Hiking, stream-stomping and bug-catching are a few of the key ingredients that have made Riverbend's summer exploration camp a sensation for almost 30 years. Our eleven-week program offers children the opportunity to unwind, explore nature and most importantly, have fun! Through nature study and investigation, games, crafts, hikes and more, our professional educators will guide your children in hands-on exploration and discovery.
Click here to download our Summer Camp Brochure
Camp Open House - Saturday, March 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Camper Orientation - Saturday, June 8th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
New for 2013!
Exploration Camps for 4-year-olds
Exploration Camps for 5- and 6-year-olds
Exploration Camps for 7- and 8-years-olds
Exploration Camps for 9- to 11-year-olds
Adventure Camps for 10-12 year-olds
Adventure Camps for 12-14 year-olds
Forms/Registration Policies
Schedule
Camp Jr. Volunteer
New for 2013!
- Adventure Camps: We have taken our programs for 10-14 year-olds and added a big dose of fun and adventure! From whale watching and bay kayaking at the New Jersey Shore to rock climbing and rafting in the Poconos, these programs are sure to get your young adults outdoors, active and having fun. See below for more details and the schedule of programs.
- Active Network: In order to provide better service to our families, Riverbend has contracted with the Active Network for online camp registration this year. This new system will allow parents to receive instant confirmation of their camp registrations, manage their account and payments, and providing a secure online payment option either by credit card or electronic check. We are very excited about the improved customer service that this system will provide to our families.
Exploration 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 are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day and cover a different theme each week.
June 10th to 14th: Shells and Slime
Hooray for Herps! Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures perfectly adapted for survival in the wild. Campers will spend this week hiking and wading through the stream in search of snakes, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and much more!
Full Price: $220
June 17th to 21st: Bugs and Slugs
No backbone? No problem! Campers will explore the fascinating world of bugs as they travel around the many different habitats at Riverbend finding everything from millipedes and leopard slugs to dragonflies and mayflies.
Full Price: $220
June 24th to 28th: Whimsical Woodland Myths
Ogres, fairies, and gnomes are a few of the mythical creatures said to live among the trees. Making fairy houses and building gnome villages are a few activities that campers will do this week as we explore where these stories originated from and decide for ourselves whether they are fact or fiction.
Price: $220
July 8th to 12th: Sensational Senses
Have you ever touched a slimy salamander, smelled the sweet leaves of a Sassafras tree, seen a close up of a colorful butterfly wing, heard the croak of a green frog, or tasted the sweet fruit of a mulberry tree? Join us as we use our five senses to explore the natural world all around us.
Price: $220
July 15th to 19th: Splish Splash
Salamanders, frogs, and crayfish, Oh My! All of these critters depend on water to survive and so do we! This week we will explore our ponds and stream to understand why water is so important to life on earth.
Price: $220
July 22nd to 26th: Earth Ninja
Come join as we transform into a silent wilderness ninja! Campers will move stealthily through the forest as they learn all about the art of camouflage, animal tracking, and animal communication as we become one with nature!
Price: $220
July 29th to August 2nd: Wacky Scientist
Did you know that you can make invisible ink out of lemons? Or that you can make a candle out of an orange? These are some of the cool experiments that campers will get to experience as they explore the wonderful world of Science.
Price: $220
August 5th to 9th: EcoWarriors
Let’s join together to battle for the planet! During this week campers will focus on learning how to care for the planet by recycling, composting, saving energy, and much more.
Price: $220
August 12th to 16th: Wild Inspirations
Let’s make a mess this week as we channel our inner artist and turn inspirations into masterpieces! Campers will romp through the creek, the forest, and the meadow making magic rock pottery, weaving baskets, and much more!
Price: $220
August 19th to 23rd: Fins, Feathers, Paws, and Claws
From birds to skunks to snakes each animal is perfectly adapted to survive in its special environment. Join us as we explore Riverbend’s unique wildlife and discover all about their special characteristics.
Price: $220
August 26th to 30th: Positively Perfect Play!
Rolling down the hill, playing in the mud, and splashing in the stream is what summer is made of! This week let’s play games and be silly as we enjoy the last few rays of summer sun.
Price: $220
View camp schedule, themes and price Register online
Exploration Camps for 5- and 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 lead campers in hikes, games, hands-on exploration, crafts and nature discovery. Inspired by weekly themes, children will return home brimming over with stories about all of their adventures.
June 10th to 14th: Shells and Slime
Hooray for Herps! Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures perfectly adapted for survival in the wild. Campers will spend this week hiking and wading through the stream in search of snakes, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and much more!
