Although it is still winter, parents can already start thinking about different activities that their children can enjoy this summer.

A new option for them to consider is Honey Brook Day Camp (HBDC), which will be offered to children in kindergarten through sixth grade in a six-week session at the Honey Brook Presbyterian Church. Discounted camp fees are available through the Chester County Children's Foundation to families that qualify.

HBDC is leasing the church facilities, which offer both indoor and outdoor space for camp activities. "They have this big educational facility with classrooms and a big dining hall and a full commercial kitchen and a great space to serve lunch and dinner. They also have a huge grassy field for outdoor activities," noted camp director Kim Minor, who has more than 25 years of experience in the educational field, including working as a school superintendent and an elementary school principal.

Camps will be held on weekdays from Monday, June 22 through Friday, July 31. Children may attend any number of weeks or all six weeks. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided, and before‑ and after-care options will be available for an additional fee.

Minor, who noted that planning for the newly formed camp has been ongoing for the past eight months, recently took part in a summer camp fair held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit. "We had a great response, and we've gotten registrations since," she noted. "People are really excited that there is a new place to go."

Minor noted that each week of the camp will highlight a different culture - Mexico, the United States, France, Kenya, China and India. Incorporated will be art, crafts, music, games, library time, outdoor play and field trips that focus on each of the countries.

Music, including singing and movement activities, will also be incorporated into camp life, and campers will have regular access to library time, where they can explore books connected to the week's culture, enjoy stories read aloud or read independently.

The camp will be "screen-free," meaning there will be no use of tablets or cellphones.

"My goal is to make it a top-tier camp," said Minor, emphasizing that the camp will focus on both indoor and outdoor activities. "A lot of camps offer hiking and mountain biking, which is awesome, but (HBDC) also fills the need for kids who want to go outside and play but are happy to be in an air-conditioned building during the day doing art and science experiments and reading. It will be a great, fun, safe and educational place for kids to be."

For more information about the camp, including registration fees, visit http://www.honeybrookdaycamp.org or follow "Honey Brook Day Camp" on Facebook and Instagram. For families paying the standard rate, a 10% discount will be offered to those who register by Sunday, March 1. HBDC is also offering a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for students entering grades seven to nine.

For families who participate in the National School Lunch Program and whose children receive free or reduced-cost lunch or who receive SNAP or TANF benefits, tiered pricing with substantial discounts will be subsidized by the Chester County Children's Foundation. Those with questions may call 610-596-0444 or email honeybrookdaycamp@gmail.com.