New Jersey Family: Big Book of Camps 2022

2022 AN A-Z GUIDE FOR NEW JERSEY PARENTS

Get to Know The

BEST CAMPS (Near and Far)

HELP THEM THRIVE AT SLEEPAWAY FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR KID SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS, TEEN PROGRAMS + MORE

Ranked among the world’s best specialized children’s hospitals.

rwjbh.org/childrensspecialized

TIME TO VOTE!

Do you love your child’s dentist or orthodontist? Tell us and help another New Jersey family get the very best care.

CHRISTINA CARTER, DMD

MARY JO MCGUIRE, DMD

Pediatric Dentist/Orthodontist | Madison Dr. Carter has always made my son feel very comfortable.

He gets nervous going to the doctor and I always know that Dr. Carter will be able to keep him calm and his visit will be enjoyable. She truly has a gift with children and you can tell how important each and every child is to her.

Pediatric Dentist | Annandale MaryJo is an exceptional pediatric dentist! She is fun, she knows how to calm the children down if they are nervous, she is completely thorough and has taken care of my three teenagers’ teeth since they were toddlers. She goes above and beyond for her patients, and even treats children with autism. She is the best!

—A.M., MOUNT ARLINGTON

—H.L., ANNANDALE

MICHAEL KIRSCH, DDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Caldwell Dr. Kirsch did an emergency surgery on my daughter’s mouth. She was in an incredible amount of pain. The care and skill that with which he treated her was extraordinary.

He immediately helped her and then assisted us in finding another provider to do a follow up procedure. We highly recommend him!

—S.S., MONTVILLE

PATRICK CUOZZO, DDS Orthodontist | Lincroft / Sea Girt Dr. Pat is so professional and caring! Every visit to the office is easy and quick and there is never any doubt throughout the entire process! Everyone from the front desk staff to the assistants to Dr. Pat makes you feel welcome and always takes the time to explain things and make sure you are comfortable. I would never go anywhere else!

—M.N., BELMAR

Nominate your favorites at njfamily.com/vote

Contents 24

66

63

70

80 9 Grab Your Gear Essentials and fun stuff for your summer camper

13 Summer Checkup Keep the kids safe and healthy at camp.

17 Find the Right Fit Tips to choose the best camp for your kid

21 Stress-Free Summer How COVID taught us to appreciate the benefits of summer camp.

24 Camp Tours Advice to make the most of your visit

26 Camps a Plenty From academic to athletic and everything in between, there’s a camp for every interest.

31 Meet the Camp Get to know some of the best day, sleepaway, special needs camps and more in the NJ area and beyond.

63 A Special Summer One mom shares her journey to find a camp for her child with special needs.

66 Road to Success Help your kid thrive during their sleepaway experience.

70 Overnight Options A breakdown of different types of overnight camps for your kids.

74 Pack It Up Your guide to packing for sleepaway camp

76 Homeward Bound Ease them back into their home routine after their time away.

78 Spring Forward Plan now for a camp to keep them entertained during Spring Break.

80 Teen Time Your teenager can travel or become a CIT this summer.

COVER IMAGE: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / IMGORTHAND

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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SPECIAL ISSUE | NJFAMILY.COM BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

PUBLISHER | CINDY MIRONOVICH EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | DINA EL NABLI EDITOR@NJFAMILY.COM ART DIRECTOR | LEEZA HERNANDEZ MANAGING EDITOR | ANGEL MADISON SENIOR EDITOR | RONNIE KOENIG CONTRIBUTORS KAREN B. GIBBS JENNIFER KANTOR JESS MICHAELS RICHARD QUINN ARRICA ELIN SANSONE

PRODUCTION DESIGNER ROSA M. JOSEPH PRODUCTION/BUSINESS MANAGER ERICA BARTON PROJECT & CIRCULATION MANAGER DIANE ERDENBERGER

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING MARCY HOLETON

Countdown to Camp After a winter of Omicron surges and our kids dealing with remote learning, quarantines and constantly changing rules about what’s safe, we’re all counting down the days until summer vacations, camp and a much-needed break. The benefits of summer camp have always been clear—kids get a chance to be kids without the pressure of school. They get to leave their worries behind, have fun, try new things, make new friends and gain a sense of independence in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Once the school year ends, my kids can’t wait for camp. Last summer, we sent our then 11-year-old daughter to sleepaway camp for the first time. Though she missed us, she absolutely loved camp and made new friends she can’t wait to see in her bunk this summer. She spent her days swimming, boating and even picked up a new passion for archery, something she had never tried before. My 14-year-old son was getting ready for his freshman soccer season when we found a week-long sleepaway soccer camp he went to with two friends. Spending every day playing the game he loves was a gift after a hectic school year.

With summer on the horizon, it’s time to plan your child’s camp experience. Whether you’re looking for a day camp close to home, a sleepaway or an experience that caters to your child’s love of art, sports or music, this issue showcases some of the best camps in our area. If the search for the right camp feels overwhelming, our story on how to choose a camp for your child will help. If you have a child with special needs or a teen looking for summer opportunities, we have plenty of ideas for them, too.

Now more than ever, our kids need the stress-free fun of camp. We hope this issue will help you plan an unforgettable summer for them.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES ANN CUSACK RANDI EPSTEIN CATHY GROTE DEBBIE LUBRANSKI BARBARA NASTRO PAMELA PETERSON ERIN SALMAN ANDREA THORNE The acceptance of advertising by New Jersey Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudulent or misleading in nature. Editorial inquiries, calendar information, ad­ vertising rates and schedules, and subscrip­­­ tion requests may be addressed to Kids Monthly Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 669, New Providence, NJ 07974-0669. New Jersey Family can be reached by calling 908-9751800, emailing editor@njfamily.com, or by visiting our website, njfamily.com. New Jersey Family is a woman-owned business and has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by the Parenting Media Association.

New Jersey Family is published monthly by Kids Monthly Pub­ lications, Inc., P.O. Box 669, New Providence, NJ 07974-0669. Reproduction of New Jersey Family in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021

by Kids Monthly Publications, Inc. Circulation audit by CVC, Circulation Verification Council.

/NEWJERSEYFAMILY @NJFAMILYMAG @NEWJERSEYFAMILY

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NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

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NJ’s Premier Special Needs Summer Program June 27 - August 12 Camp for ages 3-15 LIFE & TravelQuest Programs for ages 16-18 Enroll today for best rates Open Houses in February, March and April

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Join the

PACK

NAME GAME Their clothes will never go missing thanks to this stamper, perfect to pair with camp labels (sold separately). Mini Clothing Stamp, Mabel’s Labels. $31, mabelslabels.com

SMART GEAR AND CUTE FINDS FOR YOUR SLEEPAWAY CAMPER

By DINA EL NABLI

DAMAGE CONTROL A must-have for grass stains or spills on clothes in between laundry washes.

Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen, Tide. $2.99, target.com

PICTURE PERFECT A hybrid camera lets them print pics to hang in their bunk or mail home to mom and dad.

They can also store images to access later. Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera, Fuji. $199.95, bhphotovideo.com

KEEP IT CLEAN They’ll keep hands fresh using the castile soap, water and essential oils in these alcohol-free, all-natural wipes.

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FRESHEN UP This allergenand chemical-free deodorant is made without aluminum or synthetic fragrances, so it’s safe for kids and tweens. All Natural Kid’s Deodorant, Starling Skincare. $14, buystarling.com

LIKE CLOCKWORK They’ll never lose track of time with this colorful battery-powered cube clock with a quiet alarm. Digital Alarm Thermometer Night Glowing Cube with LED Lights, Vinmax. $12.99, amazon.com

THROW IN THE TOWEL Step up his towel game with a towel personalized with the name of his camp. Yo!!

Towel, Kicks by Sammy. $45, kicksbysammy.com

PILLOW TALK The fun, whimsical design on this pillow adds a fun and cozy vibe to her bunk. Add your child’s camp name when ordering.

Summer Lovin’ Personalized Pillow Case, Kicks by Sammy. $48, kicksbysammy.com

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Jeannette G. Glass, DMD, MS Cosmetic Dentistry

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A Healthy

SUMMER HOW TO MAKE SURE THE KIDS STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AT CAMP

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / FATCAMERA

By ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE

A

fter the past two years of uncertainty, kids need summer camp more than ever. It’s an opportunity to meet people and learn about everything from canoeing and woodworking to cooking and archery.

Camp is good for kids’ mental health, too. “Camp helps kids build emotional resilience and independence because they get outside of their comfort zones to try new things,” says Todd Rothman, co-owner and co-director of Deerkill Day Camp in Suffern, New York. “It’s especially important now because kids have lost a year or more of social development and have spent a

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

lot of time by themselves. Camp gives us a chance to be together and have fun without the pressures of school.”

Whether it’s day or sleepaway camp, here’s how to get your kid ready:

SCHEDULE A WELLNESS VISIT

Kids need checkups before starting summer camp, and camp health forms must be filled out by your pediatrician and turned in before camp starts. “Book an appointment right away, especially if your child is behind on immunizations,”

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“Book an appointment [with their pediatrician] right away, especially if your child is behind on immunizations.” says Mohammed Jawaad Hussain, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University. In many cases, doctor’s offices are experiencing a backlog and booking several weeks or months out. Some camps may also require COVID vaccines.

COMMUNICATE WITH THE CAMP

PACK THE RIGHT SUN PROTECTION

Either chemical or physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, are fine, but picking a kind they’ll actually wear is the most important. Opt for a minimum of 30 SPF or higher, and teach your kid to reapply frequently. Sprays work well for the body and sticks for the face, says Rothman. Because it’s difficult to know how much you’re applying, the American Academy of Dermatology has some tips. With sprays, go back and forth until the skin has a sheen, then rub it in. With sticks, make four passes back and forth over an area. Sun-protective clothing and hats are other must-haves.

SEND BUG SPRAY

“Prevention is better than treatment,” says Hussain. Show kids how to apply it, and use DEET (no more than 30 percent) or picaridin. Oil of eucalyptus is okay, too, but don’t use it on kids younger than age 3. Also, keep repellents off little kids’ hands, which inevitably end up in their mouths, says Hussain.

In addition, do a daily tick check, and teach your child to look for them, especially in hiding places such as the scalp, around ears, the backs of knees and at waist bands. If they find one, tell them to ask a counselor to remove it right away

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and snap a photo, or call the camp nurse. If your kid gets an extra-itchy mosquito bite, dab on some calamine lotion or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, and call your pediatrician for a prescription cream if that doesn’t help.

TALK TO YOUR KID ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT

It helps to get your kid excited about their summer by watching camp videos, taking a camp tour and meeting counselors ahead of time. For younger kids, make a countdown calendar. Also, teach kids to talk to counselors if they're upset or worried about anything, says Rothman. Say something like, “This counselor is like your teacher, so just like you can tell your teacher anything, you can tell your counselor anything.”

Your child may be nervous about going back to camp, even if he or she loved it before. “We saw some social regression with kids last year,” says Rothman. “We’re also learning what’s ‘normal’ again, like not wearing masks in some situations, and that can be scary to kids.” That’s totally understandable, so talk to your child about why and when it’s okay to remove a mask, such as when playing outdoors, and practice at home.

If you have your own anxiety about leaving your kids at camp, discuss your feelings with the director or counselor instead of fretting. “Kids pick up on everything. If your child senses you’re upset, they’ll feed off of that,” says Rothman. While it’s not unusual for there to be tears at drop off (yours or theirs), you want kids to have a positive experience, which means letting them spread their wings without imposing your own fears.

—Arricca Elin SanSone is a New York-based health and lifestyle writer.

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ SEVENTYFOUR

Talk to the camp nurse if your child has special medical needs and requires prescription medications. For example, ask who will administer them and where they’ll be stored. Also, discuss any transitions, such as a recent move, family illness, divorce or anything else that is going on in your child’s life, with the director or counselor. “It helps kids succeed at camp when we know what’s impacting them,” says Rothman.

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THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR KID Tips to find a good fit for your child this summer

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: /©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ GOTO_TOKYO / AZMANJAKA / SVETIKD / CHOJA / RAWPIXEL ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM XXXXX

By KAREN B. GIBBS

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“After nearly two years of COVID-induced social isolation and tech overload, camp enrollments were up 36 percent nationwide last summer compared with previous years…”

A

wise camp alum once said, “Everything you need to know to be a successful adult, you learn in camp.” Susan Rynar, director of Jeff Lake Camp in Sussex County, attests to that maxim. “In camp you learn cooperation, independence, social skills, empathy, resiliency—things that allow you to venture into college with a confident skill pack.”

Research supports this. “Studies reveal that kids who have gone to camp do much better when they go to college,” says Renee Flax, director of camper placement for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ. “Think about it. They’ve already experienced communal living, sharing bathrooms, making decisions, compromising, taking care of themselves and solving conflicts.”

When choosing a camp, considering what your kids are into and whether the camp is right for their age is the obvious place to start. Find out what a typical day is like and what types of activities your child will participate in. See if there's a mix of activities or if the camp focuses on one activity. Ask what type of supervision there is and how many counselors to a group. If you want your child to learn to swim, ask if the camp offers lessons or just free swim. For sleepaways, it's important to learn what the bunk structure is, how meals are handled and what the staff-to-camper ratio is.

After nearly two years of COVID-induced social isolation and tech overload, camp enrollments were up 36 percent nationwide last summer compared with previous years, according to summercamphub.com. Kids lost social skills and forgot the give and take of face-to-face relationships and the freedom that comes from being outdoors. The right camp remedies all of this. It unplugs kids from their electronic devices and social media and connects them with nature—and each other—like nothing else.

So how do you find the right camp for your child?

Start Your Search

First, write down what you’re looking for. For example: Do you want a day camp or sleepaway camp? Should it be a camp that’s close to home and offers transportation? Do you need before- and after-camp care?

Finances are another consideration. According to a 2021 Summer Camp Hub survey, 53 percent of parents did not send their kids to summer camp last year because they couldn’t afford it. Parents can keep costs down by selecting a three-day-a-week camp or a half-day camp or choosing to attend for just one or two weeks instead of the whole summer. Also, keep in mind that camps run by not-for-profit organizations, like YMCA’s Camp Ockanickon for boys and YWCA’s Camp Matollionequay for girls, cost considerably less. If your child has dealt with loss or cancer, there are summer camps for them at no cost.

Specialty camps such as Camp Firefly (in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties) for kids who lost a loved one, Camp Kesem (in

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Princeton) for kids whose parent has cancer, Happiness is Camping (in Hardwick) for children with cancer and their siblings are no-cost camps.

Next, think about your child. What’s best for them? Are they outgoing or shy? Adventurous or pensive? Do they like a structured camp or do they want to make choices? Are certain activities and skills important, such as cooking, swimming, tennis, theater or robotics? Does your child have food allergies or physical or health challenges? Should the camp be co-ed or single sex?

Ask the Experts

Talk to coaches, teachers and friends for camp suggestions. Search online camp directories like acanynj.org and njfamily.com/camp. Check out camp websites and open houses or visit the camp. Talk with the camp director and be sure to ask if the camp is accredited by the ACA. Once you’ve determined what you and your child are looking for in a camp, reach out to the ACA for free guidance. “I work one-on-one with parents to find the right camp for their child,” says Flax. “ACA is the only association that accredits camps and we do it with help from experts like the Academy of Pediatrics and the American Red Cross. Accreditation is based on 300 standards. I have visited all these camps. I know the directors. I know the inside skinny. I can tell you how it can fit your needs and those of your child.”

A Camp for Every Kid

Sometimes finding the right fit for your child means sending siblings to different camps. And while this might seem like a logistical nightmare, doing so can deeply benefit both kids. Going to different camps allows each child to really focus on and further develop their own area of interest. It can also push kids to branch out socially when they don't have their sibling to fall back on.

South Orange mom of two Erica Barton ended up sending her kids to different camps and it turned out to be a very positive decision. “We had been sending my two kids to the same sleepaway camp for a couple of years, but one year my son wanted to try a horseback riding program,” she says. “The camp he had been going to didn't offer that for his age so he went to a different camp than his sister. He was a little apprehensive because he had never been to sleepaway camp without her, but he ended up having one of his best summers ever! In a way I think it was better because it forced him out of his comfort zone and really gave him a sense of independence.”

—Karen Gibbs is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Louisiana.

