DOWNINGTOWN, PA — While snow and freezing temperatures gripped Chester County, families were already looking ahead to summer during the 2026 Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair, held Thursday at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Now in its 14th year, the free, public event drew families from across the region and brought together nearly 50 local organizations offering summer camps, educational enrichment programs, arts and crafts activities, and sports opportunities for children of all ages. The fair was hosted by the CCIU and sponsored by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services and the Children’s Fund of Chester County.
Organizers said the goal of the fair is to simplify summer planning by giving families direct access to camp representatives in one place.
Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the CCIU, said the event is designed to remove barriers for families who may not know where to begin when exploring summer options. He said bringing so many programs together allows parents and children to discover opportunities they might otherwise overlook while making personal connections with the people running them.
Parents attending the fair said the in-person format made a meaningful difference.
Brad Kutney, who attended with his family, said being able to see displays, ask questions, and speak directly with staff helped him feel more confident in evaluating options. He said watching his daughter participate in a hands-on science demonstration at the Science Explorer Camp table made the experience both engaging and informative, helping the family narrow down choices more quickly.
First-time attendee Katy Lang echoed that sentiment, saying speaking directly with camp representatives provided reassurance that can’t be replicated online. She said understanding who would be caring for her child was a critical part of the decision-making process.
The fair also created opportunities for camp providers to connect with families and with one another. Damon Beatty, camp director at ACAC West Chester, said this year’s turnout and level of engagement were among the strongest he had seen. He said parents were eager to stop, talk, and learn more about the programs available.
Despite the winter weather outside, the event offered a lively atmosphere inside, complete with upbeat music, interactive activities, and promotional giveaways that kept children engaged while parents gathered information. The evening concluded with raffles for vendor prizes and Amazon gift cards.
Organizers said the fair continues to grow as families seek efficient, trusted ways to plan ahead for summer. A full list of participating vendors and more information about the Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair is available at www.cciu.org/summer-adventures.
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