Camp Ballibay

Wyalusing, Pennsylvania

A Creative Haven for Young Adults

Camp Ballibay is a fine and performing arts camp for creative kids and different thinkers, offering deep, engaging programs in theater, art, dance, and rock music. Located on a pristine mountaintop in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Camp Ballibay is a sleepaway camp that has been a haven for young artists since 1964. With a philosophy centered on non-competitive, self-directed learning in a small community, the camp provides a variety of activities led by caring counselors and talented artists. Facilities support a range of creative endeavors, and the environment promotes a balance of work, play, and rest.

Camp Ballibay offers a diverse range of programs and activities, including:

  • Theater and Musical Theater
  • Rock Music
  • Visual Arts (painting, drawing, ceramics)
  • Dance (ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip-hop)
  • Technical Theater
  • Media and Broadcasting
  • Sports and Physical Activities
  • Swimming
  • Horseback Riding
  • Various Music Lessons

Camp Ballibay’s Unique Arts Philosophy

Camp Ballibay embraces a distinctive philosophy for its summer arts programs, prioritizing free time, individual choice, and a non-competitive environment. With a small community of no more than 160 campers, the camp fosters close relationships and personalized guidance. Emphasizing self-direction, the camp allows campers to craft their own schedules, promoting a journey-focused approach to art where the process is valued over the product. This nurturing setting encourages personal growth, creativity, and commitment without the distractions of phones or social media.

Explore Camp Ballibay’s Vibrant Campus

Camp Ballibay’s campus, set on 174 scenic mountaintop acres in Northeastern Pennsylvania, offers a blend of rustic charm and modern facilities. It features rustic cabins with modern amenities, three theaters, four dance studios, and an art building equipped for ceramics, painting, and more. The campus also includes tennis courts, horseback riding rings, a sports field, a pool, and a lake for boating. With state-of-the-art technology in theaters and music studios, it’s a creative paradise for campers.

Camp Ballibay’s Theater and Musical Theater Programs

Camp Ballibay offers immersive theater and musical theater programs, focusing on full-scale productions and personal growth in the arts. Since the mid-1970s, campers have participated in fully-mounted spectacles, exploring both on-stage and backstage elements. The camp supports self-expression through a process-oriented approach, ensuring each participant can engage in theater, musicals, or technical stagecraft. Emphasizing individual interests and talents, the camp schedules auditions and interviews to tailor experiences, making it a nurturing space for aspiring performers.

Unleash Your Rock Star at Camp Ballibay

Camp Ballibay’s Rock Music Camp has been nurturing young musicians for over 25 years with a focus on individual choice and non-competitive growth. Campers can take lessons on various instruments, join staff-coached bands, and engage in camper-driven projects, including songwriting and recording. The camp encourages exploration across multiple disciplines, allowing campers to also dive into theater, art, dance, and film, fostering a well-rounded artistic experience.

Camp Ballibay’s Summer Art Camp: A Creative Exploration

Camp Ballibay’s Summer Art Camp, rooted in its origins as a visual art camp since 1964, offers a unique open-studio format for young artists of all levels. The program, designed for exploration and creativity, includes studios for painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and more. Campers enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, supported by experienced staff and visiting artists, fostering personal expression and skill development. This immersive experience encourages campers to dive into various art forms, ensuring a rich and diverse artistic journey.

Dance Your Heart Out at Camp Ballibay

Camp Ballibay’s Dance Summer Camp, designed by dancer and choreographer Kristin Alexander, offers comprehensive dance classes including ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and hip-hop. Campers of all skill levels can partake in daily classes, numerous performance opportunities, and concerts showcasing their work. The camp also explores non-traditional movement styles like Capoeira and Tai Chi, broadening the young dancer’s physical vocabulary.

Broadening Horizons at Camp Ballibay

Camp Ballibay’s additional programs offer a wide array of creative activities, including technical theater, media, sports, swimming, horseback riding, and various music lessons. Designed for campers of all skill levels, these programs encourage hands-on learning and exploration across different artistic disciplines. Whether it’s working behind the scenes in theater production, broadcasting on the camp’s radio station, or engaging in physical activities, there’s something for every camper to discover and enjoy.

Learn more at the Camp Ballibay website.