10 Last-Minute Summer Camps & More!

Hopefully, you’re nothing like me – – I’m still scrambling to get my kids registered for summer camp and other activities to fill their long summer days!

Buuuuut, in the event you are a tad behind the eight ball, I’ve done the leg work for you and found 10 free and/or affordable summer camps, VBS, volunteer, and other enrichment opportunities in the South Jersey/Philadelphia areas. While I did my looking, some were a surprise for me while others were oldies but goodies and I had to add them! I hope your kiddos have a summer to remember and you stay sane in the process. 😉

Cheers to a happy and safe summer!

*NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for the summer programs listed in this blog post.

1. Boys and Girls Clubs of Gloucester County Summer Camp

1. Ages: 5-13 years-old
2. Dates: June 17th – August 16th
3. BGCGC Annual Membership Fee: $20 Camp Registration Fee: $50 (Non-Refundable)
4. Weekly Rate: $180 ($150 pre-pay amount)
5. Weekly Sibling Rate: $120 per additional sibling
6. Daily Rate: $65 per day
7. Field Trip Fee:  $20 per trip (Non- Refundable)   *Trip Dates: 7/12 & 8/9
8. Website: Click here for more details

2. Bethel Church Vacation Bible School

1. Dates & Times: June 24 – June 28 6-9:00pm
2. Where: Bethel Church located at 1583 Blackwood-Clementon Rd. Blackwood, NJ
3. Church’s Phone: (856)228-5050
4. Ages: school-age children
5. Cost: Free
6. What: “VBS is going to be an incredible week bringing the hope of Jesus to the kids of our community!”
7. Website: Click here for more details

3. Gloucester Township Youth Programs

1. Dates & Times: varies
2. Ages: Preschool – high school
3. Where: locations vary
4. Cost: Ranges from $100-350
5. What: A variety of youth programs including, but not limited to, theater camp, soccer shots, mini tech challenge, fashion & sewing camps, art, guitar, tennis, nature camps, & more!
6. Website: Click here for more details

4. Gloucester County Summer Theater Arts Camp at Rowan University

1. Dates: July 8, 2024 – August 17, 2024
2. Times: Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm
3. Ages: 3rd grade – 12th grade (depending on program, see website for more info)
4. What: A summer-long Final performance dates to be announced
5. COST: $210
6. Website: Click here for more details

5. Become a Jr. Volunteer at the Animal Welfare Association

1. Dates: Ongoing
2. Time: Check with the AWA
3. Where: Animal Welfare Association – located at 509 Centennial Blvd. Voorhees, NJ 08043
4. Ages: 12 – 15 years-old
5. What: Become a Jr. volunteer at AWA!
6. Cost: Free
7. Website: Click here for more details

6. Summer Camp at the Animal Welfare Association

1. Dates: June 17 – end of August (Monday – Fridays)
2. Time: 9 am – 3 pm with optional aftercare available until 5:30 pm
3. Cost: $320/ week, $25/ day for optional aftercare
4. Ages: 6 – 13 years-old
5. Where: Animal Welfare Association – located at 509 Centennial Blvd. Voorhees, NJ 08043
6. Website: Click here for more details

7. Camp Firelight at Hope Chapel of Pine Hill (VBS)

1. Dates: July 22nd – July 26th
2. Time: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
3. Cost: Free
4. Where: Hope Chapel of Pine Hill – 38 E. Branch Ave. Pine Hill, NJ 08021
5. Ages: 3 years-old to 5th grade
6. What: Vacation Bible School
7. Website: Click here for more details

8. Upward Bound for ELLS at Rowan University

1. Dates: Ongoing
2. Cost: Free
3. Where: Rowan University
4. Ages: Must have completed 8th grade, between ages 13 – 19 years-old
5. Other requirements: Please note specific geographic, academic, and socio-economic requirements must be met for Upward Bound
6. What: “The Upward Bound for ELLs Program provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.”
7. Website: Click here for more details

9. TeenSHARP

1. Dates: August – May
2. Cost: Free
3. Where: Virtually
4. Ages: 9th – 12th grades
5. What: “TeenSHARP has evolved into a national organization that gives low-income, black, and Latino youth access to premier leadership opportunities, trains them to be ambassadors of higher education in their communities, and prepares them for success at selective colleges and universities.”
6. Other requirements: Application process which includes student grades & application
7. Website: Click here for more details

10. Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey

1. Dates: Ongoing
2. Cost: Inquire with organization
3. Where: locations vary across greater Philadelphia and South Jersey
4. Ages: 6 -18 years-old (girls only)
5. What: “Girls Inc…programs focus on the development of the whole girl; supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls.” Programs include literacy, leadership, career exploration, an emphasis on healthy bodies, and more.
6. Website: Click here for more details

11. BONUS!!! Prep for Prep

1. What: Prep for Prep – Major listing of ongoing and seasonal academic/enrichment programs for students
2. Cost: Varies
3. Website: Click here for more details

I hope you’ve enjoyed the summer programs I’ve found. I hope to make your summer run just a little bit smoother.

Which camps and programs will your kiddos be attending? Please comment below to share the wealth! What other summer plans do you have in the works? Please let me know. I’d love to hear what you’ll be doing!

Thanks for reading!

Blessings,

Courtney