Teenagers benefit from summer camp in Bucks County just as much as younger campers, and teen day camps may cost less than you think. Other beneficial summer activities include travel programs, educational enrichment, and employment.

Summer Adventures Await

Summer break offers the perfect chance for teens to explore new interests and develop independence. Bucks County provides an array of opportunities from exciting day camps to meaningful work experiences. Below are some ways to get your teens excited about their summer break, from summer camp to traveling abroad.

Bucks County Day Camps for Teenagers

Teens in and around Bucks County can choose among many award-winning camp programs. These programs commonly include counselor-in-training programs, known as CIT. Teen summer opportunities don’t stop there. From getting a head start on college campuses to traveling the globe, take a look at the following day camps for teens.

Breezy Point Day Camp

Address: 1126 Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne

Camp Length: 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 weeks

Contact: 215-752-1987| Instagram: @BreezyPoint1955

Breezy Point Day Camp is an ACA-accredited summer camp in Bucks County for children ages 2 – 14. This Langhorne, Pennsylvania camp offers teens entering 8th and 9th grade the opportunity to join their Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program.

Counselors-in-training work with younger children in the morning and socialize and enjoy on-site activities in the afternoon. CIT campers go on several off-campus trips throughout the summer. Led by Director George Hanna, a middle school Physical Education teacher, the CIT program is a unique summer experience for 8th and 9th graders.

Camp America Day Camp

Address: 341 Lower State Road, Chalfont

Camp Length: 8 weeks

Contact: 215-822-6313 | @CampAmericaDayCamp

At Camp America Day Camp in Chalfont, teens aged 13 – 15 can enroll in the Division 4 CIT Program. Participants have the opportunity to take on new leadership roles within the 42-acre camp.

Teen campers enjoy a typical camp half day with their bunk mates. Then, they’ll spend the other half of the day apprenticing with different counselors around camp. Campers get used to a different aspects of camp while learning the ropes. The CIT program at Camp American Day Camp is two to three years long.

Camp NAC

Address: Newtown Athletic Club, 120 Pheasant Run, Newtown

Camp Length: One to 11 weeks or one to nine weeks

Contact: 267-762-1940 | Instagram: @Camp_NAC

At Newtown’s Camp NAC, teens can choose between NAC’s 11-week CIT program or the 9-week Teen Adventure program. On Tuesdays and Fridays, all teen campers hit the road for a pre-planned field trip.

Teens who choose the CIT program will spend mornings shadowing a Camp NAC counselor. Those teens who especially enjoy working with kids may particularly benefit from the CIT program. Teens opting into the Teen Adventure program experience themed activities every day, which include art, STEAM, sports, cooking, and fitness.

Code Ninjas

Address: 301 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 601 A, Yardley

Camp Length: One week

Contact: 215.962-1707 | Instagram: CodeNinjas

Code Ninjas day camps vary in subject matter. These week-long day camps provide kids with the opportunity to learn Minecraft mods, video content creation, and other coding and tech skills.

These Code Ninjas camps are designed for children aged 5 – 14. Unlike other education models reliant on completing a specific curriculum, Code Ninjas believes in setting goals and designing activities to hit those goals.

Conquering Cuisine Kids Cooking Classes

Address: 378 N. Main Street, Doylestown

Camp Length: One night to four-part series

Contact: 267-625-6900 | Instagram: @ConqueringCuisine

Conquering Cuisine cooking classes are for parents and children ages 10 and up. Not only are the classes hands-on, but Conquering Cuisine has a slew of subjects available. Participate in the Foods of Italy or the Flavors of Mexico. Or opt for kids and teens cooking camps.

These cooking class day camps are two hours long and for kids ages 10 –12 or 13 – 14 (age group is firm). Kitchen safety, using cooking tools, and following recipes comprise each of the themed classes.

Delaware Valley University’s Kids U! and Inspire U!

Address: 700 E. Butler Avenue, Doylestown

Camp Length: One week

Contact: 215-489-4848| Instagram: @DelawareValleyUniversity

Prospective college students choose Delaware Valley University’s Kids U! and Inspire U! for a themed week-long program. In-person day camps include veterinary science, building a writing portfolio, and equine camp. This is a next-level, real-world campus learning experience for teens. Age requirements vary by camp.

