Summer Matters - Valley Forge Educational Services

DAY CAMP ($615.00 per session)

Session 1: July 30-August 3 (OPENINGS AVAILABLE)

Session 2: August 6-10 (OPENINGS AVAILABLE)

Session 3: August 13-17 (OPENINGS AVAILABLE)

OVERNIGHT CAMP ($790.00 per session)

Session 1: July 29-August 3 (OPENINGS AVAILABLE)

Session 2: August 5-10 (ALMOST FULL)

Session 3: August 12-17 (ALMOST FULL)

Located on Camp HOPE for Kids’ 90 wooded acres along Swamp Creek in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, Summer L.I.F.E. Traditional Day  & Overnight Camp offers a camp experience for youth and young adults, ages 8-21, that fosters independence and cultivates friendships within the context of traditional camp activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, arts & crafts, sports & games, cooking and environmental education.

Sample Daily Schedule

Take a photo tour of camp here.

Many, but not all, of our campers have been diagnosed with high-functioning autism/Asperger’s Syndrome and have difficulty connecting with their peers. They deeply desire friendships, but due to difficulties with social skills, spend much of their time feeling socially isolated and lonely.

Experienced staff, on-site behavior support, low camper-to-staff ratios, small group activities and structured daily programming support campers as they enjoy a summer of learning and fun!

Transportation for the “day camp” will be provided to/from our Malvern campus and the camp property in Schwenksville.

Summer Weekend Adventures (at an additional cost) are offered for campers who would like to participate in consecutive “overnight” camp sessions without going home inbetween. These weekend extensions consist of short travel trips or activities based at Camp HOPE (Friday afternoon -Sunday afternoon).

Weekend Travel Trips ($475.00 per session)

Weekends at Camp HOPE ($330.00 per session)

JULY

Session 1: July 6-8         Pinelands (NJ)  OR Camp HOPE

Session 2: July13-15     Chincoteague Island (VA)  OR Camp HOPE

AUGUST

Session 3: August 3-5           Cape May (NJ)  OR Camp HOPE

Session 4: August 10-12      Poconos (PA)  OR Camp HOPE

Session 5: August 17-19      Smyrna (DE)  OR Camp HOPE

Our Summer Weekend Adventures offer exciting opportunities for campers to explore the outdoors in our region – whether traveling to area State Parks (PA, DE, VA, NJ) or spending time at Camp HOPE’s 90-acre property.

We are happy to be partnering with Great Valley Nature Center (GVNC) for our weekend travel adventures!

To take a photo tour of Camp HOPE click here. Weekend Adventures at Camp HOPE may include traditional camp activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, ropes course, crafts and one community outing or special event. Campers and staff will live in a cabin that sleeps up to 10 – with a single bed for each person and bathroom/showers in each cabin.

Accommodations vary for each of the travel trips and may include: tent-camping with nearby bathroom/shower facilities, cabins with bunk beds, lodges with twin beds, full kitchens, A/C and TV.

Meals for travel trips will be provided and cooked by GVNC staff. Meals for weekends at Camp HOPE will be provided, as well. Participants will be allowed and encouraged to help with the cooking and serving of food as deemed safe and reasonable by the staff . Meals provided are as follows: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch. Healthy snacks will also be provided.

2012 weekend travel sessions will include 2 night/3 day trips to:

Pinelands (NJ)

A weekend camping trip to the famous New Jersey Pinelands is a great place to experience camping and enjoy the natural flora and fauna of the area. An experience GVNC guide will take participants around the refuge and give the participants a hands-on learning opportunity. The goal of the weekend is to teach participants about the need for wildlife refuges, the history of the area, and see the many different animals the refuge holds. We also hope to foster an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Accommodations
Participants will be camping at Godfrey’s Bridge group camping site. Godfrey’s Bridge camp site is located within the Wharton State forest. The camp site is located within walking distance to the Wading River. Participants will be in tents within walking distance to pit toilets and a water pump. This is a rather rustic camping experience. A shower facility is located at a neighboring campground. GVNC will provide tents and sleeping pads for participants.

Activities
GVNC staff will lead a tubing trip on the Wading or Batsto River on Saturday. This will be a beginner friendly tubing experience. While enjoying a relaxing tubing experience, GVNC staff will point out the different species of plants and animals, many of which are unique to the Pinelands. A trip to Historic Batsto village is also planned. Historic Batsto village will show the participants the history and importance of the Pine Barrens to life in New Jersey. Evening activities will include a hike and campfire. Sunday’s activity will be a trip to the beach at Island Beach State park. Island Beach State park offers a nice beach with lifeguards, shower facilities, snack bar, and public programs led by state park staff. There are also maritime museums within the park. All activities are weather permitting. Contingency plans may include a trip to local museums, zoo, or other indoor attractions.

