Teen Entrepreneur Challenge FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Being away from home can be both exciting and intimidating. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please call us at 908.838.5384 or email lvlaunchbox@psu.edu.

Where will my child stay?

Campers reside at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, PA. Perkiomen School boasts a beautiful 165-acre campus in Bucks County, about 1/2 hour from Penn State Lehigh Valley. Campers will receive all instruction there, with exception of the Field Trip. Housing and all meals are provided. Tuition includes room and board in collegiate-level dormitories that accommodate two campers per room. The dorms are air-conditioned and also have Wi-Fi, a lounge area and a kitchen area equipped with refrigerator, microwave, and sink.

Who will take care of my child if they're sick?

Perkiomen School has an on-call nurse accessible to campers 24 hours a day. Resident assistants are readily available and assigned to the students after hours; and program assistants, along with the camp instructors are available during the day. All resident and program assistants are trained in how to handle illness and/or emergencies.

Will my child be able to take his or her medicine?

Yes, you will be asked to submit a medication log for any child that needs to take medicine while at camp. The medicine will be kept in a locked box and administered by a resident/program assistant as needed under the care of the nurse.

How do you accomodate children with food allergies?

Each child needs to provide a medical log prior to attending camp. Please note any allergies on that log, and we will accommodate as needed.

Who does my child contact after-hours when the instructors leave for the day?

Program assistants are with the campers during the day from 8 am – 11 pm. Resident assistants arrive at 11 pm and are there overnight to help students with any issues or concerns until 8 am when the program assistants come back. Resident assistants sleep in the dormitories.

What will my child be doing throughout the 7-day program?

Students will learn how to bring a business to life, from product development and market positioning, to manufacturing, sales and more.  Students will work in teams to develop a business idea and then pitch that idea to a panel of judges on the last day.

Do you allow iPods, phones, gaming systems, etc?

Your child is welcome to bring his/her phone/iPod/iPad to camp, but we do not allow gaming systems. Please keep in mind that you will be required to sign a waiver that states that the program and/or staff are NOT responsible for lost or stolen valuables. Thus, it is a good idea to bring a backpack in which to place valuables and carry them at all times.

Should I send snacks with my child?

While you are welcome to send some non-perishable snacks along with your child, we do ask that they are peanut-free. Keep in mind that your child will have access to snacks provided at the dormitories and between meals during the day.

Can I send packages to my child?

We discourage you from sending packages to your child. Rest assured that your child will have everything he/she needs. In the case of an emergency, please contact us at 908.838.5384 and we will make arrangements.

What should I pack?

Campers should bring their own towels, washcloths, toiletries, sheets, blankets, pillows and other personal items. Please click here for a packing list of recommended items.

What's the best way to stay in touch?

The best way to stay in touch is to contact your child via cell phone. If a student does not have a cell phone, he/she will have access to the computer lab throughout the day and can send/receive emails. Dorms are equipped with Wi-fi. In the event of an emergency and you cannot reach your child, please contact the program coordinator at 908.838.5384.

Can I visit?

We do not encourage families and friends to visit during the 7-day stay. Visits can trigger feelings of homesickness and cause a disruption. Families and friends are encouraged to attend the final Pitch Competition on the last day of camp.

Is there a way to see what's going on at camp?

Many campers send digital pictures home throughout the program but we’ll also post pictures on our Facebook & Instagram pages throughout the week. Be sure to like our Facebook page @PSUTEC and follow us on Instagram at #tecpsu.

Are there any extra costs?

No. The fee includes all food, housing, daily transportation, and activities costs. An exception would be if a student is flying in from another area and has flight or airport transfer expenses.

How is laundry handled?

Most of our campers opt out of doing laundry during their 10-day stay. However, the students will have access to a laundry room inside the dormitory. The washing machines and dryers are coin operated. The cost is $1.50 per load to wash and $1.50 per load to dry. Students must bring their own quarters and detergent.

Will my child need spending money?

No, your child will not need spending money. However, there is typically a trip to the Lehigh Valley campus, and many times students opt to purchase a keepsake from the bookstore. If students bring spending money, they are always advised to keep it in their possession.