Norristown Patch Picks: Five Great Summer Camps

You may not be ready for it, but before you know it, the last school bell will have rung, and you'll have a little one with a lot of free time on his or her hands. Have you thought about what they'll do this summer? If not, don't fret—Norristown Patch has a few suggestions. There are plenty of great local organizations with summer camp programs, and we've compiled a short list with a little something for everyone.

The ACPPA has made it its mission to make the arts a bigger part of the lives of families in Norristown, so it should come as no surprise that they have a summer program ready to go.

The ACPPA's "Summer ARTS Intensive: Director's Cut" program is a month-long exploration of multidisciplinary arts. Children will learn about set and costume design, choreography and composition, and will even write and direct short films. The program culminates with a variety show and exhibition of the children's work.

The program runs from July 5 through 29 with the big show Friday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. Children are split in to one of three age groups (ages 3 to 5, ages post-kindergarten 5-8 and ages 9-13) and can attend the half-day program from 9 a.m. to noon or the additional extended-day program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices range from $80-$240 depending on age and program length. Check the ACPPA's website for more detailed information or to download an application.

A family institution in Norristown for over 85 years, the Elmwood Park Zoo has been putting smiles on children's faces for generations. The zoo is keeping that tradition alive with its "Secret Life of Zoo Keepers" summer camp program.

As fun as it sounds to learn about the life of a zoo keeper for the summer, the Elmwood Park Zoo thinks it's even more important to let children know that compassion and kindness for all living creatures is an important part of life on our planet. Campers get that message by engaging in activities that get them up close and personal with the animals.

Sessions are weekly and broken into age-appropriate groups—weekly sessions for children 6-8 run from June 20 through July 22, sessions for children 9 to 11 run July 25 through Aug. 12, and children 12 and 13 have a special behind-the-scenes program all for themselves Aug. 15 through 19. The cost is $225 a week per child for members and $250 for nonmembers. Get more information on the zoo's website. 

Greater Norristown Art League

Because Norristown Patch thinks there's no such thing as too much art, we've found another great arts organization with a summer camp program. The Greater Norristown Art League hosts nine weeklong sessions for children ages 6 to 14 starting June 20 and running through Aug. 26.

Campers will learn basic drawing skills and techniques, and get involved in hands-on projects like collage, paper making, T-shirt printing, 3-D design and clay sculpting. Friday’s “Graduation Day” includes an art show, award ceremony and a reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends.

Art supplies are included, but students have to provide their own lunch. The cost is $125 for a weeklong session, and campers attending additional weeks receive a 10 percent discount on subsequent classes. To register, call Jo Ann Cooksey Bono at 610-279-1008, or visit the league's website.

One of our favorite organizations, the Patrician Society is probably best known for helping to feed the hungry through its emergency food cupboard. What you may not know is that they also run a pretty reasonably-priced summer camp program for children age 5 to 11. The camp program is now in its 31st year.

The Patrician Society Summer Camp offers daily activities and field trips to museums, swimming pools, parks, farms and other fun locales, as well as lunch for up to 40 kids per week-long session. There are six sessions beginning July 5 and running through Aug. 12. The cost is $30 per child. Applications are available starting May 2.

Side note: Many of the children who attend the camp are members of low-income families who are served by the food cupboard. While the Patrician Society only charges $30 per child for a one-week session, the actual expenses are around $100 per camper. If you've already got other plans for your childen this summer, you might consider helping to sponsor a camper at the Patrician Society.

The folks at the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League (GNPAL) were still firming up details for their summer camp program at press time, but we love those guys so much, we just couldn't leave them out. Their longtime dedication to the kids of Norristown gives them plenty of cred, and we're certain their summer program will be well worth your while.

Keep checking their website or give Ken Fennal, director of programming for GNPAL, a call at 610-278-8040. He'll be able to give you the details as soon as they're available.

And keep checking back with Norristown Patch. We'll definitely be following up with these organizations and finding more summer programs as the weather gets ever warmer.