DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Chester County families gathered at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) on Thursday, January 23, 2025, for the 13th annual Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair. The event, free and open to the public, provided a valuable opportunity for parents and children to plan ahead for the summer season by exploring a wide range of camp and activity options in one convenient location.
Sponsored by the Children’s Fund of Chester County (CFCC) and CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services, the fair featured nearly 50 vendors, including representatives from traditional camps, arts programs, sports organizations, and educational activities. Approximately 200 attendees enjoyed interactive experiences, building connections with vendors while learning about the various summer opportunities available.
“We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout as families planned ahead for summer,” said Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the CCIU. “Events like this one strengthen the Chester County community by bringing together families and the organizations that serve them. Parents could explore a variety of different summer programs while meeting face-to-face with the people who would be enriching their children’s lives this summer through arts, sports, and educational activities.”
Participants praised the event’s accessibility and efficiency. “This event was just fantastic. I made some really great connections tonight,” said Tara Thistlethwaite, a first-time attendee and local parent. “My oldest child and I sat together and picked out the camps that she wanted me to talk to and that’s what I did,” she said, noting that the comprehensive list of camps available online beforehand made planning easier.
For many families, the event has become a staple of their summer preparations. “This is our third year attending and this event is nice for getting a quick overview of a lot of camps in one evening, as opposed to having everything spread out across several websites,” shared Bradley Bailey, another parent. “It’s a great night and the kids love it!”
The event also brought benefits to vendors seeking to connect with local families. Derek Rodner, a representative from the esports organization Uplink, called the fair a “one-stop shop” for connecting with parents. “The best part about attending events like this is getting a chance to talk to the parents and see the kids light up when they see all of the different experiences they can have,” he said.
Longstanding vendors echoed this sentiment. “My camp has been attending this event for more years than I can remember,” remarked Maria Tesone of the Brandywine School of Wizardry, explaining that many of the camp’s participants discover it through the fair each year.
The evening concluded with interactive activities, upbeat music, and giveaways, including gift cards and tickets to local attractions. Organizers and attendees alike celebrated the fair as a meaningful way to energize the community and prepare for a summer filled with enriching opportunities.
Learn more about our Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair or see the list of vendors at www.cciu.org/summer-adventures.
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