Powdermill Education again offers summer programs for children ages 5 to 12. Fun-filled days await campers as they explore the great outdoors, view wildlife up close, and discover exciting things about the environment. Each year the activities are changed to give children new experiences.

Click here to download a Summer Programs brochure & Registration form (PDF), or call 724-593-6105. All camp registration forms must be mailed back to register a child. If a camp is full, you can choose to be added to the waitlist.

The Summer Programs for Children at Powdermill are made possible by the Martha Edwards Lazear Fund and the Mudge Environmental Education Program of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Click here for scholarship information.

Fight “Nature Deficit Disorder” with a week of games, lessons and activities focused on getting to know the great outdoors. Hands-on activities will guide children through their first explorations of Powdermill’s various habitats. Where do salamanders hide, and how do fish breathe? Why are ponds important? What lives in the stream? All these questions (and many more!) are answered through hikes, age-appropriate explorations, stories and experiences. All the favorites are included: a trip to the bird banding station, splashing in the stream, and creating nature-based crafts. Come wonder with us!

Fee: $84
Choose one five-day session:
June 16-20 or
July 14-18
9:30 am-1:30 pm daily

Start your studies of biodiversity here! Powdermill shares its secrets as children explore why biodiversity is important. Why do we have more than one species of frog in Pennsylvania-should we have more? How do we protect those we have? How do seeds get scattered around, and why? Campers will engage in both scientific experiences and just plain fun activities. Guest appearances may include real scientists studying frogs, snails, and other local critters. What an Adventure!

Fee: $90
Choose one five-day session:
June 23-27 or
July 21-25

Explorers only need apply! Spend the week getting down and dirty with Powdermill’s flora and fauna (plants and animals!). In-depth, hands-on activities open up the need for protecting Pennsylvania’s amazing diversity. What relationships are formed in the wild, and what happens if part of that relationship does not happen? How do some trees feed fungus? Hikes, games, stream-time, special guests, and the traditional sleepover all apply! Come Explore the Outdoors.

Fee: $108 (includes dinner, evening snack, and breakfast during the overnight session)
Choose one five-day session:
July 7-11 or
July 28- August 1
9:30 am - 2:30 pm Monday-Wednesday
9:30 am Thursday - 12:00 pm Friday (overnight)

Scholarships are extremely limited. Only 1 per family will be allowed and is not guaranteed. Please only request if sincerely needed to attend.

A child is eligible to receive three scholarships in three different years to attend each of the three offered programs. A child cannot receive a scholarship for the same age-level program.

If you are in need of this funding, please check the box on the registration form and remit a check for $10 to cover the registration fee. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.