“Wild & Free” Day Camps

Introducing Wild & Free Day Camp at Summit Grove!

This summer, we are rolling out Wild & Free Camp, and are structuring our camps to combine the best aspects of our themed camps in years past each week, so you won’t have to choose between favorites! With a combination of our previous Adventure, Animal & Nature, Outdoor Games, and Art Camps, your camper will get to experience all of them for every week they attend (with new activities introduced in each category every week!)

With activities led by our dedicated team of experienced counselors and Program Lead, your camper(s) will be able to grow in a fun, safe, and spiritually-uplifting environment alongside their friends! (Speaking of which, if you are 13-15 years of age–you may apply HERE for our Staff in Training volunteer program. If you are 16-24, you may apply HERE to join our amazing summer staff! Counselor and Support Staff positions available.)

Come join us for activities such as:

  • Building forts in the woods

  • Playing Gaga ball

  • Team Challenges 

  • Hunting for treasures

  • Water games

  • Creating nature crafts and art

  • Cookouts with S’mores

  • Gathering berries and flowers

  • Harvesting herbs/vegetables

  • Romping in the foam machine/using the water slide

  • Getting up close and personal with a variety of animals

  • Collecting and studying insects

  • And much, much more!

Have questions? Reach out to our Day Camp Director, Lauren Kunkle, at camps@summitgrovecamp.org

2025 Wild & Free Day Camp Dates

(for children AGES 6-12)

Week 1: June 16-20

Week 2: June 23-27

Week 3: June 30-July 4

Week 4: July 7-11

Week 5: July 14-18

Check out this recap video from one of our 2024 weeks. More recap videos can be found on our Youtube channel HERE

Daily Schedule (Sample):

8:30 AM          Camper Drop-off Begins
9 AM               Morning Rally
9:30 AM          Session 1
11 AM               Session 2
12 PM              Lunch
1 PM                Free Time / Games / Water Activities
2:30 PM          Session 3
3:30 PM          Afternoon Rally / Snack Shack
4 PM               Camper Pick-up Begins
*Fridays at 3:30 PM: Final Rally/Parent Showcase: Join in the fun with your kids!

Pricing, Forms & FAQs

Pricing:

New pricing structure! $225-275/wk

To meet the goals of developing and expanding the ministry of Summit Grove, while also keeping camp affordable for as many people as possible, we are introducing a three-tiered pricing system ($225, $250, $275) that allows families to choose the price that best fits their financial situation. All campers receive the same experience regardless of what tier they pay, and all families are free to choose the option that works best for them.

Helpful Info:

  • AM Care (7:30-8:30 AM): $25/wk  |  PM Care (4:30-5:30 PM): $25/wk
  • Siblings receive a $15 discount.
  • The non-refundable deposit is $50.

 

  • Scholarships are typically awarded for 20-75% of the cost of a camp, but they do not cover the non-refundable deposit.
  • Scholarships are awarded by our scholarship committee depending on financial need and funds available, with priority being given to first-time campers.
  • Please allow 2-4 weeks for scholarship request applicants to be notified.

Forms:

For Summer Staff: If you’re interested in joining our dynamic team of summer staffers and counselors, fill out an application here! Counselors are ages 16-28 (HS/college age) and Staff-in-Training are ages 13-15 (high school age). 

FAQs:

