COLLEGE SETTLEMENT
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Mission Statement
The mission of College Settlement, and the Summer Camps at College Settlement is to provide environmental education and camping programs to young people from the greater Philadelphia area – regardless of economic circumstances- in order to foster personal growth and prepare them to make a positive impact on the world.
About This Cause
The College Settlement of Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization with a long history of serving children and families from the greater Philadelphia area. College Settlement was started in 1892, part of the settlement house movement in poor urban communities throughout the United States in the late 19th Century. The settlement houses were often managed by college educated women helping immigrant families assimilate into urban life. The settlement workers provided language classes, financial literacy, healthcare, childcare and even operated a bank and library branch right at the settlement house in South Philadelphia. In 1922, property was acquired on Witmer Road in Horsham Township. Originally called the Farm Camp, it was a place to get out of the city, farm the land and breathe the fresh air of what was then rural Montgomery County. In 1950 land directly across Witmer Road was bequeathed for the day camp. College Settlement now manages 235 acres in Horsham (and over 75 acres in the Poconos north of Bloomsburg) that include over 35 structures, a lake, two swimming pools, an environmental center, a community based farm, and our adventure challenge course – an activity that is designed to encourage leadership, communication skills, and social development within a group. We have continuously served children from Philadelphia as well as the surrounding counties with summer camping programs for more than 90 years. Day camp and overnight camp are in session from the middle of June to the end of August. We hire over 80 seasonal staff, including international students that bring a culturally rich experience for our campers. The camper’s day is filled with activities that include our award winning biking program, swimming lessons, hiking, rock climbing, high and low ropes, life sports, crafts, canoeing and much more. We offer our campers a safe place to enjoy the outdoors, learn about themselves and the environment, gain positive self esteem and develop leadership skills. It is a valuable experience. During the spring and fall, public and private schools from the surrounding school districts participate in the Outdoor School Program– a residential, environmental education program for 3rd – 8th grades, enhancing classroom learning with an outdoor, hands-on experience. Lessons in the biological sciences, earth and space sciences and physical sciences are filled with interesting and fun activities. We strive to provide financial support for Philadelphia (Title 1) public and charter schools to attend through fundraising, and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). The Outdoor School is a qualifying educational improvement program. Our program fees are based on an individual’s ability to pay, and we offer a substantial amount of financial assistance/scholarships. Therefore, we actively seek to expand our networks of financial support which currently includes individual giving, foundation and corporate grants, United Way donor designated funds, employer matching funds and fundraising events.