Pennsylvania Day Camp Alliance

PDCA is dedicated to serving families in the greater Philadelphia area by maximizing the daily summer camp experience for their children. We believe that a well-rounded camp where children can experience a variety of activities primarily in an outdoor setting will greatly enhance a child's social and emotional development.

Why send your child to a traditional, private summer day camp?

Your child will experience the benefits of attending a camp that is independently owned, maintained and operated where:

• The owners are on the premises and typically have extensive family history in the camp business
• Campers can take advantage of optional longer summer sessions (typically 4 to 10 weeks)
• The daily schedule includes a variety of athletic, arts, and outdoor activities along with a prominent aquatic program with on-site swimming to create a diverse experience
• Campers have use of extensive and elaborate outdoor facilities and equipment in addition to ample indoor amenities
• Campers have a choice of numerous activities and are not limited to a single-activity program
• Campers have options to further personal areas of interest
• Families can support and enjoy an important independent entity maintaining green space in the community!

Traditional, private summer camp vs. summer programs

A traditional, private summer camp is defined as a seasonal business that provides care and activities for children, oriented to the outdoors, during the summer months. Summer programs, while frequently less expensive, tend to be short term, indoors, the facility's secondary business, and focused on a single area of interest (such as one sport, hobby, academics, etc.). Franchised chains or programs at a school or township facility cannot duplicate the experience of a traditional, owner-operated, well-rounded camp that focuses on the camp season all year long.

Camp Directory

We invite you to contact each of our participating camps to learn first hand about our individual strengths and unique differences.

Please click on the links below to view our individual websites: