It’s important for teenagers to continue to be occupied, learn, and have fun, even when school is out for the summer. Luckily, Philadelphia has plenty of options for teens whether they want to go to day camp, sleepaway camp, or get a summer job. Local day camps cater to a wide variety of interests including sports, music, and arts. Nearby sleepaway camps have programs for teens as well as Leadership in Training programs. And if your teens would rather get a summer job, there are multiple options for them to earn money, gain professional skills, and still have some fun in the city.

We’ve selected a variety of options for every teen, no matter what their interests are.

Day Camps

Junior 76ers Camps

With multiple locations throughout the area, Junior 76ers camps give young basketball players up to age 17 the chance to build their skills and have fun with professional coaches.

Rock to the Future

Rock to the Future is a free program that provides Philadelphia high school students with the chance to learn how to play instruments and collaborate with others.

School of Rock Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s School of Rock offers a wide variety of music camps for different age groups including teens.

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts Teen Camp

Let your teen run away to the circus for a week, where they’ll learn static trapeze, aerial sling, aerial fabric, wire walking, juggling, plate-spinning, rolling globe, tumbling, unicycling, clowning and more.

Quadrat Summer Camp

Quadrat offers camps in entrepreneurship, photography, and outdoors for teens through age 16.

Sleepaway Camps

Penn Medicine Summer Program

Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing medicine can spend four weeks at University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, where they will gain exposure to the basics of medical training including practical experiences, simulations, and live demonstrations.

JCC Camps at Medford

This Southern New Jersey camp enriched with Jewish values and education offers a Leader in Training program for teens entering ninth grade to bridge the gap between being a camper and a staff member.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Camp

A 45-minute drive outside of the city, Appel Farm Arts & Music Camp provides a welcoming, arts-based program for kids ages 7-17.

Work

Girl Scouts of Eastern PA

GSEP is in need of staff who are enthusiastic, great with girls, and can encourage their exploration and love of the outdoors. GSEP has a variety of positions available for the upcoming summer.   Join as a general counselor or aide and enjoy all things camp. Are you an already an expert or interested in becoming an expert in a specialized program area? GSEP offers certifications on specialized programs such as archery, lifeguarding, and adventure. Environmental education, horseback riding, Camp Nurses, and Cook positions are also available for those who have prior experience.

Bloomberg Arts Internship Program

Rising seniors from Philadelphia public schools are invited to apply for the Bloomberg Arts Internship, a paid opportunity to work with the city’s leading art organizations and develop professional skills.

Become a lifeguard

The City of Philadelphia is always looking for lifeguards to staff public pools over the summer. Teens 16 years and older are welcome to apply. Apply before April 15 and be eligible for bonuses up to $1,000! Candidates who apply by May 15 are eligible for a bonus up to $500.

Become a Play Captain

Play Captains are teens ages 15-19 who facilitate Playstreets, the Parks and Recreation program that closes streets over the summer for kids to play safely in their neighborhoods. Play Captains are crucial for leading physical, creative, and literacy activities for kids.

WorkReady

Supported by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, the WorkReady program helps young people between the ages of 12-24 find meaningful summer employment.

Parks and Recreation

Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation office hires teens 14-18 years old every summer for their Junior WorkReady Program. Employees will work part-time at recreation centers and playgrounds and build communication and leadership skills.

Rock to the Future photo by Chris Kendig