Other week-long camps teach a particular skill. Comic book writing and art, firefly sports camp, firefly Pickleball and Tennis, theater, and gaming camps are a few of the many options available for younger teens.

Elbow Lane Day Camp

Address: 828 Elbow Lane, Warrington

Camp Length: Part-time or Full-time, Up to 8 weeks

Contact: 215.343.2120 | Instagram: @ElbowLaneDayCamp

For 8th and 9th graders, Elbow Lane Day Camp in Warrington has several options. The Elbow Lane day camp CIT programs are the final steps for campers before they become junior counselors.

Participants in the CIT program can choose to engage in regular camp activities and participate in select off-campus trips. This program is open to teens who are 13 years old (going into 8th grade) and 14 years old (going into 9th grade).

Girls Empowered Summer Programs

Address: Peace Valley Park, 230 Creek Road, Doylestown

Camp Length: One week

Contact: 267-225-6684 | Instagram: @Girls_Empowered_PA

Girls Empowered, Inc. is for girls who will be entering 4th to 6th grade in the fall. The week-long summer day camp includes an assortment of themed daily activities and discussions.

Camp Girl Power topics may include leadership, healthy relationships (and how to cultivate them), and self-care practices for mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Ravens Run Visual and Performing Arts Camp

Address: Inside (but unaffiliated with) Kehilat HaNahar Synagogue, 85 W. Mechanic Street, New Hope

Camp Length: One week to three weeks

Contact: 215.901.7849| Instagram: @RavensRunArtCamp

Ravens Run Art Camp‘s Counselors in Training (CIT) program helps teenagers adjust and strike the proper balance between responsibility and recreation. Students who are currently 15 or 16 years old and/or entering 10^th grade are eligible to apply. The CITs wills spend 2-3 periods each day working with either a specific camp group or specialty area. The rest of the time, CITs participate in regular art classes and lunch with their peers just like the younger campers.

Teens get to explore an assortment of art mediums, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, digital photography, cake decorating, claymation, movie making, dance, and theatre. Additionally, each week the CITs do teambuilding and problem-solving activities to build their leadership skills. CITs will also have the opportunity to plan and implement a camp-wide special event. 

School of Rock Music Camps

Address: 88 S. Main Street, Doylestown or 2852 S. Eagle Road, Newtown

Camp Length: One week

Contact: Doylestown – 215-230-3406 or (Newtown – 215-968-7700 | Instragram: @SchoolofRockDTown or @SchoolofRockNewtown

For aspiring songwriters or band members, the School of Rock Doylestown or School of Rock Newtown summer camps offer themed camp sessions for teens aged 13–18. Rookies and 101 Camps are great for musicians with little to no experience, while themed performance camps require some previous experience.

Summer camp offerings may include pop legends, classic rock, 1980s bands, the music of Taylor Swift, or Green Day. Camp dates and programs vary.

Southampton Summer Day Camp

Address: 1459 2nd Street Pike, Southampton

Camp Length: First or last 4-week session, any 6 weeks of the summer, or full, 8-week session

Contact: 215-355-4567| Instagram: @SouthHamptonDayCamp

Southampton Summer Day Camp offers a camp experience with scheduled activities and themes, as it has for more than 50 years. Three heated swimming pools, sports of all kinds, and a Dance Club and a Musical Theatre club give teens up to age 14 a host of fun options.

The outdoor challenge course gives teens a sense of accomplishment. Experience a ninja low-course adventure, continuous-belay ropes, and a 28-foot climbing tower. With hiking, a riding program, and arts and crafts, there’s something for every teen.

Teens on Campus at Bucks County Community College

Address: Various Bucks County Community College Campuses

Camp Length: One week

Contact: 215-968-8409 | Instagram: @BucksCCC

This program was recently added to the Kids on Campus summer program at various Bucks County Community College (BCCC) campuses. Here, teenagers aged 13–15 or 15–17 can engage in exciting activities such as voice and singing production, a fire academy, and mock trials.

This program offers an excellent opportunity for prospective college students to explore the areas of study they may be interested in pursuing.

Warwick Township Parks and Recreation Day Camp

Address: 2045 Guinea Lane, Jamison

Former campers who have aged out of the Warwick Township Parks and Recreation Day Camp may find Teen Camp to be a great alternative.

