Summer Camps Must Align with Youth Empowerment Movements
Today’s summer camps must keep up with the demand for more inspiring programming that promotes youth empowerment and self-discovery, in addition to academic advancement and summertime fun. We see kids of all ages expressing their feelings, concerns, and triumphs, and we want to encourage raising their voices, whether vocally or through writing or art, year-round.
No matter what the topic area, whether it’s basketball, adventure, academic, robotics, drama, or sports, camp can provide an opportunity for students to inquire and explore, engage with new friends and community members, and learn about their own passions and opinions. Summer is a time for students to stretch and test their potential personally and academically, while also gaining more awareness about their role in the world as responsible and informed citizens.
Exposure, dialogue, mindfulness, and self-discovery — these are important elements of a camp experience that we want our students to take away from each summer experience on campus, and hope that they take back with them to campus in the fall and to their social and civic interactions throughout the year and life.
I’m proud of the programs we have at Germantown Friends School (GFS), including the Community Basketball and Enrichment Camp, which is a long-time neighborhood favorite, and offers a lower-cost summer option that builds student skills both on the basketball court and in the classroom. CBE’s athletic and academic components are designed to strengthen self-confidence, deepen a passion for growing and learning, and reinforce the importance of working together.
Our Junior Explorers program, one of our preschool programs, helps our youngest campers gain confidence and problem-solving skills through art, cooking, and science projects; creative and cooperative play; and imaginative dramatic games. For kids heading into grades 1–5, the Explorer Camp offers weekly field trips to investigate both natural and urban landscapes while experiencing hands-on learning and discovery, and will spend the last week in Center City to explore exciting urban destinations, including Franklin Square, Reading Terminal Market, and Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Academic camps give students the opportunity to strengthen skills and reinforce key concepts before the start of the new school year, and understand how math and language connects to their everyday lives and communities. Athletic camps promote collaboration and teamwork, and allow students to discover strengths and explore leadership.
Camp is an opportunity for a bigger picture enrichment experience, allowing students to learn about themselves, other campers, and their community. Let’s help our kids find their voices and explore passions, even over the summer.
by Elliot Coates, Germantown Friends School Camp Director
About Elliot Coates
Elliot brings extensive, global knowledge of experiential learning to the summer program, ensuring each offering links activities with reflection. He is also a certified kayak guide, scuba dive trainer, water rescue specialist, and former master ropes course team member. He has lived and worked in Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong before joining GFS in Philadelphia.
About Germantown Friends School
Founded in 1845, Germantown Friends School is a Quaker, independent day school for students in grades ECP-12, located in the historic neighborhood of Germantown in Northwestern Philadelphia. Dedicated to reaching that of God in every person, our mission is to seek truth, challenge the intellect, honor differences, embrace the city, and nurture each student’s mind, body and spirit. For more information, visit germantownfriends.org.
Germantown Friends School Camps
Camps are offered for ages 3 and up and include athletic, art, music, drama, college-prep, and explorer options in Germantown and Center City locations. Learn more about camps.