Camp Pennbrook is an all-inclusive weight loss and fitness camp for girls ages 8 – 21. Program packages range from 14 to 49 days during the summer months and include accommodations, meals, counseling, fitness activities, and excursions. The facilities include spacious dormitories, gym and fitness centers, an Olympic-sized indoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, and 4 multi-use athletic fields. During their time at the property, girls are encouraged to lose weight, learn healthy eating habits, and have fun. Camp Pennbrook is located in the historic countryside of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Accommodations
All Camp Pennbrook guests are housed in modern dormitories with rooms shared by 2 or 4 girls. These indoor accommodations are fully air conditioned and weatherproof. Lavatories and showers are easily accessible to all rooms. During the regular school year, these same dorms are occupied by the boarding students of Delaware Valley University.
Fitness
Camp Pennbrook has a strong focus on both indoor and outdoor fitness. Group exercise classes take place every day and include:
Zumba
Step
Aerobics
Kickboxing
Bootcamp
Yoga
Hip hop
Team building sports include volleyball, soccer, softball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, and kickball. Opportunities for hiking and swimming take place daily. There is an Olympic sized indoor pool, as well as an indoor fitness facility.
Fitness and exercise are priorities at Camp Pennbrook. The schedule allots for several periods of mandatory physical activities each day. The goal of Camp Pennbrook is to help girls achieve weight loss through exercise and diet.
Food
The nutrition program at Camp Pennbrook is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “My Plate.” Three meals are offered each day, along with an afternoon and evening snack. The meal plan emphasizes portion control and low-fat choices. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains is encouraged.
A pre-set, portion-controlled menu is provided every day. Meals are meant to be simple but satisfying. A salad bar is always available during lunch and dinner. There is no prerequisite for organic, locally sourced, gluten free, or vegetarian options. All camp residents are afforded the same choices.
It is the intention of Camp Pennbrook to help girls learn about making healthy food choices. A counselor evaluates each guest upon arrival and helps her create an eating plan to accomplish specific weight loss goals. In most cases, girls are advised on how to decrease their calorie intake and choose low-fat foods. Nutritionists provide each camper with a book of recipes to take home at the end of her stay.
Extras
There are many extracurricular and social activities provided at Camp Pennbrook. Examples include:
DJ dance parties
Karaoke
Beach parties
Casino night
Color run
Master chef
Fashion show
Campfires
Charades
Scavenger hunts
A weekly “Rap Session” brings together campers with counselors to discuss nutrition topics. Cooking classes are offered so that girls learn to prepare their own healthy meals at home.
Off-campus excursions are also part of the Camp Pennbrook experience and often include concerts, Broadway shows, amusement parks, whitewater rafting, and NYC shopping. For the 2020 summer session, off-campus excursions include:
Musician Harry Styles
Moulin Rouge on Broadway
Mrs. Doubtfire on Broadway
Location
Camp Pennbrook is located on the campus of Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, PA. The area is known for its rolling countryside and comfortable summers. It is less than 1 hour from Philadelphia International Airport and slightly over 2 hours to New York City. Airport transportation is not provided by the camp, but most major car rental companies are available in Philadelphia or New York. Uber is also an option.
Pricing & 2023 Schedule
Camp Pennbrook costs approximately $1,500 per week. It is an all-inclusive weight loss and fitness camp, meaning all meals, board, and activities are included in that cost. (Certain off-campus excursions may cost extra.)
Pennbrook offers several package options lasting between 7 and 35 days. This summer, the 2023 dates are June 17 through July 30. Specific program dates and prices are listed here:
Pre-Camp: June 17 – June 25, 2023 ($1,500)
35-Day Summer Session: June 25 – July 30, 2023 ($7,725)
28-Day Summer Session: June 25 – July 23, 2023 ($6,200)
21-Day Summer Session: June 25 – July 16, 2023 ($4,625)
21-Day Summer Session: July 9 – July 30, 2023 ($4,625)
14-Day Summer Session: July 16 – July 30, 2023 ($3,100)
Camp Pennbrook offers early registration, referral, sibling, and alumni discounts.
Summary
Camp Pennbrook is the only exclusively female weight loss camp in the United States. It is designed for girls ages 8 – 21 who want to lose weight, learn healthy eating habits, and have fun exercising. Individual counseling ensures that each girl enjoys camp with specific achievement goals.
Parents and youth looking for a girls-only weight loss camp experience with indoor accommodations and modern facilities would be wise to check out Camp Pennbrook.