Hiking, stream-stomping and bug-catching are a few of the key ingredients that have made Riverbend's summer exploration camp a sensation for 25 years. Our twelve-week program offers children the opportunity to unwind, explore nature and most importantly, have fun! Through art projects, games, crafts, hikes and more, our professional educators will guide your children in hands-on exploration and discovery.
Riverbend offers an extended day option.
Parents can drop off as early as 8:00 AM and pick up by 6:00 PM.
This service costs $100 per week.
Camp Open House – Sunday March 14th from 1-4
Camper Orientation – Saturday June 12th from 1-4
Camps for 4 year-olds: Rangers
Riverbend’s youngest campers are full of energy and imagination! To introduce these young learners to the wonders of the natural world, we offer nature walks, sensory exploration, crafts, games and nature discovery. Our Ranger sessions last from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day and cover a different theme each week.
View Camp Schedule, Themes and Price.
June 14th-18th
A Very Special Habitat
Dens, burrows, caves, nests…animals make their shelters from so many different things and in so many different places! Spend time looking for different types of shelters and exploring what other things animals need in their habitat.
FULL
June 21st-25th
Birds of a Feather
Get ready to flap your wings. Come fly away with us as campers learn the names and differences between many types of local and migratory birds.
Price: $200.00
June 28th-July 2nd
Down and Dirty
Does your lunch or some of your clothes come from dirt? Absolutely! Campers will get down and dirty as they discover why soil is important for everything we do. They’ll investigate what lives and grows in the soil, and how to nurture and make better soil.
Price: $200.00
July 5th-9th
Animals through Time
From dinosaurs to mammoths to foxes, we will explore animals through time. Games, hands-on activities and fossils will help bring these often extinct animals to life.
Price: $200.00
July 12th-16th
Wildlife of the World
What does the local opossum have in common with a kangaroo? Their both marsupials! This week campers will learn about animals from around the world as they study their local relatives.
Price: $200.00
July 19th-23rd
Going, Going, Gone
Did you know that the Polar Bear is endangered? Most people do, but how about the bog turtle? Campers will learn about local animals that are in trouble and how we can help them. We will also explore many of the wonderful success stories that prove that we can save these wonderful animals.
Price: $200.00
July 26th-July 30th
Nature Explorers
Stop and smell the flowers, touch a worm, listen for birds and much more. Campers will explore using smell, sight, touch and hearing all the while learning that there is more to nature than meets the eye.
Price: $200.00
August 2nd-6th
Living like the Lenape
The Lenape were one of the first people to inhabit this area. Campers will explore Riverbend’s Lenape village and try their hands at Native American crafts and games.
Price: $200.00
August 9th-13th
Earth’s Champions
Be a part of saving the planet! There are many simple ways we can help the earth including making recycled paper; using worms to compost our leftover lunch and creating bird feeders, homes for toads, and shelters for animals. Campers will learn how to truly become Earth’s Champions.
Price: $200.00
August 16th-20th
Life in a Watershed
While exploring our streams and pond, campers will discover how many critters live in – or depend on – water habitats for survival. They’ll get their feet wet, search the streams for crayfish, look for turtles and frogs in the pond, and investigate the importance of water in our lives and to the animals and plants that call Riverbend home.
FULL
August 23rd-27th
Forest Life
Trees, chipmunks and turtles are just a few of the things that make their home in the forest. Campers will explore Riverbend and learn about the forest ecosystems from the trees, plants and animals that live there.
FULL
August 30th-September 3rd
Independent Invertebrates
Campers will search for good bugs, bad bugs, and ugly bugs that are creeping, crawling, hunting, hiding, and flying around the property. They’ll dig under a fallen tree to discover what decomposes our logs, net a butterfly to examine what pollinates the flowers, and search the stream for aquatic insects that live under rocks.
