After 3 Years, Summer Camp at St. James Proves Successful

What began as a way to open the property to children in the neighborhood of Allegheny West, has turned into an outpouring of interest and support nationwide.

Groups from as far west as Portland, Oregon, to as far south as Greenville, North Carolina, come to Philadelphia just to spend a week at camp with us.

Counselors (City Camp) come to nurture and provide guidance to these wonderful children (Camp St. James).

The experience is not just fun—it is life-changing.

Sign up for City Camp 2012 today!

Spend a week in Youth Ministry at the heart of it all. Click here >

Summer Camp

Camp St. JamesCamp St. James

Camp St. James boy on slide

Reading & Learning • Music, Games & Crafts • Outdoor Activities & Challenges

Each day, children at Camp St. James will engage in exciting programs that are designed to teach the value of living in a healthy community, encouraging friendship and overall growth in hope and respect in oneself. A healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack will be provided.

Children entering 2nd - 5th grade

COST: $50 PER WEEK (PER CHILD)

City CampCity Camp

Conducted by the Diocesan Youth Office of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, City Camp is designed to help youth encounter God and connect with the Gospel through service. Offering the unique combination of a Christian summer camp with the life-changing experience of an urban mission, City Camp is a week-long adventure that creates strong bonds of community between its campers.

Designed for parish youth groups in grades 7 - 12 (with limited space for individuals) City Camp counselors are given the opportunity to share Jesus's love through work at St. James School and the greater community of Allegheny West in North Philadelphia. Youth engage in communal projects that include: community cleanup, construction and landscaping projects, serving at local food banks, cultural evening activities, and much more. City Camp is located at St. James School in the RAH Neighborhood of North Philadelphia. And yes youth really do camp on this beautiful island of green in Philadelphia.

The camp experience includes:

  • Lodging & Meals
  • Project Supplies
  • Evening Activities
  • City Camp t-shirt
  • Mission Site Leadership Training
  • Preparation and Debriefing Guides
  • Social Justice Training
  • Multisensory Times of Prayer and Worship

Participants begin the day at 7 a.m.; breakfast is at 7:45. After Morning Prayer, there are usually general gatherings to talk and prepare for the day's activities. Two service periods are scheduled before and after lunch. After dinner, there is free time or a planned activity or an outing. Small group reflections are followed by large group worship and prayer. Lights are out at 11 p.m. Adult leaders oversee the activities. As an essential part of City Camp, adults from all walks of life have found that the experience builds up their own faith and relationship with God.

For more information about City Camp contact Andrew Kellner, Canon for Youth Ministry, Diocese of Pennsylvania: andrewk@diopa.org – 215.627.6434 x120