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

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The Gift of Camp During The

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KIDS AND TEENS ARE MORE ANXIOUS THAN EVER IN THE ERA OF COVID. HERE’S HOW CAMP CAN HELP.

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By JESS MICHAELS

or generations, summer camp has been giving children the opportunity to form strong friendships, gain confidence by trying new things and learn how to do things without the help of mom and dad. Nothing has changed at camp but when COVID disrupted our lives, the importance of summer camp and what camp can do for children became more apparent than ever.

Davina Angus, executive director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, says camp has always been a place where children make true connections, gain independence and

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

feel like part of a community. “COVID has just underscored all that camp has to offer children and has shown so many people who didn’t necessarily understand camp what the real value of the experience can be.”

A Different Kind of Learning

Camp is a different environment than school. Kids learn skills that are hard to practice at school but happen easily at camp. “School is about learning subject matter. Camp is about kids growing socially and a place where no one is graded. It’s

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Connecting Within a Community

Suchow explains that children were so burdened with COVID leading up to the summer that camp gave them a relief from

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all the stresses the pandemic had caused. “They had this sense that their main responsibility at camp was to just have fun and be kids. They were so hungry to be part of a community and the whole camp had this unified feeling that they were in this together. The traditions of camp from the dinner song to inside jokes that happen at the Cove allowed them to bond so closely.

Camp is really a unique microcosm of life that campers feel a part of.”

One of the biggest benefits of camp for children is the techfree environment it provides. Both day and overnight camps don’t allow phones, iPads or anything with WiFi, preferring children to focus on relationships and activities over social media and texting. “We are all so connected to our phones and screens so to be in an environment where it’s not an option is actually a relief for our campers. They don’t feel the pressure to be part of that world,” says Suchow.

Lauren Brown’s two sons attended Spring Lake Day Camp in Ringwood last summer and loved that they got to just be kids at camp. “Camp gave my boys the chance to interact with campers within their age group, socialize face-to-face and participate in all the activities offered at camp that they missed the previous summer. After enduring constant change during the school year, they thrived being on the camp’s structured schedule.”

After two-plus years of pandemic stress, sending children to summer camp will allow them to just be kids again.

—Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association (ACA), NY and NJ.

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©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ PEOPLEIMAGES

where kids can release energy, use interpersonal skills that you can’t get through a screen and learn how to work together in groups,” explains Carla Rudow, director of Camp Veritans, a day camp in Haledon.

Many camp directors reported seeing kids coming into camp last summer with more anxiety than in the past. “Children were coming to camp after not being around a lot of people and suddenly, they are surrounded by people 24/7," says Dani Suchow, director of Pocono Springs Camp, a co-ed overnight camp in Pennsylvania. "They had to relearn how to navigate social situations and how to make friends face-to-face which they hadn’t done in a long time. It was really great to see the connections being made and watching the anxieties dissipate as the days and weeks went on.”

“Kids weren’t sure what to do. For the past year, they had to follow so many rules that by the time they came to camp, they were nervous and scared," Rudow adds. "We found that the youngest campers had been with their parents for so long that they had separation anxiety. But as summer progressed, we watched them go from nervous and anxious to talking with other kids and enjoying activities. It was a warming feeling to hear the noise and the laughter. There is nothing that can replace camp—it’s a priceless opportunity whether during COVID or not.”

This STEM-centered, academic enrichment program for creative and curious 13 and 14 year olds will have kids designing and building working models to solve real problems using low tech materials.

Students construct and evaluate multiple prototypes to solve a specific problem using critical thinking and design strategies.

Students can attend 1 - 4 weeks, during the month of July. Students engage with unique experiments, science concepts, and projects depending on the week’s theme.

Monday thru Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Children ages 5 and up are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. The New Jersey Department of Health strongly recommends talking with your pediatrician or finding an appointment near you at covid19.nj.gov.

WEEK 1: July 5 – 8 WEEK 2: July 11 – 15 WEEK 3: July 18 – 22 WEEK 4: July 25 – 29

A safer, healthier NJ Pascack Hills High School 225 W. Grand Ave., Montvale

201-218-5859 www.summerimagineering.com BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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GrandTour

By DINA EL NABLI

S

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A SUMMER CAMP TOUR WITH YOUR CHILD

eriously considering a camp and need to decide if it’s the right one for your kid? Schedule a camp tour. The ideal time to tour a camp is in the summer while it’s in session, but you can still tour in the off-season and virtually. Plan ahead to set up tours at camps you’re thinking about. We asked Renee Flax, director of camper placement for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, and Peggy Daly, director of Camp Nyoda, a sleepaway camp for girls in Oak Ridge, how to make the most of your tour.

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TIME YOUR VISIT Seeing a camp in action is your best bet to get a feel for its atmosphere and vibe. “If you have a choice, the best time to tour a camp is after breakfast and bunk cleanup which is usually around 10 am or in the afternoon, after lunch and rest hour which is usually around 2 pm,” says Flax. “This is when you see a camp fully in action.”

In-person tours also give your child a chance to see the camp, possibly take part in an activity and meet other campers, says Flax. If you can’t tour the camp when it’s in session, ask about open houses in the spring or reach out to schedule an in-person tour in the off-season and then reach out to campers with questions. And if an in-person tour is not possible for health or distance reasons, a virtual visit is helpful.

At Camp Nyoda, you can take a self-guided virtual tour anytime on Nyoda’s YouTube channel. Guided virtual tours are available upon request and in-person tours are scheduled for May. If possible, don’t take very young children on tours. Having a crying toddler on a tour will be challenging. Also, avoid trying to tour too many camps in one day.

HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS READY Make sure you meet the camp director or someone from their leadership team, advises Flax. “Many camps have tour guides who will be able to answer your questions but you want to meet the person in charge and know their philosophy,” says Flax. “The most important questions involve knowing who succeeds best at the type of program their camp has designed.”

Think about the questions that are most relevant to your child and have your child make a list of questions in advance, too, says Flax.

Here’s what she suggests families ask: What is your goal as the camp director for your campers?

What happens if a child is homesick?

How do your hire/train your staff?

If campers opt out of an activity do they have an elective choice or do they remain in their bunk?

What are you most proud of about your camp?

Daly suggests asking about the intangibles that make a camp special.

“When I give a tour, I make sure prospective parents are very aware of how our counselors use activity time, bunk time, mealtime and campwide activities to instill the values that are at the heart of our camp,”

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Daly says. “I think knowing what the camp values are and how the camp actually supports those values is more important than just the activities themselves.”

Daly suggests asking: How does this camp help your child grow in a healthy, positive way?

What is the return rate of campers?

What are the camp-wide values? How do they instill them? What are the traditions that support them? How intentional are they in creating a place for those values to flourish every day for every camper?

How engaged with current campers does the tour guide seem to be? Does she know them?

GET TO KNOW THE COUNSELORS Daly says camp counselors play an invaluable role in your child’s growth while at camp and are “at the heart of every camp.”

Here’s what she suggests asking about the counselor staff: What was their work experience before joining the camp?

How old are they?

Why do they work for this camp in particular?

What motivates them to be role models to kids?

What is the counselor return/rollover rate?

What training do counselors receive?

WATCH OUT FOR RED FLAGS If you’re not impressed with the staff or you’re not seeing happy campers, that can be a red flag, Flax says. “You are touring a camp to get a positive feel about the environment,” she says. “Follow your instincts and you’ll know if it feels like a good fit for your child.”

KEEP HEALTH AND SAFETY IN MIND Ask what the camp’s health and safety plan was in 2021 so you get an understanding of how COVID was dealt with. Find out how that plan will change for the summer of 2022. It’s crucial to know what’s required as early as possible. “In some cases, full vaccinations and boosters will be required for everyone attending their camp including campers and staff,” Flax says.

BE HONEST AND DON’T HOLD BACK Tell your camp tour guide what’s most important to you and your child so they can gear the tour towards your interests. Let them know as much about your child and family as you can and be honest about any issues your child may have, suggests Flax. “If necessary, ask to speak with them while your child is doing an activity or is out of earshot,” says Flax. “There may be things you don’t want your child to hear you say but are important for the camp to know. If you know your child has specific issues that may arise at camp, be honest. Not telling a camp will only make it more difficult for your child to succeed.”

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PICK A CAMP

By RONNIE KOENIG

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The many options for camps can be overwhelming at first glance. Do your research now (and call for dates, prices and deadlines) and your child is bound to have an unforgettable summer!

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ACADEMIC CAMPS The Elisabeth Morrow School elisabethmorrow.org Englewood Camp meets classroom at Summer Explorations (kids age 2 through grade 9), with selections that delve into genetics, chemistry, mythology, history, astronomy and more.

The Writers Circle writerscircleworkshops.com Madison Teen scribes honing their craft at WC’s week-long Summer Writing Intensive at Drew University focus on genres like poetry, playwriting or memoirs, enjoying support, feedback and literary fun along the way.

International Ivy iisummer.com Multiple locations Hands-on, in-person STEAM (think engineering, math, programming) learning will keep your child age 3-15 in peak performance mode (full and half days available).

iD Tech idtech.com Multiple locations Typically held at one of 150+ campuses nationwide, iD Tech’s summer camps focus on favorite STEM obsessions such as coding in Roblox and

Minecraft. iD Tech will be back on campus this summer.

Morristown Beard mbs.net/about/summerprograms Morristown Classes designed to pique campers’ curiosity have included Strategy Gaming, Electronic Music Immersion, Constitutional Debate and more. Middle school courses are open to rising sixth through eighth graders, with more courses for high schoolers.

Newark Academy newarka.edu Livingston Top-notch academics and enrichment for young scholars grades K-12 meet classes for thinkers like podcasting and financial literacy. Classes such as Jump Start and Mott-Leeney Baseball Camp are held on the school’s gorgeous campus.

Oak Knoll oakknoll.org/summer Summit This co-ed summer program offers prep classes for kids entering kindergarten to get them ready for their first day of school, and has offerings for elementary students. Middle schoolers through high schoolers can focus on classes like geometry, physics and SAT prep.

Summer Imagineering summerimagineering.com Montvale This STEM-centered academic enrichment program for creative and curious 13 and 14-year-olds will have kids designing and building working models to solve problems using simple materials.

It’s a chance to step away from the computer and create!

Tessa International School tessais.org Hoboken

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Native Spanish, French or Mandarin speakers immerse kids ages 2.5-8 in their choice of language through interactive activities, crafts and whimsical themes such as Space Explorer, On a Pirate Ship and Hollywood.

Pingry Summer pingrysummer.org Basking Ridge An academic mix of core and enrichment classes (language arts, math, engineering, architecture and more) will keep minds sharp whether for credit or the competitive edge. Add a half-day of sports or day camp to round out the camp experience.

Wardlaw + Hartridge whschool.org Edison The Brain Boosters Junior Academics (grades 1-5) is a three-week program focused on using technology and hands-on activities to develop math, writing and reading skills. The Summer Scholars (grades 6-12) program offers college prep-style courses.

Winston Preparatory School winstonprep.edu Whippany The month-long Summer Enrichment Program boosts language facility, math aptitude, executive functioning and independence through small classes grouped by skill level and learning style, plus daily 1:1 instruction targeting the area of greatest need. Culinary arts, photography, social pragmatics and other activities are offered.

ART CAMPS Arts Council of Princeton artscouncilofprinceton.org Princeton Join for 11 weeks of camp for kids ages 5-16 led by incredible teaching artists. Kids can try their hand at painting, mixed media,

fiber arts, clay and more.

Art Sparks artsparksstudio.com Hopewell Kids can explore a variety of media such as acrylics, collage, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, printmaking, sculpture, photography, colored pencils, clay and much more.

The Center for Contemporary Arts ccabedminster.org Bedminster Get her wheels spinning at this state-of-the-art studio’s ceramics camp, where she can throw and glaze her own creations. If pottery isn’t her thing, there’s also mixed media offered (which explores everything from painting to sculpture) and various projects that change each week.

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey artcenternj.org Summit Camps for kids ages 5-9, tweens ages 10-12 and teens ages 13+ provide youngsters with the chance to explore art media and techniques with weekly themes and small class sizes.

COOKING CAMPS Classic Thyme classicthyme.com Westfield Put their culinary skills to the test in one of these of multi-day, mini-camps focused on things like baking, vegetarian cooking and pizza-making. Fun classes like “Edible and Living Garden School Yard Farm to Table,” allow for children as young as four, to plant and harvest their own ingredients.

HealthBarn USA healthbarnusa.com Ridgewood This is a camp where they can

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DAY CAMPS Camp Riverbend campriverbend.com Warren Township Kids play sports and try their hand at woodworking and jewelry-making in small, samesex groups broken down by age.

They can also explore nature by canoeing and rope climbing.

The East Orange YMCA metroymcas.org East Orange Campers spend the summer swimming in an indoor pool, playing games and engaging in activities centered on a new theme every week. Teens can participate in the CIT program, where they plan different activities for younger kids.

GSB Summer Camp gsbschool.org Gladstone Formerly Hi Hills, this camp provides preschoolers through 8th graders with fun-filled, age-appropriate experiences to connect with nature, explore new passions and build social

skills in a safe environment.

Kent Place Summer Camp kentplace.org Summit Little explorers ages 3–5 spend their days crafting and playing games, while junior and senior campers (ages 5–10) play sports, explore the outdoors and even participate in dance and musical theater. Passport Camp lets kids ages 11–13 take creative arts classes and help out with service projects.

JCC Camp Ruach jcccampruach.org Bridgewater Eight weeks of fun from June 27-August 19 include three heated pools and a splash pad, baseball and soccer fields, NINJA warrior course, a ropes course, an air conditioned building with an arts room and gymnasium and so much more.

Palisades Country Day School palisadescountryday.com Closter and Fort Lee Campers can choose two electives to dive into per day, work on swimming skills, play sports (even cheerlead) and monkey around on the playground.

Camp Veritans campveritans.com

Haledon This full-service day camp lets campers participate in daily Red Cross instructional swim as well as a variety of fun activities including sports, arts & crafts, archery, go carts, woodworking, ropes & challenge course, cooking, drama, gymnastics, free swim, game center and more.

Experience life as a college student while studying various topics in humanities, arts, math, science and performing arts at this three-week intensive program. Kids pick from topics like “Scriptwriting, Page One, Rewrite!” or “Medical Biology,” and take off-campus trips on the weekends.

GIFTED AND TALENTED CAMPS

HORSEBACK RIDING CAMPS

Heroes Academy for the Gifted

essexequestrian.com West Orange Novice riders learn the ins and outs of grooming in the morning and get a hands-on introduction to arena riding in the afternoon.

More advanced equestrians can work on their trot or canter at the in-depth full-day program.

giftednj.org Monroe Twp. This enrichment program feeds their intellectual appetite all summer long with exposure to advanced topics like computer science and complex essay writing at an accelerated pace.

Montclair State University Gifted and Talented Program giftedstudy.org Montclair Kids can reach above and beyond academically and pursue their passion either on campus or online in this three-week-long enrichment program.

Summer Institute For the Gifted giftedstudy.org Various locations

Essex Equestrian Center

Frost Valley YMCA frostvalley.org Claryville, NY Girls spend half of the day perfecting their technique on the trails and then hike, swim and rock climb at Mustang Village during this two-week program.

Plus, there’s a camp exclusively for boys at Durango Village (ages 7–11) and sessions for more seasoned riders ages 12 and up.

Seaton Hackney Summer Stables Program seatonhackney.com Morristown Horseback riders of all skill levels spend the day either in the ring or in the barn at this equestrian camp. Beginners learn the basics of riding and horse management, while advanced riders work on their jumping and canters. There’s also a weekly field trip to various shows and clinics.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS Cohen Camps cohencamps.org Wellesley, MA For more than 85 years, Camp

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eat, plant, cook and play! Summer Camp (ages 4-13) and Summer Seedlings (ages 3-5) are both hands-on experiences that take place in a test kitchen and organic teaching garden.

Pembroke, Camp Tel Noar and Camp Tevya—three Jewish camps – have welcomed young people and their families.

Campers explore and celebrate shared values, traditions and love of Israel.

Maine Camp Experience mainecampexperience.com Portland, ME MCE is a community of summer camps for boys and girls with strong traditions and so much natural beauty for kids to thrive in. Some camps are co-ed while others are single gender. Explore options for the full summer or just a few weeks.

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Surprise Lake Camp surpriselake.org Cold Spring, NY SLC is one of the nation's longest running Jewish sleepaway camps and is located on 400 beautiful acres in Cold Spring. Camp here is about unplugging, growing and exploring Jewish values in a serene setting.

PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS All Children’s Theatre allchildrenstheatre.org Locations Vary Future stars of the big screen earn their time in the spotlight while studying comedy, drama and musical theater and end the

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summer with one or more live performances.

Class Act Performing Arts Studio classactpas.com South Orange Triple-threats in-training, tiny performers (ages 3–6) pick from themes like Frozen and Sofia the First, before showing off what they’ve learned. Older kids (ages 7–14) meet every day for two weeks to put together a Broadwayinspired number.

Theater Camp at Elks Lodge taubenslagproductions.com Edison Kids shine in several original productions while learning from seasoned pros over this camp’s two-month duration.

Plus, there’s time to swim, play games and even catch a Broadway show.

The Moderne Academie of Fine Arts moderneacademie.com Scotch Plains Ballerinas in training spend the mornings on their tippy-toes followed by movies, arts and crafts and snacks.

More experienced dancers (ages 8–18) choose from different workshops

and learn the basics from in-house teachers and guest instructors from NYC.

outdoors, swim, dance and have an “Olympic” sports competition every Wednesday.

The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts

Hybridge Summer Program

njworkshopforthearts.com Westfield Grade-school-aged thinkers take three-week-long classes like “Broadway Dance,” where they learn choreography or “Engineering,” where they can explore and build machines using the “LEGO Engineering Program.” There are also options for pre-K and kindergarten students where they socialize through hands-on group play.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS Easter Seal’s New Jersey Camp Merry Heart easterseals.com Hackettstown There’s tons of swimming, biking, fishing and zip lining across the wooded, 123-acre campground at this program for kids with autism and mental and physical disabilities. Campers will be under the supervision of trained caretakers focused on their social development.

Harbor Haven harborhaven.com West Orange This 7-week program designed for kids with mild special needs promises an action-packed summer while improving social and motor skills. Campers spend time

hybridgelearning.com South River Children with autism spectrum disorders play games, spend time outdoors, participate in team sports and music lessons. Campers receive one-on-one and small-group instruction that helps hone their social and play skills.

SPORTS-SPECIFIC CAMPS AFFA Fencing & Fitness Academy affafencing.com Garwood This camp will teach and reinforce basic techniques, rules and strategies of fencing.

Montclair State Ice Arena montclairstatearena.com Little Falls Aspiring Wayne Gretskys develop stick skills on the ice and improve stamina with hockey camp. There is also a figure skating camp offered for all ages.

Heron Club Junior Golf Camp heronglen.com Ringoes This camp, led by former PGA tour instructors, helps your junior golfers sharpen their drive, regardless of skill level. There’s also a “Birdies” camp for younger putters, for ages 7–11.

NJ Jackals’ Nike Baseball Camp ussportscamp.com Little Falls They'll get oneon-one time with semi-pros players while improving their batting and fielding skills at this five-day camp.

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[Meet the Camp] Choosing the right summer camp is a big decision. You want to find a place with a community your kids will love and feel at home in that’s committed to health and safety. Here’s a look at some of the best camps in NJ and beyond.

Editor's Note: Camp programs are subject to change due to COVID. Please confirm the latest program details with each camp.

[MEET TH E C AMP] S P ECIA L A DV ERT IS IN G S ECT IO N

FAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA 1035 Fairview Lake Rd., Newton • 973-383-9282 • fairviewlakeymca.org

F

A Traditional Sleepaway Camp in the Woods

airview Lake YMCA Executive Director Marc Koch is proud of the sleepaway camp experience he offers. In the age of touchscreens, social media and handheld devices, he’s happy to give campers a chance to connect with the great outdoors. “It’s a good, old-fashioned sleepaway camp,” he says.

Founded in 1915 as an all-boys camp, Fairview Lake offers a menu of some two dozen, week-long specialty camps that include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, windsurfing and sailing camps, and farm camps.

This year, Koch is introducing a new two-week, weekday sleepaway camp dubbed Lake in the Woods. It will be held on the campus of Blair Academy in Blairstown and the program aims to blend a traditional sleepaway camp with a boarding school dormitory – with weekends off.

While Fairview Lake provides a diverse mix of options, Koch also prides himself on offering traditional activities.

“We still have our base population, mostly kids who want to come to camp for a traditional camp experience, which means they get a swim lesson every day,” he says.

“And they have the opportunity to sign up for their own activity schedule of their choice.”

660 ACRES, AND A NATIONAL PARK The mission of a YMCA camp is to “strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”

“As far as youth development goes, we teach lifelong skills. It can be as simple as program skills – how to ride a horse, how to swim. Swimming is very important for the YMCA because we truly think it saves people’s lives by teaching them how to swim.

In fact, more people have learned how to swim through the YMCA than any other

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organization on the planet.”

Fairview Lake sits on 660 acres of forests and fields that surround its 110-acre namesake lake. Its backyard is the 70,000acre Delaware Water Gap National Park.

Time spent indoors follows state health guidelines on cleaning, social distancing and masking. But outdoors time is what Fairview Lake is about. There is an animal farm with donkeys, goats, chickens and sheep.

For the traditional camps, children and teenagers in grades 2 through 10 live in cabins with electricity, showers and bathrooms. Specialty camps feature camping and more rustic cabins that serve as a base between backpacking up the Appalachian Trail or canoeing down the Delaware River.

“You have camps that are in dorm rooms or air-conditioned rooms. We are not that,” he says of the outdoor experience campers love.

LEARNING TO LEAD EXPERIENCES A point of pride for Koch is that campers and staff return each year.

A first-year camper might do one horseback trail ride and sign up for a week of horseback riding the next year. Or a kid might sleep overnight in a tent for the first time in their first year and then sign up for a weeklong backpacking trip.

Kids come back to experience, to learn and

to lead, Koch says.

“The majority of our campers are here really for the social experience and the lifelong experiences,” Koch says. “Camps teach leadership skills and problem-solving skills.”

And, judging by staff, it teaches loyalty.

“I’ve been here since 1998,” Koch says. “I now have former campers who are parents sending their children to camp. They come to camp when they’re little. They become counselors-in-training when they’re 16. At 17, they become junior counselors. After a couple of years they may be qualified to be a senior staff person, like a waterfront director or a unit leader.”

A NURTURING HOME AWAY FROM HOME Perhaps the most counter-intuitive task for a sleepaway camp director is telling a homesick child they can’t talk to their parents.

But it’s true.

“Because that can often make homesickness worse,” Koch says. “Prior to camp starting, we reach out to our families, and say, ‘Hey, if there’s a chance your child may be homesick, this is what we do.’ We go through the steps, but we ask them to talk to their child. ‘Hey, if you get homesickness, I want to encourage you to stick it through, to give camp a try.’”

Sometimes the issue is more acute in a first-time camper. That’s when veteran campers come in handy.

“We’ll give them a big brother or big sister during camp, a real nice kid who is a little bit older, maybe a 14- or 15-year-old kid or a counselor-in-training to check in on them several times a day, to talk them through that homesickness.”

Sometimes the answer is as simple as pen and paper. “We encourage letter writing from both ends, both from the camper and the parents,” Koch says.

It’s all the best of what a sleepaway camp in the great outdoors has to offer.

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[MEET TH E C AMP] S P ECIA L A DV ERT IS IN G S ECT IO N

MORRISTOWN BEARD SCHOOL 70 Whippany Rd., Morristown • 973-539-3032 • mbs.net/about/summer-programs

A Day Camp and a Summer Institute Expand Horizons

W

hether you’re looking for a traditional day camp experience or an opportunity for enhanced learning, Morristown Beard School has the perfect summer program. Morristown Beard Day Camp is a fun, traditional camp experience kids look forward to year after year.

MBS Summer Institute isn’t your ordinary camp–-this immersive, academic experience provides students with exactly the right summer experience to increase their curiosity, satisfy their quest for adventure and inspire creativity in a collaborative environment.

A SUMMER LEARNING ADVENTURE MBS Summer Institute offers students the chance to expand academic horizons.

“The summer courses are different from what students may experience during the academic school year,” says Amanda Gregory, director of the Summer Institute.

Students collaborate, so that makes the program intellectually engaging.

The courses are also hands-on and experimental, elements of the program that make the environment fun. “Our students are curious, and we keep things relaxed and engaging,” she says.

The program is for rising 6th graders through 12th grade, offering distinct courses for middle and upper school, including courses for credit for grades 9-12.

Most students take at least two courses and all classes take place on campus in the best facilities available, including the new Math & Science Center and Center for Innovation & Design. All classes are stationed in a classroom, but many allow students to move around and experience the great outdoors and beautiful MBS campus.

The most energetic, enthusiastic faculty members from MBS teach in the Summer

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Institute, giving students access to the best minds in the business. Each year, popular courses are offered such as Wordsmithing, a writing class that teaches fundamentals, and Math Madness, where students work on pre-algebra skills through creative puzzles and problems.

This summer, new middle school classes will include an intro to neuroscience and a social science course. In the Climate Summit course, students will participate in a mock Global Summit on climate change.

Students will have access to amazing facilities including Science On a Sphere ® (a projection system on a suspended globe).

Science classes are taught in the school’s state-of-the-art labs.

A warm, close-knit community makes it easy for students to make friends quickly.

They love the academic challenge and collaboration and realize quickly that you can be challenged intellectually and also have fun.

A DAY CAMP LIKE NO OTHER Morristown Beard Day Camp was founded in 1991 and provides a superior, safe, summer day camp experience to children of various ages, interests and backgrounds.

“Morristown Beard School Day Camp is designed to help children develop skills in sports, arts and crafts, dance, swimming,

science, performing arts and in life,” says Stephanie Galvez, co-director of summer programs. “Our counselors work to promote good sportsmanship and self- confidence in each camper.”

The community here is supportive and welcoming–children thrive and grow stronger as part of the program. All campers are exposed to new experiences daily and are encouraged to develop lasting friendships, collaborate in groups and work toward attainable goals.

“At Morristown Beard School Day Camp, we use innovative programming and nurturing leadership to encourage the acquisition of skills, the development of friendships and a heightened awareness of our natural and social environment, which are all important elements in each child’s growth,” she says.

There is daily instructional swim and parents love that every activity is led by experienced adult staff members.

AN EXCEPTIONAL CAMPUS The campus of Morristown Beard School provides the perfect setting for your child’s summer experience. The William E. Simon Athletic Center is one of the area’s finest sports facilities. Campers make full use of three regulation-size basketball courts, three volleyball courts and four playing fields, including a running track and three multi-sport turf fields.

Swimming enthusiasts enjoy the Athletic Center’s Rooke Family Pool, a 25-meter indoor pool featuring six lanes.

Performing arts are taught in Founders’ Hall, the School’s Performing Arts Center, housing a 630-seat theatre and providing rooms for music and drama, a dance studio and all the support space for performances at the highest level.

You can learn more or register at mbs.net/ about/summer-programs

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[MEET TH E C AMP] S P ECIA L A DV ERT IS IN G S ECT IO N

PINGRY SUMMER 50 Country Day Dr., Short Hills • 131 Martinsville Rd., Basking Ridge • 973-379-4550, ext. 1217 • pingrysummer.org

Variety. Convenience.

A One-Stop Summer Shop.

I

t’s not just summer camp at The Pingry School.

It’s camps. Plural. Scores of them. In fact, there are more than 100 programs campers can sign up for on three campuses across Somerset and Essex Counties. There are new overnight offerings, full- and half-day options and even a two-week entrepreneur mini-camp, Thinkertown!. Last, but obviously not least, 2022 will see the reintroduction of the everpopular Big Blue Summer Day Camp.

“One of the more unique opportunities that we provide is our vastly diverse menu offering,” says Carl Frye, who co-directs Pingry’s summer camps with Lucas Calhoun.

“We like to consider it a one-stop shop. As a parent you can drop all three of your children off at varying ages and interests, knowing that while each one may experience different programming, they will come home having had a wonderful time with new friends while being safe and learning a little something!”

WORLD-CLASS ACADEMICS, ARTS AND SPORTS Before talking about the camps’ personality, one can’t describe Pingry’s summer program without describing its sense of place. Summer sessions for preschool age students through twelfth-graders are held on three campuses about 25 minutes apart from each other. Transportation between campuses is provided by Pingry.

The Short Hills campus offers a brand new turf field, STEAM classrooms and studio space, as well as a playground and two full-length grass athletic fields. The 240-acre Basking Ridge campus is an impressive athletic compound with three full-length turf athletic fields, 12 tennis courts, three baseball diamonds, an indoor pool, three theaters and the Bugliari Athletics Center, which includes four basketball courts, eight squash courts and training rooms. Outdoor features include

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a campsite and a 3.1-mile trail course that winds through woodlands, meadows, farm and a pond.

Lastly, the 83-acre Pottersville campus (51 Pottersville Rd.) is an overnight home that sleeps more than 150 campers across three dormitories, and has a 40-foot-high climbing wall, a ropes course, an indoor artificial turf athletic center, a theater, and 22 buildings that house everything from community and collaborative spaces to classrooms and laboratories. The breadth of physical space is just another part of the diverse experience of a Pingry summer.

“We have a strong academic program. We have a strong arts program, we have a strong sports program,” says Calhoun. “With that you have a concierge service. We can build out personalized plans for each child that navigates them through the day. We take that giant menu and cater it to your child. And based on what they’re looking to get out of a summer, we’re very confident that we can provide that for each kid.”

BIG BLUE SUMMER IS BACK Also new this year will be the return of the Big Blue Summer Day Camp, which started in 2015. The popular offering was paused in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic but returns with full health and safety guidelines

in place this year.

In its absence last year, Pingry Summer relied more heavily on its Partner Programs, which consist of camps that align with Pingry’s standard of quality, such as Yankees Baseball Camp, Nike Sports Camps, Red Bull Soccer Camp, Diplomat Chess, Zatna Technology Camp and Mega V Day Camp!

But Big Blue is back—and Frye and Calhoun couldn’t be happier. The session runs from June to August and is open to preschoolers through eighth graders.

“BBS is our flagship program,” Frye says.

The core of Big Blue Summer is summed up by its foundational motto: the Honor C.O.D.E., a play on Pingry’s historic Honor Code. “Counselors encourage campers to be Curious, Open, Dedicated, and Enthusiastic as they create in our art studios, compete on our athletic fields, explore our nature trails and work together on STEAM challenges,” the camp’s website says.

AFFORDABLE ACCESS FOR ALL Along with being proud of the diversity of its camp offerings, Pingry Summer also takes pride in being more accessible and affordable to a wider range of the surrounding community than one would typically expect from independent school programming.

In fact, as many as 60 percent of campers are not Pingry students during the school year.

“Our price point is very competitive, if not better than a lot of the surrounding schools,” Calhoun says.

“Our goal is to make it as accessible and as open to the community that we serve, regardless of whether those community members are students at our school, or just happen to live in the area. And that’s why we believe that having a variety of menu options is so important—because we want to be able to reach as many people in the community as possible.”

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CAMP HALF-BLOOD Tulip Springs, South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood • 929-397-9393 • camphalfbloodbklyn.com

The Magic of Summer Storytelling (Sword Included)

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ame a summer camp that offers dueling sword battles. Or mythological riddles that muddle the mind. Or that requires cunning and bravery to outsmart fiendish gods.

The answer, of course, is Camp HalfBlood, a novel summer session that offers a literary role-playing camp. The concept’s muse is “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” a young adult fantasy series. From page to park, the weeklong session trains demigods–half mortal, half god–to be the next generation of heroes.

“The camp’s mission is to teach our campers the power of storytelling, through a myriad of exciting and engaging activities that bring that magic to life,” says Timothy Ling, the camp’s director of branding and customer experience (parents, counselors and campers also know him as Son of Athena).

“Our camp is unique,” Ling says, “because of the passion and dedication that our staff and story department have for building the immersive world of mythology into something very real for our campers.”

FANTASY AND MAGIC, FOR REAL The first iteration of Camp Half-Blood was started in Brooklyn by former bookstore owner Crystal Bobb-Semple. From Prospect Park, it’s spread across the country with programs in seven states.

The New Jersey camps are week-long and held outdoors on Tulip Springs at South Mountain Reservation. Transportation is not provided, but daily snacks are.