FULL
Online Registration
Camps for 5-6 year-olds: Adventurers
Adventurers arrive at Riverbend ready to embark on a full-day nature voyage! From 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, skilled educators will lead your children in hikes, games, hands-on exploration, crafts and nature discovery. Inspired by a different theme each week, your children will return home brimming over with stories about all of their adventures at Riverbend.
View Camp Schedule, Themes and Price.
June 14th-18th
A Very Special Habitat
Dens, burrows, caves, nests…animals make their shelters from so many different things and in so many different places! Spend time looking for different types of shelters and exploring what other things animals need in their habitat.
FULL
June 21st-25th
Birds of a Feather
Get ready to flap your wings. Come fly away with us as campers learn the names and differences between many types of local and migratory birds.
FULL
June 28th-July 2nd
Down and Dirty
Does your lunch or some of your clothes come from dirt? Absolutely! Campers will get down and dirty as they discover why soil is important for everything we do. They’ll investigate what lives and grows in the soil, and how to nurture and make better soil.
Price: $350.00
July 5th-9th
Animals through Time
From dinosaurs to mammoths to foxes, we will explore animals through time. Games, hands-on activities and fossils will help bring these often extinct animals to life.
Price: $350.00
July 12th-16th
Wildlife of the World
What does the local opossum have in common with a kangaroo? Their both marsupials! This week campers will learn about animals from around the world as they study their local relatives.
Price: $350.00
July 19th-23rd
Going, Going, Gone
Did you know that the Polar Bear is endangered? Most people do, but how about the bog turtle? Campers will learn about local animals that are in trouble and how we can help them. We will also explore many of the wonderful success stories that prove that we can save these wonderful animals.
Price: $350.00
July 26th-July 30th
Nature Explorers
Stop and smell the flowers, touch a worm, listen for birds and much more. Campers will explore using smell, sight, touch and hearing all the while learning that there is more to nature than meets the eye.
Price: $350.00
August 2nd-6th
Living like the Lenape
The Lenape were one of the first people to inhabit this area. Campers will explore Riverbend’s Lenape village and try their hands at Native American crafts and games.
Price: $350.00
August 9th-13th
Earth’s Champions
Be a part of saving the planet! There are many simple ways we can help the earth including making recycled paper; using worms to compost our leftover lunch and creating bird feeders, homes for toads, and shelters for animals. Campers will learn how to truly become Earth’s Champions.
Price: $350.00
August 16th-20th
Life in a Watershed
While exploring our streams and pond, campers will discover how many critters live in – or depend on – water habitats for survival. They’ll get their feet wet, search the streams for crayfish, look for turtles and frogs in the pond, and investigate the importance of water in our lives and to the animals and plants that call Riverbend home.
FULL
August 23rd-27th
Forest Life
Trees, chipmunks and turtles are just a few of the things that make their home in the forest. Campers will explore Riverbend and learn about the forest ecosystems from the trees, plants and animals that live there.
FULL
August 30th-September 3rd
Independent Invertebrates
Campers will search for good bugs, bad bugs, and ugly bugs that are creeping, crawling, hunting, hiding, and flying around the property. They’ll dig under a fallen tree to discover what decomposes our logs, net a butterfly to examine what pollinates the flowers, and search the stream for aquatic insects that live under rocks.
FULL
Online Registration
Camps for 7-8 year-olds: Explorers
Campers at the Explorers age are ready to discover natural wonders within and beyond Riverbend. Each day is chock-full of classic Riverbend fun including hikes, science experiments, art projects, and games, but Thursday offers something special: a field trip to a local nature area or museum. Your children will learn there is a whole world out there to explore! Each weekly session offers a different theme for investigation; daily schedules are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
View Camp Schedule, Themes and Price.
June 14th-18th
A Very Special Habitat
Dens, burrows, caves, nests...animals make their shelters from so many different things and in so many different places! Spend time looking for different types of shelters and exploring what other things animals need in their habitat. Campers will also take a trip to Norristown Farm Park.
