FEBRUARY 2020 SOUTH JERSEY
CAMP STORY All-Girl and All-Boy Camps 2020 CAMP DIRECTORY
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Camp
All-boy and All-girl Camps Some kids thrive at camps where the social pressure to impress the opposite sex is not an issue. By Rose Destra Summer camp can be a place where memories are made and lasting friendships begin. While sleepaway and day camps are typically coed, some parents and their children prefer single-sex camps in part for their opportunity for empowerment.
Less social pressure
All-boy or all-girl camps are usually smaller, so interactions are more intimate and, because there are no social pressures from the opposite sex, campers feel more confident in their environment. “I think the boys and girls like to be surrounded by whatever they’re classifying as,” says Alexis Featherman, program manager at Camp Kelly in Tunkhannock, PA. There’s less pressure to act cool or look good and kids can act more authen-
FEBRUARY 2020
tically and explore outside their comfort zones. “For parents of girls, they like the idea of their daughters being at a camp where they are not being judged by their appearance and can feel free to interact with other girls and not have the social pressures that boys would add to the mix,” says Renee Flax, director of camper placement for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. “For boys, it is very much the same philosophy. Parents want their sons to have strong role models from the counselors at camp.” At single-sex camps, most counselors are exclusively male or female for the comfort of campers. Without social anxieties there is more opportunity for growth. “Having an intentional population where kids have the opportunity to engage with their peers who understand them is huge,” says Brian Lux, director of Camp Sequoia in Pennsburg, PA. His camp was created 10 years ago for non-neurotypical boys to improve skills and encourage friendships. “A lot of these kids, they just need the time and space to be able to grow, and if you’re in a situation with too many moving pieces, it’s more difficult to experience the same level of success,” he says. Once camp is over, these lessons are taken back into a coed environment.
Gender-inclusive camps
Some single-sex camps also provide onsite therapists and gender-neutral bunks for nonconforming campers. “At our TriState Camp Conference we offer several sessions about how to be inclusive,” says Flax. “In the past several years we see more and more camps offering specific programming that will make all campers feel comfortable and accepted.” If your child is transgender or gender nonconforming, ask camps what kind of training they give their staff and the resources available on site. Find a camp that provides a safe environment where your child can grow, have fun and have something exciting to look forward to each year.
How to decide
Parents should understand their child’s interests and comfort level before they decide on a single-sex or coed camp. “If you can come up with a list of five musthaves and then a secondary wish list, it will help you to understand which camps will actually fulfill your needs,” says Flax. “It is difficult to find one type of camp that will suit all of your requirements, but you can get very close if you research it well.”
Rose Destra is a freelance writer from PA.
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Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2020! 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: See the key below. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
BURLINGTON COUNTY
76ers Camps
Camp Creek Run
Multiple Locations; 610-668-7676 director@sixerscamps.com •76erscamps.com DAY The #1 Basketball Camp in the NBA celebrating our 36th Year! Learn the drills the pros use to take their game to the next level. Age-specific and skill-specific fundamentals and skill development, from beginner to advanced. Meet players, coaches and other NBA Stars. Youth basketball player development at its finest. Half-day, full-day and overnight camps available for 5–17 year olds.
Arsenal USA Premier Soccer Camps
Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Arsenalsoccercampsusa.com DAY Arsenal USA premier soccer camps, for boys and girls from ages 6–14, will provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional academies in London. The Arsenal Way is taught to campers as they are immersed in the curriculum that has helped develop some of the world’s best players. Learn from Arsenal coaches that will be directing and helping you combine techniques, tactics and that winning spirit.
NEW International Ivy Summer Enrichment Program
Multiple locations in Burlington, Cherry Hill, and Princeton; 908-899-1338 info@iisummer.com • iisummer.com DAY, PROGRAM International Ivy strives to promote creativity and hands-on learning for students between the age of 5–15 in subjects such as robotics, video game creation, computer programming, Minecraft, virtual reality, 3D printing, science, engineering, math, business, language and visual arts. ACA
Paris Saint-Germain Academy Soccer Camps USA
Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Psgacademysoccercampsusa.com DAY The Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA soccer camps, for boys and girls ranging from ages 6–14, will provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional academies in Paris. Individual skill development and team play will be incorporated along with the character traits necessary to be the best you can be. European coaches will help direct each day’s action.
Phillies Baseball Academy
Multiple Locations; 610-520-3400 campmail@philliescamps.com • Philliesacademy.com DAY Phillies Baseball Academy is the premier baseball camp experience for boys and girls, ages 6–14, featured at numerous great locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Only Phillies Baseball Academy offers topnotch instruction with the unique opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park and the chance to meet a Phillies player and coach.
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199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250 campcreekrun@yahoo.com • Campcreekrun.com DAY Get close to nature at Camp Creek Run! We are a traditional day camp with something for everyone, with a special emphasis on the natural sciences. Our 50-acre nature preserve features wooded hiking trails, open meadows, a spring-fed lake with a sandy beach, and a south-branch tributary of the Rancocas Creek. We offer certified teachers and other qualified adults as counselors; nature study and science programs; sports, arts and music programs; fishing and boating, and swim instruction in our inground pools. Sign up today for a summer of fun at Camp Creek Run!
JCC Camps at Medford
400 Tuckerton Rd.,Medford; 856-751-1666 bsegal@jfedsnj.org • Jcccampsatmedford.org DAY, TRAVEL JCC Camps at Medford enrich 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 is a transformative experience, teaching life skills to inspire young people to change the world. Campers enjoy 60 magnificent shady acres, outdoors and screen-free. Kids can customize their day with the Freedom of Choice elective program of 60+ activities. Open Houses: Jan. 26, Feb. 9, March 1 & 22, April 5 & 26, May 17. ACA
Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs
110 E. Main St., Moorestown; 856-914-4493 mcameron@mfriends.org • Summer.mfriends.org DAY 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 in August offer the chance for your child to improve in math, writing, study skills, and Google Docs. Many Summer Program Master Teachers are MFS teachers and department heads, most of whom hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities.