Ling says all applicable health and safety guidelines will be followed for the indoor rain shelter, but that Camp Half-Blood takes place mostly outdoors.

That’s easier for Camp Half-Blood because most of it is outside anyway.

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From morning “sword circle” to Quest Days that venture past the camp site to weekly Olympic trials testing wits and wiles, children engage outdoors in stories and group activities. There’s even Mytho, a roleplaying game of the camp’s own design.

“The whole camp has an immersive theater quality to it, where we commit to building an environment where fantasy and magic are real,” Ling says.

READ FOR FUN, NOT FOR A TEST Perhaps counter-intuitively, Camp HalfBlood requires no reading. Most kids do it anyway because they love it.

“Child literacy and literary engagement are at the core of our programs, because we see that many school curriculums fall flat when it comes to inspiring children to develop a passion for stories. Our camps are a space for kids to become heroes.”

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CAMP VERITANS 225 Pompton Rd., Haledon • 973-956-1220 • campveritans.com

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A Place Where Kids Can Be Kids

amp Veritans was founded in the 1950’s and its mission is to provide an environment where campers build self-esteem while making friendships and lifelong memories.

“Camp Veritans is a family-oriented day camp,” says Director Carla Rudow. “We are located on 60-plus beautiful, wooded acres with plenty of room to spread out. Everyone is considered a part of our CV family, not just the campers but the families, too.”

A FUN PLACE TO SPEND THE SUMMER Camp Veritans believes that campers thrive in a caring environment. The staff here guide campers in a calm and structured manner and the work they do is truly a labor of love.

This full-service day camp provides everything from daily transportation to hot catered lunches and snacks. Campers participate in daily Red Cross instructional swim as well as a variety of fun activities including sports, arts & crafts, archery, go carts, woodworking, ropes & challenge course, cooking, drama, gymnastics, free swim, game center and more.

NEW ADVENTURES EVERY DAY Each day at Camp Veritans consists of eight periods and campers rotate through their activities so there’s never a dull moment. Every day is different, but campers can always count on having two swim periods and of course an amazing catered lunch. Whether they are shooting hoops, splashing around in the pool or practicing for their weekly bus competition on the way to camp, kids have the time of their lives and can’t wait to return for the next summer.

Safety is a top priority at Camp Veritans.

After a COVID-free 2021 season, the camp will continue to ensure that camp is a fun and safe experience for all.

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Parents and campers say the amazing camp staff is what really makes Camp Veritans a special place to spend the summer.

All staff references are checked in addition to criminal background searches and interviews with the Camp Director. Prior to the start of camp, all staff members attend extensive staff training sessions. “Most of our counselors have moved up the ranks over the

years from campers to CIT to counselors,” says Rudow, which show just how “in the family” Camp Veritans truly is.

Daily transportation to and from camp plus lunches and snacks are included in camp tuition. Campers can attend for four, five or six weeks or the full summer. Camp dates for 2022 are June 27-August 18 (camp is closed July 4).

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CAMPS PEMBROKE, TEL NOAR, AND TEVYA Massachusetts and New Hampshire • 781-489-2070 • cohencamps.org

Vibrant Jewish Summers and Lifelong Friendships

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ooking for a fun, caring, independent New England Jewish summer camp?

Pick three: the Cohen Camps family of camps, each an hour’s drive from Boston. Since 1935, Camp Pembroke is a unique sisterhood just for girls ages 7-16 in Pembroke, MA, near Cape Cod. Camp Tevya and Camp Tel Noar are its co-ed siblings, both on lakes in southern NH since the 1940s. Tevya is larger and spirited; Tel Noar is smaller and full of warmth.

“Each camp shines with its own personality,” says Jonathan Cohen, who runs the camps started by his grandparents, Eli and Bessie Cohen. Yet they share one ethos.

“The Cohen Camps enrich children’s lives by encouraging Jewish youth to be comfortable and confident in themselves so they can connect positively with others and the world they live in,” he explains.

NEVER AN ‘ORDINARY’ DAY At all three camps, children and teens live the magic of summer: deep friendships, outdoor living, arts, swimming and sports.

Jewish traditions and values infuse each day.

“We create a balanced program with more and more electives as you grow older,” Cohen says. “There’s no ‘ordinary’ day.”

Facilities are well-equipped, with a rustic vibe in beautiful natural settings.

Cabins have electricity and full bathrooms.

The lakes feature beaches, canoes, kayaks and motorboats. Pembroke and Tel Noar offer pools. Campers enjoy athletic fields, tennis courts and gaga pit. Each camp has a photography darkroom, videography studio and arts studio for ceramics, painting, jewelry-making, other creative pursuits and more.

The camps are non-denominational and Kosher, welcoming families across the Jewish spectrum, including interfaith. Shabbat is a fun highlight, with services, singing, dancing

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and togetherness.

All applicable health and safety guidelines are followed, including masking when necessary and cabin-based family groups. All staff are fully vaccinated.

CONNECT WITH FOREVER FRIENDS Regular sessions last 3.5 or seven weeks.

For younger first-timers, Pembroke has a two-week option, and Tel Noar offers five-

night mini-sessions. Each camp’s Director is happy to speak with prospective parents.

“We welcome campers with empathy, hugs and great friendships,” Cohen says. “We hire and train excellent staff, and we counter homesickness with community.”

It works: Says one parent, “My child comes home more confident, with stronger friendships and Jewish identity, and completely happy.”

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FROST VALLEY YMCA 2000 Frost Valley Rd., Claryville, NY • 845-985-2291 • frostvalley.org

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A Caring Community in the Catskills

t Frost Valley YMCA, come as you are isn’t a catchphrase.

It’s a vibe.

“We want children to know this is a safe place for them to be exactly who they are and who they want to be,” says Erin Johnson, the camp’s head of marketing. “Here they aren’t bound by the restraints they might have at school.

There is no persona they need to live up to because they are free to be their true self— whatever that means for them.”

FROST VALLEY’S CORE VALUES Frost Valley YMCA was founded in 1885 as The Boys’ Camping Society and after several iterations held its first camp in 1958 on the former estate of Julius Forstmann. That 2,200-acre swatch of land, some two hours north of New Jersey in the Catskill Mountains, has since expanded to 5,500 acres.

Camp is a traditional, overnight experience including waterfront activities, daily flagraising and a twist on “Capture the Flag” called USB. It’s all driven by eight core values: Caring, Community, Diversity, Honesty, Inclusiveness, Respect, Responsibility and Stewardship.

“Frost Valley infuses its core values into nearly every aspect of a camper’s day from seeing the names on our camp road signs— for example, Diversity Drive—to discussing them at mealtimes as well as during and after camp activities that have been intentionally developed to foster an appreciation for each of our core values. Our values-driven programming is probably one of the things we are most well known for.”

Camp takes place over four two-week sessions. Food is included, and transportation can be added for a fee. The camp follows all state and federal safety guidelines related to COVID. “Sending your camper to camp can be a

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big step,” Johnson says. “Our number one priority is keeping our campers safe and healthy and we are able to do that through the safety measures that are put in place.”

LISTEN, RELATE, DISTRACT, HELP Homesickness can be common for children at sleepaway camp, but Frost Valley has long used the LRD method, which stands for “listening, relating or distracting.”

“Some campers may just need an adult to ask them how they are feeling or what they are thinking about. Others respond to counselors who can relate their own feelings about being away from home. Still others do best by being distracted with a fun game, silly song or other activity. We take each camper’s experience and personality into account when helping to manage feelings of homesickness.”

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SUMMER EXPLORATIONS AT THE ELISABETH MORROW SCHOOL 435 Lydecker St., Englewood • 201-568-5566, ext. 7333 • elisabethmorrow.org

Learning and Fun, With Campers Choosing the Path

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ummer Explorations, the summer program at The Elisabeth Morrow School, is just what any good expedition is supposed to be.

A blend of educational pursuit and hands-on excitement that keeps students from backsliding over the summer months.

“We provide a wonderful combination of learning and fun,” says Director of Auxiliary Programs Liza Hards. “Students can choose topics that interest them and work with other students with similar interests. They are learning and keeping skills sharp, but it doesn’t feel like school. They are enjoying what they are learning without the added pressures of school. Students can collaborate, communicate and create within a supportive and caring community.”

STOPPING THE SUMMER SLIDE Summer Explorations has been around for about 50 years. It’s open for six weeks for children ages 2 to grade 9, with half- and fullday options. Specialized theme weeks will be offered to preschoolers up to first-graders, with outdoor activities and creative projects.

For grades 2-6, choices including science, art, app design, coding, creative writing, theater, music and nature exploration will be offered. The oldest students, in grades 7-9, also have access to leadership programs.

The goal is the prevention of the summer slide, the academic phenomena that sees students lose knowledge over the monthslong break. “We look to develop a child’s individual strengths through small class sizes, individual options and opportunities to continue to learn and develop over the summer months,” Hards says. “We also work on the important social and emotional learning skills that may have been lost in the new era of pandemic learning.”

The 14-acre campus encompasses two state-of-the-art science and technology labs,

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two outdoor playgrounds and a new turf field.

Safety protocols for both indoor and outdoor spaces are in place–and evolving as often as necessary, Hards says.

ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS LEADERS A summer program is only as good as its staff and Summer Explorations uses certified, experienced teachers.

“Our teachers know what the children need at each age level and provide the right blend of learning and fun,” she says. “Our goal is to provide young people with exciting opportunities to come together with dedicated staff to learn, grow and play, with a focus on developing personal interests and making their own choices. It’s the perfect summertime recipe!”

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THE WINSTON SCHOOL OF SHORT HILLS 30 East Ln., Short Hills • 973-379-4114 • winstonschool.org

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Maintaining Skills and Bridging Learning Gaps

amps that blend academics and adventure often talk about bridging the knowledge gap that occurs in the summer.

For Summer on the Hill, the day camp offered by The Winston School of Short Hills, that approach is more than talk because its campers have language-based learning differences.

“We want them to enjoy their experience, but we also want to make sure they’re maintaining skills and bridging some gaps that happened, especially the last year-and-a-half,” says summer program director Heather Castner.

A SCHEDULE MADE FOR PARENTS The importance of maintaining skills is particularly pressing at Summer on the Hill because of its focus on learning differences that include dyslexia and ADHD. The School was founded in 1981, and the camp started in 2010 as a blend of academics and “enrichment classes” that include STEAM, sports, cooking and art. There are also tutoring options available, as well as “boot camps” with a particular focus for students.

Camp is held on the School’s Short Hills campus, which includes a gymnasium, fields, and an annex with additional classroom space that is used as needed over the fiveweek session. Safety protocols have been in place that meet all state and federal COVID guidelines.

Castner says parents are comforted by Winston’s a la carte menu.

“It’s the ability to pick and choose what works in their schedule and the needs of their child,” she says. “That is very appealing. The parents definitely appreciate that. They can pick just morning, or just afternoon. They can do two weeks and then take a break. Or they can come to the first week and then the last week. It’s designed so that parents can get what they need out of it for their child.”

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THE MISSION STILL HOLDS TRUE Of course, it’s also designed with licensed Winston School teachers serving as camp staff. Castner says the camp serves as an introduction for families who later realize that The Winston School is the best setting for their child. It’s also a time for new students to adjust without the formal pressure of starting fresh on the first day of school.

“We all want to be able to have a break in the summer,” Castner adds. “Kids need to be kids, too, and get a break from learning, academic programming. I think the way we deliver our content and our instruction, we’re engaging, but we’re still relaxed in the summer.”

Said another way: “Our mission holds true through the summer.”

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APPLE MONTESSORI SCHOOLS Multiple locations in NJ • 888-672-5552 • applemontessorischools.com/summer-program

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ducation and fun are inseparable at Apple Montessori summer camps.

“Our goal every summer is to offer the best of both worlds—fun and learning!” says Regional Director Kellie Capatasto.

“Summer Camp is a time for fun, friends and creating new memories as we learn and grow. Our camp program is highly regarded by families because we incorporate age-appropriate activities that children love including music and dance, cooking events, theme weeks, field trips and more. And when you throw in making lifelong friends and lasting memories, we ensure your camper will have the best summer ever.”

Apple has multiple locations across New Jersey, each of which follow and exceed all applicable federal, state and local health and safety guidelines. Sessions run for eight weeks with a three-week minimum commitment. Full-day schedules can be supplemented with before- and after-care, and there are also half-day programs. Some

facilities have splash pads while others have pools with daily swim lessons by Red Cross certified instructors.

In the ever-present vein of learning and fun, daily programs have creative names like Innovators & Explorers, Tech Time, Celebrity Kids and Crafts & Creations.

Kids enjoy lessons on coding, robotics, music, drama, arts, sports and more. “We incorporate imaginative, hands-on, and

enriching activities to give each child a summer to remember,” Capatasto says. “We fill each day with non-stop adventures.”

After all, that’s the mission statement at Apple Montessori. “Nurturing the whole child is the core of all we do,” Capastano adds. “Our mission is to educate, enrich and inspire children to reach their fullest potential as kind, independent, curious and happy individuals.”

YMCA CAMP RALPH S. MASON 23 Birch Ridge Rd., Hardwick • 908-362-8217 • campmason.org

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very camper counts at YMCA Camp Mason. “We like to say Camp Counts!’’ says Chief Executive Officer Keith VanDerzee. “It means we never lose sight of the importance of each of our campers. We provide them positive outlets and impactful experiences to be their best selves, build meaningful relationships and grow within our larger camp community.”

Founded in 1900, Camp Mason is adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and offers oneand two-week sessions where campers can choose camp staples like swimming in an Olympic-sized pool, boating, archery, arts and crafts and sports. There are also plenty of other programs, including movie-making, a climbing tower, a zip line, ax throwing, skateboarding, making the band and more.

“Every camper finds programs that interests them,” VanDerzee says. “Also, our location next to the Delaware Water Gap enables us to run unique experiences like tubing

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on the Delaware River and hiking on the Appalachian Trail, included in the cost of camp tuition.”

VanDerzee takes pride in Camp Mason’s facilities, which include comfortable cabins and abundant program areas that help campers make the most of their experience. He also mentions the camp’s generous scholarship program, low counselor-to-cabin ratio and highlights the fact that campers and staff come from

all over the world. “Camp Mason’s diverse and inclusive community provides a great opportunity to appreciate our global community.”

In the end, he says, “Camp Counts means that every child has a camp experience uniquely their own. Our campers learn essential skills being immersed in our experiences, develop relationships and explore positive values, all while being celebrated for being themselves.”

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SUMMER AT FAR BROOK 52 Great Hills Rd., Short Hills • 973-379-3442 • farbrook.org

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magine a summer camp that creates memories for a lifetime!

Now picture it on the beautiful campus of Far Brook School.

Rooted in deep traditions and experiential programs, Far Brook School is excited to announce Summer at Far Brook.

The inaugural camp launches in June and the mission is to offer a “meaningful experience” reflecting Far Brook School’s educational approach, says Director of Auxiliary Services Melissa Williams.

Or, in Far Brook’s words, the four pillars of progressive philosophy: hands-on, inquirydriven; an intentionally diverse, small community; arts-infused and STEAMpowered; and grounded in nature.

“These values inspire campers to fuel their passions and awaken their curiosity by creating a supportive and caring camp community that cherishes love of learning, movement, creativity, diversity and individuality,” Williams says.

Camp will be held on Far Brook’s wooded, 9-acre campus that is more akin to a small village than a school. Facilities include an indoor climbing wall, multi-purpose spaces, a music and arts building, walking path and nature trail.

Sessions are spread over nine weeks for preschoolers through ninth graders. All applicable health and safety guidelines will be followed. Options include a traditional day camp and week-long “Master Classes”

taught by Far Brook faculty. There are also week-long athletic programs focusing on skill development, rules of the sport and game play. Transportation and lunch are available for purchase. Since 1948, Far Brook’s progressive approach has provided a unique combination of essential inquirybased learning intrinsically connected with high academic standards.

“Now, progressive education meets summer camp.” Williams says.

FOREST LAKE CAMP 261 Forest Lake Rd., Chestertown, NY • 518-623-4771 • forestlakecamp.com

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t Forest Lake Camp, campers are welcomed into the camp family from day one. Founded in 1926, this “Brother-Sister” camp has separate camps for boys and girls that give campers a chance to put down their electronics and thrive in a beautiful environment.

