Deer Valley

The Earthwarden Program at Deer Valley is an award-winning environmental educational experience that takes place in May of 6th grade at Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp located in Fort Hill, Pennsylvania. This year's trip will be a two-day, one-night experience!  The Deer Valley trip is an engaging opportunity for our 6th grade students and parents to participate in activities such as orienteering, night-awareness, guided nature walks, learning about watersheds, analyzing water quality, and climbing Mt. Davis (Pennsylvania’s highest peak).

Parents are encouraged to participate with their children and help the Boyce staff with activities at Deer Valley. The parent attendance rate is typically an astounding 95%!  With Boyce staff and parents combined, the adult to child ratio is approximately 1 to 1!  

A general information session for parents is held in February and a more detailed information session for the adults who plan on attending is held in April. The cost for the students to attend Deer Valley may be earned through fundraising that takes place in 5th and 6th grade. The cost covers round-trip bus transportation, food, and all materials necessary for the environmental program for a child and parent.  Fundraiser information is typically distributed at the end of September to every fifth and sixth grade student. If, by the mid-point of the sixth grade year, not enough money has been earned to cover the student's Deer Valley expense, individual invoices for the remaining balance are distributed in early February before the parent meeting. Final payment of the remaining balance on the invoice is due in mid-March.