20th Anniversary of 'Camp Fair' at CHA Saturday

Perhaps the words “summer” and “camp” seem foreign to you at this juncture.

After all, we’ve been in the midst of a relatively harsh winter, where figuring out where to park your car is topping the priority list.   

But there’s no denying that summer is mere months away.

That said, we figured we’d take this opportunity to tell you a little about an upcoming program at that has long been helping neighborhood residents figure out what to do with their youngsters when school lets out.

This Saturday, Feb. 5, Chestnut Hill Academy will open its gymnasium doors for the 20th Annual Camp & Summer Fair Program, which highlights nearly 100 camps and summer programs for area youngsters.  

Camps and programs include those found locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is free and open to the general public.

This year’s theme is “Variety,” and programs highlighted will include those focusing on sports, nature, science and technology, international travel and adventure, academics, language immersion, fine and performing arts and much more.

Camps that will be touched on include those with overnight programs, day-only offerings and traveling components.  

“[It] really is a wonderful resource for parents,” said West Mt. Airy resident and Chestnut Hill Academy parent Mairi Luce.

Luce, the event chair, touted the benefits of the fair, saying it’s a chance for locals to find out about a whole host of summer camping opportunities, those both traditional and nontraditional.

Luce said the fair is the largest of its kind in the entire city in terms of the sheer number of vendors participating and the number of families reached, which include those from the nearby suburbs as well as those from Philadelphia.

In addition to its educational component, the event will also offer food, refreshments and activities in which visitors can partake.

Luce said one may wonder why, in this digital age, when folks can find information on just about anything with the click of a mouse, an in-person camp fair is doing so well.

“I think when you’re talking about your kids …. even in a day camp situation, certainly in an overnight situation, you really want to know who’s running the show and what their philosophy is–have a chance to ask questions … and this is the opportunity to do that,” she said.

The Internet simply can’t compete with that face-to-face interaction, she said.

For more information, including a list of the participating camps and directions, visit the event’s Web site or call 267-825-4731.