MARCH 2020
PHILLY & THE BURBS
CAMP STORIES Vaccine Requirements Vary 2020 CAMP DIRECTORY
Summer Camp at Chesterbrook Academy • • • • • • •
®
Day camp with extended hours Field trips and events Nature and science Arts and crafts Sports and games Music, dance and drama Swimming* Not available at all locations
*
For more information, visit ChesterbrookAcademy.com/Camp
THE #1
TECH CAMP
FOR AGES 7-19
Coding. Game dev. Robotics. Digital arts. This isn’t just a camp. It’s an experience unlike any other. Here, you push past the boundaries of school, finding your squad and bonding over the latest tech. Led by expert instructors, you will build the skills needed to forge a brilliant future.
HELD AT 150+ PRESTIGIOUS LOCATIONS INCLUDING: Princeton | Seton Hall | Ramapo | Kean | FDU - Madison Montclair State | NYU | NYIT | Columbia
Request your brochure today!
iDTechCamps.com | 1-888-709-8324 MARCH 2020
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Camp
What’s Your Camp’s Vaccination Policy? Last year’s measles outbreaks in the U.S. led camps to review rules.
By Jennifer Lesser Measles outbreaks across the country in 2019 prompted summer camps to look at how, or whether, they should accommodate vaccine-hesitant parents and could reassure parents of vaccinated children that they won’t be exposed to the disease. “Like everything else, the issue of what camps are doing about vaccinations falls on a bell curve — there are some camps doing very little and some are requiring detailed vaccination records to be updated on an annual basis,” explains Harry Rhulen, founder and CEO of Crisis Risk, a risk management company. He notes that, generally, corporate-owned camps enforce tighter vaccination restrictions than a smaller, family-owned camp that has been running for many years. “Sometimes these camps will tell me that they’ve been doing it a certain way for 100 years and haven’t had a problem, and our response is always one single word: ‘yet.’”
Impact of New York outbreak
Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association (ACA) of NY and NJ, says licensed summer camps in both states have to keep vaccination records and campers should be immunized according to state requirements or be able to present a medical or religious exemption. However, as a result of the measles outbreak in Brooklyn last year, camps contacted parents to encourage them to immunize their children and many camps refused to accept religious exemptions to protect the overall camp population from a measles outbreak. New Jersey schools and camps may have to follow suit; a pending bill would require all students attending public schools to be vaccinated,
8 MetroKids.com
regardless of religious beliefs, health conditions, or any other exemptions that were previously accepted. The bill has angered some parents and is currently stalled in the legislature. “Last year was a unique summer for camps. Many had to revise their vaccination policy for the summer, only accepting campers and staff that were vaccinated for measles and if a camp did accept unvaccinated children, they were tracking the campers for symptoms,” Lupert explains. “Camp owners and directors were working closely with their healthcare staff to ensure they understood the symptoms of measles and that a procedure was in place to seek medical care if measles were suspected.”
“When it seems like nobody really wants to take a stand on the issue because it will draw the ire of many parents, it puts camps like ours in a precarious position.” Lupert says many camp directors reached out to the families who hadn’t vaccinated their children and told them that if they didn’t vaccinate for measles, their child would be unable to attend camp. “Surprisingly, many parents ended up vaccinating,” she recalls.
Local camps respond
According to Andy Pritikin, owner and director of Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown, NJ and past president of the ACA, many camps struggled to make a decision about vaccinations last summer and will continue to face challenges this season. “When we heard about the outbreak in New York last year, we were hoping for some sort of governmental
decree in our state that would advise us how to handle this issue, but we were unfortunately pretty much left on our own since there were no confirmed outbreaks in New Jersey,” he explains. “It was left up to camp directors to decide whether to tell families who have been with us for years that they’re no longer welcome in our camp community because their children aren’t vaccinated, at the risk of making other parents nervous.” The camp ultimately decided to make vaccinations mandatory, but consulted with its insurance company to come up with a compromise for one family of two unvaccinated campers — they had to take a blood test to prove that they weren’t carriers of any sort of communicable disease before they would be permitted to enroll. “The general rule for camps is to follow what public schools are doing, but when it seems like nobody really wants to take a stand on the issue because it will draw the ire of many parents, it puts camps like ours in a precarious position,” he adds. “My son battled leukemia, and every time he received another round of chemotherapy, it wiped out all of his previous vaccines, so when we thought about the fact that there are some kids walking around who are unprotected and extremely vulnerable to these life-threatening diseases, not because of religious or personal reasons, but because of a serious health condition, our camp had to make the choice to require vaccinations.” Camp policies may continue to vary by state or even by region when it comes to medical and vaccination records. Jennifer Lesser is a freelance writer.
MARCH 2020
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. 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 Arsenal Way which produced their world’s best players. Arsenal coaches direct and help you combine techniques, tactics and that winning spirit.
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, provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game while immersed in the philosophy of the professional academies in Paris. European coaches direct individual skill development, team and character building.
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.
Purchase Tickets Now! Council Stage OGLC Grades: 5 - 8
Winter Stage Grades: 1 - 12
Mar. 26, 27, & 28
Apr. 24, 25, & 26
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.
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
SUMMER STAGE (Award-Winning Musical Theater Camp) SESSION I SESSION II SESSION III Jun. 17 - Jul. 2 Jun. 22 - Jul. 10 Jul. 6 - 10 (Ages 6 - 12) (Ages 13 - 18) (Ages 6 - 12)
SESSION IV Jul. 13 - 31 (Ages 6 - 18)
SESSION V Aug. 3 - 14 (Ages 13 - 18)
SESSION VI Aug. 3 - 21 (Ages 6 - 12)
July 29 - 31
Aug. 12 - 14
Aug. 19 - 21
Reserved Seating, $12 online and at the door. Spring Stage Ages: 6 - 18
Stage Register Now! Main (All Ages) June 5, 6, & 7; (JTF ‘21 Show!) July 15 - 24
July 1 & 2
July 8 -10
July 10
Monday - Friday · 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM · Hope Community Church · Moorestown, NJ Fee: $325 / week · Four to Six Performances at the end of each Session · Show Tickets: $12
MoorestownTheaterCompany.org • Info@MoorestownTheaterCompany.org • (856) 778-8357 10 MetroKids.com
MARCH 2020
Camp Directory CAMDEN COUNTY
dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.
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
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
SIGN UP TODAY!
Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort
TURING
,S
AF
E
THEATRE, FILM, DANCE
FUN FOR ALL AGES 5 & UP
G AG
ING
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.
, NUR
EN
Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute
N FU
REGISTER EARLY ONLINE &
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
D EARLY BIRTS N U O C IS D E AVAILABL
www.mainstage.org 856-302-6485
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
Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training progra SN: Some special needs may be accommodated
MARCH 2020
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Think Outside... No Box Required
Register at an Open House
Can’t make an Open House? Schedule a personal tour with us!
Save $250/camper (New Camp Families only!)
(856) 751-1666
Sunday, March 15 & April 26 • 11am - 2pm
jcccampsatmedford.org 400 Tuckerton Road • Medford, NJ
Once upon a Storybook Summer For little campers ag e
s 2-5
s e s u o H n e Op am - 1pm pril 26 • 10
rch 15 & A a M , y a d n u S pen House O n a t a r e Regist 0/camlyp) er 0 1 $ e v a s and ons on p registrati (New cam
MARCH 2020
Can’t make an Open House? Schedule a personal tour with us! katzjcc.org/ECCCAMPS • (856) 424-4444 x1242 MetroKids.com 14