FULL
Explorers at Saunders Woods
Riverbend has partnered again this year with Saunders Woods in Gladwyne to offer a unique experience for our campers. In addition to the nature activities Riverbend is known for, campers will also get to learn from this nature preserve. From stream exploration to wildlife watching, these fun activities will help to enhance the camp experience for the week of June 21st.
June 21st-25th
Birds of a Feather
Get ready to flap your wings. Come fly away with us as campers learn the names and differences between many types of local and migratory birds. A visit to Morris Arboretum will top off this exciting week.
Price: $375.00
June 28th-July 2nd
Down and Dirty
Does your lunch or some of your clothes come from dirt? Absolutely! Campers will get down and dirty as they discover why soil is important for everything we do. They’ll investigate what lives and grows in the soil, and how to nurture and make better soil and then take a field trip to Pennypack Farm Education Center.
Price: $375.00
July 5th-9th
Animals through Time
From dinosaurs to mammoths to foxes, we will explore animals through time. Games, hands-on activities and fossils and a trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences will help bring these often extinct animals to life.
Price: $375.00
July 12th-16th
Wildlife of the World
What does the local opossum have in common with a kangaroo? Their both marsupials! This week campers will learn about animals from around the world as they study their local relatives. They will also visit.
Price: $375.00
July 19th-23rd
Going, Going, Gone
Did you know that the Polar Bear is endangered? Most people do, but how about the bog turtle? Campers will learn about local animals that are in trouble and how we can help them. We will also explore many of the wonderful success stories that prove that we can save these wonderful animals all while exploring Riverbend and through a trip to The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.
Price: $375.00
July 26th
Nature Picasso’s
optional program for Explorers and Discoverers
Join us during the week of July 26th for a new and exciting camp program as we explore art and nature together. Campers will get to express themselves using a wide range of mediums-paint, paper, stone, photography, clay, and much more while capturing the beautiful surroundings of Riverbend. Campers will get a chance to do some hiking, play in the stream and learn about nature while creating splendid works of art. On Friday parents will be invited to come to a viewing of all of the art created during the week.
Price: $375.00
July 26th-July 30th
Nature Explorers
Stop and smell the flowers, touch a worm, listen for birds and much more. Campers will explore using smell, sight, touch and hearing all the while learning that there is more to nature than meets the eye. Campers will also become an explorer while exploring Bartram’s Gardens.
Price: $375.00
August 2nd-6th
Living like the Lenape
The Lenape were the first people to inhabit this area. Campers will explore Riverbend’s Lenape village, try their hands at Native American crafts and games, and will visit Churchville Nature Center.
Price: $375.00
August 9th-13th
Earth’s Champions
Be a part of saving the planet! There are many simple ways we can help the earth including making recycled paper; using worms to compost our leftover lunch and creating bird feeders, homes for toads, and shelters for animals. Campers will learn how to truly become Earth’s Champions. Campers will also visit Ridley Creek State Park.
Price: $375.00
August 16th-20th
Life in a Watershed
While exploring our streams and pond, campers will discover how many critters live in – or depend on – water habitats for survival. They’ll get their feet wet, search the streams for crayfish, look for turtles and frogs in the pond, and investigate the importance of water in our lives and to the animals and plants that call Riverbend home. Campers will also visit the Fairmount Water Works.
FULL
August 23rd-27th
Forest Life
Trees, chipmunks and turtles are just a few of the things that make their home in the forest. Campers will explore Riverbend and learn about the forest ecosystems from the trees, plants and animals that live there. Campers will also visit French Creek State Park.
FULL
August 30th-September 3rd
Independent Invertebrates
Campers will search for good bugs, bad bugs, and ugly bugs that are creeping, crawling, hunting, hiding, and flying around the property. They’ll dig under a fallen tree to discover what decomposes our logs, net a butterfly to examine what pollinates the flowers, and search the stream for aquatic insects that live under rocks and through a trip to Tyler Arboretum.
