POTTSTOWN, PA — The Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center, the vision of local founder Beth Desch, has celebrated significant progress since opening in June 2024. Located at Montgomery County Community College’s Pottstown campus, the 7,000-square-foot center features interactive exhibits for children, including a farm-to-table learning room, a LEGO-building area, STEM activities, and a costume stage for creative play.
The center’s mission to educate and inspire young children, particularly those aged 2 to 10, started nine years ago when Desch, a former dental hygienist, envisioned a place where kids could explore and learn hands-on. Guided by mentors from SCORE TriCounty, Desch tackled the challenges of founding a nonprofit, creating a mission statement, assembling a board, and managing operational logistics. “My mentor was very good at pointing me to exactly the next steps,” said Desch.
With support from SCORE mentor Fred Remelius, the center recently completed renovations, including a new HVAC system, cabinetry for art supplies, and a sink for experiments. “Fred was willing to look at some of the plans… and how that would impact us,” Desch said, noting his technical expertise was invaluable during the upgrades.
To mark its return to its original space at 95 S. Hanover Street, the Discovery Center is hosting a grand opening on June 21, complete with costumed characters and face painting. The summer schedule also features the center’s first-ever half-day camp in August, offering daily themed activities.
Upcoming initiatives include the Discovery Club, where children can earn literacy-related stamps in a passport-like system, and a stop-motion exhibit funded by Pottstown Kiwanis. “The kids can see a little movie of what they did,” Desch explained, adding that the exhibit will excite older children in particular.
Looking ahead, Desch hopes to expand the center’s space and offerings as the demand for interactive, educational environments grows. “It brings me joy every time I’m in there seeing kids play,” she said.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.