By: Maria Costa
Summer’s Best Two Weeks has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first attended as a camper when I was in third grade, and today I have the privilege of serving as the camp director alongside my cousin, Zac Galioto. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much this camp has shaped my childhood and continues to impact so many families in our community. For many of us, Summer’s Best Two Weeks is more than just a camp—it’s a tradition. My family and friends have countless memories from our time at camp, and even though it only lasts two weeks each summer, those memories stay with us all year long. We would spend months talking about camp and counting down the days until the next summer arrived.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a director is seeing both new and returning campers sign up each year. There is something special about watching children build friendships, grow in their faith, and gain confidence through sports, activities, and teamwork. Summer’s Best Two Weeks is a Christian-based sports camp in the Pittsburgh area that provides opportunities for kids to learn, play, and develop valuable life skills in a positive and encouraging environment. We are actually a day camp derived from the main sleep-a-way SB2W in another part of Pennsylvania. This local day camp was created as an alternative for kids who are not interested in being away from home for 2 weeks.
Hosted at Lebanon Presbyterian Church in West Mifflin, PA, Summer’s Best Two Weeks has been serving local families for approximately 45 years. Throughout those years, countless volunteers, church members, and committees have dedicated their time and energy to making the camp a success. Their commitment is one of the reasons the program has continued to thrive for generations.
Each summer is packed with exciting activities. Campers enjoy sports, crafts, games, and opportunities to learn new skills. Highlights include an overnight experience during the first week, a track meet during the second week, Water Day, and many other special events that make each year unique. While the activities are certainly fun, the relationships built and lessons learned are what make the experience truly meaningful.
As someone who started as a camper and now helps lead the program, I am incredibly grateful for what Summer’s Best Two Weeks has given me. It has provided friendships, memories, leadership opportunities, and a stronger connection to my faith. My hope is that every child who attends leaves with the same excitement and lasting memories that I carried with me growing up.
We look forward to welcoming campers each summer and continuing a tradition that has meant so much to our church and community for decades. Summer’s Best Two Weeks is more than a camp; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and faith grows.