FULL
Online Registration
Camps for 9-11 year-olds: Discoverers
Riverbend Discoverers explore nature from morning 'til night! The 9 to 11 year olds, armed with knowledge already, expand their understanding of the natural world through exhilarating hikes, art projects, science experiments as well as a weekly field trip to a complimentary nature area or museum. Discoverers also explore nature at nighttime through our Thursday night camp-out complete with campfire and s'mores. Daily schedules (except Thursday and Friday) run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weeks vary in theme.
View Camp Schedule, Themes and Price.
June 14th-18th
A Very Special Habitat
Dens, burrows, caves, nests…animals make their shelters from so many different things and in so many different places! Spend time looking for different types of shelters and exploring what other things animals need in their habitat. Campers will also take a trip to Norristown Farm Park.
Price: $400.00
Discoverers at Saunders Woods
Riverbend has partnered again this year with Saunders Woods in Gladwyne to offer a unique experience for our campers. In addition to the nature activities Riverbend is known for, campers will also get to learn from this nature preserve. From stream exploration to wildlife watching, these fun activities will help to enhance the camp experience for the week of June 21st.
June 21st-25th
Birds of a Feather
Get ready to flap your wings. Come fly away with us as campers learn the names and differences between many types of local and migratory birds. A visit to Morris Arboretum will top off this exciting week.
Price: $400.00
June 28th-July 2nd
Down and Dirty
Does your lunch or some of your clothes come from dirt? Absolutely! Campers will get down and dirty as they discover why soil is important for everything we do. They’ll investigate what lives and grows in the soil, and how to nurture and make better soil and then take a field trip to Pennypack Farm Education Center.
Price: $400.00
July 5th-9th
Animals through Time
From dinosaurs to mammoths to foxes, we will explore animals through time. Games, hands-on activities and fossils and a trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences will help bring these often extinct animals to life.
Price: $400.00
July 12th-16th
Wildlife of the World
What does the local opossum have in common with a kangaroo? Their both marsupials! This week campers will learn about animals from around the world as they study their local relatives. They will also visit.
Price: $400.00
July 19th-23rd
Going, Going, Gone
Did you know that the Polar Bear is endangered? Most people do, but how about the bog turtle? Campers will learn about local animals that are in trouble and how we can help them. We will also explore many of the wonderful success stories that prove that we can save these wonderful animals all while exploring Riverbend and through a trip to The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.
Price: $400.00
July 26th
Nature Picasso’s
optional program for Explorers and Discoverers
Join us during the week of July 26th for a new and exciting camp program as we explore art and nature together. Campers will get to express themselves using a wide range of mediums-paint, paper, stone, photography, clay, and much more while capturing the beautiful surroundings of Riverbend. Campers will get a chance to do some hiking, play in the stream and learn about nature while creating splendid works of art. On Friday parents will be invited to come to a viewing of all of the art created during the week.
Price: $375.00
July 26th-July 30th
Nature Explorers
Stop and smell the flowers, touch a worm, listen for birds and much more. Campers will explore using smell, sight, touch and hearing all the while learning that there is more to nature than meets the eye. Campers will also become an explorer while exploring Bartram’s Gardens.
Price: $400.00
August 2nd-6th
Living like the Lenape
The Lenape were the first people to inhabit this area. Campers will explore Riverbend’s Lenape village, try their hands at Native American crafts and games, and will visit Churchville Nature Center.
Price: $400.00
August 9th-13th
Earth’s Champions
Be a part of saving the planet! There are many simple ways we can help the earth including making recycled paper; using worms to compost our leftover lunch and creating bird feeders, homes for toads, and shelters for animals. Campers will learn how to truly become Earth’s Champions. Campers will also visit Ridley Creek State Park.
Price: $400.00
Discoverers at Harriton House
Back by popular demand, Riverbend has partnered with the historic Harriton House in Bryn Mawr to offer a unique experience for our campers. In addition to the nature activities Riverbend is known for, campers will also get to learn from this demonstration colonial estate. A historic house, farm animals, colonial crafts, bee-keeping and more will enhance the camp experience for the weeks of August 16th and the 23rd.
