There is great mission alignment between our two organizations as we each seek to promote positive and reciprocal community engagement. The Y has deep experience in running safe, high-quality, and fun youth and recreational programs and will add tremendous value to Serendipity. The camp will be run by highly qualified and experienced professional staff, with built-in health and safety protocols, and new programs and activities. This partnership also enables us to accommodate a larger group of campers starting at age 4 (previously age 6) and to extend the day from 7 am until 6 pm which we hope will add convenience for working families.
The Marilou Allen Office ofService and Community Collaboration
Serendipity Day Camp
Serendipity Day Camp channels the community-centered spirit of camp founder Marilou Allen, Director of Haverford’s 8th Dimension community service office (now the Marilou Allen Office for Service and Community Collaboration) for over 30 years, and a lifelong resident of Ardmore.
Summer 2024
Serendipity will return to the Haverford College campus in summer 2024, in partnership with the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. In this relationship, the YMCA will continue management of Serendipity, while the Marilou Allen Office of Service and Community Collaboration will continue serving as the liaison for the College and the community and promoting employment opportunities to Haverford students.
The Y has deep experience in running safe, high-quality, and fun youth and recreational programs. The camp is run by highly qualified and experienced professional staff, with built-in health and safety protocols, and engaging programs and activities.
This partnership enables us to accommodate a large group of campers starting at age 4 and offer very flexible hours, from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., which adds convenience for working families.
One of the most important aspects of this partnership is our shared commitment to access and affordability for families in Ardmore and other nearby communities - a longstanding feature of Serendipity. The Y offers robust financial aid to ensure families can participate regardless of their ability to pay.
Families interested in learning more, or reserving space, can visit https://philaymca.org/camp/haverford. Registration opens January 10, 2024 for those with YMCA family members and January 17, 2024 for all others.
If you have questions, please contact hc-serendipity [at] haverford.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are we partnering with the YMCA?
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When will Serendipity Day Camp be offered at Haverford College?
The camp will run from June 17 to August 16, 2024, with no camp the week of July 4.
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What is the weekly rate for Serendipity?
Members Early Bird: $345
Non-Members Early Bird: $405
Members (April 1—Summer): $355
Non-Members (April 1—Summer):- $420 -
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. Haverford College and the YMCA want to be sure that Serendipity is affordable for families regardless of their ability to pay. The YMCA offers a robust financial assistance program. Families seeking additional financial assistance may contact ejohnson3 [at] haverford.edu (Emily Johnson).
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What are the drop-off and pick-up hours?
The typical day for summer day camps is 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended hours are available from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (prior to the camp day) and from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (after pick-up). There is no additional charge for these extended hours.
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How many campers will be able to participate?
The partnership with the Y enables us to accommodate a larger group of campers. We are able to host 300 campers per week.
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How does the YMCA manage health and wellness needs?
The YMCA follows all medical standards set forth by the American Camp Association and follows laws and guidelines regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.