Whitaker Center
Central PA’s Nonprofit Center for the Arts

Camps

 

2024 Summer Camps

2024 Summer Camps

Click to open our 2024 Summer Camp Guide to learn about our exciting  offerings! 

 


 
Pricing

Five Week Camp Package

Non-Member: Full Day  $1525 ($305 per week) | Half Day $875 ($175 per week)

Member: Full Day $1350 ($270 per week) | Half Day $750 ($150 per week)

Five Week Camp Package

1 Week Full Day Camp

Non-Member: $325  | Member: $300


1 Week Half Day Camp (Available for Pre-K & Rising K ONLY)

Non-Member: $200  | Member: $175

Girls in STEAM Camp

Non-Member: $125 | Member: $100


Pre- and Post-Camp Care (Pre-Camp: 8-9 am | Post-Camp: 4-5 pm)

Non-Member & Member:
 $100 per child per week (Pre or Post) | $200 per child per week for BOTH  (Pre & Post)


Scholarship**

** Need-based - must receive state assistance/benefits

** Based on available funds

** Can only use on (1) week per child, per summer

Learn more on our Camp FAQs page.



Pre K & Rising K

Pre-K & Rising K (Ages 4 and 5)

July 8-12:  Full STEAM Ahead: Careers in STEAM! - AM (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics - OH MY! Maybe you want to be an Architect when you grow up, or a Doctor, or a Paleontologist. Let your imagination run wild as we explore the possibilities of what it would be like to have a job in a STEM-related field!



July 15-19:  It's Raining Science! - AM (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

What is today's forecast? Put on your rain boots! We are going to splash our way through the different types of weather, like rain, sunny days, and even extreme weather. Combining art and science skills, we'll become Jr. Meteorologists exploring the water cycle, seasons, and weather forecasting.


July 22-26:  Let's Get Physical!
 - AM (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

We've got motion down to a science! Did you know - Newton is more than just a cookie? Does everything that goes up, always come down? We'll explore these questions plus learn more about pushes, pulls, laws of gravity, and motion.


July 29-Aug 2:  Ad Astra, To the Stars!
 - AM (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Why did the cow become an astronaut? To see the Milky Way! There are so many stars we can see in the night sky, but not everything we see shining in the dark is a star. This camp explores stars, the moon, asteroids, and objects in our solar system. We'll put our observation skills to the test and explore what it's like out there in the universe!



 Aug 5-9:  Walk on the Wild Side!  - AM (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Have you ever visited a National Park or Nature Preserve? Do you ever think about how many different types of animals there are in these parks? We will become a Jr. Park Ranger and explore all the animals in their different habitats. This camp will also explore what we can do to help Park Rangers care for these public lands!

 

Grades 1-2

Grades 1-2

July 8-12:  Full STEAM Ahead: Careers in STEAM! -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics - OH MY! Each day of this camp will allow students to focus on various careers within the STEAM fields. By the end of this week, your camper may decide they want to pursue many different career paths by the time they reach adulthood. Artist? Doctor? Professor? Perhaps ALL 3! This camp will explore these possibilities and more!

https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=370610

July 15-19:  It's Raining Science! -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

What is today's forecast? Meteorology takes all sorts of skills. We will use the fundamentals of engineering and art to learn all we can about the weather and the impact it has on humans. This camp will practice everything from predicting weather patterns to delivering a weather report. In addition to our typical weather, we will learn about extreme weather, like tornados and hurricanes!

https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=370615

July 22-26:  Let's Get Physical! - (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

We've got motion down to a science! How do roller coasters work? Who is Newton and why does he like apples? How can we design something that is both functional and fun to look at? This camp will answer these questions and allow for creativity and math to meet!

https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=358672

July 29-Aug 2:  Ad Astra, To the Stars!  - (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Why did the cow become an astronaut? To see the Milky Way! There are so many parts of the universe: galaxies, solar systems, asteroids, and far-off planets. Some we can see from Earth, some with telescopes, and some from the International Space Station. This camp will explore these differences and learn all we can about the world beyond our atmosphere.

