Bethlehem, PA (6/12/20) – The health and well-being of the youth and families served by Valley Youth House, as well as our staff and community, is of paramount concern. Due to the circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Valley Youth House has made the difficult decision to not hold in-person programming at Camp Fowler this summer.

Although camp will not be held as we know it, Valley Youth House is extremely excited to announce a partnership with PBS39 to broadcast the Camp Fowler experience to millions of households in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland.

It’s Camp! will be a daily 30-minute program featuring STEM, STEAM, Literacy, Nutrition, Leadership and Nature activities – all designed for youth ages 8-14 to watch and participate in from their homes. Youth will be able to virtually ride the bike trail, fish in the creek, learn how to grow and cook their own vegetables, and even enjoy a campfire, sponsored by Martin Guitar, to close out the week!

It’s Camp! will present family-friendly activities that can be done at home. Viewers will be able to check out the PBS39 website for lists of materials to gather from around the house for most activities.

It’s Camp! will be filmed at Valley Youth House’s Camp Fowler and will feature educational organizations including the DaVinci Science Center, Wildlands Conservancy, ArtsQuest, The Boy Scouts of America, and others.

“We think this is an exciting prospect and a great service to provide to both the Lehigh Valley and across the state,” said Yoni Greenbaum, Chief Content Officer, Lehigh Valley Public Media.

“I’m very excited to work with all of our amazing partners and bring a virtual Camp Fowler experience into not only the homes of the families we work with, but so many homes in our region. Kids need ideas and challenges brought into their home that can then be taken outside to do with their families and friends. I miss all of the campers that come through Camp Fowler each summer and I hope “It’s Camp” can make them feel the magic that they felt when they were here at camp with us.” said Lori Hooper, Project Supervisor, Camp Fowler.

Watch a special preview on Monday, June 15th. It’s Camp! will then air 55 episodes beginning Monday, June 22 through August.  It will air live each weekday at 11:30am and will be available to view on PBS39, Facebook Live, PBS39.org and PBS39 Passport. Check your local listings to find PBS39/WLVT on your cable or satellite provider.

 

About Valley Youth House 

Valley Youth House (ValleyYouthHouse.org) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused and homeless youth. We partner with thousands
of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Emily Conners
Valley Youth House Development Officer
https://www.valleyyouthhouse.org/

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