  • When does registration open?
    • Day Camp registration opens in January each year. If your child attended camp here before, when you log into your account you will see all your information filled in from previous years. This makes registration much more simple!
  • Are there options for all of my children each week?
    • Summit Grove hosts five weeks of Day Camp during the summer. Any of your children between the ages of 6-12 may attend during these weeks.
  • Are there other camp options not listed here?
    • Yes! Confirmed partner-led camps will be listed on this page. However, they are not included in the Summit Grove application portal. Please reach out directly to partner-led camps for applications and questions.
  • Are younger kids with older kids?
    • Most of the time there will be “younger pods” and “older pods” with the same counselors throughout the week. A few times during the day, such as lunch and morning rally, all camper ages come together.
  • Can I register multiple children at once?
    • Yes! We also offer a sibling discount.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    • All deposits (typically 20% of the cost of camp) are non-refundable. The remaining balance is due by June 1. For cancellations made between May 1 – June 1 there is a $50 cancellation fee. Any cancellations after June 1 are non-refundable except for medical emergencies.
  • I don’t have all of the money now. Can I still register?
    • Yes! At registration, the only amount required is the camp deposit and any optional add-ons you added (until June 1). There is an automatic monthly payment plan option available, described in the registration portal.
  • What are optional additional fees?
    • During the registration process you will be able to select a camp T-shirt, Snack Shack money, and donations toward our Camper Scholarship Fund.
  • How does Snack Shack money work?
    • During registration you may select that your camper receives $10 or $20 at the Snack Shack. During Snack Shack hours before pickup, your camper may use his credit. The credit is kept on file at the Snack Shack, so your camper may use it for multiple weeks until it is used up. Any unused credit is non-refundable and is put in the Camper Scholarship Fund at the end of the summer.
  • Are scholarships available?
    • Yes! We have implemented a tiered pricing system to accommodate various financial situations. If tuition remains a financial burden, even with this option, you may apply to the “Jerry Mapstone Camper Scholarship Fund”. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, with priority being given to first-time campers. Deposits are not covered by this fund.
  • How do I get to camp?
    • We are located on 140 S Front Street, New Freedom PA. Our entrance is next to Koller Pointe Neighborhood, the Rail Trail, and near the Northern Central Railway. We are located 10 minutes from Shrewsbury exit off I-83, just one mile from the MD border.
  • When can I drop off and pick up my camper?
    • Drop off: Between 8:30-9AM. If you have added “Before Care” to your camper’s registration, you may drop them off between 7:30-8:30AM.
    • Pick Up: Between 4-4:30PM. If you have added “After Care” to your camper’s registration, you may pick them up between 4:30-5:30PM.
  • What if I need to drop my camper off late or pick them up early?
    • Please notify camp staff when you drop off your camper so that our staff can plan accordingly. If the camper will be missing a day, please notify camp staff.
  • What should my camper bring?
    • Please have your child bring a backpack with a water bottle (labeled!), sunscreen, swimsuit, pool towel, flip flops, and closed toe sneakers.
    • Swimsuit policy: Girls’ swimsuits must cover the midriff area, and boys’ swimsuits should be mid-thigh or longer.
  • What items should my camper NOT bring?
    • Any electronics (phones, smart-watches, etc.), fireworks, knives, or weapons of any kind. We understand your need to keep in contact with your child, however we view camp as a way for children to have the opportunity to ‘unplug’ from daily routine in a fun and exciting way. At Summit Grove we wish for our campers to engage in meaningful conversations with others and with God. Electronics often hinder these goals and increase the likelihood of behavioral problems. If you need to get in contact with your child please call the Summit Grove office.
  • What if my child forgets something? Can I drop it off?
    • Please take all items to the camp office and we will ensure it gets to your child.
  • Is there a dress code?
    • Please make sure your camper’s clothing is modest and suitable for outdoor activity. Jewelry is generally discouraged so that it is not lost, broken, and does not become a safety hazard.
  • How are counselor and summer staff hired?
    • Summit Grove staff are carefully hired by a full screening and background check process. Our staff go through summer camp specific training in which each staff member prepares to serve your child in a professional, personal, and safe manner. Our staff are not permitted to be alone with a child. Our team strives to make sure your camper has both a fun and safe time at camp.
  • Is my child safe at Summit Grove?
    • Yes! Several members of our staff are equipped with First Aid, CPR, and lifeguarding certifications to care for our campers. There are also emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) located less than 5 minutes from Summit Grove. Camper staff are trained to keep children in groups and not allow non-staff members to interact with campers.
  • In what scenario would Summit Grove send my child home?
    • At Summit Grove we have a 3-strike discipline system. If the child’s behavior becomes a hindrance to the rights and safety of others, or the program, we reserve the right to dismiss a camper upon consultation with the parent. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for every camper and to see them grow in character and development.
  • What is the food menu?
    • We strive to offer child-friendly lunches that are both nutritious and delicious. Lunch menus will be provided at least one week before the start of camp. We will also provide a snack during the day. During pickup and PM care, the Snack Shack will also be open for snack purchases.
  • What if my child has dietary restrictions?
    • Although we do not offer secondary menus for dietary sensitivities, we want to be able to serve your needs, if possible. Please include any dietary restrictions in your registration medical questionnaire.
  • Can my child bring a lunch or their own snacks?
    • You are welcome to send a lunch with your camper. Your camper will not have access to that lunch except during lunchtime. Snacks must stay in their backpack until snack time.

Our pool will not be open during the 2025 season. We are seeking funding to build a new pool within the next few years. Each camp will have an exciting water slide, foam machine, water games, and activities, so your child will still be able to experience the joys of playing in water during the hot summer. 

 Join us as we kick off the beginning of the summer with our Classic Day Camp! Your camper will get a little taste of everything Summit Grove has to offer with outdoor and water games, adventures (like a ride on the Northern Central Railway Train!) and other fun activities. Older and younger campers will get to gather with their own age groups at times for age-friendly experiences and varying levels of difficulty. 

Camp Includes:

Tentative Daily Schedule

8:30-9:00      Check in
9:00-9:45      Session 1
9:45-10:15    Bathroom Break/Snack
10:15-11:30  Session 2
11:30-12:00  Break
12:00-12:30  Lunch
12:30-2:30    Outdoor Activity Time
2:30-3:30      Session 3
3:30-4:00      Chapel
4:00-4:30      Pick up

What to Bring

2021 COVID Guidelines

COVID Procedures at Summit Grove (2021)

Partial Scholarships

This year, we have a limited number of partial scholarships available! These are based on financial need, and cover from 10% to 50% off camp registration costs. Apply for a partial scholarship here. (Must be submitted before completing registration below).

REGISTER


Register here