Camp Philly

Bringing Philadelphia children to a one-week overnight camp in the Pocono Mountains.

Philadelphia youth had a great time at Camp Philly this past season! Please check back for updates on the 2025 season.

What we do

Every child should get to experience sleep-away summer camp. Camp Philly offers a low-cost option for Philadelphia residents. During a week at Camp Speers, campers develop:

Decision-making skills.
Creativity.
Confidence.
Teamwork.

Opened in 1948, Camp Speers is a 1,100-acre property with a 40-acre private lake. Under the guidance of positive adult role models, campers participate in a wide range of activities:

Swimming
Canoeing
Rock climbing
Archery
Basketball
Soccer
Arts and crafts
Survival skills

Connect

Address	1515 Arch St. 10th floor Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email	parksandrecreation@phila.gov
	Phone: (215) 683-3600
	Find out about our partner

Process and eligibility

To apply for a Camp Philly scholarship, you must submit a completed application to your recreation leader, along with the annual application fee by June 30. The application fee is the only cost to attend the camp. The fee will be refunded if a scholarship is not granted.

To be eligible for a scholarship, your child must:

Be recommended by a recreation leader.
Be an active program participant at a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation facility.
Take free swim lessons at a local YMCA if they do not know how to swim.
Have a physical prior to attending camp.
Be between 8 and 12 years old.
Be okay being away from home and away from electronics.
Attend, along with parents, all information and program sessions provided by Parks & Rec and YMCA.

Please refer all questions to your recreation center leader.

Deadline to apply: to be announced.