Set on 823 acres in New York’s Adirondacks region, Forest Lake Camp allows kids to get away from screens and take time to learn new skills, have amazing adventures and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

“We’re so lucky to have our own lake and picturesque camp setting where kids can experience the outdoors and enjoy a huge range of activities,” says Director Caroline Meyer, a former secondgeneration camper herself. “It’s very much a down to earth atmosphere and culture at FLC.” This overnight camp is open to kids in grades 3-10. For campers entering

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their junior year of high school, there are leadership opportunities. Session options range from two to seven weeks. A broad array of activities are offered including sports, arts, riding and swimming.

Forest Lake Camp’s smaller size allows campers and counselors to really get to know each other and to make sure campers feel seen and never lost in the shuffle.

“A lot of focus for us is on the personal aspects of campers, not just the activities

we offer,” Meyer adds. “It’s about learning how to live with other people and how to feel confident in yourself so you can make smart decisions. While living in a cabin with 12 other kids, campers get the chance to navigate so many different social situations with help from their counselors. It’s about providing the best and safest environment while giving them the tools they need to thrive in their own way.”

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MAINE CAMP EXPERIENCE Camps throughout Maine • 877-92-MAINE • mainecampexperience.com

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aine Camp Experience (MCE) is a strong community—a network of more than 35 overnight summer camps throughout Maine with a trademarked Campcierge camp-planning resource to help families choose their best camp.

“Every MCE member camp is set on a beautiful lake and has incredible directors, facilities, activities, instruction, trips and more,” says Director Laurie Kaiden. “Steeped in tradition, many of our camps have run for over 100 years, including safely and successfully amidst the pandemic in the summers of 2020 and 2021.”

With a focus on Maine’s natural beauty, camps blend arts, sports and nature activities with trips to places like Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Some 20,000 campers ages 7-17 sign up yearly for sessions that range from two weeks to two months.

“Campers build friendships that deepen

summer after summer,” says Kaiden, a New Jersey mom whose kids attend an MCE Camp. Their love for camp traditions also builds year after year. “They look forward to returning each summer to have the same type of great experiences and build on them.”

“Maybe with each new age group, there will be a different trip they’ve looked forward to or becoming the camp ‘big sister’ or ‘big brother’ when they were formerly

the ‘little sister/brother’ or getting to take a special activity.”

That sense of family is no accident.

“Campers feel connected,” Kaiden says. “MCE has good values. The camps teach cooperation, respect, teamwork, honor, integrity and loyalty. Campers gain confidence, independence, and resiliency.

Our camps also engage campers in social action initiatives so they learn about helping others.”

MOUNT SAINT MARY ACADEMY 1645 US 22-W., Watchung • 908-757-0108 • mountsaintmary.org

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ducation. Enrichment. Experience.

The Mount Saint Mary Summer Academy Enrichment and Sport Programs are more than just traditional summer camp activities, says Director Joanne Cadigan-Peters.

“We pride ourselves on making sure that every camper leaves the program feeling good about herself,” she adds. “Our camp gives middle school girls an opportunity to work with our teachers and/or varsity coaches and become familiar with our campus…our program empowers girls to try new things and learn new skills in a safe and fun learning environment.”

The two-week program, which offers two sessions, is a day camp that was founded last year, although Mount Saint Mary Academy has held various summer camps over the years. The Academy was founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy, who still own the 84-acre hilltop campus in Somerset County.

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The school setting is more akin to a Catholic college campus, with young women strolling between buildings for classes and 40-some extra-curricular clubs, sports and academic activities.

And the summer camp isn’t far behind.

From Monday to Thursday, enrichment classes are 65 minutes long with the option of taking up to four for the week. Some of the choices include forensics, engineering, chemistry, art, digital media and math

concepts. Sports camps, which run for about two-and-a-half hours, include tennis, soccer, volleyball and basketball. When it rains, the air-conditioned gymnasium plays the hosting role often held by Angels of Victory Field.

“Each of the opportunities offered at Mount Saint Mary’s Summer Academy will fulfill your daughter’s creative, athletic and academic curiosities,” Cadigan-Peters says, “while broadening her talents and skills.”

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RANDOLPH YMCA SUMMER HORIZONS CAMP 14 Dover Chester Rd., Randolph • 973-366-1120 • randolphymca.org

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n a sign of the times, ask Randolph YMCA Summer Horizons Camp Director Jennifer Patrick about what makes her job special and she can point straight to Google reviews.

“My son has had a great summer at camp this year. He loves all his counselors and has especially had fun with all the activities.”

“For the amount of activities and swim time they get it is worth every penny.”

“Another summer at Randolph YMCA and we couldn’t be happier. The kids had the best time, enjoyed all the trips and couldn’t stop talking about all the fun they had with old and new friends.”

Summer Horizons began as a camp in 1981, a year after the Randolph YMCA opened. It adheres to all applicable health and safety guidelines and never closed down due to COVID—a point of pride at a place where community is more than a word.

“The Y is renowned for being community

partners,” Patrick says. “We are proud to extend our camp programs to our community. We provide an environment where our campers learn the values of honesty, caring for themselves and the community, respecting themselves and the world around them, and learning the importance of giving back.”

The day camp is open to ages 3-13 and parents provide transportation and lunch.

Like all YMCAs, camp is dedicated to “the

development of mind, body and spirit.”

To that end, scholarships are available for those in need, as are military and veteran discounts. Traditional activities include Colors Wars, Camp Kindness Day and a gardening program. There are outdoor tents and two indoor pools that are constantly in use. Campers typically return home tired or dirty—or both.

Or as a Google reviewer said: “I highly recommend!”

RUTGERS PREPARATORY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS 1345 Easton Ave., Somerset • 732-545-5600 • rutgersprep.org

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ant to explore mixed media art? Rutgers Preparatory School Summer Programs has a camp for that. Working on your backcourt skills in basketball? Rutgers Prep has a camp for that. Not getting enough STEAM curriculum during the school year? Yep, Rutgers Prep has a camp for that, too.

“Rutgers Prep Summer Programs has something for everyone,” says Meredith Santowasso, Director of Special Programs.

Camp programs began on campus some 35 years ago, and have since grown to include activities for ages 3-17. Sessions are offered for 11 weeks, with morning and/ or afternoon sessions and a customizable schedule. Families have more than 30 camp and class options available.

Rutgers Prep has created an ideal camp environment that helps parents and campers feel safe and comfortable.

“Our goal is to work with each family

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to help customize a great program for their child,” Santowasso says. “We have a great selection of specialty camps to suit a wide variety of passions and pursuits,” she adds. “Our campers and summer school students learn, play and have an unforgettable summer in a safe and fun environment.”

About 15 percent of campers are second-generation here, and most of the counselors are former campers or Rutgers

Preparatory School graduates.

Counselors and campers have use of air-conditioned indoor all-purpose spaces, two full-size gyms, turf and grass fields, an indoor climbing wall, softball and baseball diamonds, a tennis center, two playing greens, a putting green and a croquet court.

At Rutgers Prep, if there’s an activity campers are interested in, there’s a camp for it.

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SURPRISE LAKE CAMP 382 Lake Surprise Rd., Cold Spring, NY • 845-265-3616 • surpriselake.org

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urprise Lake didn’t get to be the country’s longest-running Jewish sleepaway camp by accident. In fact, it returns year after year because it lives by its mantra. Unplug. Connect. Grow.

“Our mission is to create a nurturing camp experience in which young people learn essential life skills by being immersed in nature, developing relationships and exploring Jewish values,” says Camp Director Sheryl Kirschenbaum. “Everything we do at camp reflects these goals…we disconnect to reconnect.”

It’s an approach that has worked since Surprise Lake’s founding in 1902.

Now, what Kirschenbaum calls “your summer home,” is a 360-acre camp for ages 7-16. It has a pool, water sports and dozens of “specialty electives” so campers can choose their own summer adventure.

And “we’re always adding special experiences, too, such as Balloon Animal Making, Juggling or Young Scientists,” the

camp’s website says. “With so many options, campers will find lots to love!”

Kirschenbaum says that in addition to the traditional blend of summer fun and Judaism, safety has become an even more paramount concern during the COVID pandemic.

The camp closed in the summer of 2020 because New York State mandated it. Since reopening, kids and staffers will need a negative COVID test prior to

arrival, and will then be put into pods. In addition, Surprise Lake uses more nurses and increased housekeeping, as well as electrostatic sprayers to sanitize common areas and bunks. Kirschenbaum also plans to communicate with parents in real-time to keep them updated.

With so much to experience and choose from, Surprise Lake is a special place, a home away from home for generations of happy campers.

WARDLAW + HARTRIDGE SUMMER ADVENTURES 1295 Inman Ave., Edison • 908-754-1882 • whschool.org

T

he ability to explore, learn and have fun is what makes Wardlaw + Hartridge such a special place and its summer camp embodies all these attributes and more.

“We aim to provide a safe environment for all children where they can learn through hands-on creating, play and games,” says Dawn Cancryn, director of auxiliary services and summer programs. “Out tagline for camp is: Explore. Discover. Be amazed.”

The hands-on approach mirrors the communal fabric that defines Wardlaw + Hartridge, a co-educational, college preparatory day school known for its small class sizes. In summer terms, that means just five campers per counselor– most of whom are former campers, current students or alumni.

“We are a smaller-sized camp that can give lots of individual attention,” said Cancryn, who has been the summer director since 2012. “Each counselor

48

connects one on one with their campers.

We have weekly themes where we base our activities on which include art, games, music, cooking, trips or events, recreational and brain games etc.”

Camp is held on the school’s Edison campus, plus there are weekly field trips or special events. Wardlaw + Hartridge has an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, two gymnasiums, acres of playing fields, art rooms, STEM rooms and classroom spaces.

Weekly sessions include freshly made hot lunches, but not transportation. COVID safety protocols comply with state and federal guidelines. Last year, there were no COVID cases during camp.

“I use most of my energy to ensure every camper has a safe, comfortable environment,” Cancryn says, “where they can make new friends, be challenged to learn more about their world and themselves, and be amazed at what they can accomplish.”

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

[MEET TH E C AMP] S P ECIAL A DV ERT IS IN G S ECT IO N

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM XX 300 Pompton Rd., Wayne • 973-720-2000 • wpunj.edu/cpe/pre-college-youth-programs

I

n summer camps, there’s a familiar refrain: “Live 10 months for 2.”

It’s about a summer session so good campers can’t wait for next year.

William Paterson University Summer Youth Program takes that a step further by aiming for a session so memorable, campers already want to graduate from high school.

“When campers see the college students, they look at them and say, ‘I want to be one of them,’” says Iris DiMaio, associate director of youth programs at William Paterson’s School of Continuing and Professional Education. “They can see themselves as college students in the future...that’s what I want for students when they’re on campus, to let information in. Like a sponge.”

Camp started here in 1993, with the development of the Summer Jazz Workshop.

Now, summer programs are divided into two categories for grades 4-8 and high school students. The Pre-College Summer Youth Program is focused on academics,

while WP Summer Day Camp–formerly Summer Life on Campus–is more of a blend of academics and traditional summer camp activities with access to William Paterson’s pool. There are no field trips this summer, a nod to continued safety protocols in light of the COVID pandemic. All applicable health guidelines are followed on campus.

A highlight for DiMaio is offering roughly 90 full- or half-day enrichment courses,

including SAT Prep, Graphic Design, Tree House Architecture, 3-D Printing, Video Game Design and Fashion Sewing Camp.

All follow her motto of “learning by having more hands-on experience.”

“Students gain so much here,” says Kim Wolfe, Manager of Youth Programs. “We want students to leave the program with a better understanding of themselves and a path for their future.”

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 70+ LOCATIONS INCLUDING: Princeton | Fairleigh Dickinson - Madison | Montclair | Adelphi West Chester University | Stony Brook | Lehigh | Villanova

Request your camp brochure today!

iDTechCamps.com | 1-888-709-8324 BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

CAMP Snapshots

Want to learn more about the programs in our Big Book of Camps?

Be sure to contact the camps listed on the following pages to confirm details and for more information.

Camp Name Address

BASKING RIDGE

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

908-647-5555 x1217 pingrysummer.org

Pre-K–12th June 14–August 27 Please call

908-234-2345 ccabedminster.org

5–15 yrs.

1–10 wks.

235–305/wk.

908-790-0700 whartonarts.org

3rd–12th Varies Please call

908-443-9026 jcccampruach.org

2–14 yrs.

2–9 wks.

Please call

The Greater Morristown YMCA Summer Camps Y-Zone 25 Saddle Rd.

973-267-0704 greatermorristownymca.org

1st–6th Varies 375/wk. and up

The Greater Morristown YMCA Summer Camps Little Owls and Kindercamp 65 Horsehill Rd.

973-267-0704 greatermorristownymca.org

3 yrs.–entering K Varies 375/wk. and up

Pingry Summer 131 Martinsville Rd.

BEDMINSTER

The Center for Contemporary Art Summer Art Camps 2020 Burnt Mills Rd.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS

Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts 60 Locust Ave.

BRIDGEWATER JCC Camp Ruach 775 Talamini Rd.

CEDAR KNOLLS

CHATHAM

Gravity Vault 40 Watchung Ave.

973-701-7625 7–14 yrs. gravityvault.com/locations/chatham-nj Two hour or week long options available Please call

International Ivy Summer Enrichment Program Chatham Day School 700 Shunpike Rd.

908-899-1338 iisummer.com

5–14 yrs.

1–8 wks.

440–880/wk.

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–7 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

201-784-7600 x3 palisadescountryday.com

Toddler–9 yrs.

4–8 wks.

4,335–6,425

201-767-7160 tasoc.org

6–12 yrs.

2 wks. in August Please call

CLIFFSIDE PARK ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ WEEKEND IMAGES INC.

Phone Website

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 600 Gorge Rd.

CLOSTER

Palisades Country Day Camp 248 Herbert Ave.

DEMAREST

Blast of Art! for Kids at The Art School at Old Church 561 Piermont Rd.

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

51

Camp Lee Mar Camp Lee Mar, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, is a coed overnight camp for children and teenagers (from 7 to 21) with mild to moderate developmental challenges.

A Life-Changing Experience!

2022 Dates:

June 25 - August 8

Visit our new website!

www.leemar.com

52

7 0th S easo

n!

• Fun traditional summer camp activities • Academics • Speech and language therapy • Daily living skills • Teenage campers enjoy social dancing every week with an end-of-summer “Prom” • Optional trips during the summer • Exceptional facilities featuring air conditioned bunks and buildings • Junior Olympic heated pool

• Caring, nurturing staff • Lee Mar L.I.F.E. (Living Independently Functional Education) Program. The unique feature of our L.I.F.E. Program is that it incorporates everyday living skills into a personalized daily program. We have a fully functional apartment specifically for this program with a large kitchen, washer and dryer, two bathrooms, a living room and bedroom.

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

CAMP Snapshots Camp Name Address

EDGEWATER

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 8 Adelaide Pl.

Phone Website

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 2825 Woodbridge Ave.

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 1876 Rte. 27

732-494-4111 applemontessorischools.com

2–7 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Big Blue Marble Academy AAA Summer Amazing Art and Architecture from Around the Globe 2177 Oak Tree Rd., Ste. 100

908-224-3718 bbmacademy.com

5–9 yrs.

June 20–August 30 Please call

Camp Middlesex 2600 Woodbridge Ave.

732-906-2556 middlesexcc.edu/Camp-Middlesex

7–15 yrs.

June 27–August 19 Please call

Wardlaw + Hartridge Summer Adventures 1295 Inman Ave.

908-754-1882 whschool.org/summer

Pre-K–12th 1–7 wks.

Please call

Ability School Summer Camp 75 Knickerbocker Rd.

201-871-8808 abilityschoolnj.org

4–12 yrs.

3–7 wks.

425/wk.;10% off before March 30th; 10% off for siblings

The Elisabeth Morrow School - Summer Explorations 435 Lydecker St.

201-568-5566 x7333 elisabethmorrow.org

2 yrs.–entering 9th June 27–August 5 430–650/wk.

908-290-5055 affafencing.com

6–14 yrs.

1 wk. minimum 350/wk.

973-956-1220 campveritans.com

Pre-K–10th 4–8 wks.

Please call

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Camp Agnes DeWitt Summer Day Camp 605 Montgomery Rd.

908-947-1710 gshnj.org/summercamp

Entering K–10th July 6–August 12 235–760/session

Catholic Charities Triangle Summer Program 156 South Triangle Rd.

