Parent Info & FAQ’s
Are you registered for Summer Camp and ready to find out more?
You’ve come to the right place! Please read all of the information on this page as it will assist you and your camper in preparing for your time at Camp Swatara. Still have questions? Reach out to our Program Manager by email or by calling the camp office at (717)933-8510.
Still need to get registered?
Before Coming to Camp.
Pack your bags! Not sure what to bring? Check out the packing checklist HERE.
Review Camp Swatara’s Summer Camp Policies with your camper
Get excited for an awesome experience at Camp Swatara!
Registration and Cancellation Policy
There is a $40.00 service fee for all returned checks, in addition to remaining balance(s).
Overnight camps require a $50, non-refundable, deposit to register each camper
Camp tuition cancelled prior to May 15th will be entitled to a full-refund, less the non-refundable deposit
Camp tuition cancelled after May 15th and up to two weeks before the camp session will be entitled to a Camp Swatara credit, less the non-refundable deposit, to use toward a future camp or program
Camp tuition cancelled less than two weeks before the camp session will forfeit any refund or credit option
Registration, Camper Pick-Up and Pricing
Campers grade is based off of the grade they just completed in the previous school year.
Camper Registration and Pick-Up times: Please make sure your camper is on time. We don’t want them to miss a moment of there Camp Swatara experience!
Meals
Chef Jerry has created menus for the summer staff. Please remember that all menus may be subject to changes based on program activities. If you have any questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Chef Jerry at foodservice@campswatara.org prior to the start of camp. Menu are subject to change.
Big & Small – June 6 – 7, 2025
Monarch 1 – June 8 – 12, 2025
Eureka – June 15 – 19, 2025
Mountainside – June 15 – 19, 2025
Creative Arts – June 22 – 26, 2025
Maples – June 22 – 26, 2025
Monarch II – June 29 – July 3, 2025
Musical – July 12 – 19, 2025
Sprouts – July 20 – 22, 2025
Saplings, Games & Sports & Wet & Wacky Day Camps – Bring your own lunch.
Camp Swatara is a Nut & Tree Nut Free facility. Staff/Volunteers are allowed to have set items in the Staff Room Only!
No Campers are permitted to bring food items containing nuts or tree nuts.
DIETARY NEEDS | Food Allergies Questionnaire
Resident Camp Policies
For the welfare of our campers
Camp Swatara strives to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for campers to explore relationships with one another, God and creation. There are certain guidelines that campers are expected to follow while participating in programs offered at Camp. Please review the information below before making the decision to send your camper to Camp Swatara.
Campers are expected to cooperate and participate in all activities of camp.
Campers are not permitted to leave camp mid week and then return to the program. If a camper chooses to leave, he/she is not permitted to return to camp later that same week.
Clothing, including swim suits, is expected to be modest. Bikinis and men’s speedo briefs are not permitted. Two piece girls’ suits are permitted so long as no midriff is showing. Girls’ shirts should be modest and should not include halter tops or spaghetti straps. T-shirt designs and writing should not be suggestive or in poor taste.
Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals must have a back strap. Flip flops are only permitted in the bathroom or cabin and on the pool deck.
Campers are not permitted to use the camp phone or a cell phone. Use of these items disrupts the community formed during the week of camp.
The following items are not permitted at camp:
Electronic devices (including cell phones, pagers, digital cameras, etc.)
Food, candy, gum, soft drinks
Alcohol, tobacco products
Weapons, pocket knives, fireworks
Inappropriate reading material
Call Camp prior to registration if you have any questions regarding these policies.
A Note to Parents
For your child to receive the most from camp, and to limit distractions to the camping program and other campers, it is important that your child stay the entire week. When registering for camp, check your calendar to avoid conflicts with sporting events, family vacations, & other previous commitments. Times for camps are listed in the brochure. Select a week that allows your child to spend the entire time with us from registration through closing.
Camperships
Camperships may be available to qualifying families through Camp Swatara. As well, many individual churches also aid their campers in attending Camp programs with the Good as Gold program.
Directions
The main entrance to Camp Swatara is located at:
2905 Camp Swatara Road
Bethel PA 19507
After entering camp under the archway follow these directions to find your camper’s registration area.
East Lodge
After crossing the small bridge stay to the left at the Y intersection. Drive through the woods turn and turn left into the first gravel parking lot. The East Lodge will be straight ahead.
Family Campground
After crossing the small bridge, stay to the right at the Y intersection. Drive past the Family Campground Store and stay on the pavement road until you reach the Fellowship Hall and ballfield. Park on the edge of the ballfield.
West Lodge
After crossing the small bridge stay to the left at the Y intersection. Drive through the woods and past the East Area, East Lodge and parking lot. Pass another driveway on your right for the North Lodge and continue through the woods. You will then come to an open parking area and the West Lodge will be to your right.
Camp Store
Each camper will be given an opportunity to visit the Camp store once during their camping experience. This is a cashless experience. We also encourage all camper families to swing by the Camp Swatara Store or visit our online store.
STORE LOCATION: Enter under the Camp archway and after enjoying our lake on your right, you’ll come to our bridge. Cross the bridge and veer right to head into the Campground and the Family Campground Store is immediately on your left.
Rockpile T-Shirts? Hammocks? Cozy Camp Swatara Hoodies? Or maybe a Camp Swatara stuffed animal and water bottle! No matter what you choose, we hope you enjoy your time at the Camp store.
Load Money onto your Camper(s) Store Account
Summer Camp Offering Project
Thank you for deciding to donate to Camp Swatara’s Donation Project!
This year, all proceeds will go to the Camp Swatara
Our theme for summer 2025, Another Way.
Contacting Your Camper
There are two great ways to stay in touch with your camper during their stay here at Camp Swatara!
*Please note: In order to maintain the community formed during a week of camp, campers are not able to call or email home. In case of emergency, please contact the camp office in order to connect with your camper.
1. Camper Email
Send your camper an email right from your registration account. Follow This Link and login to your registration (CampWise) account. From there you can activate one way emails (one time fee per account) and send emails to your camper!
2. “Snail” Mail
Send letters or postcards to your camper using the following address format:
Camper Name
Camp Attending
2905 Camp Swatara Road
Bethel PA 19507
*Fill in “Camp Attending” with the name of the camp, Big & Small or Mountainside depending on where your camper is staying.
Make sure to send envelopes, postcards, writing utensils and stamps if your camper would like to send a note home!
