Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, July 27
Evening - Welcome and Course Registration

Monday, July 28
Morning - Community time, Seminar, and Swimming
Afternoon - Courses and Classes
Evening - Maker Night

Tuesday, July 29
Morning and Afternoon - Community Day at Cape May
Evening - Movie Night

Wednesday, July 30
Morning - Community time and Courses
Afternoon - Seminar and Classes
Evening - Amazing Race

Thursday, July 31
Morning - Community time, Seminar, and Classes
Afternoon - Swimming and Courses
Evening - Luau and Carnival Night

Friday, August 1
Morning - Closing Ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the thinc program?
A: Sunday, July 27 to Friday, August 1, 2025

Q: Where does the thinc program take place?
A: Villanova University, Villanova, PA. Take a virtual tour of Villanova University.

Q: Where do the campers stay overnight?
A: We stay on campus in a residence hall/dormitory. 

Q: Where do the campers eat?
A: We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and other treats). Most of our meals will be in the cafeteria at Dougherty Hall. 

Q: Who can participate?
A: Students who previously participated in the thinc program are invited to apply. New PFF students who are currently in the sixth grade have also been invited to apply.

After being accepted to the program, all students must return the following in order to participate:

1. Student Information Form
2. Statement of Permission Form
3. Photo Release Form
4. A copy of your medical insurance card

Q: How will my child get to the thinc program?
A: We will pick up the students at the following times on Sunday, July 27. 

• Harrisburg students: 2:00 pm in front of Marshall Math and Science Academy
• Philadelphia students: 3:30 pm in the teachers’ parking lot at Julia de Burgos School

We will bring the students back at the following approximate times on Friday, August 1.

• Harrisburg students: 2:00 pm
• Philadelphia students: 1:00 pm

Q: What does my child need to pack?
​A: Here is the packing list. We will provide each child with two PFF t-shirts that we will wear and wash during the week. Also, each child will receive a PFF hoodie and beach towel.

Q: What types of experiences will my child be able to participate in?
A: Each day the students will participate in a variety educational experiences.

• Seminar: This is based on the student's grade level. Year 1 students will focus on a theme of Choices and be exposed to extraordinary classes like the Nursing Simulation Lab.
• Course: Students get to dig deep into a topic and participate every day in a course. This year our course offerings include:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business
  • Construction
  • Arts
  • Moviemaking
  • News
  • Cricut Designs

• Class: Students get to try out a variety of interests. This year our class offerings include:
  • Fishing
  • CPR
  • Careers in Athletics
  • Nursing Simulation Lab
  • Virtual Reality 
  • Dance
  • Improvisation
  • Culinary Arts
  • Sewing
  • Breakout EDU/Escape Room 

Q: How much does it cost?
A: There is no cost to you for your child to participate. Through the support of many donors, we are honored to be able to provide this experience for your child. 

Q: Does my child need any money?
A: We take care of everything your child needs for the week, but if you would like to give them some spending money for when we visit Cape May, NJ, that is fine. We ask that you don't send them with more than $20.

Q: Can my child bring their cell phone?
A: Yes. But, we do collect all phones at night to make sure they are charged overnight and to ensure your child gets a restful sleep and is recharged as well.

Q: Who will be supervising my child?
A: We have a very experienced and talented staff that includes our lead teachers, the founders of the program, and volunteer teachers from across the country. We also have former PFF students who are currently in college who return as counselors. We will have at least one adult present for every five students. 

Q: What if my child is no longer able to participate in the program?
A: If for any reason your child is no longer able to participate in the program, PLEASE contact us immediately.
We have been hosting this program for 14 years and completely understand that plans can change. But, after your child’s paperwork is handed back to us, we begin paying for lodging, meals, PFF swag, supplies, buses, etc. We would like to prevent paying any unnecessary costs for children who can no longer attend so please let us know as soon as you know.

Q: Will we receive any additional information over the summer prior to the thinc program?
A: Yes, we will send regular updates via email as well as posting update to the website.

Q: Who do I reach out to with any questions?
A: Please don't hesitate to contact us at any time.
[email protected]
​717.350.9770

Learn more about the thinc program

The thinc program gives you an opportunity to explore the endless possibilities that exist for your future. We spell think with a "c" because we learn about college, careers, and the choices we can make to help us achieve our goals. 

Our core values are character, commitment, and compassion. Students chosen to attend the thinc program have the opportunity to attend for three years and then pursue a role as a junior counselor.

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Why should I apply?

Prepare for your future
Being part of the Purple Feet family will provide you with many opportunities, including the thinc summer camp, to help you prepare for your future. We have many PFF students who are now in college and pursuing the careers of their dreams.

Experience college life
You get to live on a college campus where you'll live in the residence halls, eat in the cafeteria, and take classes on campus.

Make new friends
Just like college, you'll get to meet other kids from different places and make friends for life.

Try new things
Our goal is to expose you to as many different learning experiences as possible. You can learn how to cook new food, try your hand at painting, build a hovercraft, go fishing, and much more!

Have fun!
We take a trip to the beach in Cape May, NJ and host fun events like Maker Night, Movie Night, the Amazing Race, and Carnival Night.