Camp LINDEN
The mission of Camp Linden is to introduce low-income children to the wonders of nature. Every summer we operate a free summer program for children from low-income neighborhoods at our idyllic property on the Brandywine in rural Chester County. Our partners bring groups of 5-12 year-olds for a for six-week program of environmental education and swimming. Society members enjoy related programming, social outings to the property, and volunteer opportunities. Learn more about the camp's curriculum below.
Environmental Education
Buses arrive at 10 to 10:30 A.M. and depart at 3 P.M. Each group (up to 55 children) is divided into four sections, each of which is assigned a “Guide” who is with them for the entire day. In the morning two sections go to the pool for swimming lessons and free swim and the other two rotate through the activities program. At midday they have an hour for lunch and free play, and then switch places. Before the campers depart we have an all-camp meeting to review the accomplishments of the day and sing the Camp Linden song. Each week has a different theme:
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Week 1: Plant basics/Chickens.
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Week 2: Pollination/Bugs/Toads
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Week 3: Trees/Soil/Fossil Fuel/Solar Energy
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Week 4: Wade in the Brandywine
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Week 5: Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash)
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Week 6: Review, evaluation and celebration
Camp Linden Resources
We provide our partners with a list of videos and other resources which are available for free on the internet to prepare their campers for each weekly lesson. Links to the resources will be updated here shortly.
Facilities
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Main Cabin: the cabin has a covered porch and a deck with two picnic tables. A large meeting room is used as the camp office during the summer. The cabin also includes the caretaker's residence.
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Overnight Sleeping Cabin: a 12' x 30' sleeping area can accommodate up to 14 beds. A separate 8' x 10' area can accommodate 2 beds. The cabin has a 12' x 16' covered porch. During the camp season the cabin is used as a nature center.
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Artist Cabin: a 12' x 24' sleeping area can accommodate up to 6 beds. The cabin has a 6' x 24' screened porch overlooking a yard with a picnic table.
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Swimming Pool: a 30' x 75' pool from 3' to 10' deep. Pool house with separate facilities for men and women.
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Gardens: a raised bed organic vegetable garden. There is also a butterfly garden at the entrance of the Nature Center.
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Picnic Grove: equipped with picnic tables, fire ring and grills.
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Bathhouse: equipped with showers and separate facilities for men and women.
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Trails: several short walking trails meander through our woods.
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Brandywine Creek: camp property borders on the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek. Always good for wading and exploring. Generally deep enough for canoeing and tube floating. Canoes and tubes can be rented at nearby Northbrook Canoe Company.
Rental Information
For more information on facilities, availability and rental rates, telephone 484-643-0484 or email rentals@camplinden.org.
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