About

About Paradise Farm Camps

A place where nature inspires and community grows.

Our Mission

The Children’s Country Week Association at Paradise Farm Camps inspires and empowers young people to become responsible citizens and lifelong stewards of their communities and the natural world. Through outdoor adventures, engaging school programs, and transformative summer camps, we foster personal growth, leadership, and a deep respect for others and the environment. We commit to ensuring that all children — regardless of background or family means — have access to these life-changing opportunities.

Our Vision

Rooted in our mission and history, we envision a future where:

  • Every child has the opportunity to explore and learn in nature.
  • Outdoor experiences are accessible and inclusive for all communities.
  • Young people develop the confidence, empathy, and leadership skills to strengthen their world.
  • Environmental stewardship is lived out through curiosity, care, and action.
  • Our camp remains a place where joy, growth, and belonging flourish for generations to come.

Our Values

At Paradise Farm Camps, youth development comes first. Whether through summer camp adventures, school programs, or group retreats, everything we do is designed to nurture the social, emotional, and personal development of those we serve.

We believe that outdoor experiences have the power to build character, strengthen relationships, and inspire a lifelong connection to nature and community. Our youth-development approach extends beyond childhood—helping students, educators, and groups of all ages discover new perspectives, practice leadership, and build stronger teams.

Our values guide every program, partnership, and decision:

  • Growth Through Experience: We design activities that challenge participants to think critically, collaborate, and learn through doing.
  • Belonging and Inclusion: Every child, student, and visitor deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and valued as part of our community.
  • Connection and Reflection: We encourage time in nature as a means to connect—with oneself, with others, and with the natural world.
  • Leadership and Stewardship: We cultivate responsibility, empathy, and care for our communities and environment.
  • Access and Equity: We work to ensure that outdoor and educational opportunities remain available to all, regardless of background or financial means.

These shared values unite all who come to Paradise Farm Camps—campers, students, teachers, and community members alike—and reflect our belief that meaningful growth happens when people engage deeply with nature and each other.

Our History & Legacy

Paradise Farm Camps was founded by the Children’s Country Week Association in 1875, one of America’s oldest youth-serving organizations. Born from a vision to bring fresh air, friendship, and outdoor learning to city children, CCWA’s early “country weeks” laid the foundation for generations of summer campers and school programs that continue to thrive today.

Over the last 150 years, Paradise Farm Camps has touched the lives of tens of thousands of children and families. Our legacy is one of inclusion, stewardship, and joy—a living tradition carried forward in every campfire song, every moment of courage on the trail, and every child who discovers their place in the natural world.

Who We Are

For 150 years, Paradise Farm Camps has been a place where children and adults learn, play, and grow together in the beauty of the natural world. Nestled on nearly 600 acres of preserved woodlands, meadows, and creeks in Chester County, Pennsylvania, we combine outdoor adventure with reflection and community-building — helping every participant connect to themselves, others, and the environment.

What We Do

Summer Camps

Our Day Camp and Overnight Camp programs provide unforgettable summer experiences that balance fun and challenge. Campers discover confidence, creativity, and connection through swimming, hiking, boating, arts, sports, and campfire traditions that inspire lasting friendships.

Outdoor School &
Educational Programs

During the school year, students and teachers visit for Ecology, Adventure, and Team-Building programs designed to deepen learning and strengthen classroom communities. Aligned with Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards, our lessons are led by professional outdoor educators who help students build knowledge, resilience, and teamwork skills through real-world exploration.

Retreats & Rentals

From leadership retreats to community gatherings, Paradise Farm Camps offers a welcoming environment for groups to reconnect with nature and one another. Our facilities include modern lodges, rustic cabins, hiking trails, and outdoor meeting spaces—all surrounded by the peaceful rhythms of the natural world.

What Makes Us Special

Paradise Farm Camps is more than just a camp—it’s a community built on purpose, connection, and growth. Every experience is grounded in our belief that time in nature transforms lives.

  • A Mission That Endures: We remain committed to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that cost never stands in the way of a child’s opportunity to grow.
  • A Living Classroom: Our 600-acre property is home to diverse ecosystems that offer endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and environmental education.
  • A Tradition of Character and Care: Generations of campers and students have learned courage, compassion, and teamwork through our programs—values that continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
  • A Dedicated Team: Our staff bring professional expertise, creativity, and heart to every activity, creating safe spaces for learning and belonging.

Join Us

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, alum, or supporter, there’s a place for you at Paradise Farm Camps.
Come see how nature inspires growth, leadership, and community—one child at a time.