Full Price: $350
June 17th to 21st: Bugs and Slugs
No backbone? No problem! Campers will explore the fascinating world of bugs as they travel around the many different habitats at Riverbend finding everything from millipedes and leopard slugs to dragonflies and mayflies.
Price: $350
June 24th to 28th: Whimsical Woodland Myths
Ogres, fairies, and gnomes are a few of the mythical creatures said to live among the trees. Making fairy houses and building gnome villages are a few activities that campers will do this week as we explore where these stories originated from and decide for ourselves whether they are fact or fiction.
Price: $350
July 8th to 12th: Sensational Senses
Have you ever touched a slimy salamander, smelled the sweet leaves of a Sassafras tree, seen a close up of a colorful butterfly wing, heard the croak of a green frog, or tasted the sweet fruit of a mulberry tree? Join us as we use our five senses to explore the natural world all around us.
Full Price: $350
July 15th to 19th: Splish Splash
Salamanders, frogs, and crayfish, Oh My! All of these critters depend on water to survive and so do we! This week we will explore our ponds and stream to understand why water is so important to life on earth.
Price: $350
July 22nd to 26th: Earth Ninja
Come join as we transform into a silent wilderness ninja! Campers will move stealthily through the forest as they learn all about the art of camouflage, animal tracking, and animal communication as we become one with nature!
Price: $350
July 29th to August 2nd: Wacky Scientist
Did you know that you can make invisible ink out of lemons? Or that you can make a candle out of an orange? These are some of the cool experiments that campers will get to experience as they explore the wonderful world of Science.
Price: $350
August 5th to 9th: EcoWarriors
Let’s join together to battle for the planet! During this week campers will focus on learning how to care for the planet by recycling, composting, saving energy, and much more.
Price: $350
August 12th to 16th: Wild Inspirations
Let’s make a mess this week as we channel our inner artist and turn inspirations into masterpieces! Campers will romp through the creek, the forest, and the meadow making magic rock pottery, weaving baskets, and much more!
Full Price: $350
August 19th to 23rd: Fins, Feathers, Paws, and Claws
From birds to skunks to snakes each animal is perfectly adapted to survive in its special environment. Join us as we explore Riverbend’s unique wildlife and discover all about their special characteristics.
Price: $350
August 26th to 30th: Positively Perfect Play!
Rolling down the hill, playing in the mud, and splashing in the stream is what summer is made of! This week let’s play games and be silly as we enjoy the last few rays of summer sun.
Price: $350
View camp schedule, themes and price Register online
Camps for 7- and 8-year-olds: Explorers
Explorers 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! Daily schedules run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an optional Thursday night cookout complete with campfire and s'mores for an additional $20/week/child (cookout runs until 7:30).
June 10th to 14th: Shells and Slime
Hooray for Herps! Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures perfectly adapted for survival in the wild. Campers will spend this week hiking and wading through the stream in search of snakes, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and much more!
Price: $375
June 17th to 21st: Bugs and Slugs
No backbone? No problem! Campers will explore the fascinating world of bugs as they travel around the many different habitats at Riverbend finding everything from millipedes and leopard slugs to dragonflies and mayflies.
Full Price: $375
June 24th to 28th: Whimsical Woodland Myths
Ogres, fairies, and gnomes are a few of the mythical creatures said to live among the trees. Making fairy houses and building gnome villages are a few activities that campers will do this week as we explore where these stories originated from and decide for ourselves whether they are fact or fiction.
Price: $375
July 8th to 12th: Wilderness Survival
Navigating through the wilderness with a compass and map, building shelters, starting a fire, and identifying edible plants are a few things that campers will experience this week as they learn how to survive in the wild. Campers get an opportunity to test out their survival knowledge on a Thursday night camp out.
Price: $400
July 15th to 19th: Splish Splash
Salamanders, frogs, and crayfish, Oh My! All of these critters depend on water to survive and so do we! This week we will explore our ponds and stream to understand why water is so important to life on earth.
Price: $375
July 22nd to 26th: Earth Ninja
Come join as we transform into a silent wilderness ninja! Campers will move stealthily through the forest as they learn all about the art of camouflage, animal tracking, and animal communication as we become one with nature!
Price: $375
July 29th to August 2nd: Wacky Scientist
Did you know that you can make invisible ink out of lemons? Or that you can make a candle out of an orange? These are some of the cool experiments that campers will get to experience as they explore the wonderful world of Science.
Price: $375
August 5th to 9th: EcoWarriors
Let’s join together to battle for the planet! During this week campers will focus on learning how to care for the planet by recycling, composting, saving energy, and much more.
Price: $375
August 12th to 16th: Wild Inspirations
Let’s make a mess this week as we channel our inner artist and turn inspirations into masterpieces! Campers will romp through the creek, the forest, and the meadow making magic rock pottery, weaving baskets, and much more!