August 16th-20th
Life in a Watershed
While exploring our streams and pond, campers will discover how many critters live in – or depend on – water habitats for survival. They’ll get their feet wet, search the streams for crayfish, look for turtles and frogs in the pond, and investigate the importance of water in our lives and to the animals and plants that call Riverbend home. Campers will also visit the Fairmount Water Works.
FULL
August 23rd-27th
Forest Life
Trees, chipmunks and turtles are just a few of the things that make their home in the forest. Campers will explore Harriton House and learn about the forest ecosystem from the trees, plants and animals that live there. Campers will also visit French Creek State Park.
FULL
Back at Riverbend…
August 30th-September 3rd
Independent Invertebrates
Campers will search for good bugs, bad bugs, and ugly bugs that are creeping, crawling, hunting, hiding, and flying around the property. They’ll dig under a fallen tree to discover what decomposes our logs, net a butterfly to examine what pollinates the flowers, and search the stream for aquatic insects that live under rocks and through a trip to Tyler Arboretum.
FULL
Online Registration
Camps for 11-13 year-olds: Travelers
For campers between 11 and 13 years of age, Riverbend offers the opportunity to camp in some breathtaking natural destinations at nearby locations. Each session includes two days at Riverbend where campers participate in team building activities and gain the knowledge to use on their trip. From Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon, campers travel to a nearby natural destination where they will camp and explore. The program will be offered for four one- week sessions, and each will feature a different destination.
View Camp Schedule, Themes and Price.
June 21st-25th
Geology
Destination: Hickory Run State Park
Diverse habitats and forest types, extensive wild areas and unique geological formations make Hickory Run an excellent outdoor classroom. Travelers will hike through beautiful forests and rock hop in the boulder field.
Fee: $525.00
June 28th-July 2nd
Watersheds and Wetlands
Destination: Trap Pond State Park in Delaware
Campers will explore the natural beauty of a wetland forest at the northern most cypress swamp. Wildlife viewing in the wetland can often include sightings of rare reptile and amphibian species.
Price: $525.00
August 2nd-6th
Wonderful Watershed
Destination: Delaware Water Gap
Located on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap is a natural wonder carved by the Delaware River. It’s also an area filled with forests, lakes and mountains. Travelers will explore this wonderful watershed and learn about the animals that live there.
Price: $525.00
August 9th-13th
Coastal Ecosystems
Destination: Cape Henelopen State Park in Delaware
Across the bay from Cape May, Cape Henelopen offers an opportunity to discover the amazing diversity of creatures that make their home along the shore. A diversity of birds and invertebrates will be viewed and studied.
FULL
Online Registration
Schedule:
Riverbend's Summer Exploration Day Camp
Week at a Glance
| |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wed. |
Thursday |
Friday |
| 8:00 |
AM Extended |
| 8:50-9:10 |
Camper Drop-Off |
| 9:00 |
Group Get-to-Know-You |
Morning Circle: Time for songs, games and stories with everyone in camp. |
| 9:30 |
Morning Circle 10:00 |
Morning Nature Lesson |
Activity Day |
Morning Nature Lesson |
Morning Nature Lesson |
| 11:30 |
Lunch: Rangers at 11:30, Adventurers at 11:45, Explorers, Discoverers and Travelers at 12:15 |
| 12:00 |
| 12:45 |
|
Ranger Extravaganza |
| 1:00 |
Ranger Pick-Up |
All Camp Activity 1:00-2:00 |
| Hikes, Games, Crafts, Science Experiments and much, much more! |
Campers choose their morning and afternoon activities! |
Explorers and Discoverers on field trip all day. |
| 3:00 |
Afternoon Circle: Campers end each day together, singing songs, hearing stories and playing games. |
Extravaganza 3:00 Parents Welcome |
| 3:30 |
Camper Pick-Up |
| 6:00 |
PM Extended Pick-up |
Forms