908-722-1881 ccdom.org/child-care

5–13 yrs.

8 wks.

Please call

The Circus Place Camp 6 Jill Ct.

908-829-3784 thecircusplace.com

6–15 yrs.

1–2 wk. sessions 415/wk., Early Bird 395 750/2 wks., Early Bird 725

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 1055 Maxwell Ln.

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–7 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 220 Sinatra Dr.

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–7 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

EDISON

ENGLEWOOD

GARWOOD

AFFA Fencing Summer Camp 110 South Ave., Ste. C

HALEDON

Camp Veritans 225 Pompton Rd.

HILLSBOROUGH

HOBOKEN

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

53

CAMP Snapshots Camp Name Address

Gravity Vault 1423 Clinton St.

JERSEY CITY

LSC Science Camp 222 Jersey City Blvd.

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

201-740-1423 7–14 yrs. gravityvault.com/locations/hoboken-nj Two hour or week long options available Please call 201-253-1380 lsc.org/camp

6–13 yrs.

Weekly sessions Please call

609-375-8015 yhis.org

3–8 yrs.

2–5 wks.

375–425/wk.

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Bits Bytes Code 21 Kings Rd.

973-967-0752 bitsbytescode.com

6–11 yrs.

June–September Please call

Camp KidsQuest: Traditional Day Camp Drew University 36 Madison Ave.

973-822-9622 madisonareaymca.org

Entering K–6th Five 2 wk. sessions 930/session

Leader in Training (L.I.T.) Drew University 36 Madison Ave.

973-822-9622 madisonareaymca.org

Entering 7th–11th Four 2 wk. sessions 520/session

MiniQuest Half Day at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center Madison Area YMCA Kirby Center 54 East St.

973-377-4945 madisonareaymca.org

3–5 yrs.

Five 2 wk. sessions 450/session

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Camp Half-Blood South Mountain Reservation

929-397-9393 camphalfbloodbklyn.com

7–14 yrs.

1–8 wks.

525/wk.

South Mountain YMCA 13 Jefferson Ave.

973-758-9039 smountainymca.org

Pre-K–10th Weekly sessions Please call

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey The OVAL Summer Day Camp South Mountain Reservation; West South Orange Ave.

908-947-1710 gshnj.org/summercamp

Entering K–10th July 7–August 12 380–760/session

908-879-6355 westmontmontessori.org

1½–6 yrs.

1–6 wks.

Please call

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

KINGSTON

YingHua International School Summer Camp 25 Union St.

KINNELON

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 10 Maple Lake Rd.

MADISON

MAHWAH

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 75 East Ramapo Ave.

MAPLEWOOD

MENDHAM

Camp Westmont 577 US Hwy. 24

METUCHEN

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 12 Center St.

54

Phone Website

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

COMING IN MAY

Circus Place Camp 2022!

Where Athleticism and Artistry Converge!

Introduce your child to the fastest growing, most unique sensation in kids activities this summer! Prepare to be amazed at what skills your child will achieve at our camps!

This summer, your child will learn Trapeze, Aerial Silks, Juggling, Wire Walking, Contortion and more.

The week culminates with a “Big Top Show” created and performed by your children for family and friends!

A special section for expectant and new parents covering all things pregnancy, baby and toddler!

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

One and Two Week Options 9am-3pm Ages 6-15 Sibling Discounts Visit our website for dates, details and registration

www.thecircusplace.com

908-829-3784 Located in Hillsborough, NJ

55

CAMP Snapshots Camp Name Address

MIDDLETOWN

SPARK Day Camp 214 Harmony Rd.

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

732-852-5858 sparkdaycamp.com

Pre-K–10th June 27–August 19 Please call

Essex Youth Theater Studio Playhouse, 14 Alvin Pl. Montclair Operetta Club, 494 Valley Rd.

973-746-3303 essexyouththeater.com

6–13 yrs.

1–6 wks.

Please call

Gravity Vault 8 Seymour Plaza

973-928-7675 gravityvault.com/locations/ montclair-nj

7–14 yrs.

Two hour or week long options available Please call

201-218-5859 summerimagineering.com

13–14 yrs.

1–4 wks.

279/wk., multiweek discounts available

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–7 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

MBS Summer Institute 70 Whippany Rd.

973-539-3032 mbs.net/summerinstitute

Rising 6th–rising 12th 2–3 wks.

500–750/Enrichment courses 1,600/For credit courses

Morristown-Beard Day Camp 70 Whippany Rd.

973-532-7569 summer.mbs.net

3½–15 yrs.

Half-day for 3.5 yrs.

CIT for 15 yr. olds 1–7 wks.

700–3,430

Seaton Hackney Stables Summer Camp 440 South St.

973-644-3355 seatonhackneystables.com

5–17 yrs.

11 wks.

Please call

973-846-2801 applemontessorischools.com

2–10 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Camp NMOA 49 Washington St.

newarkmuseumart.org

3–14 yrs.

6 wks.

Members: 270/wk.

Non-Members: 300/wk.

NJPAC Performing Arts Summer Program 1 Center St.

njpac.org/education

9–18 yrs.

July 11–August 5 Please call

MONTCLAIR

MONTVALE

Summer Imagineering Pascack Hills High School 225 W. Grand Ave.

MONTVILLE

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 9 Waughaw Rd.

MORRIS PLAINS

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 1339 Littleton Rd.

MORRISTOWN

MOUNT LAUREL

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 1401 S. Church St.

NEWARK

56

Phone Website

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

57

E D G E W O O DM P SUMMER CA A FUN AND SAFE WAY TO ENJOY THE SUMMER FOR KIDS AGES 4-12 IN RIVERVALE, NJ!

Session Dates | June 20 - September 2 Camp Runs Monday - Friday EMAIL MARILYN@EDGEWOODNJ.COM OR CALL 201.666.1200 EXT. 260

CAMP NMOA 2022!

Join us for

Registration opens March 1

58

Jul 11 – Aug 19, 2022 Six weeks of building community through project-based learning where campers develop their skills in art and science.

Childcare available before and/or aaer program!

Learn more at newarkmuseumart.org

EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

CAMP Snapshots Camp Name Address

OAKLAND

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 1 Ramapo Valley Rd.

Phone Website

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

908-899-1338 iisummer.com

7–14 yrs.

1–6 wks.

390–780/wk.

908-647-5555 x1217 pingrysummer.org

Pre-K–12th June 14–August 27 Please call

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 470 Millbrook Rd.

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

Randolph YMCA Summer Day Camp 14 Dover Chester Rd.

973-366-1120 randolphymca.org

3–15 yrs.

2–9 wks.

Please call

201-444-2955 healthbarnusa.com

5–12 yrs.

1–10 wks.

655/1st wk., discounts for multiple wks.

15% discount for siblings

International Ivy Summer Enrichment Program The Pingry School 50 Country Day Dr.

908-899-1338 iisummer.com

5–14 yrs.

1–7 wks.

440–880/wk.

Pingry Summer 50 Country Day Dr.

908-647-5555 x1217 pingrysummer.org

Pre-K–12th June 14–August 27 Please call

Summer at Far Brook 52 Great Hills Rd.

973-379-3442 farbrook.org/summer-at-far-brook

Pre-K–9th June 21–August 12 500/wk., two wk. minimum weeks do not need to be consecutive

The Winston School of Short Hills “Summer on the Hill” 30 East Ln.

973-379-4114 winstonschool.org

1st–8th No minimum requirements Please call

International Ivy Summer Enrichment Program Rutgers Preparatory School 1345 Easton Ave.

908-899-1338 iisummer.com

5–14 yrs.

1–7 wks.

390–780/wk.

Rutgers Preparatory SummerBlast Camp 1345 Easton Ave.

732-545-5600 rutgersprep.org/summer

7–14 yrs.

Half and full day sessions 250/wk. half day; 350/wk. full day

908-899-1338 iisummer.com

5–14 yrs.

1–5 wks.

440–880/wk.

PARAMUS

International Ivy Summer Enrichment Program Ridgewood Montessori School 70 Eisenhower Dr.

POTTERSVILLE

Pingry Summer 51 Pottersville Rd.

RANDOLPH

RIDGEWOOD

HealthBarn USA Summer Camp 1057 Hillcrest Rd.

SHORT HILLS

SOMERSET

SUMMIT

International Ivy Summer Enrichment Program Kent Place School 42 Norwood Ave. BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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CAMP Snapshots Camp Name Address

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

Summer Adventures at Oak Knoll 44 Blackburn Rd.

908-522-8186 oakknoll.org/summer

3–16 yrs.

1–7 wks.

Please call

Summer Camps at The Connection 79 Maple St.

908-273-4242 theconnectiononline.org

3–13 yrs.

1–9 wks.

325/wk. half day sessions

Visual Arts Center of NJ Summer Art Camp 68 Elm St.

908-273-9121 artcenternj.org

6–18 yrs.

1–10 wks.

315–464/wk.

201-567-8963 jccotp.org

2–16 yrs.

June 27–August 19 Please call

201-934-7625 gravityvault.com/locations/uppersaddle-river-nj

7–14 yrs.

Two hour or week long options available Please call

973-846-8250 winter4kids.org

6–14 yrs.

July 5–August 26 400/wk.

908-660-0031 applemontessorischools.com

2–9 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

908-757-0108 mountsaintmary.org

Rising 6th–rising 8th/Girls July 25–August 4 Please call

888-672-5552 applemontessorischools.com

2–12 yrs.

3–8 wks.

Please call

973-500-6480 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/newjersey/summer-program

4th–12th 4 wks.

Please call

908-766-7898 x546 gscymca.org/camp

Pre-K–10th 1–10 wks.

Please call

Camp Lee Mar 450 Rte. 590 Lackawaxen, PA

215-658-1708 leemar.com

7–21 yrs.

June 23–August 10 12,150

Camp Pembroke, the Cohen Camp for Girls (Jewish) 306 Oldham St. Pembroke, MA

781-489-2070 camppembroke.org

7–16 yrs.

3.5–7 wks.

10 day option for first time campers Please call

TENAFLY

Neil Klatskin Summer Camps Kaplen JCC on the Palisades 411 E. Clinton Ave.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER Gravity Vault 107 Pleasant Ave.

VERNON TOWNSHIP Summer4Kids 44 Breakneck Rd.

WARREN

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 117 Mt. Bethel Rd.

WATCHUNG

Mount Saint Mary Summer Academy 1645 US-22 W.

WAYNE

Apple Montessori School Summer Camp 25 Nevins Rd.

WHIPPANY

The Summer Enrichment Program at Winston Preparatory School 901 Rte. 10 E.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Bridgewater YMCA Hillsborough YMCA Plainfield YMCA Somerset Hills YMCA Somerville YMCA

SLEEPAWAY

60

Phone Website

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

CAMP Snapshots Camp Name Address

Phone Website

Ages/Grades Program Length Fees ($)

Camp Tel Noar, a Cohen Camp (Jewish) 167 Main St. Hampstead, NH

781-489-2070 camptelnoar.org

7–16 yrs.

3.5–7 wks.

5 night option for first time campers Please call

Camp Tevya, a Cohen Camp (Jewish) 1 Mason Rd. Brookline, NH

781-489-2070 camptevya.org

7–16 yrs.

3.5–7 wks.

Please call

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps 1035 Fairview Lake Rd. Newton, NJ

973-383-9282 fairviewlakeymca.org

2nd–11th 1–9 wks.

1,190–1,385/wk.

Forest Lake Camp 261 Forest Lake Rd. Chestertown, NY

518-623-4771 forestlakecamp.com

3rd–10th June 26–August 12 4,295–8,995

Frost Valley YMCA 2000 Frost Valley Rd. Claryville, NY

845-985-2291 frostvalley.org

7–16 yrs.

June 26–August 19 Please call-scholarships available

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Camp Lou Henry Hoover Summer Resident Camp 961 West Shore Dr., County Rte. 521 Middleville, NJ

908-518-4400 gshnj.org/summercamp

Entering 1st–10th July 10–August 20 210–1,600/session

Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps 2 Park St. Blairstown, NJ

973-383-9282 fairviewlakeymca.org

2nd–11th 2–6 wks.

2,400/session

Maine Camp Experience 37 Camps located throughout the state of Maine

877-92-MAINE mainecampexperience.com

7–17 yrs.

2–8 wks.

3,750–15,000

NJPAC Geri Allen Jazz Camp - All Female Jazz Residency 195 University Ave. Newark, NJ

973-297-5863 njpac.org/education

14–26 yrs.

July 10–16 1,050 for commuters 1,250 with residence

Summer Programs at Landmark College 19 River Rd. S., Putney, VT

802-387-6718 landmark.edu/summer

16 yrs.–College age 2–5 wks.

1,850–8,150

Surprise Lake Camp 382 Lake Surprise Rd. Cold Spring, NY

845-265-3616 surpriselake.org

7–16 yrs.

3, 5 and 8 wk. sessions Please call

William Paterson University Summer Youth Programs Main Campus 300 Pompton Rd. Wayne, NJ

973-720-3804 wpunj.edu/cpe/pre-college-youthprograms/summer-youth-programs

8–18 yrs.

1–6 wks.

285–1,485/wk.

YMCA Camp Mason 23 Birch Ridge Rd. Hardwick, NJ

908-362-8217 campmason.org

7–16 yrs.

1–8 wks.

1,000/wk.

Camp Lee Mar 450 Rte. 590 Lackawaxen, PA

215-658-1708 leemar.com

7–21 yrs.

June 23–August 10 12,150

Harbor Haven Day Camp 1418 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, NJ

908-255-1052 harborhaven.com

3–18 yrs.

2–7 wks.

3,950–7,995

The Summer Enrichment Program at Winston Preparatory School 901 Rte. 10 E. Whippany, NJ

973-500-6480 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/newjersey/summer-program

4th–12th 4 wks.

Please call

SPECIAL NEEDS

BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

61

Dr. Michael L ateiner is proud to a n the opening nounce of his third office in Hack ettstown!

Pediatric Dentists: Michael Lateiner, DMD and Associates Treating infants, children, adolescents & special needs patients

Orthodontist: Melissa Grieder-Roberto, DMD

121 Shelley Drive Hackettstown, NJ 07840 P: (908) 979-0606 F: (908) 979-9996

www.BrightSmiles4Kids.com

62

NJFAMILY.COM | BIG BOOK OF CAMPS 2022

Finding a Camp for Your Child with Special Needs WHEN IT COMES TO KIDS WITH DIFFERENT ABILITIES ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

By RONNIE KOENIG

STAFF PHOTO

F

inding a summer camp for your child with special needs can be a tricky thing for parents to navigate.

Most likely, your child is enrolled in the school’s ESY (Extended School Year) program. But once that ends, there’s the big question of what your kid will do for the rest of the summer. Depending on your child’s needs and abilities, it may be possible to enroll them in a traditional camp, or you may be looking for a camp that specifically caters to kids with different abilities.

As the mom of a 10-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, we have looked at all different types of camps for our daughter.

Since her diagnosis of autism at age 2, we have sought to

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give her as close to the same experiences as her neurotypical twin brother as possible. And while we have done activities specifically geared towards kids with special needs, we’ve never enrolled her in a special needs camp.

One reason we haven’t chosen this option is proximity. While there are plenty of summer camps of all types and special interests available across New Jersey, the special needs camps are simply just not near where we live, and I couldn’t imagine driving or busing for more than an hour each way every day.

The cost is another big factor—if you think regular summer camp is expensive, you'll likely pay a lot more for a special needs camp. Some camps offer scholarships, but if you don’t qualify,

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“Special needs camps provide such a valuable service to kids so they can gain skills and confidence...” paying the full price of a special needs camp for the summer is still not something most parents can swing.

In my search, I learned about an assistance program that covers tuition and even a one-to-one aide. But we were also told the application process is so convoluted, we had to begin applying a year before we wanted to take advantage of the help.

It's so great that there are camps that allow kids of all abilities to have a fun summer experience. Special needs camps provide such a valuable service to kids so they can gain skills and confidence, make new friends and take a break from the pressures and routine of school. Because our daughter has experience in settings with typical peers, we decided a camp where she could continue to do that would be ideal. We hope our daughter will not only glean something from being around peers, but that those kids will grow up in a world where being around people with differences is not something scary or abnormal.

Last year, when I learned of a summer camp with an inclusion program I was very excited about the possibilities.