Chincoteague Island (VA)

A weekend camping trip to the famous Chincoteague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to experience camping and enjoy the natural flora and fauna of the area. An experienced GVNC guide will take participants around the refuge and give the participants a hands-on learning opportunity. The goal of the weekend is to teach participants about the need for wildlife refuges, the history of the island, and see the many different animals the refuge holds. We also hope to foster an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Accommodations
Participants will be camping at Maddox Family Campground, Chincoteague, VA. This is the closest camping facility to the National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will camp in tents within walking distance to flush toilets, running water, and showers. GVNC will provide tents and sleeping pads for participants.

Activities
GVNC staff will lead hike Saturday morning on the Woodland Trail. This is a 1 ½ mile loop within the refuge. GVNC staff will help participants spot wildlife within the loop, including the endangered Delmarva Fox squirrel. Wild horses are also commonly seen on this hike. Other species may include Sika Elk, whitetail deer, eagles, and various bird, reptiles and amphibians. Saturday afternoon will include a beach and bay program that will allow participants time to spend exploring the Atlantic Ocean and Chincoteague Bay. Participants will have the opportunity to use nets to catch different animals that are living within the ocean and bay. GVNC staff will provide identification keys to help participants identify the different plants and animals they may find. There will also be time to see the two Visitor Centers within the refuge. Saturday evening will include a camp fire with the opportunity to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. GVNC staff will also tell stories and tales about the local cultural and natural history of the island and its many inhabitants, both human and animal. Sunday morning will include a bike ride within the Wildlife Loop. The bike ride is approximately 4 miles on a paved surface. Participants will have a chance see many different types of animals within the loop and explore the habitat. Common sightings in the loop include egrets, herons, eagles, turtles, deer, elk, and the occasional Northern River otter. All activities are weather permitting. Contingency plans may include a trip to local museums, zoo, or other indoor attractions.

Cape May (NJ)

Participants will experience unique opportunities in a comfortable setting. An experienced GVNC guide will accompany lead participants in fun, nature-filled activities. This weekend will be a mix of active and passive activities to encourage those who may not be as adventurous to join us for the weekend. The goal is to introduce participants to new and exciting activities while fostering an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Accommodations
Participants will be camping at a family campground in Cape May, NJ. Participants will camp in tents within walking distance to flush toilets, running water, and showers. GVNC will provide tents and sleeping pads for participants.

Activities
Saturday morning will include a boating trip to see whales and dolphins on a 110 foot boat. This a great opportunity to learn about marine mammals and the local history of Cape May and the Delaware Bay. The captain of the vessel will talk about the local history and the natural history of the animals seen on the trip. Saturday afternoon will include a visit to the beach. Participants may use this time to relax, swim, or explore the sand and tides of the Atlantic Ocean. Saturday evening will include a trip to the Boardwalk. Sunday mornings activity will be a trip to the Cape May zoo. Participants will have the opportunity to see and learn about the many exotic animals displayed at the zoo. All activities are weather permitting. Contingency plans may include a trip to local museums, zoo, or other indoor attractions.

Poconos at Hickory Run State Park (PA)

Participants will experience the beauty, wonder and history of the region. Through the activities participants will learn about the important historic significance of the Pocono mountains, see an abundance of wildlife, and learn about the natural wonders of the area. We also hope to foster an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Accommodations
Participants will be camping at a campground with cabins. The campground will also have electricity, flush toilets and shower facilities available to participants. Sleeping arrangements for males and females will be separate. Beds are bunk style.

Activities
Friday evening participants will go on a hike to Hawk Falls, outside of Hickory Run state park. Hawk Falls is located on Hawk Run, a natural, spring fed creek. The falls is easily reached by a short, flat trail and makes a great spot to take pictures, swim, and relax. Friday evening will include a campfire. Saturday’s activity will be a whitewater rafting trip on the Lehigh River. The Lehigh is a wonderful river where the participants will experience class 1 and 2 whitewater. After the rafting trip we will head to Sand Spring Lake at Hickory Run state park to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. A campfire to roast marshmallows and make smores will fill our evening activities on Saturday. Sunday morning we will head to Boulder Field in Hickory Run state park. Boulder field is the boulders left behind by a large glacier that came through the area millions of years ago. This natural phenomenon is a sight to be seen. After experiencing boulder field, we will return to the campsite to pack and return home.