https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=358672

 
Aug 5-9:  Walk on the Wild Side!  -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Have you ever visited a National Park or Nature Preserve? Many animals call these places home. Bears hunting salmon in Alaska State Parks; Whales waving off the beaches of Hawaiian State Parks; Deer leaping through Pennsylvania State Parks... all are interesting! This camp will explore the environments these animals call home and how humans can impact these wonderful stretches of land positively.

https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=358672

 

Grades 2-3

Grades 3-4

July 8-12:  Full STEAM Ahead: Careers in STEAM! -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics - OH MY! Careers in STEAM are growing in popularity, there are so many options. With new topics daily, campers will experience lots of variety! Explore, with hands-on activities, everything STEAM has to offer!


July 15-19:  It's Raining Science! -  (
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

What is today's forecast? Rain, snow, sleet, hail! Weather is constantly changing and differs across the globe. We turn to Meteorologists to help us understand what to expect each day! Put your engineering and forecasting skills to the test as we learn about preparing for all types of weather and natural disasters!



July 22-26:  Let's Get Physical!
 - (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

We've got motion down to a science! Gravity keeps us on Earth while determining how things move, fall, slide, and roll! This camp incorporates engineering, design, and building models of roller coasters. Engineering fun will be a big part of this camp!



July 29-Aug 2:  Ad Astra, To the Stars!  - (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Why did the cow become an astronaut? To see the MILKY Way! There are many things visible in our night sky. Take a trip through the cosmos to gain an understanding of our place in the Universe. This camp will explore all the unknowns about the universe focusing on planets, the moon, and distant stars!

 
Aug 5-9:  Walk on the Wild Side!  -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Have you ever visited a National Park or Nature Preserve? Animals live here and humans love to visit to connect with nature! We will compare and contrast the habitats individual animals need to survive. Learn about the environment and how to enjoy, protect, and explore it. Join us for your first shift as a Park Ranger!

 

Grades 4-6

Grades 5-6

July 8-12:  Full STEAM Ahead: Careers in STEAM! -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics - OH MY! Spark your imagination while learning the fundamentals of several STEAM-related career paths! With new topics daily, campers will be immersed in a diversity of hands-on activities with real-world connections. This camp explores the fun and excitement STEAM has to offer!


July 15-19:  It's Raining Science! -  (
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

What is today's forecast? Tune in to learn all about Meteorology, and natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, blizzards, hurricanes, and more! Do you have what it takes to correctly predict the weather, or to build structures to withstand storms? Put your engineering and forecasting skills to the test!



July 22-26:  Let's Get Physical!
 - (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

We've got motion down to a science! Experience the ups and downs of Newton's Laws, forces, and acceleration in action. This camp incorporates engineering, design, and building models of roller coasters. Come along for the ride!



July 29-Aug 2:  Ad Astra, To the Stars!  - (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Why did the cow become an astronaut? To see the Milky Way! Learn all about our Universe, Galaxy, and Solar System in this camp focused on understanding our place in the cosmos. Our Sun is just one star in the night sky - there are so many more to explore!


Aug 5-9:  Walk on the Wild Side!
  -  (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Have you ever visited a National Park or Nature Preserve? Do you want to learn more about the animals that call these areas home? This camp will focus on different ecosystems and the animals that live there. Learn about conservation, and the importance of sustainability by getting in touch with the natural world that surrounds us.

 

Art Camp

Grades 1-2

July 8-12:  Camping!   (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Let's go camping! Happy campers will be working together to create their artistic campsites. Our activities will incorporate outdoor exploration with a focus on nature and its animal inhabitants.


Grades 3-4

 July 15-19:   Under the Sea!   (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Swim into camp and join us in creating a personal aquarium exhibit. What marine life would you include? Our activities will include learning about sea habitats and marine animal exploration.



Grades 5-6

 July 29-Aug 2:   Space!   (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Blast off during an out-of-this-world art camp experience! Our activities for the week will focus on space exploration to create our planetariums.


