Camp Starlight
Camp Starlight is a premier overnight summer camp in Pennsylvania offering a wide range of activities for children...
▌ Editor's read Camp Starlight is ACA accredited, with its accreditation expiring in 2025, as confirmed by the ACA's search tool. The camp has been operating for over 75 years, founded by Shirley and Jack Cohen, indicating a long-standing history in summer camping. They maintain a strong staff-to-camper ratio of 1:2, as stated on their 'About Us' page, which suggests individualized attention. The camp explicitly mentions that all staff undergo background checks and are CPR/First Aid certified, demonstrating a commitment to safety. Camp Starlight offers a comprehensive overnight program with a wide array of activities for campers aged 7-17, as detailed throughout their website.
Who thrives here Ages 7–15
Camp Starlight sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right overnight/sleepaway fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1951 (75 years)
- Operator
- Private business
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Published by camp see camp site →
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 7–15
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 151 Starlight Lake Road, Starlight, PA 18461
- Phone: (570) 798-2525
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: Tuition for the 2026 season is $17,150. An additional fee will be added for extended trips at the end of the summer for Upper Camp.
Runs 24-hour residential, 1 session (0 one-week, 1 multi-week block), from Jun 26 to Aug 13.
Sessions ⛓
Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.
- Session 1 Jun 26 – Aug 13, 2026 · 7 weeks · $17,150
↗ What parents like
- Wide range of activities
- Focus on growth and fun
↘ Watch for
- No online registration
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Starlight
- What ages does Camp Starlight accept?
- Camp Starlight is open to children ages 7–15. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Starlight cost?
- Camp Starlight publishes $2,285/week for the standard session. Tuition for the 2026 season is $17,150. An additional fee will be added for extended trips at the end of the summer for Upper Camp. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Camp Starlight's hours?
- Camp Starlight runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Is Camp Starlight accredited?
- Yes — Camp Starlight is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 75 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Camp Starlight?
- Camp Starlight is operated by a private business, with 75 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Starlight provide lunch?
- Yes — Camp Starlight includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Starlight with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.