Summer camp for girls has been reimagined at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School in Lower Gwynedd, with the addition of Camp Inspire to its renowned athletic camps and Triple Threat Theater camp.
Camp Inspire is a one-of-a-kind STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) camp that builds confidence and leadership by creating art or engineering-related projects in a series of one-week summer camps for girls in grades six through eight.
Campers can choose either the art or STEM program, in addition to participating in the confidence camp component. The confidence curriculum offers meaningful activities and discussions to boost self-esteem and celebrate the participants’ unique strengths while making friends and learning to take risks.
Now entering its fourth year, not only is Camp Inspire an affordable full-day, four-day camp, but it also offers need-based scholarships — making this camp accessible for all.
Art Program Options:
- Week One: The Art of Power Portraits
- Week Two: Superstar Stenciling & Printmaking
- Week Three: Make Your Own Musical
STEM Program Options:
- Week One: Engineering Camp — The Science of Making Sound (special promotion: material fees waived for Week One)
- Week Two: Music Video Studio
- Week Three: Hackers Beware — Cybersecurity Challenge
Addressing the Confidence Gap
Anita Roberson, Leader of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice at Gwynedd Mercy, highlights the importance of supporting girls’ confidence: “Many people do not realize that a girl’s confidence drops by as much as 30 percent between their tween and teen years, while a boy’s confidence increases by 300 percent,” she said.
The camp aims to help girls stay focused on their interests and maintain positive beliefs about themselves, especially in non-traditional career fields.
“At Gwynedd, we recognize that we have incredible STEAM resources that many students in the Greater Philadelphia area do not have access to throughout the school year,” said Roberson.
Daily Camp Structure
Each day at Camp Inspire is divided into two parts:
- Morning: Focuses on the chosen STEAM or Art activity.
- Afternoon: Focuses on strengthening self-esteem and confidence.
The confidence-building sessions are based on The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, along with Gwynedd’s own curriculum that includes readings, case studies, videos, and group discussions on identity, self-esteem, failure, and risk-taking.
Role of Camp Inspire Counselors
Current Gwynedd Mercy students serve as Camp Inspire counselors. These students lead group sessions and daily challenges, fostering respect, kindness, and friendship among the campers.
Facilities and Activities
Camp Inspire utilizes Gwynedd Mercy’s STEM Labs, Performing Arts Center, Art Studio, and modern Learning Commons, which offers indoor and outdoor areas for collaboration, demonstrations, and performances. The camp activities also emphasize skills such as public speaking, journal writing, and negotiating.
Commitment to Community
Camp Inspire not only supports local students, but also aims to extend its reach to middle school girls from the Greater Philadelphia area who lack access to quality STEAM programs. The camp aligns with Gwynedd Mercy’s mission to harness the power of community, education, and women’s empowerment.
What You Need To Know: Camp Inspire
- Duration: Weekly session options from June 24 to late July.
- Capacity: Each session is limited to 16 students.
- Time: 8 AM-5 PM, Monday-Thursday
- Cost: $275/week (plus materials fee, if applicable)
- Application: Students can apply for up to two different week-long camps.
- Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available.
How to Apply to Camp Inspire
It’s not too late to sign up! Applications are open, but space is limited and some programs are almost full. Interested students are encouraged to apply now.
Camp Inspire offers a unique opportunity for girls to explore STEAM fields, build confidence, and develop leadership skills in a supportive and enriching environment.
