Camp Cranberry returns for another memorable summer
With the school year in the rear view mirror, dozens of young people are slated to enjoy the outdoors for another summer of adventure, connection and learning as Camp Cranberry kicks off another season.
Hosted at Cranberry Township’s North Boundary Park, the weekly day camp is more than just a relaxing break from school. Each themed week is full of games, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures that help children build confidence, strengthen their social skills and learn to make decisions in a supportive and nurturing environment.
“It’s so much fun to give the kids activities, crafts and sports to do,” said Little Achievers Camp coordinator Kendall Bruns. “We all kind of come together, make new friends and just have a fun and educational summer.”
Bruns, who recently graduated from North Catholic High School and has plans to attend the Catholic University of America in the fall, has been a part of the camp for three years, but it’s her first time in a leadership role.
She has been busy over the last several months, planning the activities that best suit the Little Achievers Camp for 5-and-6-year-olds. Other camp counselors and directors lead the Mini Movers Camp for 3-and-4-year-olds, a Youth Camp for 6-and-8-year-olds and 9-12-year-olds and a Future Leaders Camp for 13-15-year-olds.
Each week brings a different theme and a number of activities that include games, snacks and crafts, all taking place around the park.
This week’s opening theme for the Little Achievers was Construction Week, which most notably included plenty of time at the Cranberry Township Waterpark Splash Pad and Crocodile Cove Playground.
“Every day, they’re sad when they have to go home,” she said. “I know a lot of them wish they could spend the whole year with us. They truly do enjoy it and you can see it when they come in every morning. When we play our games and do our crafts, they’re just so excited to be here and they love it all.”
Camp Cranberry runs for nine weeks through August, with the exception of Youth Camp, which runs for 10 weeks. Bruns said each week will be unique, but she’s looking forward to it.
“Every day is a little bit different, but it’s been great to get to know my staff and all of the campers,” she said. “(We’re) just trying to figure out all the ways that we can have the most fun and safe summer for the kids.”
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Teegan Wright works on a craft during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Ada Lang attempts to score in a game of soccer during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Nolan Gasiamis and Michael Doherty battle over possession of the ball during a game of soccer during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Stella Wilson throws the ball during a game of Four Square during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Stella Wilson throws the ball during a game of Four Square during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Greyson Silvestri gets possession of the ball during a game of soccer during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Wyatt Andrew kicks the ball past camp counselor Maxx Melnyk during a game of soccer during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Lyon Shazier loses a shoe during a game of soccer during the first week of Camp Cranberry at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
