A HAVEN FOR YOUNG ARTISTS in NORTHEAST PA SINCE 1964  •  NO PHONES OR SOCIAL MEDIA


A FINE & PERFORMING ART CAMP
FOR CREATIVE KIDS AND DIFFERENT THINKERS
THEATER, ART, DANCE & ROCK MUSIC

Camp Ballibay is a true haven for young people with a love for the arts, and a perfect choice for families seeking a safe, friendly, and creative art, music/rock, dance, or theater camp for their kids. We offer deep, engaging programs for young artists at all levels in a traditional summer camp setting. Young artists ages 8-16 come from all over North and South America, Europe, and Asia to spend 2-7 weeks on our pristine mountaintop campus in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Established in 1964, we have a long history as a diverse, tolerant, and safe camp for creative kids. Since 2011 we've been the #1-rated arts camp in North America, and in 2021 we were named one of the 9 best arts summer camps in the US.

Our 174-acre campus is beautiful and serene, and our creative environment is relaxed, fun, and genuine. We have outstanding facilities for theater, fine art, dance, and rock music. Campers choose their own activities, and our caring counselors, gifted artists themselves from all over the world, guide and teach them individually and in creative ensembles and bands. Our campus is spread out so that campers walk through nature every day. We work, play, eat, and rest well.

One of the reasons we are the #1 rated arts camp in North America is that we make sure that our vision and philosophy are a match with each and every child who comes to us.

We do not interview or audition children; rather, we attract kids and families who share our understanding of what an art, music, dance and theater camp can and should offer: Non-competitive, self-directed, process- and learning-oriented programs in a small, friendly community.

Our food is cooked from scratch using fresh, local ingredients, and our goal is to offer the best camp foodservice anywhere. You can read about our food in the New York Times. We offer great food for the picky eater and the adventurous palate alike.

Join us for a wonderful summer of nature and the arts!

ART CAMP

Our studios for Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Fibers & Hand Crafts, and Photography are open all day, staffed by talented teaching artists. We meet every student at his or her own level, from beginners to the most serious young artists. Learn more about our Art Camp.

DANCE CAMP

Our dance program is comprehensive, offering beginners a complete foundation, and unique opportunities for advanced and pre-professional dancers. We have daily ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and hip-hop classes; plus non-dance movement styles, dance films, and composition workshops. Learn more about our Dance Camp.

ROCK CAMP

For over 25 years, we’ve been a leader in rock music for kids. We offer instruction in guitar, bass, and drums for all campers, and two-week rock programs for experienced musicians with daily band practice and workshops, culminating in an amazing rock show! Learn more about our Rock Camp.

THEATER CAMP

A fun, process-oriented, ensemble theatre-making program that is great for campers of all ages and experience levels. Campers can fill their days with theater in our full-length plays and musicals, or try a small part in a one-act or staged reading. Learn more about our Theater Camp.

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We also offer great programs in film and video, vocal and instrumental music, and horseback riding; plus, sports and swimming are available daily. Learn more

GREAT FOOD

At the Ballibay Camps we believe in real food. We cook as much as possible from scratch and source our ingredients from the wonderful farms and local companies that surround us in the bountiful Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Learn more

"I can't say enough good things about Camp Ballibay. My kids have made amazing friends, look forward to going back each year, eat healthier than they do at home, and come back inspired, relaxed, happy and more mature. They have so many activities and fit so much in, without ever feeling rushed or stressed out! I am always amazed by that!  The facilities are great, without being too upscale so it doesn't feel like camp. The staff are creative in their own right, plus good with the kids. And the programs don't breed the kind of competitive, stomach-churning nonsense I was afraid a performing arts camp would. At all. I don't know how they do it...I'm just glad they do...and honored that my kids get to go. It will be one of the things I look back on as a parent, pat myself on the back, and say, "you did good by your kids.”

- PARENT