Not only would our daughter be able to attend the same camp as her twin brother, but I loved that all campers were given the support they needed to participate along with everyone else in all the same events and activities.

Unfortunately, this camp turned out to be more of a disaster than a utopia. Astonishingly, we heard reports from our daughter’s aide and our son that a camp employee became overly frustrated with our daughter’s behavior (yep, kids on the spectrum sometimes exhibit unusual behaviors) and responded with anger and a very inappropriate action. Being the mom of a child with autism, one of my biggest fears is the not knowing what really goes on. All parents feel that to some extent, but when your child can’t fully express themselves, you have to

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put your total trust into the hands of strangers. The only way I knew about this incident was due to the aide being someone we had worked with in the home letting us know, and our son being present. I learned firsthand that just because a camp says “inclusive” on the brochure doesn’t mean it’s a welcoming place for children of all abilities. And the scary part is, unless you have someone to be their “voice” like I did, you otherwise may not ever hear about what really goes on.

Success story

In the past, we’ve also sent our daughter to our local YMCA summer camp along with her aide. I’ve always been hesitant about pushing her into “normal” activities and camps, as I never want to overwhelm the staff or put her in a situation she can’t handle. I’m happy to say that at the Y, she got to do all the fun activities she loves (swimming especially) and when she needed to take a break the staff was accommodating and the girls in her group were mostly kind and friendly.

As a parent of a child with special needs, you quickly adjust your expectations as to what qualifies as a success. While most parents send their kids to camp with the hopes of them making lifelong friendships, my hope is that the other children will be open and tolerant and that someday they will become adults who understand that even with our differences, kids all want the same things: to play outside in the sunshine, to feel the splash of chlorinated water on a hot summer day and to slurp popsicles, just like everyone else.

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STAFF PHOTOS

Interacting with kids of all abilities

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Sleepaway Camp

SUCCESS HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD HAVE A FUN SUMMER AWAY FROM HOME

By JENNIFER KANTOR

“Encourage your child to be an enthusiastic participant —they’ll get out of it what they put in.”

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rom missing mom to a fear of not fitting in, overnight camp can challenge even the most resilient kids—and not just first-timers. The pandemic has done a number on kids socially and emotionally, and many have skipped the past summer or two of camp. Parents want to help their kids thrive while away, but limited communication with campers (via emails, letters and the occasional phone call) can leave parents lost as to how to help potentially struggling campers from afar. Getting in front of the problems before drop-off is the best way to help kids have an amazing summer away. Here’s how to do that:

from day one. "Trying new things and meeting new people is the name of the game,” says Brian Pollack, founder and clinical director of Hilltop Behavioral Health in Summit. Winter bonding events (such as online pizza parties) and introductions to local campers go a long way in making that first day away a good one. Just don’t go randomly reaching out to people, advises Bitterman—let the camp help make social connections after getting to know your child a bit. And encourage your child to be an enthusiastic participant—they’ll get out of it what they put in.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAMP… DIRECTOR

It can be hard for an older tween or teen to crack a clique that’s been bunking together since forever. Before committing to a camp, ask how many kids are new and how they acclimate them—and see if you feel good about their response, says Tracy Levine, director of the nonprofit organization One Happy Camper in Hanover. Some camps lean heavily towards starting young, while others (usually choice or interest-based) draw older tweens and teens. And certain sessions may also have a greater number of new campers. “It’s not going to be easy,” says Bitterman. Getting to know other campers before the summer starts is critical, and they’re going to have to do their part in fitting into the group.

Even so, the first few days may be rough as old friends reconnect. Knowing it will be hard will help them push through.

Choose a camp that matches your child’s interests and don’t let glowing recommendations and state-of-the-art amenities and activities tempt you—it really is about leadership, says Maplewood resident Britton Bitterman, who serves as co-director and owner of Camp Watitoh in the Berkshires, along with her husband Drew. “The most important thing you’re choosing as a parent is a camp director that’s concerned with raising your kids with your values," says Bitterman. "You’re looking for partners who are going to take good care of your kids. Period. Make sure to involve your child in this decision from the get-go, she says. “Kids have to feel like they have a voice.”

CONNECT WITH OTHER CAMPERS Worried your kids won’t find a friend they’ll click with? “Finding out if there are any meet and greets beforehand is a great way to help your camper feel comfortable

HELP THEM CONNECT

IDENTIFY TRUSTED CONFIDANTS Make sure your child knows who to turn to if things go awry, or they just need a

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little TLC, by identifying in advance who at camp can be a trusted adult for your child to confide in, says Levine. “Ideally your child would meet or interface with the person before the summer to start building rapport and trust. There is an increased focus on mental health at camp, and many camps have a social worker or psychologist on staff.” This go-to person can be anyone from a head counselor to older camper—some camps intentionally match experienced campers with young newbies to provide a touchstone and guide. And don’t be shy about selling it: You get to live with college kids—how cool is that?

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PREP YOUR FUSSY FOODIE Does your child only eat pasta with butter? “Every sleepaway camp works with picky eaters and understands the difficulty that many of these children can face,” says Pollack. To help, let the camp know about your child’s specific eating concerns (ie: Sensory issues? Flavor-phobic?) so they can navigate mealtime distress discreetly, and ask about camp favorites so you can gradually introduce those foods prior to send-off. Also find out about everyday alternatives if Taco Tuesday is a no-go—just knowing there are standard choices can go a long way towards making your child (and you) less stressed. “Finding foods that work

and help your child avoid worry is key to the overall camp experience,” he says. And don’t make it weird with daily calls about their eating habits. “Your child is not going to starve,” says Pollack.

DON’T OBSESS OVER ILLNESS “Almost every camper has something —a health issue, an allergy etc.—so it’s very par for the course at camp,” says Levine. Even more complicated conditions like diabetes and Crohn’s can typically be handled with discretion by on-staff medical professionals. Anxious? “Talk with a health center representative for camp in advance to ensure you feel comfortable with the

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RALLY RISK-AVERSE KIDS Cautious kids may need a pre-camp pep talk. “Looking at all of the activities and discussing the amazing opportunities available with your child before camp begins—and even while registering for the summer—is a great opportunity to build a conversation that helps set the stage for growth and learning,” says Pollack. Remind them of all the things they love but were initially anxious about (from riding a bike to soccer)—and encourage them to think about this when they face something new. When choosing a camp, it also pays to explore camp policies (are kids allowed to sit out?) and the mix of set bunk activities vs. camper’s choice and what mix you think is best for your child. “You’ll be amazed that as your child gets more comfortable at camp and is encouraged by peers and counselors, they get more adventurous and willing to go outside their comfort zone,” says Levine.

STOP STRESSING OUT LOUD It’s hard, but parents need to filter their own anxiety, and avoid projecting their thoughts and feelings onto their kids. “The majority of their worries aren’t even what kids are worried about,” says Bitterman, noting that parents should be conscious of the words they use leading up to camp. Don’t put ideas into their head. Don’t make things seem

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‘final’ (ie: this is your last dinner before camp). Don't hold back on getting them fun stuff to decorate their bunk and make it feel homey.

Don’t overstate how much you’re going to miss them (even if you’re a mess inside). And when they’re at camp, don’t share all the fun things you’ve been doing in their absence, and instead focus on camp.

“FOMO (fear of missing out) is a huge issue,” she says.

IT’S OKAY TO BE HOMESICK—REALLY! “The goal isn’t to get a child to not be nervous or homesick (those are very natural feelings) but rather to prepare and strategize on how they will handle it when it does arise,” says Levine. Any child—new to camp or not—may come down with a case of the missing home blues, even if they’re having fun. “It’s okay to be homesick and happy. It’s okay to have mixed emotions,” says Bitterman. What’s really important is that you normalize homesickness—so keep it light and tell them ‘you got this’ when discussing how to manage their feelings. Remind them they can always talk to a trusted adult or friend, write a letter, read a book, play a game or whatever helps them ride it out. Most of all, don’t tell your child that if they’re not happy you’ll come pick them up. “You need to trust that the majority of campers are successes,” says Bitterman, and know that the growth and resilience that comes from dealing with challenges will be worth it. “You’re giving them a gift.”

—Jennifer Kantor is an education, parenting and lifestyle writer and a Maplewood mom of two.

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protocols in place,” she says, “and plan early regarding any prescription medications. Camps often require that you order from a specific provider or have the medications bubble-packed in a special way.”

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Breaking Down

OVERNIGHT Camps Everything you should know about single-sex, co-ed and brother-sister camps

SINGLE-SEX CAMPS Single-sex camps have only one gender at camp and are able to focus on certain activities, whether it’s sports or the arts, because the camp is able to center its program around those campers' interests. Although campers spend their daily activities, evening activities and special events with children of the same gender, single-sex camps often have regular socials with nearby camps of the opposite sex, increasing in frequency with the age of the campers.

“At an all-girls camp, girls learn about who they are and how to advocate for themselves,” says Corey Dockswell, owner and director of Camp Wicosuta, an all-girls overnight camp in New Hampshire. “There is something so powerful about a community of sisters that is unique to a girls’ camp. There is a sense of comradery where the older girls take care of the younger girls and welcome them in the way that they were welcomed into camp.”

Dockswell feels that there is a leadership vacuum for girls in the world and that you still don’t see as many female leaders who would be role models. “To be in an environment where you see female leadership role models is incredible. They see it with their counselors, key staff and older campers who are leaders in the

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camp community and are equally influential to younger campers.”

Rachel Chadwin, c0-owner and co-director of Camp Mah-KeeNac, an all-boys overnight camp in Massachusetts, says there is so much pressure on boys ten months out of the year to be their best academically and athletically that they try to create a more sensitive and nurturing environment that takes that pressure off. “Boys can take risks and not be afraid to fail because if they do, they will be supported and encouraged to try again. A lot of people think an all-boys camp means all sports but we think of it as a place to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things without being judged. It’s also a place where if a boy doesn’t have a chance to play basketball at home, he can do it at camp.

We create a space where we can make him feel like a star and feel successful at camp in front of the entire camp community.”

Chadwin adds there is ample time to socialize with their sister camp but the all-boys experience allows boys to focus on what they are interested in most at their age. As they get older, they introduce more socializing between boys and girls.

CO-ED CAMPS At co-ed resident camps, girls and boys are together on one campus with many or all shared facilities, but with a clear separation of boys’ bunks and girls’ bunks. Justin Mayer, owner and director of Timber Lake West, a co-ed overnight camp in New York, says the real world is co-ed and a co-ed camp mirrors that. “While we are a co-ed camp, we don’t do all of our activities together but campers get exposure by eating together, doing coed camp line-ups, participating in evening activities together two to three days a week and at full camp activities.”

Mayer recommends parents looking for a co-ed camp ask

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ou’ve made the exciting decision to send your child to overnight camp and give them a summer filled with gaining independence, building confidence, learning new activities and making new friends in a warm and welcoming environment. There are so many factors that go into finding the right camp for your child including understanding the different types of overnight camps. Read on for help deciding which type of overnight camp might be the best fit for the kind of camp experience you’re looking for.

By JESS MICHAELS

“ A lot of people think an all-boys camp means all sports but we think of it as a place to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things without being judged.”

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specific questions about how much of the experience is co-ed. “Ask how much of the day is spent in a co-ed experience. You should know what each day looks like. Do campers do sports together? Are electives co-ed? What is done co-ed?” He also adds that one of the benefits of a co-ed camp is that you can choose one camp for many kids. “Brothers and sisters can go to camp together and cousins can too. There is one family experience for all.”

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BROTHER-SISTER CAMPS Brother-sister camps are two camps on the same property or close to each other. They usually have the same owners, with each camp having its own traditions while also sharing traditions between the two camps. Each camp has its own facilities but can share certain ones. Boys and girls participate in separate activities but come together for some all-camp activities and for co-ed activities as the campers get older.

“A brother-sister camp can be a happy medium between an all-girls or all-boys camp and a co-ed camp," says Nicki Fleischner, assistant director of Camp Scatico, a brother-sister camp in New

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York. “Campers can get the sisterhood or brotherhood experience and enjoy traditions that are just theirs but other traditions are integrated which is a nice balance. If you are a family that has boys and girls, there are a lot of concrete benefits including one visiting day and one opening/closing day. You get the benefits of your children having separate independent camp experiences but being able to see each other and talk the same camp language. So even though they have separate color wars, they can get excited for one another and know what they are talking about.”

Fleischner says male and female relationships are normalized at a brother-sister camp and your kids will have close friends of the opposite sex. Campers often will invite friends of the opposite sex to their bar or bat mitzvahs and birthday parties, she adds.

“Once a week, there is a full camp co-ed activity whether it’s July 4th or carnival. They share in these events together and as campers get older, they do more together.”

—Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association (ACA), NY and NJ (acacamps.org).

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What I Wish I’d Known About Packing for Sleepaway Camp TIPS TO MAKE IT EASIER TO GET YOUR KID READY FOR THEIR TIME AWAY FROM HOME

By DINA EL NABLI

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START EARLY It may feel like you have lots of time with camp months away but trust me when I tell you, buying what you need, labeling every single item and making sure it all fits neatly into your camp bags or trunk is no joke. If your child is a newbie, you’ll want to budget extra time since you’ll likely be buying a lot of camp necessities for the first time. With supply chain issues brought on by COVID, it’s a good idea to order things now (make sure you size up if need be for the summer months).

Buy your labels ASAP and start labeling as early as you can. You won’t want to be doing this the week before camp starts and find out you don’t have enough labels for all their stuff.

DON’T PACK THINGS YOU CARE ABOUT My daughter packed a special, sentimental Paris blanket that

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was handmade by a friend. She put it in the laundry along with a comforter and a set of sheets and nothing came back (this is why you need to pack two sets of sheets.) While this is not the norm, it happens and there are no guarantees. If it’s important, skip packing it. And if you have a blanket or comforter you love, tell your kids to pass on sending it to the laundry and instead stick with clothes, sheets and other must-wash clothing items.

STAFF PHOTO

acking my daughter's things for her first summer of sleepaway camp was a lot harder than I thought.

It probably didn’t help that I’m a procrastinator by nature and waited till the 11th hour to pull together a two-page list of must-have items—many of which we didn’t own. Then there’s the whole labeling of everything down to socks and underwear and making sure you remember the intangibles—the things that matter but may not appear on a camp list. Here’s what I wish I had known before packing for three weeks of sleepaway camp:

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A Few More Tips from a Seasoned Sleepaway Camp Mom

As a newbie, I asked my friend, a former sleepaway camper herself whose kids have been going to sleepaway camp for years, what else to pack. Here’s her advice: Bring extra sting cream and bug repellent.

A Tide To-Go stick is a must to pretreat their clothes before they send them to the laundry.

A clear shoe box container is a great place to keep all the little things they pack that can easily get lost in one place, from pens to hair ties.

A Caboodle is a fun way to store their things, too.

Tape or sticky tack makes it easy for them to hang pictures on the wall by their bed.

If they love to read, send them with a head lamp or book light.

Every camp list suggests packing a robe for going to and from the shower but a towel with Velcro is a game-changer.

Pack an extra water bottle for the bunk and a Hydro Flask-type bottle that stays cold for the outdoors.

Skip reusable straws because they will probably never be cleaned.

scheduled horseback riding lessons.

MAKE SURE YOUR KID WATCHES YOU PACK Have your son or daughter watch what you pack so they know what they have with them. This will come in handy if sheets or other things go missing and they need to ID them. It also helps them make sure they remember to pack up all their stuff with their counselor when it’s time to go home.

PACK EXTRA BATHING SUITS My daughter’s camp suggested we pack two to three bathing suits for three weeks away and considering the kids swam in the lake every day, two to three felt like not enough. They get worn out and a little gross so pack extras, especially because they don’t take up much space.

DON’T FORGET STATIONARY SUPPLIES Writing letters is an important part of the sleepaway camp experience. If want your kid to write, you need to make it easy. Buy return address stickers and place them on the envelopes. If your child is younger, be sure to pack instructions on how to write and mail a letter. Pack a stationary holder and an accordion style file to keep all their stationary supplies in one place. If you want a letter that says more than just “camp is awesome,” pack a Mad Libs-style sheet with questions to answer and ask your child to mail it to you on a specific date, maybe a week into camp.

