New leader named at nearly 100-year-old Philadelphia-area camp; Terry Dougherty takes the helm at College Settlement Camps

Horsham, Pennsylvania – February 26, 2020 – Horsham-based College Settlement Camps announced today that Terry Dougherty has been named Executive Director of the non-profit organization. College Settlement is devoted to delivering a unique camp experience to more than 950 young people annually in the greater Philadelphia area, without regard to economic circumstances. The organization is in its 98th year of delivering camping programs.

 

Dougherty is a distinguished non-profit leader with over 20 years of experience in academic recreation and youth programs, including seven years as Executive Director of Philadelphia City Rowing.

 

“College Settlement is thrilled to have Terry Dougherty at the helm,” said Heather Farber, President of the College Settlement Board of Trustees. “We are at a unique point organizationally, with almost a century of camp history behind us, and our sights set on ensuring we continue to deliver impactful and affordable camping experiences to Philadelphia-area children.”

 

College Settlement has served more than 100,000 children at its 234 acre Horsham campus since 1922. Camp tuition is subsidized for 100% of campers, and 50% receive additional assistance through camp scholarships funded by donations.

 

“It is an honor to be leading College Settlement,” Dougherty said. “I know that camp can be a transformative experience for young people. I’m proud to work at College Settlement, because without this organization the majority of children we serve would not have the opportunity to experience the magic of camp.”

 

Evidence of the benefits of attending camp is not new. In fact, camp researchers have demonstrated for almost 90 years that camp promotes valuable outcomes, especially in areas such as social skills, personal responsibility, and self-esteem.

 

Summer Camps at College Settlement will be holding information Open Houses with tours for campers and their families on April 18 and April 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Open Houses will be held at College Settlement’s Overnight Camp campus on Witmer Road in Horsham.

 

Details may be found at www.collegesettlement.org.

 

 

College Settlement is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering a unique camp experience to young people concentrated in the greater Philadelphia area, without regard to economic circumstances. Programs foster personal growth and provide a safe, affordable, and nurturing place for young people to enjoy the outdoors while learning about themselves, others and the environment. More than 950 children per year learn to respect themselves, others, and the natural world by participating in Summer Camp at College Settlement day and overnight programs as well as through College Settlement’s Outdoor School program run during the school year. College Settlement’s core values are centered around five key areas: 1) a supportive, safe and healthy environment; 2) a sense of community; 3) respect and diversity; 4) equity and affordability; and 5) connection to the natural environment. The organization traces its roots back to 1892 when College Settlement of Philadelphia was founded to provide social, cultural and educational programs for the immigrants of South Philadelphia. The first camping programs were offered 98 years ago in 1922.

 

 

Terry Dougherty
267-474-0437