Whether it’s exploring the far reaches of the cosmos, kicking the winning soccer goal, performing beautiful music or cooking something delicious in the kitchen, at Montgomery County Community College there are plenty of new and exciting ways for campers to have fun this summer.

There are 10 new and returning camps this summer including new twists on returning favorites like the Janet’s Planet STEM Astronaut Academy Science Camp’s visits to the brand-new Challenger Learning Center on MCCC’s Pottstown Campus, the return of the Culinary Arts Institute at Montgomery County Community College’s (CAI)  baking and culinary camps, and new camps like the Philadelphia Union Soccer Camp and the Summer Strings Camp.

Also returning this year is The Amazing Arts Race camp, the 76ers Basketball Camp, the Phillies Baseball Academy, Future Stars Day Camp and the H2YO! Summer Camp.

Here’s a preview of some of the new and exciting opportunities ahead this summer for campers:

Janet’s Planet STEM Astronaut Academy

Blast off and launch a lifelong love of all things space and science with our in-person Janet's Planet Astronaut Academy, a camp that creates out-of-this-world engagement with Janet Ivey and her team of educators and experts. Each day brings a new mission and new expert guests from the scientific community. Astronaut challenges, science experiments, and hands-on experiences will boost student confidence in tier STEM abilities.

The camp, open for children 8-14 (or entering grades 3-8 in the fall), is offered at Pottstown Campus, 140 College Drive, Pottstown, July 18-22, and at Blue Bell Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, July 25-29, from 9 am.- 4:30 p.m. Drop-off is between 8:45-9 a.m. and pick-up is between 4:30-4:45 p.m. For directions, visit the landing page.

Among the new features to this year’s camp includes a visit to Challenger Learning Center at MCCC’s Pottstown Campus. Campers will take a Lunar Quest Mission to the moon, said Annalise Giuliani, Program Manager at the Challenger Learning Center, and Anjuli Aker, Program Coordinator at the Challenger Learning Center.

“They will fly the mission to the moon and learn to inhabit there for long periods of time,” said Giuliani. “Campers will focus on NASA’s Artemis Program, which will prepare the lunar gateway to eventually land an astronaut on Mars.”

Janet’s Planet campers and their families will also be invited to attend a Star Party at MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus to view the night sky from the College’s observatory, along with members of local astronomy clubs. Free shuttle service for Pottstown campers and their families will be provided to and from Blue Bell Campus.

For more information, contact Anjuli Aker at aaker@mc3.edu.

The Baking Summer Camp for Junior Chefs

The Baking Summer Camp for Junior Chefs offers your child the opportunity to get hands-on with baking and pastry arts while learning from experienced chef instructors from CAI in Lansdale. Enroll your camper in our one-week program where they will receive the foundations of baking and improve their skills in the kitchen while making delicious pies, cakes and cookies.

“We are so happy and excited to bring these camps back,” said Chef Can Uslu. “Campers are there to have a good time, make new friends and learn skills they’ll have for a lifetime.”

The camp is for students ages 10-14 and runs July 20-24: Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again July 25-29: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Culinary Summer Camp for Junior Chefs

The Culinary Summer Camp for Junior Chefs is a hands-on culinary experience that covers numerous ingredients and techniques from local and global cuisines with a focus on clean, healthy eating. Campers will make delicious dishes from around the world including healthy snacks, delightful appetizers, entrees and desserts. Enroll your child in our exciting one-week summer camp to learn basic cooking skills from experienced chef instructors at CAI.

The camp, for campers ages 10-14, runs July 25-29 Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Uslu said in addition to cooking there will be plenty of breaks to perform arts and crafts projects, along with a long relaxing lunch break of foods prepared by students.

“Campers will be able to be self-sufficient in the kitchen, feed friends and family,” said Uslu, “and, of course, make something easy and delicious.”

Philadelphia Union Youth Soccer Camp

The Philadelphia Union Youth training program is proud to offer a summer camp at MCCC for players who want a fantastic camp experience, additional training outside of their club schedule and to be part of the Philadelphia Union family.

The camp, open for students ages 6-14, runs June 20-23 at Blue Bell Campus from 9 a.m. to noon.

This unique camp is designed to enhance individual skill levels, possess a fun element and allow players from different soccer organizations to come together to play the beautiful game.

The Philadelphia Union is dedicated to growing the love of the game through cost effective programs that capture the hearts and minds of families and create lifelong Union fans.

Additionally, this unique summer camp experience provides every participant the opportunity to attend a Union game for free to watch their heroes play and enjoy the atmosphere and passion of the Philadelphia Union Soccer fans who are without doubt the best in the country.

“We are excited to begin a partnership with the Union,” said Kelly Dunbar, Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation. “We look forward to bringing more opportunities for youth sports to the community and to expand our partnership with the Union in the future.”

Summer Strings Camp

School is out for the summer, but that doesn't mean you have to put down your string instrument! Summer Strings Camp is a week-long camp for students who will be in grades 6-10 during the 2022-23 school year. Campers will work on string skills and techniques while learning new and exciting music. During the week, campers will also be engaging in activities that teach and reinforce aural and written music theory skills.

The camp will be held July 11-15 from 7:45 a.m. to noon in the Science Center on Blue Bell Campus.

Throughout the week, students will rehearse string orchestra together as an entire ensemble. At the end of the camp, students will have a concluding performance at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, for family and friends, showcasing the progress of our campers!

“We wanted to create an opportunity for students to keep their skills going in the summer,” said Shawn Lee, Music Lecturer, who is running this year’s camp. “This camp is right in the middle of summer. It lets us refocus, reset, expand our skills we have and have a good time doing it.”

For more information or to register for any of the summer camps this year, visit MCCC’s Summer Camps landing page.