Mercersburg Summer Programs is all about having fun while improving your skills as an athlete, performer, or student. Nestled in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, not far from the Tuscarora Mountains, our beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for a variety of summer experiences that you won't soon forget. Each June and July, kids and teens from across the country and around the world come to Mercersburg to take part in programs that range from theater and swimming to squash and lacrosse.
Remember that campers do not make or receive phone calls, except in emergencies/urgent situations. This helps us create a unique atmosphere and foster independence. Telephone calls from home tend to distract campers from the camp program and break the momentum of camp, and they can spur major episodes of homesickness. Instead, you are welcome to send a postcard before camp starts so that your camper receives it while they are on campus, or send an email (with your camper's name in the subject line) to summerprograms@mercersburg.edu — we will print and deliver a copy of the email to them.
Choosing an overnight program brings excitement and nervousness, particularly if the choice involves a first-time experience or a new location. Overnight experiences offer young people multiple opportunities to develop their identity, gain personal responsibility, and increase their self-esteem through independent decisions and actions. All Mercersburg Summer Programs participants stay in dormitories complete with air conditioning, carpeted hallways, tiled bathrooms, and private shower areas. Floors are divided by gender. Counselors stay in the dorms as well, and their open-door policy ensures comfort and safety for every attendee. An emphasis on respect, courtesy, and cooperation enables campers to live and thrive with others to make dorm life enjoyable for all.
The Mercersburg Academy campus features 300 acres of expansive athletic fields, farmland, and state-of-the-art facilities. Our buildings include academic spaces, an arts center, a library, an athletics complex, dorms, and more.
Goodbye advice — when to say farewell to your child
We have a quick separation of campers from parents at our opening ceremonies, so if you want to impart wisdom/warnings/goodbyes, we encourage you to do so before the opening ceremony starts.
Lasting impact — developing identity and personal responsibility through overnight camp
Overnight experiences offer young people multiple opportunities to develop their identity, gain personal responsibility, and increase their self-esteem through independent decisions and actions.
Safety approach — supportive environment for challenge and growth
All of our adventures are supervised to varying degrees. Young people need the opportunity to succeed and even to struggle, with the knowledge that they are tackling challenges within a supportive environment.
Programs overview — coed, ages 9–16, day and overnight options
Mercersburg Summer Programs are coed, with both day and overnight options for ages 9-16. Hundreds of participants gather here every summer to enjoy our programs. No matter what your interests are, there is a Mercersburg Summer Program for you!
Financial aid — available for eligible families, inclusive fees
Our program fee covers everything—all activity choices, events, trips, meals, camp shirt, and backpack. There are no extra charges, and tuition assistance is available for eligible families. Our financial assistance provides students displaying strong desire, high merit, and financial need the opportunity to attend our programs.
Food — no outside food, snacks provided, dining hall options
Campers may not bring any outside food or beverages to campus. Participants get plenty of food, snacks, and beverages, and our dining hall provides vegetarian and gluten-free options. We supply all snacks, refreshments, and a little money to spend at amusement parks and baseball games. In addition, if toothpaste, SPF 30, bug spray, or other essentials run low, we will provide those items.
Food & dietary — balanced meals, vegetarian and gluten-free options
Campers at Mercersburg Summer Programs enjoy a variety of food that hits the spot before, during, and after a busy day. Our food is nutritiously balanced, and our kitchen staff are sensitive to dietary needs and preferences. All meals include a main entree, side dishes, salad/sandwich bar, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a fruit station.
Parent communication — 24/7 office line, Instagram/Facebook, photo galleries
Communication for parents of campers includes 24-hour access to Mercersburg Summer Programs staff via phone. Regular updates are posted on our Instagram and Facebook pages, and parents receive access to online photo galleries that share a glimpse of what we're doing. During camp, the main office line, 717-328-6225, is monitored 24 hours a day when summer programs are in session. Please do not hesitate to call (day or night) if you need anything or if there is an urgent message you need to get to us or to a camper. We want parents to feel relaxed and at ease.
