Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS)
Elizabethtown Community Park Pavilion #5, 70 S. Poplar Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
About
Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS) offers activities such as Summer Playground, Iddy Biddy Basketball, Camp Ladybug, BEARS Basketball Camp, a Basketball Clinic, and Swim Lessons. The program includes both seasonal camps and ongoing classes focused on basketball and swimming.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 am–4 pm on weekdays
GEARS was founded in 1976 as EARC (Elizabethtown Area Recreation Commission) and, after nearly two years of planning, began providing services as GEARS (Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services) in January 2000 through a merger of EACSA and EARC. In 2025, GEARS formed a non-profit incorporation. The mission of GEARS is to connect people of all ages through recreation, learning, childcare, and senior center services that strengthen the community and the quality of life.
The leadership team includes David Wendel (Executive Director), Joyce Hardman (Business Manager), Lee Eckert (Recreation Director), Karrie Norman (Program Coordinator), Erin Thomas (Administrative Assistant), Wendy Musser (Director, Kids Center), Kelly Flowers (Assistant Director, Kids Center), Jessica Raush (Director, Senior Center), and senior center assistants Wayne Bream and Julissa Rivera-Santa. GEARS is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency and has received the Elizabethtown Chamber’s Non-Profit of the Year award.
GEARS was formed through a partnership agreement with East Donegal Township, Elizabethtown Borough, Mount Joy Township, and West Donegal Township and serves families and individuals in the Elizabethtown community. GEARS notes partnerships, collaborations, and sponsorships with many local businesses and groups, and its municipal partners and board members include representatives from these townships and the borough.
GEARS states a non-discrimination policy that covers race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression and identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and military status, and emphasizes the motto “LIVE. LEARN. PLAY.” Its recreation refund policy states that if GEARS recreation cancels a class, a full refund or transfer to another class or session will be offered, and that programs requiring advanced purchase of tickets or services may not be refundable unless the spot can be filled, including sports leagues, special events, tournaments, swim lessons, aquatics, and bus trips.
Parent comments about GEARS programs include positive feedback about Summer Playground at Community Park, preschool basketball classes, Camp Ladybug, basketball camp, skills programs, and swim classes, including specific mentions of children looking forward to Summer Playground, enjoying preschool basketball, and changes in stamina and persistence in the pool.
Last updated July 12, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 am–4 pm on weekdays
GEARS was founded in 1976 as EARC (Elizabethtown Area Recreation Commission) and, after nearly two years of planning, began providing services as GEARS (Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services) in January 2000 through a merger of EACSA and EARC. In 2025, GEARS formed a non-profit incorporation. The mission of GEARS is to connect people of all ages through recreation, learning, childcare, and senior center services that strengthen the community and the quality of life.
The leadership team includes David Wendel (Executive Director), Joyce Hardman (Business Manager), Lee Eckert (Recreation Director), Karrie Norman (Program Coordinator), Erin Thomas (Administrative Assistant), Wendy Musser (Director, Kids Center), Kelly Flowers (Assistant Director, Kids Center), Jessica Raush (Director, Senior Center), and senior center assistants Wayne Bream and Julissa Rivera-Santa. GEARS is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency and has received the Elizabethtown Chamber’s Non-Profit of the Year award.
GEARS was formed through a partnership agreement with East Donegal Township, Elizabethtown Borough, Mount Joy Township, and West Donegal Township and serves families and individuals in the Elizabethtown community. GEARS notes partnerships, collaborations, and sponsorships with many local businesses and groups, and its municipal partners and board members include representatives from these townships and the borough.
GEARS states a non-discrimination policy that covers race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression and identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and military status, and emphasizes the motto “LIVE. LEARN. PLAY.” Its recreation refund policy states that if GEARS recreation cancels a class, a full refund or transfer to another class or session will be offered, and that programs requiring advanced purchase of tickets or services may not be refundable unless the spot can be filled, including sports leagues, special events, tournaments, swim lessons, aquatics, and bus trips.
Parent comments about GEARS programs include positive feedback about Summer Playground at Community Park, preschool basketball classes, Camp Ladybug, basketball camp, skills programs, and swim classes, including specific mentions of children looking forward to Summer Playground, enjoying preschool basketball, and changes in stamina and persistence in the pool.
Last updated July 12, 2026.
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