Though regular classes aren’t in session from June through August at GFS, many of the buildings and outdoor spaces on campus are alive with activity and action! Middle School Scholars and Teaching Fellows in Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia Summer Session filled Sharpless with infectious energy and laughter. GFS also hosted 36 summer camps, including day camps, sports camps, specialty camps, and academically-focused camps for kids in EC through tenth grade. 

Lauren Popp, Summer Camps Director at GFS, puts special emphasis on designing the camp schedule to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. 

“We try to make sure there’s something for every kid, from three year olds to the Middle School kids who are curious about so many things, and I want families to see that reflected in our offerings,” Popp said.

2024 Camp Highlights included:

• Community Basketball and Enrichment Program, which combines basketball and classroom instruction for students in rising grades 3-9. This camp, which is an important part of GFS’ Picture This Campaign commitment to supporting community education, just completed its 54th year! 

• Bahay Kultura Filipino Camp, a brand new cultural camp which explored Filipino culture through stories, crafts, games, food, and the arts. The camp was co-facilitated by Dance and PE teacher Claudette Coverdale, and GFS Science Department Head Eva Porter.

• Philadelphia Adventure Camp for Middle Schoolers, which took daily excursions to outdoor attractions in the city, including the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and The Discovery Center in Fairmount Park.

• Germantown School of Wizardry, a Harry Potter-inspired camp which provides young witches and wizards the chance to try hands-on magical activities like herbology, charms, and potions.

In addition to engaging, inventive programming and themes, what makes GFS camps special, said Popp, are the counselors who run them.

“I always ask for feedback from families, and our staff is the number one thing people keep repeating,” Pop shared. “I hear over and over that our counselors are knowledgeable, accommodating, and fun—that’s everyone from 15-year old junior counselors to faculty members who want to do something creative during the summer for the GFS community.”

Thanks to all the families who joined us for summer camp this year! Camp registration for next summer will open on February 3, 2025.