Summer is an opportunity for kids to try something new, grow through play, and develop in ways that the school year may not provide. While there are so many wonderful programs to choose from, many families may consider them to be out of reach. Fortunately, some offer scholarships, sliding scale tuition, and other low cost options. Here are some of them.

 

Camp Philly

Camp Philly offers a low-cost option for Philadelphia residents ages 9-11 to attend a one-week session of sleepaway camp in the Poconos. Campers participate in a wide range of sports, arts, and leadership activities. Applicants must be recommended by a recreation leader and be an active participant in a Philadelphia Parks and Recreation program.

Franklin Institute Discovery Camp

222 N. 20th Street

 

Every summer, the Franklin Institute awards one-week scholarships to their Discovery Camp based on need, as well as excellence in academics and leadership. The scholarship application is online, and must be received (by mail or in person) by April 1.

NLArts

700 N. Third St.

 

Weekly themed arts camp for kids ages 4-14 offers scholarships to families in need through Art Star. Email nlartsorg@gmail.com for more information.

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts

21 W. Washington Lane

 

Yes! And… offers “Imagination Camp” for grades K-4, and Theatre Camp for grades 5-8. Their policy is “to find a way for every child to attend camp if they want to.” When you fill out the registration form, check the box labeled “Camperships” and they will contact you about options.

Girls Rock Philly

1428 Germantown Avenue

 

GRP is a one-week rock camp for girls, trans and gender variant tweens and teens. To extend equitable access, tuition is a sliding scale starting based on personal need, and they give suggestions on deciding your contribution. Email camp@girlsrockphilly.org with questions.

Arden Theatre

62 N. Second Street

 

Drama camps for kids in grades 1-12. Email Sam Pedings at spedings@ardentheatre.org for scholarship information.

Fleisher Art Memorial

719 Catherine Street

 

Fleisher’s Children and Youth Program offers weekly summer art workshops for artists ages 5-18. They offer tuition assistance on a sliding fee scale—the application is available on their website. Email enunez@fleisher.org with further questions.

GSK Science in the Summer

Various locations throughout Philadelphia

 

This fun and free four-hour science education program sponsored by GSK and administered by The Franklin Institute introduces students entering grades 2-6 to the world of science. This program is offered in various branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia. This year’s theme focuses largely on biology with “The Science of Me.” Registration opens in the spring (and spots go quickly!) at www.scienceinthesummer.com

 

Does your camp also offer scholarships or tuition assistance? Let us know in the comments!

 

Photograph courtesy of the Franklin Institute.