A Week of Discovery and Connection: Palmyra Outdoor Education at Camp Swatara
Each year, Palmyra students step out of the classroom and into the woods for a powerful five-day Outdoor Education experience at Camp Swatara. Designed to combine curriculum-based learning with relationship-building and personal growth, this immersive program continues to be a cornerstone of Palmyra’s educational journey.
So, what motivates Palmyra’s educators and administration to continue offering this unique opportunity? The answer is simple: impact. Outdoor Education provides students with valuable hands-on learning in science, personal development, and leadership. For many students, it’s their first extended time away from home, a chance to stretch their independence and confidence. The natural setting of Camp Swatara offers a dynamic environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves and support one another in the process.
Over the course of the week, students who may have sat beside each other for years in a classroom setting—sometimes without ever truly connecting—begin to build real relationships. Whether it’s through living in cabins, team-building recreation, or shared experiences in the field, the bonds formed at Camp Swatara often carry far beyond the week. Teachers often note how these connections change the atmosphere back at school and are fondly remembered well into graduation.
“This program shows students that they’re more alike than different,” one leader shared. “Some who may not thrive in traditional academic environments shine out here—and often help lead their peers in ways we don’t always see in school. It’s a transformative experience.”
Camp Swatara isn’t just a venue—it’s the foundation of the program itself. From its natural beauty and flexible facilities to its accommodating staff and continued improvements, Camp Swatara provides exactly what Palmyra’s Outdoor Education program needs to succeed. The program was not just placed here—it was built around this place.
“We looked at other options over the years,” the team explained. “But no other location matches what we’ve found here. This camp is our program.”
Camp Swatara is proud to be a trusted partner in helping shape the lives of these students, year after year—creating memories, inspiring growth, and cultivating a love for learning in the great outdoors.
