCIS). For more information, please visit https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Children/Pages/Child-Care-Works-Program.aspx or contact your local Early Learning Resource Center office.
Cancellations
Until April 11, a 50% deposit payment is required to reserve a spot. After April 11, full payment is required.
Our policy is that the 50% a deposit is 50% refundable until April 11. On that date fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable.
Camp Schuylkill runs from June 16 to August 15 for ages 4 -12. A one-week program is available for ages 13 -15 from August 18 to 22, 2025. Unless otherwise noted on the weekly schedule, Camp Schuylkill 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
Ages 4-5
Children ages 4–5 will grow and learn while immersed in nature. We will explore ponds and streams, observe tadpoles and butterflies, and build knowledge and relationships. Camp Schuylkill is the perfect place for young children to deepen their connection to the natural world while getting messy and having fun through unstructured, imaginative play. Children will uncover the skills to improve our world and take simple steps to care for the earth.
We offer a morning option until 12:30 pm. Children attending our full-day program will participate in a mid-day siesta to rest before afternoon activities. 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.
(Adult/Child Ratio is 1:6)
Camp Schuylkill runs from June 16 to August 15. Sign up for one week or multiple weeks. Camp operates Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available.
Feathered Friends | June 16–20 Note: Shortened week due to observation of the Juneteenth holiday 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.
Plants and Pollinators | June 23–27 Learn about the native plants that live here at summer camp and why they are so important to our pollinator friends! Come explore what plants are growing all around us.
Habitat Heroes | June 30-July 3 Note: Shortened week due to observation of the July 4 holiday A habitat is shelter, water, food, and space. Come discover who makes their home at the Schuylkill Center and what makes them so special.
Scutes, Scales, and Tails | July 7-11 From croaky choruses in the wetlands to the sneaky salamanders hidden under logs, our campers will meet some cold-blooded creatures! Get ready for a slithering good time!
Dive into Water | July 14–18 Splash through streams, run through sprinklers, and paint with mud as we dive into the wacky world of water.
Magic in Nature | July 21–25 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.
Nature’s Artists | July 28–Aug 1 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.
Urban Wildlife | August 4–8 Have you met your nature neighbors? Raccoons, opossums, foxes, pigeons (and more!)— live in our parks, in our yards, and all around us! Come help us discover how urban wildlife plays an important role in our city.
Bugs Everywhere | August 11–15 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 insects that fly, flutter, and forage through our forests.
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 6-7
Campers ages 6-7 will hike, canoe, create, and investigate while enjoying a mix of environmental education and unstructured free play. Crafts, games, and incredible discoveries will make learning about nature fun and create 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.
(Adult/Child Ratio is 1:8)
Camp Schuylkill runs from June 16 to August 15. Sign up for one week or multiple weeks. Camp operates Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available.
Urban Wildlife | June 16–20 Note: Shortened week due to observation of the Juneteenth holiday Explore the wildlife that calls our city home and discover what’s hiding in plain sight! These animals play a very important role in the ecosystem of Philadelphia and many other cities.
Forest Detectives|June 23–27 Grab your magnifying glass and put on your thinking cap. Whose tracks are those? This week is filled with learning the signs that animals leave behind.
Wonderful Water| June 30-July 3 Note: Shortened week due to observation of the July 4 holiday 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!
Feathered Friends | July 7-11 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.
Nature-ally Artistic | July 14–18 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?
Plants and Pollinators | July 21–25 Fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees fill our meadows and fields throughout the summer months. 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 28–Aug 1 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.
Stewards of the Forest | August 4–8 It takes a lot of work to keep our 365-acre forest healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. Get your hands dirty tackling projects aimed at improving the beauty and biodiversity of our forest.
The Dirt on Decomposers | August 11–15 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 8-9
Campers in the 8-9 age group willdelve 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.
(Adult/Child Ratio is 1:8)
Camp Schuylkill runs from June 16 to August 15. Sign up for one week or multiple weeks. See below for more information about weekly themes. Camp operates Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available.
Plants and Pollinators | June 16–20 Note: Shortened week due to observation of the Juneteenth holiday Fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees fill our meadows and fields throughout the summer months. 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.
Junior Birders | June 23–27 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.
Urban Wildlife | June 30-July 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? Come discover what’s hiding in plain sight!
Budding Naturalists | July 7-11 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.
The Dirt on Decomposers | July 14–18 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.
Nature’s Artists | July 21–25 Express yourself! Utilize the natural resources around us to make inspiring art pieces. Can pine needles be turned into paintbrushes, or sticks into musical instruments?
Stewards of the Forest |July 28–Aug 1 It takes a lot of work to keep our 365-acre forest healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. Get your hands dirty tackling projects aimed at improving the beauty and biodiversity of our forest.
Aquatic Adventures | August 4–8 All living things need water to survive, but what exactly is this amazing liquid that is so essential to life on Earth? Explore its properties with dewy experiments, wade into our streams, and discover the slimy and scaly creatures in their depths.
