FEBRUARY 2019 SOUTH JERSEY
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INCLUSIVE CAMPS Camps that strive to make all kids comfortable 2019 CAMP DIRECTORY
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Camp
Welcome LGBTQ Campers Camps that strive to make all kids comfortable regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity By Terri Akman Camps today are sensitive to show respect for a diverse group of campers, including campers’ sexual orientation and gender identity. About 60 percent of camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) say they serve campers who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning), says Tom Rosenberg, ACA CEO, although given the sensitivity of the subject and the fact that many campers are still quite young, it’s possible the number is higher. “Camps are working hard to understand the individual needs of every one of their children and staff in terms of gender identity, respecting that it’s not a binary thing but a spectrum and very fluid,” says Rosenberg.
‘It’s just no big deal’
No matter what a camp’s primary focus is — sports, arts, science, etc. — camp gives children the opportunity to learn about themselves and engage socially with others. This is true for kids of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In a diverse world, camp offers a chance for all kinds of kids to interact. Camp Havaya in the Poconos offers traditional camp activities, but says its focus is on the camper’s personal development. “We really want kids to grow as human beings,” says Camp Director Sheira Director-Nowack, who stresses the camp’s support of diversity and inclusion. About 20 percent of their campers between 2nd and 11th grades identify as LGBTQ, but the focus is less about orientation and more about feeling comfortable whatever that orientation happens to be. “It’s just no big deal,” Director-Nowack says. Some campers identify as heterosexual, some have two moms or two dads, but all feel really comfortable being around all types of people. “When you first enter Camp Havaya, you are greeted not only by incredible and amazing people, but also by a huge rainbow flag,” says Mickey L., 16, from the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. “At Havaya, when I came out as genderqueer, it was a smooth and drama-free shift in how people referred to me.” Mickey especially appreciates how the camp embraces diversity and holds acceptance
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as a core value. “Unlike the world outside of Havaya, I have never encountered anyone at camp who has directly refused to call me by my name and pronouns — they and them. Even the bathroom, where the sign reads, ‘This bathroom may be used by anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression,’ is a small thing that makes a huge difference in the safety and comfort of many campers.”
Diversity’s life lessons
When Melinda W., 13, attended Liberty Lake, a day camp in Bordentown, NJ, she mentioned to her mom, that there was a transgender child in her bunk. “She said the child felt uncomfortable being in a bunk with boys but was more comfortable being with girls,” recalled her mom, Donna C., from Burlington Township, NJ. “That made sense to me and I’m very glad she’s accepting of people who are going through their own personal challenges.” She appreciates that her kids meet all kinds of children. “When they get out of school and camp they will be exposed to people from all different walks of life,” she says. “It’s important to learn at a young age how to negotiate people who are different than them.” For Melinda, this bunkmate was just one of the crew. “I realized they were really, really nice, and it didn’t really matter what gender they identified as,” she recalled. “As long as they are happy and comfortable in their own skin and they have enough support, it should be fine with everybody. I learned it’s okay to be who you are.” While housing decisions can be a little tricky, Adam Simon, owner and director of Odyssey Teen Camp in Holmes, NY, where 25 percent of the campers identify as LGBTQ, says adjustments are easy to make. “We put campers in whatever cabin they want and generally it works out really well,” Simon says. “We do whatever we can to make certain each camper is in the cabin they feel most comfortable and sometimes it means moving campers around and that’s not a big deal at camp.”
CAMP
Young generations lead the way
Camps train staff to be sensitive to all campers’ needs, including sensitivity training regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Many camps have added gender-neutral bathrooms and dressing areas. For campers and the young adults who are their counselors, inclusivity comes naturally, says Andy Pritikin, owner and director
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FEBRUARY 2019
Tomato Patch 2019 continued from p. 6 Patch 2019 Tomato Tomato Patch 2019 Summer Arts Workshops Tomato 2019 Tomato Patch Patch 2019 Summer Arts Workshops Summer Arts Workshops Summer Arts Workshops Summer Arts Workshops • Dance • Music • Video • Visual Art Theater
•• Dance • Music • Video • Visual Art Theater • Dance • Music • Video • Visual Theater Art • Dance • Video Theater Music Visual Art Video Theater Dance Music Art Theater • Dance • Music • •Visual Video • Visual Art •
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Session I Session June 24 - IJuly 18 Session June I248-12 - July 18 Session SessionJune I Grades Grades 8-1218 I 24 - July 4-week session June 24 - July 18 4-week June 24Grades - July 18 8-12session $ $ 875 Grades Grades 8-12 875 4-week session 8-12 $ 4-week session 875 4-week session Session Session II II $ $ 875 875 July22 22 -- Aug. Aug. 88 July Session I I4-7 Grades Grades 4-7 3-week session July 22 - Aug. 8 II SessionGrades I 3-week I $ Session 4-7session
be exactly who you are we are a judgment-free, all genders summer camp where teenagers ages 12-18 can be their truest and most authentic selves!