Price: $375
August 19th to 23rd: Fins, Feathers, Paws, and Claws
From birds to skunks to snakes each animal is perfectly adapted to survive in its special environment. Join us as we explore Riverbend’s unique wildlife and discover all about their special characteristics.
Full Price: $375
August 26th to 30th: Positively Perfect Play!
Rolling down the hill, playing in the mud, and splashing in the stream is what summer is made of! This week let’s play games and be silly as we enjoy the last few rays of summer sun.
Full Price: $375
View camp schedule, themes and price Register online
Exploration Camps for 9- to 11-year-olds: Discoverers
Discoverers explore nature from morning 'til night! Armed with knowledge already, these campers 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, s'mores, and tents in the field. Daily schedules (except Thursday and Friday) run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weeks vary in theme.
June 10th to 14th: Shells and Slime
Hooray for Herps! Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures perfectly adapted for survival in the wild. Campers will spend this week hiking and wading through the stream in search of snakes, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and much more!
Price: $400
June 17th to 21st: Bugs and Slugs
No backbone? No problem! Campers will explore the fascinating world of bugs as they travel around the many different habitats at Riverbend finding everything from millipedes and leopard slugs to dragonflies and mayflies.
Price: $400
June 24th to 28th: Whimsical Woodland Myths
Ogres, fairies, and gnomes are a few of the mythical creatures said to live among the trees. Making fairy houses and building gnome villages are a few activities that campers will do this week as we explore where these stories originated from and decide for ourselves whether they are fact or fiction.
Price: $400
July 8th to 12th: Wilderness Survival
Navigating through the wilderness with a compass and map, building shelters, starting a fire, and identifying edible plants are a few things that campers will experience this week as they learn how to survive in the wild. Campers get an opportunity to test out their survival knowledge on a Thursday night camp out.
Price: $400
July 15th to 19th: Splish Splash
Salamanders, frogs, and crayfish, Oh My! All of these critters depend on water to survive and so do we! This week we will explore our ponds and stream to understand why water is so important to life on earth.
Price: $400
July 22nd to 26th: Earth Ninja
Come join as we transform into a silent wilderness ninja! Campers will move stealthily through the forest as they learn all about the art of camouflage, animal tracking, and animal communication as we become one with nature!
Price: $400
July 22nd to 26th: Advanced Wilderness Survival (Special option for ages 9-12)
Let’s take our survival skills to the next level! If campers participated in our Wilderness Survival camp this summer, or last, they can take part in our advanced survival camp. This week will also include a one night camping trip to French Creek State Park and have an opportunity to go fishing for their dinner.
Price: $425
July 29th to August 2nd: Wacky Scientist
Did you know that you can make invisible ink out of lemons? Or that you can make a candle out of an orange? These are some of the cool experiments that campers will get to experience as they explore the wonderful world of Science.
Full Price: $400
August 5th to 9th: EcoWarriors
Let’s join together to battle for the planet! During this week campers will focus on learning how to care for the planet by recycling, composting, saving energy, and much more.
Price: $400
August 12th to 16th: Wild Inspirations
Let’s make a mess this week as we channel our inner artist and turn inspirations into masterpieces! Campers will romp through the creek, the forest, and the meadow making magic rock pottery, weaving baskets, and much more!
Price: $400
August 19th to 23rd: Fins, Feathers, Paws, and Claws
From birds to skunks to snakes each animal is perfectly adapted to survive in its special environment. Join us as we explore Riverbend’s unique wildlife and discover all about their special characteristics.
Full Price: $400
Discoverers will be at Harriton House this week.
August 26th to 30th: Positively Perfect Play!
Rolling down the hill, playing in the mud, and splashing in the stream is what summer is made of! This week let’s play games and be silly as we enjoy the last few rays of summer sun.
Full Price: $400
View camp schedule, themes and price Register online
Adventure Camps for 10-12 year-olds
As campers get older, we understand that they want more options in their summer experiences. So for 2013, we have added some great opportunities for this age group. Some sessions include overnight camping trips while others are strictly day programs.
June 24th to 28th: Adventure Excursions
Have you ever felt the thrill of rock climbing to the top of a 50 foot rock wall or felt the splash of water in your face as you’re canoeing down the Brandywine river in Delaware? Join as we travel around to the area’s best thrill seeking spots to live life on the edge! We will be rock climbing at the area’s premiere indoor rock climbing facility, canoeing down the beautiful Brandywine River, and conquering our fears as we complete a high ropes course 40 feet in the air! Each day of the week will bring a new adventure to our normal 9:00-3:30 day.
