2024 marks the 21st summer that ACA, Keystone Regional camps have supported military families in meeting the challenges of active duty and deployment by offering their children tuition-free camp experiences. This program is coordinated by ACA, Keystone Regional and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Family Readiness Office at Biddle Air Guard base in Horsham, PA. Over the years, camps have collectively donated nearly $1 million in camp tuition, enabling hundreds of children to attend camp.
In 2003, the U.S. was involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, National Guard members were called to active duty on short notice, disrupting their families’ lives. Camp directors in Eastern Pennsylvania recognized the need to support these families and provide their children with a safe, fun summer while their parents were away. This led to the creation of Operation Summer Camp, which remains the only program of its kind in the country.
As of 2024, Operation Summer Camp has expanded to include 13 residential camps, and 8 day camps, including camps from Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. This year, 31 campers received full or discounted camperships for a total value of over $100,000.
On behalf of military families and children, Operation Summer Camp extends heartfelt thanks to the following donating camps:
Residential Camps
- Camp Susquehannock, Brackney, PA
- Camp Oneka, Tafton, PA
- Camp Shohola, Greeley, PA
- International Gymnastics Camp, Stroudsburg, PA
- YMCA Camp Kresge, White Haven, PA
- Camp Conquest, Denver, PA
- Camp Netimus, Greeley, PA
- Pine Forest Camp, Greeley, PA
- Camp Timber Tops, Greeley, PA
- Lake Owego Camp, Greeley, PA
- Camp Weequahic, Lakewood, PA
- Lake Greeley Camp, Greeley, PA
- Camp LeMar, Lackawaxen, PA
Day Camps
- Elbow Lane, Warrington, PA
- Camp Meadowbrook, Jenkintown, PA
- Dean Adventure Camp, Haverford, PA
- Southampton Day Camp, Southampton, PA
- Rainbow Academy Day Camp, Ivyland, PA
- Camp NAC, Newtown, PA
- JCC Harrisburg Day Camp, Harrisburg, PA
- YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, PA
Information about camp participation in Operation Summer Camp 2025 will be available after the first of the year. Operation Summer Camp relies on the generous donations of camps to make this program possible. New camps are encouraged to join so that more military children, even outside the Eastern Pennsylvania area, can enjoy the summer camp experience. Many thanks to participating camps for their ongoing support of military families.
Have questions about Operation Summer Camp?
Contact OSC coordinator, Barbara Dohner, at babsdohner@gmail.com.