795
now enrolling for
July $ July 22 3-week - Aug. 8 22 - Aug. 8 795 session Grades 4-7in Acting Grades 4-7 Master Class $ 795 June 24 Class - July 12in Acting 3-week session 3-week session Master July 22 - Aug. 9 $ 24 - July 12 $ June 795 Class 795 Master Grades 8-12in Acting
SUMMER 2019!
July - Aug. 3-week session June 2422 - July 12 9 8-129 $ JulyGrades 22 Aug. 725 Master Class in Acting MasterGrades Class in session Acting 3-week 8-12 June June 243-week - July 12 24 - July 12 $ session 725 22 - Aug. 9 July 22 $- Aug.July 9 725by Grades Taught professional artists, 8-12on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College.
Grades Taught 8-12by professional artists, on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community Tomato Patch, now in its 46 year, is the longest running, most successful multidisciplinary summer arts Patch, now in its 46th year, is the longest running, most successful multidisciplinary 3-week College. session programTomato in3-week central Newsession Jersey. summer arts program in central New Jersey. $ $ 725 artists, on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. 725 Taught by professional year, is the longest running, successful summer arts Tomato Patch, nowartists, in its 46 Taught by professional on ththe West Windsor Campus of most Mercer County multidisciplinary Community College. Call 609-570-3566 visit www.kelseytheatre.net year, is the longest running, most successful multidisciplinary summer arts june 29 - july 26 Tomato Patch, in itsNew 46orth Jersey. program innow central th
• 1200 Old Trenton Road • West Windsor, NJ 08550 MCCC program in central New Jersey.
1, 2, 3, & 4-week sessions available
odysseyteencamp.com | 844.239.6882
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Call or 609-570-3566 or visit www.kelseytheatre.net l 609-570-3566 visit www.kelseytheatre.net • 1200 MCCC Old• Trenton Road • NJ West Windsor, NJ 08550 CCC • 1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsor, 08550
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FEBRUARY 2019
CAMP
MetroKids.com 11
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Camp Directory
GLOUCESTER
Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2019! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests. Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas. • Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel. • Special features: Blue icons at the end of each listing indicate if a camp offers extended day care, part-day or part-week schedules, financial aid or transportation. Abbreviations denote whether a camp is ACA accredited, has a counselor-in-training program or may accommodate some special needs. See the key at the bottom of the page. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids. BURLINGTON Camp Creek Run 199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250 campcreekrun@yahoo.com Campcreekrun.com
DAY Get close to nature at Camp Creek Run! Located in Marlton on 50 wooded acres, we offer certified teachers; sports, arts & nature programs; fishing & boating; swim instruction; pools; archery range; nature center; hiking trails; basketball, volleyball & gaga courts; challenge course; pollinator and vegetable gardens; and farm sanctuary.
Future Scholars Early Learning Center 1351 Rt. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport 609-518-1333 admin@futurescholarslearning.com Futurescholarslearning.com
DAY Summer Camp offers full & half days with various schedules available. Activities include field trips & in-house visitors along with science experiments, water play, cooking classes, music & sports, just to name a few! We continue to educate your child through our theme-based activities & curriculum so your child won’t fall behind this summer. Private tutoring available. 6:30am-6:30pm.
JCC Camps at Medford 400 Tuckerton Rd., Medford 856-751-1666 jcccampsatmedford.org
DAY, TRAVEL JCC Camps at Medford enriches children’s lives by teaching values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment, while building confidence, sharing successes and creating lasting friendships. Camp is built on the fundamental values of family, love, respect, justice and charity, compassion and kindness. ACA CIT SN
Liberty Lake Day Camp 1195 Florence-Columbus Rd., Bordentown 609-499-7820 Libertylakedaycamp.com
DAY Liberty Lake Day Camp teaches life skills to inspire young people to change the world. Make new friends and create lasting summer memories! On 60 magnificent shady acres, campers choose their own schedules through the “Freedom of Choice” elective program - over 60 activities! Serving Burlington and Camden. ACA
Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs 110 E. Main St., Moorestown 856-914-4493 mcameron@mfriends.org Summer.mfriends.org
DAY Moorestown Friends School offers a number of exciting summer opportunities for children grades PS-12. The Summer Scholars Program options include innovative and exciting approaches to science, robotics, technology, STEM, sports, design, thinking, arts, economics and more. In addition, Academic Transitions courses offer the chance for your child to improve in math, writing and study skills. Many Summer Programs Master Teachers are MFS teachers and department heads, most of whom hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities.
Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill 856-424-4444 ext. 1242 donnasnyder@jfedsnj.org Katzjcc.org/ecccamps
DAY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an award-winning summer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2-5 to have big fun! Through STEM activities, creative arts, theater, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, our professional camp staff ensure your child has a fun summer experience. SN
Haddonfield Friends School Summer Camp 47 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield 856-429-6786 ext. 211 Hfsfriends.org
DAY All activities are supervised by trained, experienced, certified educators. Each session incorporates an ageappropriate enrichment theme such as music, sports, cooperative games, crafts, drama, computers, science, cultural connections, nature study & water play. Many theme weeks culminate with events, performances & trips.
Super Star Summer Camp 5 Larwin Rd., Cherry Hill 856-795-4599 theGCAcademy.com
DAY Super Star Summer Camp is where kids learn how to be awesome. We offer a variety of activities for children to enjoy, including swimming, ninja obstacle courses, flip-training, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, arts & crafts and more. SN
CAMDEN COUNTY
Tall Pines Day Camp 1349 Sykesville Rd., Williamstown 856-262-3900 fun@tallpinesdaycamp.com Tallpinesdaycamp.com
DAY Serving Center City/South Jersey/Shore Points. State certified & accredited by ACA. 66 acres include 45,000-sq. ft. of A/C indoor space, climbing tower, pedal karts, gymnastics, driving range, horseback riding, 8,500-sq. ft. of pools, soccer & baseball fields, hockey, basketball, tennis courts, arts & music programs. Open house on Saturdays, from 12-3 PM, February 9th, March 16th, April 21st and May 18th. ACA
Tomato Patch @ Kelsey Theatre 1200 Old Trenton Rd. West Windsor, NJ 609-570-3566 projects@mccc.edu kelseyatmccc.org/tomato_patch.shtml
DAY Tomato Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops, held annually on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, is one of the longest-running and most successful multi-disciplinary summer arts programs in central New Jersey. Students have spent several weeks of their summer exploring the visual arts, dance, theater, and vocal music under the guidance of a highly qualified staff of teaching professional artists.
Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; (717) 432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/ camps/summer-adventure-camps
DAY Book your child’s best week of the summer at South Central PA’s favorite ski resort where campers enjoy a multitude of adventure-based activities including zip lines, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, paintball, OGO balls, high and low ropes courses, the super slide, chairlift rides and much more. All right here on our beautiful 1200 acre mountain property. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets. CIT
NEW Camp Caribbean
TRAVEL, RESIDENTIAL We are a camp based in the Mayan Riviera/Cancun. With us, you’ll get to zip-line through the jungle, swim with turtles, scuba-dive in crystal clear waters, swim in the underground rivers of XCARET, train dolphins, feed monkeys and play with macaws, sail the beautiful Caribbean, and enjoy a whole day at the XEL-HA, XENSES, and XPLORE parks. Spend quality time with your counselor, play night games, sing silly songs around a bonfire, and eat delicious food!
Echo Hill Camp 13655 Bloomingneck Rd., Worton, MD 410-348-5303 info@echohillcamp.com EchoHillCamp.com
RESIDENTIAL Echo Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay is a traditional, sleep-away summer camp with 2- to 8- week sessions. Non-competitive, free-choice program. Waterskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, crabbing, ropes course, nature, art and much more! ACA
Pilot Summer Camp 208 Woodlawn Rd., Wilmington, DE cshivone@pilotschool.org pilotschool.org
DAY Children ages 5-12 will benefit from our multi-sensory approach, which offers them the opportunity to engage in activities while learning. This fun, hands-on camp focuses on special skills, team building, science experiments and nature while integrating reading and math.
Science Camp Watonka PO Box 127, Hawley, PA 570-857-1401 mail@watonka.com Watonka.com
RESIDENTIAL For boys 8-16. Camper-selected program includes hands-on laboratory experiences in astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers, electronics, earth science, physics & robotics. A wide range of other activities includes ropes, archery, climbing, woodworking, sailing, rocketry, mini-bike riding, sports, windsurfing & trips. 2-, 4-, 6- & 8-week sessions available. CIT SN
Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada 888-54-WHALE info@whalecamp.com WhaleCamp.com
RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL No other marine science camp offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board our research vessel for unmatched opportunities to observe marine life. Explore beaches, coastal trails and fishing villages on beautiful Grand Manan Island. Ask about our $40,000 College Scholarships, STEM projects & College Credits.
YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser 201 Cushion Peak Rd., Wernersville, PA 610-670-2267 SMYMCA.org
RESIDENTIAL We welcome you to our 600 mountaintop acres in Berks County, PA. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers come for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 7-16 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure & teen leadership. We also offer a variety of specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips. We can’t wait to see you on the mountain! ACA
Young People’s Theater Workshop (YPTW); Theatre Arts Summer Overnight Camp at Eastern University 363 Radford Ct., Glen Mills, PA 610-558-0988 yptw@aol.com; yptw.org
DAY, RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11-18 at Eastern University, June 23-28, 2019. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.
MERCER
OUTLYING AREAS
Multiple Locations in Mexico Info@grupoeduplay.com Campeduplay.com
Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated
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FEBRUARY 2019