Special Supplement Children and Summer

All parents are concerned about the care, education, and recreation of their children. Recognizing this concern, The Courterly checked with City offices to find some resources and opportunities for working parents.

Summer Programs for Children

The Recreation Department operates several summer camps for children. While it may appear that this notice is a little late in coming, we urge you to follow up on any camp that is of interest as many camps have session that begin in late July or August. We also want to make you aware of these camps so you can plan for next summer.

The camps range in cost from $35 to $150 and most provide optional busing for a fee. Details on costs and schedules can be obtained through the phone numbers provided.

Summer Art Camp `98 (686-0845) Classes in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, enameling, pottery and silk screen. 1998 Golf Camp (686-0839) Instructional camp for beginning golfers Camp William Penn (686-3694) An overnight and nature based camp in the Poconos. Swim for Life (686-3649) Swimming, Instructional, and Leadership camp at City-owned pools. Young Performers Theater Camp 686-3575 A theater camp focusing on acting, singing and dance. Carousel House Day Camp (685-0160) A day camp for mentally disabled which includes swimming, arts and crafts, music, games, trips, and special events. A two week sports camp and a day camp for Adults with acquired disabilities is also provided. Houseman Day Camp (685-1240) A special Needs Day Camp for mentally disabled (located in NE Phila.) Phil-A-Kid (922-3031) A history camp held at the Atwater Kent Museum Environmental Camps (Various local rec centers) Children study local environment in the neighborhood and go on field trips. NJTL Tennis Program 424-5300 Not a camp, this program offers tennis instruction and team play. Community Day Camps (685-2720) Neighborhood day camps offered at 60 local recreation centers.

Recreation Centers Strive to Help Families The Philadelphia Recreation Department offers After School Programs to stimulate children and to support families with working parents. The goal of the programs is to "provide safe places and structured activity during non school hours for children to learn and grow." Homework assistance, sports, games, and art activities are provided in a supervised setting. The Recreation Department provides one Recreation Specialty Instructor at each location, who is usually assisted by community volunteers or community organizations which offer educational or recreational activities on site. The programs operate during the school year from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday at 65 recreation centers around the City. Those interested should check their local recreation center for details.

Shore Alternatives
If you want a quick break from the sizzling City or the weekend at the shore routine, here are some reasonably priced diversions within easy reach of Philadelphia.

Steamtown National Historic Site...tells the story of steam railroading. A restored roundhouse and turntable, a museum, tours of operations and historic rail station, and a two hour scenic excursion on a steam passenger train give the visitor a glance of our rail history. Located in Scranton, PA.; phone 1-888-693-9391 for information.

The Strasburg Railroad...provides a scenic ride through Amish farm land on a steam passenger line that dates from 1832. A parlor car, standard wooden coaches, open air observation cars and a dining car (reservation suggested) are provided. Passengers can even purchase a box lunch and stop to picnic at Groff's Grove on the train route. Located in Strasburg, PA; call 717-687-7522 for information.

The Towne of Historic Smithville... is near the shore, but is not a shore town. Located on Rt. 9 and Moss Mill Rd. about 12 miles northwest of Atlantic City, the town maintains its 1700's look with cobblestone streets, quaint shops and homemade crafts and food. For information, call 609-652-4177.

Peddler's Village... contains 70 shops and 8 restaurants in a beautifully landscaped village setting. Open year round, it is just one hour away in Lahaska, Bucks County (Rtes. 202 &263).

Longwood Gardens...contains 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows, two outdoor gardens; two indoor gardens; 11,000 types of plants; and illuminated fountains. Educational and musical programs and special events are frequently offered. Located on U.S. 1 in Kennett Square, PA; 1-800-737-5500 for information.

Bucks County River Country...is the "world's river tubing capital." The outfitter offers tubing, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the upper Delaware River. Pt. Pleasant, PA; tele. 297-5000.

Rafting on the Lehigh River... Can provide a day of cool and exciting fun. Jim Thorpe River Adventures provides a 3 to 4 hour raft trip, free cookouts on weekends, mountain bike rentals for tours through the Lehigh Gorge. The town of Jim Thorpe is located off Exit 34 of the NE Turnpike Extension, 1 1/2 hours from Philadelphia. Jim Thorpe River Adventures - 717-325-2570 (reservations suggested). There are also other competent outfitters in the area.

Hershey Park ...has the state's only steel inverted roller coaster. It features twists, a 360 degree loop, and total weightlessness. The park has 6 roller coasters among its 55 rides and also offers live entertainment, restaurants, and a zoo. It's not Disney World, but it's clean and you can do it with little planning and for a lot less money. Located in Hershey, PA; 1-800-HERSHEY for information.

Or, Escape the City Without Leaving

Spirit of Philadelphia... provides daily luncheon and dinner cruises, and a Moonlight (11:30 p.m.- 2 a.m.) Cruise on Fridays and Saturdays. The two hour cruises offer food, entertainment and sightseeing. Tele. 923-1419.

The Franklin Institute... is a good place to cool off and learn at the same time. It has great exhibits ( a lot has changed since you were a kid) and the Tuttleman Omniverse Theater (a 4 story screen) is a must. Located at 20th and the Parkway; tele. 448-1200.

The Philadelphia Zoo...is the oldest zoo in the country and is home to 1600 animals. Permanent exhibits include Carnivore Kingdom; the Children's Zoo; Rare Animal House; bear Country; and the Treehouse. North America's first white lions and a white alligator are current attractions. Kids can learn to milk a cow or ride a camel or elephant. 34th and Girard; tele. 243-1100.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art... is one of the finest art museums in the country. Admission is normally $8, but admission is free before noon on Sundays. Call 684-7500 for recorded information on current and scheduled exhibits. Located at 26th and the Parkway.

The RiverPass Ticket... provides admission to the Independence Seaport Museum on Penn's Landing, a ferry ride across the Delaware, and admission to the N.J. State Aquarium in Camden. While there, you can purchase lunch and view the Philadelphia skyline from the cafe. 1-800-616-JAWS

The Home of In-laws... provides you the opportunity to learn your faults and how to be a better spouse. Located in a surreal setting, the financial cost of a weekend — with meals —is low; emotional costs vary. Reservations suggested, but visits can be aborted without notice. [Just checking to see if you were still reading-Ed.]