Happenin’ Herpetology | August 11–15 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.
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 10-12
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 our 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 Thursday night (Wednesday if inclement weather) camping at the Schuylkill Center.
(Adult/Child Ratio is 1:8)
Weekly schedule:
Monday: stay on-site at the Schuylkill Center
Tuesday: off-site exploring the Wissahickon
Wednesday: off-site day trips
Thursday: off-site day trips (***camping overnight at the Schuylkill Center)
Friday: stay on-site at the Schuylkill Center (off-site exploring the Wissahickon for shortened weeks)
Camp Schuylkill runs from June 16 to August 15. Sign up for one week or multiple weeks. See below for more information about weekly themes. Unless otherwise noted, camp operates Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available.
Note: Shortened week due to observation of the Juneteenth holiday
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. 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. This week is sure to make a splash!
Rock On| June 30-July 3
Note: Shortened week due to observation of the July 4 holiday
No Overnight Camping
We will spend the week exploring the geological landscape that surrounds us. Adventure through boulder fields, and end the week with a climbing excursion where guides will teach us how to properly climb and belay.
Birding | July 7-11***
Overnight Camping
Philadelphia offers an abundance of birding hotspots. Learn to identify common birds by sight and sound before putting our knowledge to the test at some important bird areas!
State Park Week | July 14–18***
Overnight Camping
With our prime location near both mountains and shore, Philadelphians are fortunate to have an abundance of state parks nearby. Join us as we take in all of the wonders right in our backyard.
Philly’s Hidden Treasures | July 21–25
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.
Young Naturalists | July 28–Aug 1***
Overnight Camping Time to put your naturalist skills to the test! Get your feet wet and your hands dirty as we test water quality and soil samples. Join us with the Philadelphia Mycology Club to host our own mushroom foray!
Art In Nature | August 4–8
No Overnight Camping Channel your inner artist this week. Get messy as we create our own masterpieces from natural resources. Let’s put our imagination and creativity to the test by looking at the forest in a whole new way.
Summer Send Off | August 11–15*** Overnight Camping
Kick off the end of summer exploring with us! We’ll spend this week having tons of fun before we go back to school! Camp with us one last time and have an extra S’more while we spend time under the stars.
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 13-15
Campers ages 13-15 will be challenged to improve their outdoor knowledge and skills in a supportive setting with seasoned instructors and outdoor guides. As each day’s destination and focus changes, campers will engage in a wide variety of activities and habitats.
This one week experience is offered August 18-22, 2025.
Campers ages 13-15 will be challenged to improve their outdoor knowledge and skills in a supportive setting with seasoned instructors and outdoor guides. As each day’s destination and focus changes, campers will engage in a wide variety of activities and habitats.
This one week experience is offered August 18-22, 2025.
Weekly schedule:
Monday: off-site day trips
Tuesday: off-site day trips
Wednesday: off-site day trips
Thursday: off-site day trips
Friday: off-site exploring the Wissahickon and evening at the Schuylkill Center. Pickup at 9pm
Price: $600
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 16, 2025 – August 15, 2025 (with one Saturday training date in May)
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, 2025.
* 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about Camp Schuylkill? We have an answer! Check out the FAQ below, and if you don’t find what you are looking for please refer to our Family Handbook or contact our registrar at [email protected].
Yes! You can register your 4 -12 year old for as many weeks as you like. You can be here for one week, all nine weeks, or mix and match according to your schedule.
Our summer camp experience for 13-15 year olds is offered on the week of August 18-22, 2025.
All 4-5 year old camper groups have 18 children per group overseen by 3 educators and 1 Councilor in Training. 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 Councilor in Training. 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.
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 Councilor in Training volunteer will be paired with each group to assist the educators.
Yes, after camp registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt. We will also reach out via email on April 1st, 2025 with the required documents needed for camp and we will ask for the completion by April 17th, 2025. 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. We advise wearing clothes that campers are comfortable getting dirty or wet in. Closed-toed shoes are required. Please no flip-flops or Crocs!
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 two 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 rain or shine! 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 or heavy winds, then we will move each group to their indoor location.
Check out our Family Handbook for more information about how we handle weather during summer camp.
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 day at camp.
While we are sorry to miss your child at camp, we understand that sometimes cancellations are sometimes unavoidable.
We require a 50% deposit payment is required to reserve a spot until April 11. After April 11, full payment is required to reserve your spot.
If you need to cancel your registration, our policy is that your 50% a deposit is 50% refundable until April 11. After April 11 payment is non-refundable. We use camp fees and registration numbers to recruit and train educators to meet our child to adult ratio for summer camp. Thank you for your understanding.
Please park in our parking lot at the end of the driveway. Please refrain from parking on our blacktop during Please refer to our 2025 Camp Handbook and Policy Guide for an in-depth review of summer at Camp Schuylkill.
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.
