Fun weekly themed day camps for Grades 1-4

CAMP EXPERIENCE:

Day camps at Pennington feature full-day education and experiential learning activities. Each week follows a unique narrative based on a theme of the week that challenges each camper to do their best through a variety of athletic, academic, and art challenges based on that week's unique theme. Campers will have an opportunity to earn an end-of-week party, collect bottle badges for displaying core camper values, and make lifelong memories in a safe and fun setting! Campers are divided into groups by grade: Lil’ Hawks - Grade 1 and Red Hawks - Grades 2-4, and activities are tailored to be developmentally appropriate for each group.

2026 CAMP DATES (see weekly descriptions below):

June 15–18 (4-day camp)
June 22–26
June 29–July 3
July 6–10
July 13–17
July 20–24
July 27–31
August 3–7
August 10–14
August 17–21

CAMP HOURS:
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Early care is included in the price from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Aftercare is available at $175 per week from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

CAMP OPEN TO:

Lil’ Hawks - Grade 1
Red Hawks - Grades 2-4

CAMP COST:
$499 per enrollment ($399 for the 4-day week)
Weeks 9 and 10: $525

ITEMS PROVIDED:
Lunch and Summers @ Pennington T-Shirt

ITEMS TO BRING:
Personal water bottle and snack if needed

Weekly Themes

Week 1: Summer Blast-Off

June 15–18

Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure during our Summer Blast-Off Camp! Campers dress up as astronauts and embark on a thrilling journey of celestial exploration. Throughout the week, they'll traverse the vastness of our solar system, construct model rockets, and delve into the fascinating mysteries of the universe. The excitement peaks on the final day as campers orchestrate their own space mission, complete with a mission control center and a spectacular "landing" on a distant planet—followed by an out-of-this-world dance party.

Week 2: Superhero Training

June 22–26

Step into the extraordinary world of superhero training, where ordinary campers discover the hero within! Campers will unleash their creativity as they design their own superhero personas, complete with unique powers and backstories. The adventure continues with action-packed obstacle courses that challenge their agility, strength, and problem-solving skills. Brace yourself for an epic showdown as campers face off against formidable foes, putting their newfound powers to the test. The week culminates in a dazzling "Heroes Gala," where campers showcase their heroic abilities and celebrate a busy week of superhero duties!

Week 3: Boardwalk Celebration

June 29– July 3

Take a trip "down the shore" for a boardwalk celebration! Boardwalk Week brings the magic of the Jersey Shore right to Summers @ Pennington!

Campers will step into a festive boardwalk atmosphere filled with classic games, friendly competitions, and creative activities inspired by days at the beach. In addition to themed games and projects, campers will design and build their own amusement park rides and create culinary and crafty delights to compete in boardwalk competitions, all while learning about some of the cool places that make the Jersey Shore amazing. This very special week will feature all of your favorites, from cotton candy to marbles, without the hassle of the summer traffic! The week culminates with a beach party—with boardwalk game booths and prizes! “Watch the tram car, please!”

Week 4: Fantasy Quest

July 6–10

Step into a world where imagination rules the kingdom! During Fantasy Quest week, campers embark on an epic adventure filled with mythical creatures, enchanted challenges, and creative problem-solving. Each day brings a new quest—building fortresses, decoding ancient clues, crafting mystical artifacts, and teaming up to overcome magical obstacles.

Our staff guide campers through hands-on activities that blend storytelling, teamwork, and outdoor exploration, all designed to spark creativity and confidence. Whether they’re defending the realm, creating their own character, or completing a legendary scavenger hunt, participants experience a week of immersive play and unforgettable fun.

Fantasy Quest week is perfect for young adventurers ready to dream big, think boldly, and bring a little magic into the real world.

Week 5: Wild West

July 13–17

Saddle up and ride into the adventure of a lifetime during Wild West Week! Join us on a thrilling journey across the open plains of The Pennington School campus as young pioneers build their own frontier town using recycled materials. Along the trail, they'll immerse themselves in the lore of ghost towns, try their hand at panning for shiny gold, master the art of square dancing, and craft their very own belt buckles. The week crescendos with an unforgettable hoedown celebration, where participants are warned to keep a close eye on their gold! So what in tarnation are you waiting for? Mount up and mosey on over to Pennington for a rootin' tootin' week in the Wild West that's sure to leave a lasting yee-haw in your heart!

Week 6: Forts and Adventure

July 20–24

Get ready for a week of adventure and creative construction at Fun with Forts and Nature Camp! Campers will delve into basic survival skills, mastering the art of fort building, wildlife and bug identification, and discovering innovative ways to thrive in the great outdoors. During this fort-filled week, campers will showcase their fort-building prowess using various tools and materials. They will engage in friendly competition by tackling challenges and putting their skills to the test in Fort Dodgeball and Capture the Flag. The path to becoming the Top Fort requires strong, positive teamwork, making this week an unforgettable blend of nature exploration, creativity, and fun!

Week 7: Island Explorers

July 27–31

Do you like mystery, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, whodunits? Campers will explore Pennington Island's vast landscape and use teamwork to find a way to escape the island. Campers will learn about the ocean, tropical plants, volcanoes, sea creatures, and many other fascinating facts, along with survival skills. Complete all of the island tasks and get rewarded with an end-of-the-week luau!

Week 8: Wizardry and Magic

August 3–7

Step into the enchanting world of Wizardry and Magic, where campers are cordially invited to a magical school filled with wonder and mystery. Upon receiving their acceptance letters, participants will embark on a spellbinding journey, delving into the arts of spellcasting, potion brewing, and solving riddles. The week begins with the Sorting Ceremony, assigning each camper to their rightful house. Engage in the ultimate test of magical prowess with the "Wizard Tournament," a thrilling showcase of skills and creativity. The grand finale awaits as campers come together for a spellbound banquet, celebrating a week of fantastical learning and camaraderie.

Week 9: Endless Summer Adventures

August 10–14

Enjoy all the fun of our day camp program with our new extended summer program.

First- and second-grade campers enjoy daily themed days with special guests, including magic shows, race cars, traveling zoos, children's theater, puppet shows, and more.

Third- and fourth-grade campers participate in daily trips with this fun program. Trip locations include Urban Air, bowling, Hopewell Quarry, zoo trip, and mini golf.

Endless Summer Adventures follows the regular day camp schedule.

*Activities may vary depending on weather, group ability, and schedule.

Week 10: Summer Send-Off

August 17–21

Enjoy all the fun of our day camp program with our new extended summer program.

First- and second-grade campers enjoy daily themed days with special guests, including puppet shows, mad scientists, musicians, pony rides, and an end-of-season carnival.

Third- and fourth-grade campers participate in daily trips with this fun program. Trip locations include laser tag, movies and lunch, Hopewell Quarry, zoo trip, and an end-of-season carnival.

The Great Summer Send-Off follows the regular day camp schedule.
*Activities may vary depending on weather, group ability, and schedule.

Camp Director: Suzie Waller

Suzie Waller is an elementary art teacher in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. Before teaching in WW-P, she was a high school art teacher at a private special education school in northern NJ. Her degree is in sculpture, and while she loves 3D art, she also enjoys painting, drawing, and collage. She loves watching young artists create after introducing them to new materials, concepts, and tools.

Hurry—space is limited and registration is now open!

For general camp questions, please contact Sean Davies, Director of Summer Programs:
summerprograms@pennington.org