Smyrna (DE)

The weekend will focus on the flora and fauna found around the Black Bird State Forest and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will be guided by a GVNC staff member who will point out different plants and animals that will be found. This will be a great opportunity to learn about animals not often seen by the untrained eye. We also hope to foster an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Accommodations
Participants will be staying at the Mallard Lodge in Smyrna, Delaware. The lodge is fully heated and air conditioned, with a full commercial kitchen, TV room, separate bunk rooms, bathroom and shower facilities. Participants will need to provide their own pillows and linens for a twin bed.

Activities
GVNC staff will lead a hike Saturday morning at Blackbird State Forest. There will be an emphasis on finding and identifying reptiles and amphibians in and around the ponds found in the Blackbird State Forest. Participants will also see and identify different species of birds commonly found in the forest. Saturday afternoon will include canoeing and fishing at the Mallard Lodge property. Participants will also have the opportunity to walk the boardwalk around the property. GVNC staff will provide identification keys to help participants identify the different plants and animals they may find. Saturday evening will include a camp fire with the opportunity to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. GVNC staff will lead a night-hike to spot frogs. Sunday morning will include a driving loop of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This is a fantastic opportunity to see many different species of birds. Bombay Hook also holds many mammals that can be seen while driving the loop. All activities are weather permitting. Contingency plans may include a trip to local museums, zoo, or other indoor attractions.

Summer Weekend Adventures at Camp HOPE are a great way to extend a camper’s stay between our Summer L.I.F.E. traditional “overnight” camp sessions.

Summer Weekend Adventures can also provide novice campers with a “taste” of the overnight experience before they participate in our lengthier travel excursions.

A minimum enrollment of 6 campers per session is required.

(With The Center on Central)

August 6-10 ($620.00)

This day camp session (9am-3pm) offers campers opportunities to engage in sessions of creative arts instruction offered by therapists from The Center on Central.

Campers may choose from the following daily creative arts groups :

Pottery – Hand build and learn techniques to create pinch pots, coil projects and molds for many other projects using gray clay and learn how to prepare the clay for a project and work step-by-step to create 3D projects.

Creative Movement – Move, Dance, Stretch to explore many movement forms.

Painting – Work with sketching and acrylics with the goal to create and make mistakes while learning painting techniques.

Drawing/Cartooning – Follow the Young Rembrandts (R) Curriculum for thematic drawing and cartooning, starting with pencil and paper and expanding to fill in with sharpies and the colored markers, colored pencils and pastels

Technology in Music - Learn how to lay tracks and compose music on your computer

Creative Music Expression -  Explore various musical styles using live instruments (no musical experience needed) and improvisation, working individually and in a group to create instrumental music and original lyrics/songs

Rhythm/Drum Circle daily after lunch will include all campers in a large group music making experience.

These sessions take place on our Malvern campus.

A minimum enrollment of 6 campers is required.

CALL 610.296.6725 x115 TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY!

$140 per camper per session (Financial Aid Available)

Sessions (9am – 1pm)

Saturday, August 4

Saturday, August 11

Saturday, August 18

This single-day riding camp (with Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy) is designed to teach the participant basic skills for riding and also the basic care of the horse.  The participant will also be learning daily life skills by our Special Education teacher on staff.  The time at camp will be divided between the barn and the classroom with each area being led by a Hope Springs staff member.  The goal of this program is to teach the participant the basic riding skills with safety at the forefront and also learn proper care of the horse and use the skills from the classroom where life skills are stressed on getting along with the other participants at camp.  Each participant will have a volunteer working with them as they learn each new skill in the barn.

Facilities

Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy is located in Chester Springs, PA on 23 acres of farm land.  The barn has 8 horses in a barn that houses all the horses.  All the equipment for the riding phase of the program is housed in the tackroom that is in the barn so that the participant will learn the names of the animals and the stall for each horse.  The classroom is located on the property and is easily accessible by a short walk from the barn.

Activities

Hope Springs staff will teach the participants the proper horse care skills, and the proper use of equipment for both riding and the daily care of the horse.  All the participants will be able to clean the horse, help with putting the equipment on the horse, and then the correct position on the horse.  In the classroom the participant will put the life skills to use by learning to cooperate with the other participants and also listen to the HSET staff member and be able to complete the day’s activity.  Some of the skills the participants will learn are:

horse cleaning technique

use of equipment for riding

placement of the tack on the horse

learn basic riding skills

work on life skills

art project each day

Times

Each participant will be in the barn learning the horse-related skills for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and the second time frame each participant will be in the classroom working on life skills and working on the art project for the day.   The camp will start at 9 am and end at 1 pm.  There will be a brief break in the middle of the camp day for a snack and drink provided by Hope Springs.  The lunch break will be from 12:30 until 1 pm.

