Summer Camps

Because GFS believes it is critical to promote community connections, our Explorer Day Camp, Athletic Camps, and Specialty Camps are open to students throughout the Delaware Valley with a few exceptions:

• Children entering Preschool, Pre-K, or Kindergarten must be current or incoming GFS students in order to register for Explorer Day Camp. 

• Campers must be three years old by June 1 (and fully potty trained) in order to register for Explorer Camp.

• The College Essay Writing Workshop is open to GFS rising seniors only.

• Campers registering for Summer Strings Orchestra Camp must have 2-3 years of prior instruction in a string instrument. Upon registering, we will also connect you to the camp director for a short audition.

Camps Are for Rising Grades

All camps are listed by the grade your child will be entering in Fall 2023.

Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the cost of each camp is due at the time of registration. On or after Sunday, May 14 at 11:59 p.m., no refunds will be given. All changes including switching sessions, must be made before this date.

Balances will be due two weeks prior to the start of your child’s camp week. Payments can be made in 1, 2, or 3 installments.

No camper with a balance due will be permitted to attend camp.

Change Fees

A $25 administrative fee will be charged for changes made to the application after it has been submitted. 

Discounts

Campers who enroll for all six weeks of Explorer Camp from June 12–July 21 will receive a 5% discount, which will be applied automatically at check-out. 

Campers who register for all four weeks of Community Basketball and Enrichment Camp will receive a $40 discount, which will be applied automatically at check-out.

Early Bird Discount

Early Bird discounts run until Sunday, March 19 at 11:59 p.m. Sign up by March 19 and receive up to $30 off per week on Explorer Day Camp, GFS Athletic Camps, and Specialty Camps!

Early Bird Discount does not apply to Community Basketball & Enrichment Camp.

Registration Deadlines

• Registration for Explorer Day Camp will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 1.
• Registration for all GFS Athletic Camps will close at 11:59 p.m. one week before the start of camp.
• There is no registration deadline for Community Basketball and Enrichment Camp.

Financial Aid

GFS offers non-tuition financial aid to current or incoming GFS families attending camp. If you would like more information on how to apply, please email camps@germantownfriends.org. Applications are due by April 14, 2023.

Scholarships are also available to all for the Community Basketball and Enrichment Camp. If you would like more information on how to apply, please email camps@germantownfriends.org.

Summer Camps at GFS take place in three primary locations:

• Main Campus (31 W. Coulter Street), which includes three theaters, three gymnasiums, numerous art and music studios, computer labs, a LEED-certified Science Center, and both gardens and wooded areas for outdoor education and exploration.

• GFS Athletic Fields (2807 Midvale Avenue and 2940 West School House Lane), which include three fields and two baseball diamonds.

• GFS Center City location (Curtis Center at 601 Walnut Street), where Explorer Day Camp for Rising Preschool - Kindergarten takes place

• Detailed maps and directions can be found here. 

GFS will be closed Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, and Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. There will be no camps offered on these days.

GFS does not offer transportation to or from Center City for the summer. Campers must be dropped off at Main Campus, GFS Fields, or the Curtis Center. 

Campers should bring their own non-perishable packed lunch and snacks. Campers will eat outside whenever weather allows. During inclement weather, campers will eat inside.

Each member of the Summertime at GFS Camps team is a skilled and passionate professional who has extensive experience planning and managing summer programming. Each team member’s goal is to ensure that all camp participants have a safe, healthy, and unforgettably fun summer experience as they grow as individuals and community members.