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, PBS39.org and PBS39 Passport. Or watch WLVT/It Camp weekdays from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. on WHYY-TV 12. Check your local listings to find PBS39/WLVT on your cable or satellite provider.

Educational Partners

SUPPORT VALLEY YOUTH HOUSE’S CAMP FOWLER THROUGH EITC FUNDING

Valley Youth House’s Camp Fowler virtual programming has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development to be eligible to receive Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funding.

EITC Process:  Entities authorized to do business in Pennsylvania who are subject to state tax can receive tax credits equal to 75% of their contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year for donations made to approved Educational Improvement Organizations (such as Valley Youth House). Tax credits increase to 90% of the contribution, if the business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years. Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution is made.

For more information on how to apply for Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) or how to direct your EITC dollars to VYH’s Camp Fowler, please contact:

• Christina Schoemaker, SVP Development & Marketing
  • cschoemaker@valleyyouthhouse.org, 610-820-066 x 1320
• Joe Lynch, VP Development & Marketing – Southeast PA
  • jlynch@valleyyouthhouse.org, 215-925-3180

Not eligible for EITC funding, but still want to support the young people that attend Camp Fowler? Donate HERE.

Learn more about Camp Fowler on our YouTube channel!