For ages 12–15, the day camp is a four-day program running from 8 am to 6 pm.

River Crossing YMCA

Various locations throughout Bucks, Hunterdon, Lehigh, and Northampton counties

Summer day camp programs are available throughout Bucks County and Hunterdon County for children aged 3 through 15 at River Crossing YMCA. Traditional adventure camps, as well as sports and specialty camps are available week with half day, full day, and extended day programs available at most sites.

And because the YMCA understands camp can get costly, they also provide financial assistance to families that qualify. Each campsite has a unique personality, so consider visiting a couple camps to find the best fit.

Bucks County Travel Opportunities

From local day trips to cultural landmarks and outdoor excursions, to extended programs that promote leadership and global awareness, teens in Bucks County have access to enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom.

These travel programs not only provide a chance to explore new places, but also help teens build independence, make new friends, and develop valuable life skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Travel for Teens

900 West Valley Road, Wayne

Travel for Teens, based out of Chester County, provides teens with a new perspective and is a fantastic opportunity for growth. This agency strives to provide meaningful and authentic travel experiences for teens and young adults. You can explore their menu of 100+ trips by grade to find the perfect, age-appropriate travel experience for your child.

Additionally, each trip is professionally staffed to ensure the safety and care of the group, which comprises 16 – 24 teen travelers. Destinations include Costa Rica, Hawaii, Alaska, Africa, many countries of Europe, and the Southwestern U.S.

Bucks County Jobs and Internships for Teens

Wouldn’t it be great if your teen could spend the summer pursuing an interest that also rewards them with a distinguishing experience? Although many summer internships for teenagers are often unpaid, they usually “pay” well in terms of unique experiences and personal enrichment.

If your teen is old enough, help them land a summer job earning money. Working and saving money helps teens mature and become responsible young adults.

Internships

If your teen has an interest in a field such as science, the arts, the environment, or another particular field, a great way to delve deeper is through an internship. Inquire about programs at your teen’s school or a local volunteer program like Habitat for Humanity.

Check out Bucks County Community College’s Career Service’s page, which offers helpful free resources for finding the right internship. Whether it’s an internship at a local museum, an environmental organization, a technology company, or other institution, it’s one of those opportunities for growth that also looks great on a college application. 

Jobs at Local Small Businesses

If your teen wants a summer job opportunity, of course there are restaurants like Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s or retail outlets like Target and Walmart.

But instead of working at corporate chain stores consider opportunities at independent, local businesses and organizations. In addition to offering your teens unique work and experiences, working at the local mom and pop can form lasting ties to the community. If your teen is interested in landscape architecture, have them reach out to your local neighborhood landscaper and see if they could use any seasonal help.

Better yet, if they’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit, your teen could start their own small business, like becoming the neighborhood dog walker.

Country Clubs

Working at a country club offers a lot of perks for teenagers: employment, social connection, fun, and — perhaps best of all — access to club amenities.

Check out The Bucks Club in Jamison, who frequently post openings in their various departments, from the golf shop, to the bar and grill to the pool. Golf clubs also often hire teen golf caddies, who can earn great tips helping out on the green. 

Retirement Communities

Another unique summer opportunity for teens is working at a retirement community. For those who have a nurturing personality, working with older people can offer a profoundly rewarding experience. Bucks County parent, Persida K. recommends Juniper Village at Bucks County for employment.

“Juniper company is an outstanding organization that truly cares for its employees and the community it serves. It has provided me with an incredible platform to grow both personally and professionally.”

Other Summer Opportunities for Bucks County Teens

Maybe your teen isn’t sure what they want to do this summer and could use some guidance? The Camp Experts & Teen Summers is a free advisory service that helps families find the right summer camp, teen travel, language course, or pre-college enrichment program for their children.

According to Camp Experts & Teen Summers consultant, Jennifer Markizon, “There are lots of great options for teens. Depending on their interests, there are pre-college enrichment programs on college campuses, teen-only camps, and community service trips — both domestic and abroad.” 

Make This Summer Count

Parents can help their teens find wonderful summer opportunities around Bucks County that build skills and independence. From day camps to travel programs, there’s something perfect for every teenager’s interests.

Lead photo courtesy of Ravens Run