At Camp Fowler in Orefield, PA, Valley Youth House saw the need for a year-round facility—one that could expand programming beyond the summer months and offer at-risk youth a safe, adaptable space to learn, connect and thrive.
NORR had previously designed the site’s residential cabins as part of a broader vision for Camp Fowler. As the campus plan continued to evolve, a transformative donor gift helped catalyze the next phase: a flexible indoor facility that could support year-round programming while reflecting the natural character of the site.
The Carter Family Center now anchors the camp’s entrance—a 5,000 square foot building designed to feel both grounded and open. Its broad, sloped roof and gabled form offer a welcoming presence, while timber framing and exposed trusses echo the surrounding forest and rustic cabins. A stone hearth anchors the central lobby, setting a tone of warmth and belonging.
From this central space, the layout unfolds with two large multipurpose rooms on either side, separated by movable glass partitions to allow flexible use—from classrooms and workshops to open gatherings. Additional spaces include a STEM lab, an arts center, staff offices and support areas. A wraparound porch encourages indoor-outdoor flow and connection to the landscape. Skylights bring natural light deep into the interior, enhancing the sense of openness and comfort.
Camp Fowler plays a vital role in Valley Youth House’s mission to build resilience and confidence through therapeutic outdoor experiences. The Carter Family Center strengthens that mission—extending programming into all seasons and creating new opportunities for learning, recreation and community-building.
Designed to grow alongside the programs and people it serves, the Carter Family Center is more than a building—it’s a place of possibility. A space that shows what happens when design responds to both place and purpose.
Previous Post
