Gear up for summer with our list of Centre County summer camps: Where, when and registration

Warm weather may seem far away, but summer camp registration has already started for Centre County. The Centre Daily Times has compiled a list of local summer camp programs and registration information.

Here’s a look at what to know about each camp option.

OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

• Central Region Park and Recreation’s summer camp registration opened on Feb. 1 with several camps for ages 3-14. Registration is through the CRPR’s RecDesk and additional information on camp dates and costs can be found on the CRPR’s website.
• State College YMCA has camps available for grades K-6 with activities including swimming, sports and music. Registration opens on Feb. 20 and must be completed in person at the State College YMCA. Families who have not previously participated in YMCA camps must meet with the Childcare Director before registering.
• Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center has camps for ages 4-14, including the discovery and explorers camp. Preregistration forms detailing the camper’s health history and contact information must be completed before registration.
• Four Branch Farm is hosting an equestrian camp for ages 4-17 this June. No experience is required and Four Branch will provide all necessary equipment. More information on registration can be found on the farm’s website.
• Camp Soles has overnights camps for ages 7-16, as well as a counselors-in-training program and a girl’s adventure week. A parent’s guide to overnight camping, packing lists, and how to prepare your camper is available online, along with information on how to register.

HANDS-ON

• Discovery Space has camps for future chemists, meteorologists and all-around scientists this summer. Registration and scholarship information can be found online at Discovery Space.
• Taste Buds Kitchen has cooking camps for ages 4-17 with different weekly themes and recipes, including crepes, chocolate and handmade ricotta.
• Registration for Penn State’s Science-U camps opened on Feb. 7 for grades 2-12. Programs include robotics, space and pre-med camps.

SPORTS

• Nittany Valley Sports Centre’s summer camps, with full and half-day programs for ages 4-12, include soccer camps, hockey camps and more.
• Registration for the Centre Elite Gymnastics Summer Camp has started with full and half-day programs. Campers ages 4-12 can practice their skills through a one-week or 10-week program.
• Climb Nittany has a summer climbing camp for ages 6 and up, camp dates and registration can be found online.
• Hoop Stars will offer three weeks of a basketball camp for grades K-6 this July. Registration information and camp dates are available on the Hoop Star’s website.
• State College Area School District hosts its own summer camp program for grades 1-6 at Mount Nittany Elementary. Registration for the camp opens on Feb. 20 for full and half-day programs.
• Phoenix Academy hosts camps teaching gymnastics, dance and circus arts for ages 4 and up.

ART & THEATER

• Adam Swartz Puppets’ summer camp programs teach puppeteering and storytelling for ages 5-14. Camp dates and registration information can be found online.
• Registration for the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania opens on Feb. 11 with classes for ages 3-13. Campers can learn pottery, art history, crafts and more throughout the summer.
• The Makery offers several summer camps featuring photography, fashion, writing and more. Campers ages 5-17 can register online at The Makery’s website.
• MindBodyArt offers camps with activities including dance intensives, ninja challenge camps, musical theater camps and more. There are half-day, full-day and extended day options for ages 5-12 and registration information is available online.
• Tempest Productions theater company is hosting its first summer camp program this year, with full- and half- day camps for ages 4-8.

This story was originally published February 6, 2023 at 11:32 AM.