Price: $625
July 22nd to 26th: Advanced Wilderness Survival (Special option for ages 9-12)
Let’s take our survival skills to the next level! If campers participated in our Wilderness Survival camp this summer, or last, they can take part in our advanced survival camp. This week will also include a one night camping trip to French Creek State Park and have an opportunity to go fishing for their dinner.
Price: $425
August 5th to 9th: Ocean and Beach Exploration Voyage
Whale and Dolphin watching, kayaking, camping and world class bird watching are a few of the adventures that travelers will experience on their ocean exploration to beautiful Cape May, New Jersey. As they trek through this biodiversity hotspot they will learn all about the shore’s flora and fauna while experiencing thrilling adventures! Participants will spend Monday at Riverbend preparing for your trip and then the rest of the week is spent camping near the shore.
Price: $750
August 12th to 16th: Wildlife Conservation (option for ages 10-14)
From whales to wolves to weevils, wildlife biologists study the populations of the world’s animals, including endangered species, alien invasive species and everything in between. Have you ever wondered how biologists track movements and populations of fish, deer, birds and other wildlife? Join us as we partner with local scientists and get exciting hands on field experience using the very same wildlife conservation tools and techniques universities and the PA Game Commission use! Each day will bring new trips, speakers and real world experiences for participants.
Price: $475
View camp schedule, themes and price Register online
Adventure Camp for 12-14 year-olds
For our oldest group at Riverbend, we have taken the fun and excitement we offer the 10-12 year olds and kicked it up a notch! The activities throughout the week take adventure to the next level while fostering teamwork, confidence and lifelong summer memories.
July 8th to 12th: Adventure Excursions
From exhilarating outdoor rock climbing to intense white water rafting your teen will get a chance to travel around the region and experience adventure at its best! Campers will spend each day trying new outdoor activities like white water rafting, outdoor rock climbing and even a 40 foot high ropes course. Each day of the week will bring a new adventure to our normal 9:00-3:30 day, with an extended day on Thursday for our rafting trip to the Poconos (8:00-6:00).
Price: $675
July 29th to August 2nd: Ocean and Beach Exploration Voyage
Have you ever experienced the thrill of ocean kayaking, whale watching off the coast, or world class bird watching? Teens this summer will have the opportunity to do that and so much more on Riverbend’s ocean exploration trip to beautiful Cape May, New Jersey. As they trek through this biodiversity hotspot, they will learn all about the amazing coastal ecosystem while experiencing thrilling adventures! Participants will spend Monday at Riverbend preparing for your trip and then the rest of the week is spent camping near the shore.
Price: $750
August 12th to 16th: Wildlife Conservation (option for ages 10-14)
From whales to wolves to weevils, wildlife biologists study the populations of the world’s animals, including endangered species, alien invasive species and everything in between. Have you ever wondered how biologists track movements and populations of fish, deer, birds and other wildlife? Join us as we partner with local scientists and get exciting hands on field experience using the very same wildlife conservation tools and techniques universities and the PA Game Commission use! Each day will bring new trips, speakers and real world experiences for participants.
Price: $475
View camp schedule, themes and price Register online
Registration
Register early: Space is limited and sessions fill quickly!
To register for summer camp programs, click here to access the Active Network online registration system.
Registration Policies
- Tuition Balances must be paid by June 1, 2013. Any unpaid balances will be charged a $25 late fee. Payments should be made online through your Active Network account.
- Schedule Changes will be accommodated to the best of Riverbend's ability. However, many weeks are full by summer and changes may not be possible.
- Cancellations/Refunds: Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. If cancellations are made after June 1st NO refund will be given.
Forms
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 | ||||
Camp Jr. Volunteer
Community service is a great way for teens to develop leadership skills and gain vital work experience. In 2010, Riverbend created our Camp Junior Volunteer Program to help local teens gain these skills. Teens, 14 years and older, can apply to be a part of this wonderful program. The program includes a four hour training and a commitment of three weeks of camp during the summer of 2013. Those who are interested in applying should contact Riverbend or download an application form from our website, www.riverbendeec.org/volunteer.
Latest News
03.20.2013
Applications Now Being Accepted for Kindergarten Enrichment
Applications are now being accepted for our brand new Kindergarten Enrichment Program. We are excited to provide a science-based, hands-on learning opportunity for Kindergarten-aged children! Children will learn to love nature and develop a foundation for this simple, life-lon...
Directions & Info
View maps & get directions to Riverbend. click here
Contact us:
By Phone: 610.527.5234
or Email
Copyright © 2013 Riverbend Environmental Education Center All rights reserved
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035 P. 610.527.5234 F. 610.527.1161 www.riverbendeec.org