CAMDEN COUNTY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC
1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hil 856-424-4444 ext. 1242 mfoster@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
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
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 2020
Find a location and save today at
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multiple locations throughout the area!
Tomato Patch 2020 Summer Arts Workshops
Theater • Dance • Music • Video • Visual Art
Session I June 22 - July 16 Grades 8-12 4-week session $ 875 Session II July 20 - Aug. 6 Grades 4-7 3-week session $ 795
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Master Class in Acting Session I Session II June 22 - July 10 July 20 - Aug. 7 Grades 8-12 Grades 8-12 3-week session 3-week session $ $ 725 725
Taught by professional artists, on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. Tomato Patch, now in its 47th year, is the longest running, most successful multidisciplinary summer arts program in central New Jersey.
Call 609-570-3566 or visit www.kelseytheatre.org MCCC • 1200 Old Trenton Road • West Windsor, NJ 08550
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Camp Directory
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MERCER COUNTY Tomato Patch @ Kelsey Theatre
1200 Old Trenton Rd.West Windsor; 609-570-3566 projects@mccc.edu • Tomatopatch.org DAY Multidisciplinary Summer Arts Workshops for grades 4–12. Theater, dance, vocal music, visual art, each session culminates in a Festival Performance and Gallery Exhibit. The longest running, most successful summer arts program in Central New Jersey, now in its 47th year. Session I for grades 8–12; Session II for grades 4–7. Session I, June 22–July 16, Session II, July 20–Aug. 6, Master Class in Acting June 22–July 10 and July 20–Aug. 7
OUTLYING AREAS Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort
925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/camps/summer-adventure-camps DAY, RESIDENTIAL 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. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets CIT
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., Reinholds, 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 6–17 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure and 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 Youngpeoplestheatreworkshop@gmail.com; Yptw.org RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11–18 at Eastern University June 21-26. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.
Looking for the BEST school or Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid summer program for YOUR child? Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation The Delaware Valley has of the most progra prestigious ACA: ACA-accredited CIT:some Counselor-in-training schools SN: andSome camps right our own backyard. special needsin may be very accommodated
Available
February 2020 WHAT’S INSIDE:
At-a-glance indexes let parents view pertinent facts about regional schools/camps and refer to In-Depth School Profiles for sponsor schools/camps.
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Child Care & Early Education Directory
FY: Full Year BS: Before School SN: Special Needs AY: Academic Year AS: After School DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. SP: Summer Program DA: Diapers Accepted DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv. NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools * Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.
BEGINNINGS AT MFS: THE MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM 110 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 856-914-4428 • MFriends.org Ages: 3 & up • Hours: 8:05am-3:10pm Beginnings at MFS: The Moorestown Friends School Early Childhood Program offers a values-based education for 3-year-olds and up. A project-based approach to learning and wide range of special subject areas are hallmarks of the experience. Moorestown Friends School is one of the only schools in the United States to offer a Coding Program to all Lower School students - Preschool through Grade 4. This innovative program has three strands: coding, problem solving and teamwork. These skills will be in high demand as the 21st century progresses. Half-day and full-day Preschool is available. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten are full-day programs. AY, SP, BS, AS, MSCES ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport, NJ 609-667-7838 • Essentialbeginningslc.com info@essentialbeginningslc.com Ages: 2-1/2 yrs.-13 yrs. • Hours 6:30am - 6:00pm Essential Beginnings embraces the differentiation approach to teaching. This method ensures that all children can learn the content based on their learning style. FY, AY, SP, SN, DYF FUTURE SCHOLARS EARLY LEARNING CENTER 1351 Rte. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport, NJ 609-518-1333 • FutureScholarsLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm “Where Generations Come and Grow” Full- and half-day classes available year round. Family-owned and operated with an owner on premises daily. Offering Infant & Toddler Care, PreSchool, Drop-In Hourly Daycare, Established Full-Day Kindergarten, Before- and After-School Care with bussing for township students, Private Tutoring and Summer Camp! We are your one-stop solution for early education and child care! STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR! FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DYF HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 856-467-6811 • Holdinghandspreschool.com Ages: Infant-School Age • Hours: 6am-6:30pm A place for families providing exceptional care, engaged learning and everyday play. A full-service center in a new facility with a gym, three playgrounds, access control system and video monitoring. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, N 856-235-5371 • school@olgcnj.org • Olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day prekindergarten programs, as well as full-day kindergarten. Children in first through eighth grades are educated in a top-notch, Catholic school environment, where our mission to form students in the image of Jesus Christ is reinforced daily. We provide education in music, art, specialized clubs, sports, after-school enrichment programs such as Lego Robotics and Latin, Spanish, technology, and physical education. Students do not need to be Catholic to attend our school. Please call to arrange a tour. Financial aid and volunteer opportunities available. AY, SP, AS SARI ISDANER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT THE KATZ JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 856-424-4444 • KatzJCC.org/ECE Ages: 6 wks.-K • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm, M-Th; 6pm, F The Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center at the Katz JCC is an award-winning program and leader in early childhood education. We offer full day infant/toddler care as of six weeks old, nursery school, preschool, full day certified Kindergarten, pre-K and transitional Kindergarten. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE*, NAEYC
MetroKids.com FEBRUARY 2020