STICK TO THE LIST A camp’s list of what's required may be long but there’s a reason each item is there. Last summer, I ran out of time to buy everything on the list. My daughter's packing list had two types of boots—rain boots and riding boots. I skipped buying the riding boots only to have to ship them to camp so she could take her

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GET COZY STUFF FOR THEIR BED A husband pillow is more than a nice to have. It makes it easier for your kid to sit up in bed during bunk time and makes their bed cozy.

A custom blanket is a cute way to make their bed feel like home. Go to collage.com to make a blanket with pictures of family and friends or kicksbysammy.com for a blanket customized with their camp name (see page 10). A pillowcase kids can autograph (don't forget to pack a fabric marker) is also a fun camp keepsake.

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Easing Back to Home Life After Sleepaway TIPS TO MAKE THE TRANSITION AS SMOOTH AND EASY AS POSSIBLE

By JESS MICHAELS

T

hose weeks when our kids are away from home at sleepaway can seem like an eternity for us. But once it’s time for them to come home, don’t be surprised if they aren’t excited and try not to take it personally.

Camp has become your child’s home away from home—where they’ve been immersed in their own camp world, living among counselors and close friends and participating in the rituals and traditions of their camp community. Be happy that your child had a wonderful summer away, full of learning new activities, building strong friendships and gaining important life skills.

Here are a few tips you can use to help your child transition back to home after an awesome summer at overnight camp.

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DOWN TIME Your child may come home from camp and just want to relax.

After all, they’ve been busy with amazing camp activities all day, every day for weeks! Try not to schedule too much for your child the first few days they are home. Let them adjust to home life and just chill out for a bit before getting back into other activities.

GIVE YOUR CHILD SOME AUTONOMY Remember, your child has been away from you for a few weeks now. They have gained independence and have been making decisions about what to wear or what foods to eat without your input. Let your child practice this newfound independence and allow for some more choice at home.

TALK ABOUT CAMP Your child is used to living and breathing camp 24/7. Let your child continue to talk about camp at home. Be curious about the experience but try to refrain from firing off too many questions.

Let your child tell you about camp in their own time.

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PUT A DATE ON THE CALENDAR Your child will be missing their camp friends from the minute they get home so schedule a get-together with your child’s bunk for early fall. Remember to either do one-on-one playdates or invite everyone—leaving a few kids out creates hurt feelings and tension among the group.

GRADUALLY RECONNECT WITH HOME FRIENDS Of course your child will want to see their home friends but don’t worry if it’s not the first thing they want to do. Camp friends are special—after all, these kids live, eat and do so many activities together. They become like family. Your child may need some time to transition from being with camp friends to getting together with home friends.

CONSIDER A TECHNOLOGY RESET Your child not only survived but thrived at camp without the use of an iPad or phone. Now is a good time to consider a technology reset by setting some limitations on screen time or social media.

SPEND TIME TOGETHER Plan some fun outings as a family before school starts.

Although you gave your child the gift of camp this summer, you missed them and now it’s time to make the most of family time before they head back to class.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE GIFT OF CAMP Take a moment to appreciate the big decision you made to send your child to sleepaway camp. It wasn’t an easy one but now that your child is home, you can witness all the amazing growth your child has gone through during their time away from home.

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WHY WAIT UNTIL SUMMER TO GET THE KIDS TO CAMP? SPRING BREAK CAMPS WILL GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO ENJOY WHILE SCHOOL’S OUT. DETAILS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE SO BE SURE TO CONFIRM THEM WITH EACH CAMP.

By ANGEL MADISON

Go to njfamily.com/ sbcamp for more camps!

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DUTCH TOTAL SOCCER 300 Memorial Dr. Somerset 732-748-4625 dtsnewjersey.com Dutch Total Soccer training is based on the premise that the player’s ball control and tactical development is a top priority in training. There are two weeks of camps available for your soccer players. April 11-15 and 18-22, for boys and girls ages 6-13, with a focus on fast footwork, ball mastery, speed, agility and more. Coaches create game-like situations to help improve their decisionmaking abilities. $275/week.

HEALTHBARN USA 1057 Hillcrest Rd. Ridgewood 201-444-2955 healthbarnusa.com This indoor and outdoor camp is perfect for kids who like to cook and go on nature hikes.

There’s room to spread out (and space heaters) for outside adventures. HealthBarn USA's goal is to empower children to become more adventurous eaters by learning to grow and prepare their own organic foods.

This weeklong camp will focus on making healthy activities fun.

April 11-15, 9-3 pm daily for ages 5-12. Call for pricing.

SUPERDOME SPORTS 134 Hopper Ave. Waldwick 201-444-7660 superdomesports.com This all-sports camp will have them playing soccer, flag football, lacrosse, kickball, dodgeball, field hockey and running obstacle courses, with some fun games and arts and crafts mixed in.

Perfect for kids ages 5 to 14, and you can sign up for half days or full days. Prices start at $229/ week, April 11-15 or 18-22. There are also soccer-specific camps run by top professional trainers where they’ll focus on your child's technical, tactical and physical development.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: HEALTHBARN USA / TURTLE BACK ZOO / TENAFLY NATURE CENTER / SUPERDOME SPORTS

TENAFLY NATURE CENTER 313 Hudson Ave. Tenafly 201-568-6093 tenaflynaturecenter.org The week of April 15, your pre-K and kindergarteners and 1st-6th graders can do some hands-on learning in the woods of the Tenafly Nature Center, which consists of nearly 400 acres for the purposes of conservation, education and recreation. It's an idyllic spot to take the kids hiking and exploring all year. Spring camp activities will include hiking, crafts, stories and visits with live animals. Call for pricing.

TURTLE BACK ZOO 560 Northfield Ave. West Orange 973-731-5800 turtlebackzoo.com Campers ages 5 to 10 can run away (for a day) at the zoo.

These mini-camps are $90 per day and run from 9 am to 4 pm. Kids will get to spend the day at the Essex County Park's zoo with up-close animal encounters, science projects, behind-the-scenes visits and fun crafts. Keep the Wild Alive is the theme of the two minibreak camps running April 12-14 or April 19-21.

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Yes, You Can Send Your Teen to Camp!

FROM BEING A CAMPER TO A COUNSELOR IN TRAINING, THESE OPTIONS GO BEYOND TRADITIONAL CAMPS

By KAREN B. GIBBS

ids don’t have to outgrow camp when they become teenagers. There’s a world of creative fun and growth awaiting them.

Here’s a sample of some of the diverse summer camp options available for teens this year:

EXPANDED CAMP OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS YMCA of the Pines/Lake Stockwell Day Camp offers a co-ed Explorers program for rising 7th t0 10th graders where teens choose daily activities. “This fosters independence, confidence and enhances decision-making skills,” says Lynn Passarella, camp director.

Weekly field trips and life skills tracks like vehicle maintenance and basic cooking add to the experience.

CIT, COUNSELOR AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS In New Jersey, teens can work at a day camp starting at 16, as a junior counselor at an overnight camp at 17 and as an overnight cabin counselor at 18.

Camp opportunities are hard to beat— they help young adults hone their leadership skills, collaborate as part of a team and develop life-long friendships (not to mention a killer work ethic). For teens looking to make a difference, serve as a role model and impact the lives of young campers in a positive, meaningful way, working at a camp is a powerful, life-changing experience.

Camps provide orientations for new hires; training is typically 2-3 days long for day camps and 7-10 days for sleepaways but varies by camp.

Not every counselor requires first aid or CPR certification but waterfront positions require CPR, first aid and lifeguarding

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certification, which are offered by the Red Cross. Teens younger than 18 need working papers in New Jersey. Specific requirements are outlined during the job application process. Open camp positions can be found on a camp’s website or at acanynj. org or indeed.com. Most applications can be completed online.

There are four general areas of opportunity for teens at camps: waterfront (lifeguards and swimming instructors), group counselors, specialized activities instructors and kitchen/administrative staff. Many sleepaway camps employ teenagers for kitchen positions. Day camps also hire teenaged staff for maintenance or administrative tasks.

Jeff Lake Day Camp in Sussex County offers a Senior Campers program for rising 9th graders that includes four outings plus kayaking, canoeing, ninja warrior course on the lake, color wars and boot camp. “These activities challenge teens cognitively and physically, develop teamwork and resiliency, and promote social development,” says Director Susan Rynar.

Jeff Lake Day Camp also offers a Counselor in Training program (CIT) for rising 10th graders and a Junior Counselor program (a paid position) for rising 11th graders. Both jobs teach responsibility, creativity, social development, teamwork and how to think on your feet. Teens choose between working with a bunk or with a specialty like rope climbing. “This is a big growth year for the kids,” says Rynar. “It’s the first time many have been asked to take care of someone else’s needs before their own. In doing this, they learn cooperation, independence, social skills, empathy and resiliency. All that allows them to venture

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“She saw things she’d never seen before...It broadened her world and helped her become more confident.” into college with a confident skill pack.”

Spring Lake in Ringwood's Leadership Training Program is for rising 10th graders who are enrolled for at least six of the eight weeks. Working with children or becoming proficient in a specialty area, they develop leadership and cooperative skills. Participation in this program earns reduced tuition plus compensation, upon successfully completing the 8-week program.

YMCA of the Pines/Lake Stockwell Day Camp offers a very competitive 5-week CIT program for rising 10th graders. Participants are trained to lead activities for peers and younger campers.

YMCA of the Pines camps Ockanickon for young men ages 14-16 and Matollionequay for girls ages 13-15 are overnight camps that offer zip lining, boating, swimming, sports and CIT programs for 16-year-olds.

In addition, Ockanickon offers Leadership

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Trials to campers, age 14-16. “These combine overnight camp experiences with activities that challenge and sharpen camper’s skills and character,” says Christine Giannobile, boys camp director.

SPECIALTY CAMPS Teens can also expand their camping horizons by choosing a specialty camp where they concentrate on a specific talent such as sports, robotics or theater.

ESF (esfcamps.com/camps-experiences) academic, enrichment and pre-college programs are interwoven with camp activities and team competitions. Also included are sports camps for basketball, tennis and soccer.

Camps for children with special circumstances include Happiness Is Camping for kids and teens with cancer (and their siblings); and Kiddie Keep Well Camp, for underprivileged and at-risk kids, teens

and seniors. Usually, there is no charge for these camps.

TEEN TRAVEL TOURS Travel is a great way for teens to see new places and meet different people while socializing with kids their own age.

Rein Teen Tours (reinteentours.com) is a New Jersey-based teen travel organization offers a few options.

With Rein Teen Mini Tours, teens travel during the week to places like Hershey, PA, Boston and Williamsburg and spend weekends at home. “This is a great first trip for younger teens,” says Norman Rein, founder.

Amy Nelson says the mini tour was the best thing that ever happened to her daughter Jemma, who was looking for an alternative to sleep away camp. “Jemma got to go away Monday through Friday, but still be home on the weekends,” says Nelson.

“Plus, she made lots of friends.”

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bike trip across the USA. Activities vary but include biking, hiking, rafting and kayaking. Hiking tours in New England and Alaska include service projects, such as serving in food pantries, working on trails and community farms and with habitat restoration. Overland also offers courses in French while hiking in Switzerland, and Spanish in Costa Rica with service in schools and nature reserves.

The Maine Camp Experience (mainecampexperience.com) is comprised of more than 35 overnight summer camps in Maine with a smart camp planning tool to help families choose the best camp for their kids. Adventures include camping under the stars, navigating water rapids, kayaking, hiking, performance and culinary arts—spread throughout the gorgeous landscapes of Maine.

And at the core of MCE, the mission is to reinforce positivity and add meaningful contributions to the lives of children by fostering traditions, community, individuality and life-long friendships.

If you have a budding marine scientist in the family, Sea Turtle Camp (seaturtlecamp.com), which offers trips to North Carolina, the Florida Keys or Costa Rica, might be just the ticket. These fully-immersive, hands-on, feet-wet camps for 14- to 17-year-olds come with the simple mission to cultivate love and respect for the ocean, build confidence, develop character and inspire coastal conservation through safe and fun learning. Campers not only gain the unforgettable experience of working with marine life, but will receive community service hours by being a valuable member of the team, too.

No matter which path your teens choose, they are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

To find the right camp experience for your teen, check out the New Jersey Family camp directory (njfamily.com/camp) or listings on the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey website at acanynj.org or call 212.391.5208.

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Rein Teen Tours for campers 13 to 17 take teens on extended trips (14 to 40 days) to places like Western U.S., Hawaii/Alaska, Europe, Australia and Ecuador. Teens travel by air and bus, have great accommodations and meals and are chaperoned by teachers.

“Jemma and the friends she made on the mini tour decided to take the 4-week tour out West the following year,” says Nelson. “She had the best time ever. Then, she and a friend took the Hawaii/Alaska tour. She saw things she’d never seen before—like the 24-hour daylight in Alaska.

It broadened her world and helped her become more confident.”

Impressed with their sister’s travel, Nelson’s twin daughters, 8th graders Harlee and Lexi are considering a teen travel tour, too.

Nancy Held’s 17-year-old daughter would have probably been a counselor-in-training two years ago but COVID caused her to lose that year of camp. “Now, a senior in high school, she had only one summer to do something wonderful,” says Held, “so she chose the 28-day Hawaii/Alaska tour with Rein Teen Travel. She is very adventuresome and loves to travel. It was right up her alley. She will never again have the opportunity to see all those places for that length of time through the eyes of a child.”

Held said the teen tours built her daughter’s confidence and independence, introduced her to new friends and helped her learn responsibility. “She had to learn to manage her time and her money and live out of a suitcase.” The teen tour so impressed Held’s 15-year-old younger daughter that she plans to take the same tour this summer.

Rein Hybrid Volunteer/Travel Tours provide the adventure of traveling to Hawaii, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, California, Costa Rica and Thailand with cultural immersion, exploration and volunteer opportunities. Kids enjoy giving back and this is a great way to do it.

Overland (overlandsummers.com) offers 2 to 6 week trips to places like Cape Cod, Pacific Coast, Canadian Rockies, Europe and a 6-week

Fun Horseback Riding Summer Camp for Kids Seaton Hackney Stables Summer Camp Program combines the great outdoors with education and fun for children ages 5-17. Horse back riders of all levels are welcome, from no experience to the advanced rider.

Campers learn basic safety, grooming, tacking and barn management skills. They ride 2-3 times daily, either in lessons, on trail rides, lungeing session and Equisthenics.

In addition, campers receive daily Badges in many different topics including harness driving, equine breeds, colors and markings, equine health and First Aid, braiding, Show grooming and more!

Weekly camps run all summer until Labor Day. Half-day and full-day sessions for riders of every ability (ages 5 to 17) are available. Session dates, rates, and other information are included. With space limited and several weeks already filled, reserve your place now.

Where lasting friendships and great memories are made...

440 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 644-3355 • seatonhackney.com

summer performing arts programs jazz Geri Allen Jazz Camp Regina Carter Artistic Director

Aspiring performers who identify as female or non-binary refine their instrumental or vocal skills while mentored by acclaimed professional jazz musicians.

Overnight Residency at Rutgers University-Newark Ages: 13 – 26 Dates: Jul 10 – 16

hip hop This summer, we’ll discover all the different art forms that make up the world of Hip Hop. We’ll dance, emcee, DJ, make beats and produce music. We’ll learn how to create our own podcasts, graffiti and graphic design.

Anyone can participate, regardless of experience level (intro to advanced) or location (in-person or virtual).

Ages: 9 – 17 Dates: Jul 11 – Aug 5

theater arts NJPAC’s theater arts training program offers skills and techniques for you to explore this summer. Choose from acting, movement, circus, improv and much more. Whatever your age or experience level, we’ll make sure you get the support you need to succeed.

Ages: 9 – 18 Dates: Jul 11 – Aug 5

city verses Amplifying New Voices Through Jazz and Poetry Calling all teen musicians, singers, poets, and writers: You have a story to tell — and we want to hear it! Creativity ignites when you explore, experiment, and express yourself at our free City Verses Summer Camp. Together, we’ll learn about and create jazz poetry.

Ages: 13 – 18 Dates: July 18 – 30 Free

Generous support provided by BD, Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Merck Foundation, NJ Advance Media, Richmond County Savings Foundation, Victoria Foundation, WBGO Jazz 88.3FM, Wells Fargo Foundation, Women@NJPAC City Verses is conducted in partnership with Rutgers University-Newark.

Support for this program was provided by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Additional support provided by TD Charitable Foundation and Women@NJPAC

Sign up today! To register visit njpac.org/summer