Child 1 Age 5 - 8 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Adventure (multi), Arts (multi), Ball Sports (multi)
(5) Overall experience
Before camp, Madison is always full of excitement and anticipation. She’s been attending Sunnyside Up Camp since she was 4 turning 5, and it’s truly become a part of her life she looks forward to every year. There’s a comfort and familiarity she feels with the camp and staff, which makes the transition into the summer routine seamless and joyful.
During her time at camp, she comes home buzzing with stories about science experiments, water games, and all the fun camp-wide activities. The staff at Sunnyside Up are absolutely amazing—attentive, fair, charismatic, and truly passionate about helping kids grow through a variety of experiences. Their ability to cultivate learning through play and interaction is something I deeply value as a parent.
After camp, I noticed how much Madison has grown, not just in skills, but emotionally and socially. Each year, she becomes more responsible and is eager to share her day's activities. She’s developed strong empathy, often stepping in to help new campers feel welcome and supported. It’s a reflection of the positive, nurturing environment the counselors create.
This experience means everything to me. Sunnyside Up isn’t just a camp—it’s an extension of our family. Knowing that Madison is surrounded by people who truly care for her and want to see her thrive brings immense peace of mind and gratitude.
Without hesitation, **I will always send Madison back to Sunnyside Up Camp.** It’s a place where she learns, grows, and belongs. Watching her flourish in that environment is one of the greatest gifts as a parent.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
What originally attracted us to Sunnyside Up Camp was its warm, welcoming environment and the variety of enriching activities offered, especially for younger children. When Madison was just 4 turning 5, I was looking for a place that felt safe, engaging and focused on more than just play—a camp that also encouraged learning and social growth. Sunnyside Up stood out immediately because of its incredible staff and its passion for cultivating all types of learning through fun, hands-on experiences like science projects, water games, and full camp-wide activities.
We chose this camp over others because of the staff. The counselors are attentive, fair, and full of charisma. It was clear from the beginning that they genuinely cared about the kids and took pride in creating a meaningful summer for them. That kind of energy and dedication is hard to find, and it made all the difference.
The experience has absolutely been worth the investment. Watching Madison grow more responsible, patient, and empathetic each summer is proof of the camp's lasting impact. There were no hidden costs that surprised us—everything has been very clear and well-organized from the beginning. The value we’ve received in return has far exceeded my expectations.
(5) Program quality and activities
One of the things I appreciate most about Sunnyside Up is how well the camp itinerary aligns with both my expectations and Madison’s interests. From hands-on science experiments to creative water games and large group activities, the programming is thoughtfully designed to be fun, engaging, and developmental. It’s clear the staff put a lot of effort into balancing learning with play, and Madison always comes home excited to talk about what she did that day.
She especially enjoys the science-based activities and the chances she gets to step outside her comfort zone in a supportive way—whether it’s trying something new during camp-wide games or helping lead an activity. These moments have been incredibly valuable in building her confidence and independence.
What really sets Sunnyside Up apart is how they understand and accommodate real family schedules. As a working parent, I can’t say enough how grateful I am for their before and after care program that runs until 6 p.m. Not many camps think about things like travel time, traffic, or weather delays, but Sunnyside does—and it makes all the difference. It shows they truly understand the needs of families and are committed to being reliable and supportive on all fronts.
The quality and effectiveness of the program is evident in how happy, safe, and confident Madison feels. From the detailed daily updates to the genuine care the counselors show each child, there’s no doubt that Sunnyside Up goes above and beyond to ensure an exceptional experience.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Madison has made lifelong friends because of Sunnyside Up. Every summer, she gets so excited to reunite with familiar faces, and those friendships have extended beyond camp into the school year as well. There’s a special bond that forms when children grow together in an environment that truly supports and nurtures them—and Sunnyside Up does just that. The camp fosters meaningful connections by encouraging teamwork, kindness, and inclusion in everything they do.
Madison has never experienced any bullying incidents at camp, which speaks volumes about the environment the staff creates. That said, I really appreciate how clear and fair Sunnyside’s bullying procedures are. Their commitment to a no-bullying environment is strong and non-negotiable, and it’s reassuring to know that they are proactive and serious about making every camper feel safe and supported.
(5) Skills and growth
Madison has grown so much through her time at Sunnyside Up. Over the years, I’ve seen her become more responsible, patient, and empathetic. One of the biggest takeaways has been her ability to work with others, help new campers feel included, and step up as a role model without being asked. These are qualities that have developed naturally through the supportive and nurturing environment at camp.
She’s also gained confidence by trying new things—whether it’s participating in camp-wide games, science experiments, or being encouraged by staff to take on something she might have felt unsure about at first. There have been plenty of moments where she’s stepped out of her comfort zone, and I know that’s because the staff believes in her and pushes her in the most positive, respectful way.
Sunnyside Up doesn’t just provide a fun experience—they build life skills that Madison carries with her long after summer ends. It’s a camp that fosters growth on every level, and I’m incredibly thankful for the way they help her flourish year after year.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The staff at Sunnyside Up is truly amazing—I honestly can’t say enough about how kind, attentive, and valuable they’ve been in helping Madison grow. As she’s gotten older, they’ve supported her in reaching personal goals and milestones in a way that feels both thoughtful and empowering. George, the camp director, is phenomenal. His leadership really shines through in how well-trained and compassionate the entire team is. They not only understand child development but also recognize that every camper is unique, meeting each one where they’re at.
What really stood out to me was how well the staff communicated. I always felt in the loop—they’d let me know how Madison did each day, whether she fell asleep on the bus, got a scraped knee, or was encouraged to try something brave she normally wouldn’t. That personal touch goes such a long way.
While we’ve never had any serious issues, it’s clear that conflicts would be handled with fairness and care. The management team is incredibly responsive and approachable, and it’s clear they prioritize the safety, well-being, and individual growth of every child.
(5) Advice and tips
There is absolutely no reason not to send your child to Sunnyside Up Camp. It’s more than just a camp—it’s a place that feels safe, nurtures growth and truly helps children develop into confident, kind individuals. The environment is warm, supportive, and so well-structured, making it a perfect fit for kids of all personalities and backgrounds.
One thing I especially love is that Sunnyside Up doesn’t just stop in the summer. They offer PA Day camps, March Break camps, and other programs during the year, which give kids the chance to reconnect with their friends and favorite counselors. It helps keep that special camp bond alive all year long.
If you’re considering this camp, my advice is simple: go for it. You’ll see the difference it makes in your child. I honestly can’t think of anything I wish I had known beforehand, because from day one, everything was clearly communicated and thoughtfully run. Sunnyside Up truly goes above and beyond in every way.
My kids are attending SunnySide Up camp since 2022 (for the last 4 years). We love it so much that we never thought of going anywhere else. We love the program structure, counsellors, and volunteers�...
Sunnyside Up Camp is a fabulous camp experience. The warm atmosphere created by the staff is unmatched. You leave in the morning feeling that you are part of a kind and inviting community and the co...