Grades 7-8

July 22-26:   Christmas in July!   (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)

Join us this week as we rock around the Christmas tree at the beach! Camp themes will focus on exploring the December holiday and creating a unique tropical celebration.

 

Grades 6-8

Grades 3-4  

July 22-26:  Innovation Camp (9:30 am to 3:30 pm)

Innovation Camp for Gr 3-4 will focus on basic Block Coding using Minecraft for Education and coding with applications for robotics in STEAM areas of Art and Engineering. Campers will have an opportunity to learn to work cooperatively through purposeful gaming programs as well as iPad applications.



Grades 5-6

July 15-19:  Innovation Camp (9:30 am to 3:30 pm)

Innovation Camp for Gr 5-6 will focus on basic coding through applications in robotics, creating games, and game worlds using Roblox Studio, and Minecraft for Education. Campers will have an opportunity to learn to work cooperatively through purposeful gaming using programs such as Fall Guys and Rocket League. Virtual and Augmented reality applications will be explored as well.



Grades 7-8

July 29-Aug 2:  Innovation Camp (9:30 am to 3:30 pm)

Innovation Camp for Grades 7-8 will focus on coding, game world design, and modding applications using Minecraft for Education, and basic video game creation using the GameMaker software program. Coding with applications using robotics and drones will be explored as well. Campers will have an opportunity to learn to work cooperatively through purposeful gaming using programs such as Fall Guys and Rocket League. Virtual and Augmented reality applications will be explored as well.

 

Content Creators Camp

Content Creators Camp | GRADES 5-8

July  8-12  | 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Do you have dreams of being a YouTuber? Want to learn how to become like some of your favorite content creators? Campers will explore the ins and outs of online creation by learning how to record, edit, and market their content using the same software as the pros. The week will also feature daily guests who are "experts" within each of their fields - with real-world experience.


Musical Theatre

 Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR | GRADES 6-9

June  24-28 | 9 am to 4 pm

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth!


 SIX Teen Edition 
 | GRADES 9-12

July  22-26 | 9 am to 4 pm

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.  From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. 


101 Dalmatians KIDS
 | GRADES 3-5

July  29 - Aug 2 | 9 am to 4 pm

Based on the classic animated film, Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney's most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. With a high-spirited score and loveable characters, this musical adaptation is certain to charm and delight all audiences.


Girls in STEAM

Girls in STEAM GRADES 3-5

(PLEASE NOTE: These are four-day camps)

Aug 13-16 | 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Girls in STEAM camps are an engaging four-day experience that will help young women explore the different areas of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This experience, including hands-on and engaging activities, encourages girls to learn new things about the world around them and discover fields that they may have previously been unexposed to. Topics include chemistry, physics, technology applications, the arts, and the environment. Both camps will focus on similar topics but have been grouped by grade level to ensure that the girls get the maximum experience.


Girls in STEAM GRADES 6-8

(PLEASE NOTE: These are four-day camps)

June 25-28 | 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Girls in STEAM camps are an engaging four-day experience that will help young women explore the different areas of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This experience, including hands-on and engaging activities, encourages girls to learn new things about the world around them and discover fields that they may have previously been unexposed to. Topics include chemistry, physics, technology applications, the arts, and the environment. Both camps will focus on similar topics but have been grouped by grade level to ensure that the girls get the maximum experience.

 Thank you to the The Stabler Foundation for its support of our Girls in STEAM programs.

 Know Before You Go

 Chaos Theory has its place in science, but not in the way we run our STEAM camps. Please review the information below regarding policies and procedures for our summer camp programs. Read our Summer Camp FAQs.

Is the camp you were looking at sold out?
Please fill out the waitlist form linked below and we will contact you if a spot becomes available! 

Questions or Concerns? 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Education Department at Whitaker Center.  We are more than happy to discuss questions, concerns, or accommodations needed to make your camper’s experience as wonderful as possible.  

Email: camps@whitakercenter.org

Phone: 717-724-3865

Thank you to ...
Bobby Rahal Toyota

for supporting Whitaker Center Summer Camps! 

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