Summer L.I.F.E. support staff will attend each session to provide positive behavior support, as needed.

Minimum enrollment of 4 campers per session required.

July  2 – 6 ($645.00)

(Day camp, M-Th, with one overnight on Friday, July 5)

Survivalist camp is designed to teach participants survival skills, general knowledge of their natural surroundings, and how their surroundings can be applied to survival situations. With Camp HOPE for Kids’ 90-acre property as the setting, Great Valley Nature Center (GVNC) staff will led participants in many activities. The goal of the program is to teach survival skills, provide information about the natural world, and foster an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Activities

GVNC staff will lead participants through a number of different activities to reach the aforementioned goals. Due to the nature of the activities some topics may be covered quickly and other may require much more time. The following list of activities may or may not be covered depending upon time and skill level of participants:

• Water collection
• Fire building
• Fishing weirs
• Survival shelters
• Navigation
• Wilderness medicine
• Animal tracking
• Outdoor cooking

Participants will also take part in making survival bracelets and survival kits. A campout will be held on Thursday night. GVNC staff will provide tents, camp cookout equipment, food, and general camping gear. Participants will be encouraged to stay in a tent or survival shelter they have constructed during the week. If participants are not comfortable with this situation they may return to their regular sleeping arrangements in group cabins.

Food

GVNC will provide dinner for the Thursday night camp out. Dinner will include hot dogs, chips, baked beans, carrot and celery sticks, and drinks. Dessert will include marshmallows and s’mores.

A minimum enrollment of 6 campers is required.

August 13-18 ($970.00)

A weeklong trip to the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania. This trip will be fun, entertaining, educational and thrilling! Great Valley Nature Center staff will introduce participants to Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania’s most visited state park, for wonderful activities. We will help participants become comfortable with different outdoor recreational opportunities in the hopes they will enjoy them and pursue them on their own for years to come. We also hope to foster an appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of responsibility for its care.

Accommodations

Participants will be staying at the Heritage Reservation, a Boy Scouts of America facility. The lodging is in a house, split into dormitory style rooms. Separate bunk rooms will be available for males and females. Bathrooms and shower facilities are located in the lodge.

Activities

Monday will be spent driving to the location and getting settled into the facility. A hike to the lake and around the property will be led by GVNC staff in the afternoon. Tuesday morning will include a canoeing and fishing activity at the lake on the reservation. After lunch GVNC staff will led a hike in Ohiopyle State park, with the possibility of swimming on the natural rock slides within the park. Wednesday morning will include a trip to Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Participants will go on an educational and fun tour. After the tour, participants will rappel into a “room” of the cavern while being supervised by a certified rappelling instructor. After the cave tour and rappelling, we will return to the reservation and head to the lake for swimming, fishing, and relaxing. Thursday will include whitewater rafting on the Ohiopyle River. This is a class 2-4 whitewater river. Participants will be in the raft with a professional guide. Friday morning will include a short wildlife hike around the reservation before heading back to the lodge to pack and return home. Evening activities will include campfires, games in the lodge, and age appropriate movies if the weather is bad. All activities are weather permitting. Contingency plans may include a trip to local museums, zoo, or other indoor attractions.

Food

Food will be provided and cooked by GVNC staff. Participants will be allowed and encouraged to help with the cooking and serving of food as deemed safe and reasonable by the staff or GVNC and VFES. Meals provided are as follows: Monday dinner through Friday lunch. Participants should pack a “brown bag” lunch for Monday’s drive to the Laurel Highlands. Healthy snacks will also be provided.

A minimum enrollment of 6 campers is required.

Session One: July 7-13 ($1,000.00) – OPENINGS AVAILABLE

For Novice Travelers who require additional adult support

Session Two: July 14-21 ($1,000.00) - ALMOST FULL

For Experienced Travelers who are more independent

Campers will spend a week living together in a bayside vacation home on Fenwick Island (DE). Group activities will focus on independent living skills (meal prep and clean-up, taking care of personal belongings) and encouraging healthy relationships within the context of typical beach activities such as kayaking along the bay, exploring the boardwalk, bodysurfing on the beach and visiting area lighthouses.

Transportation to/from Fenwick Island will be provided from our Malvern campus.

Contact us  at 610-296-6725 x115 to determine which session would best meet your child’s needs.

A minimum enrollment of 8 campers per session is required.