Summer Programs

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, to gain personal responsibility, and to increase their self-esteem through independent thoughts 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 athletic complex, dorms, and more. Take a virtual tour.

Our program fee covers everything—all activity choices, events, trips, meals, camp shirt, backpack, and water bottle. There are no extra charges; campers do not need snacks, care packages, or even personal spending money. 

Communication includes 24-hour access to office staff via phone. Because we want our counselors to be focused on caring for participants, we do not share contact information for all staff members. Regular updates are posted on our social channels, and parents receive access to online photo galleries that give a virtual look at what we are doing and where we are going. Campers are not permitted to have cell phones and are encouraged to write letters home that are mailed or sent via email.

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.

Safety is our priority at all times. Our grounds are patrolled 24 hours a day by campus safety personnel, access to dormitories is limited to summer participants, and all summer staff are required to receive full state and federal clearances as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Not only is our staff certified in CPR/AED, many also have first aid training.

Our Rutherford Health and Wellness Center is managed by a team of registered nurses, and we work closely with a local family practice for campers who may need additional care. There is also a full-time health services assistant available 24/7.

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, a vegetarian and gluten-free option, and a fruit station.

Around here, we understand that a great summer staff makes for great summer programs. Our staff are inventive, creative, and responsible people who truly love to work with kids. Our instructors—many of whom are Mercersburg Academy faculty—are not only experts in their fields, but also experts at making learning fun. Mercersburg Summer counselors are typically college students or youthful teachers who have a zest for working with kids and teens.

Our participant-to-staff ratio ensures that the staff can direct their focus on the unique needs and development of every camper. Staff preparation includes safety management and interpersonal skills focused on dealing with homesickness and other camper issues. We put a special focus on training to ensure that all staff are prepared to handle anything that comes their way.