PC Summer Camp Gets Bigger, Even Better Than Ever

Penn Charter will expand the 39-year-old summer camp program this summer to include an enrichment camp, a wide-ranging sports camp and opportunities for varsity athletes. For enrolled students, the school will also offer academic courses.

"We recognize that kids have various interests and passions - and often more than one," said Charlie Kaesshaefer, director of summer camps. "We've designed an expanded program that will appeal to many different students and to the different interests of each student." Kaesshaefer, a long-time teacher, coach and director of the Day Camp program, is now directing the new summer program full-time.

Beginning in summer 2007, Penn Charter Summer Camps will offer four components: Day Camp, Sports Camp, Enrichment Camp and Varsity Camps. Campers can mix and match the offerings in ways that suit their interests and summer schedules.

Enrichment Camp will be held June 11-15 for children ages 7-12. Campers will be in a fun learning environment, complete with hands-on expert instruction. Children wanting to expand their horizons with activities such as chess, dance, cooking, drama, knitting, music, art and computers are encouraged to register. Campers will also have the opportunity to explore with K'NEX and Legos to pursue interests in engineering and design.

The new Sports Camp, which runs from June 18 to August 3, offers expert instruction in a variety of sports for campers ages 7 to 13. Sports offerings include basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball/softball, flag football, floor hockey, team handball and ultimate Frisbee. Campers will also have the opportunity to explore archery, tennis and volleyball. Game days and tournaments, skill contests, special guest instructors and daily free swim activities in Penn Charter's newly renovated indoor pool are all highlights of the new Sports Camp.

Penn Charter's Varsity Camps, one-week camps offered Monday through Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 during the period June 11-July 26, offer advanced instruction for athletes from ages eight to 18. The expert coaching staff from Penn Charter will run week-long evening training camps for girls and boys lacrosse, softball, field hockey, boys and girls basketball, soccer, water polo, squash and football. The football program is tailored for receivers and quarterbacks and is non-contact. Designed to help athletes get "the edge," all Varsity Camps offer skill instruction, drills, game play, conditioning, fitness, nutrition and motivation.

Penn Charter has offered an outstanding summer Day Camp program for 39 years. This year, the camp runs from June 18 to August 3, and offers the best in old-fashioned fun for boys and girls ages three to 14. Experienced teachers and counselors work to provide a summer program attuned to the physical, social and emotional needs of children. Activities include swimming, tennis, art, archery, music, computer, sports, games, summer theme, trips, guest performers and color team contests. Early and extended day available; transportation (within a several-mile radius); academic enrichment/tutoring.

Students enrolled in Penn Charter's Middle and Upper Schools can take courses in the expanded summer Academic Study program. Courses are three weeks long and run from June 18 to July 6, and it is possible to enroll in more than one course. One-credit offerings for Upper School students who will be in 10th, 11th or 12th grades are: Religious Pluralism in America: A Case Study of the Religious Landscape in the Philadelphia Region; Photography; and Ceramics and Pottery. Non-credit courses open to students who will be in 7th, 8th or 9th grades are: Field Biology; Art: Structure and Pattern in Nature; and Photography: Structure and Pattern in Nature.

Campers and families are invited to visit for a Sunday Open House, 2-4 p.m. on Jan. 28, Feb. 25 or April 29 to learn more about Penn Charter Summer Camps. For more information, visit www.penncharter.com or contact Charlie Kaesshaefer, director of summer camps, at summercamps@penncharter.com or 215-844-3460 ext 364.