Pennsylvania American Water is hosting its 2026 Wonderful World of Water Camp this week at the Valley Community Library in Peckville. Introduced in Northeast Pennsylvania in 2011, the free camps give children ages 7 to 11 an opportunity to explore the outdoors while learning about the importance of clean water. Campers participate in hands-on activities focused on watershed basics, how land use affects rivers and streams, and ways to reduce water pollution. The program also highlights the importance of watershed protection along the banks of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers. Pennsylvania American partners with Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Stewards and the nonprofit Riverfront Parks Committee to host the camps. “For 15 years, this program has been offering a unique experience that takes children into the environment for hands-on learning about one of our most precious resources,” said John Maday, executive director of the Riverfront Parks Committee. “We’re so fortunate to have our local rivers as the focal points of these camps, allowing campers to learn how they can help protect them while learning from local environmentalists.” The Lackawanna County camp opened Monday at the library and continues through Thursday. The Luzerne County camp was held in July at Wilkes University.
Students form groups to work on an activity during the Wonderful World of Water Camp at Valley Community Library in Peckville Monday, August 3, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Engineers with Pennsylvnia American Water Melanie Fouts and Sarah Mihalick give a presentation on water tanks to students during the Wonderful World of Water Camp at Valley Community Library in Peckville Monday, August 3, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Engineer with Pennsylvania American Water Sarah Mihalick, right, instructs a group of students on how to build their own miniature water tanks during the Wonderful World of Water Camp at Valley Community Library in Peckville Monday, August 3, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Engineers with Pennsylvnia American Water Melanie Fouts and Sarah Mihalick give a presentation on water tanks to students during the Wonderful World of Water Camp at Valley Community Library in Peckville Monday, August 3, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)