JANUARY 2020 SOUTH JERSEY
CAMP STORY What’s the Best Age for Camp? 2020 CAMP DIRECTORY
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Camp
What’s the Best Age for Camp? By Audrey Monke You probably want a number here. If you’re only going to read these first two sentences, then I’ll pick the age of nine. But the real answer is a bit more complex. When to start sending your child to sleep-away camp is a decision that depends on you, your parenting style, and your child’s temperament. Many kids have fun and successful camp experiences as young as six years old, but that’s too young for most kids. And for some parents the thought of their child ever going to camp (without them) is unimaginable. Sometimes “he’s not ready for camp” actually means you’re not ready. Realizing that your child can be okay without you is sometimes hard on parents and it’s a big step to let them have the independent experience of summer camp. These are the guidelines for parents who are ready to send their child to camp but aren’t sure what age is best.
5 or younger
This is too young for overnight camp alone. Go to a family camp together or try a day camp. (You can find local day camps at MetroKids.com/DayCamp.)
6 to 8 years old
For young kids, focus on whether your child is ready. This is not the age to force camp upon a hesitant child. If they want to go, there are some questions to ask: Is your child a fairly independent kid (not clingy) who can take a shower on his own? If your child
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happily goes to school and is fine at day camps and other activities without you constantly by his side, then he’s probably ready for camp.
9 to 10 years old
If she is excited to go, sign her up. If not, talk with other families whose kids go to camp to expose her to the idea. Hearing how much other kids like camp might encourage her to want to go. Attend camp information sessions. (The MetroKids Super Camp Fair is Sunday, Jan. 26 at Plymouth Meeting Mall and is free to attend.) If she is still hesitant, you have two choices. The Hard Choice: Explain all the benefits of camp and how you think it will be great for her and an important step in her growth and development. Let her know you think it’s an important experience and you don’t want her to miss out. This choice requires being able to stand your ground and not give in to whining. Sign up but don’t talk about it too much, too far in advance if your child is especially anxious. The Easier Choice: Give your child a one-year “pass,” but follow through. Know that kids who are hesitant about camp at 9 or 10 are likely to still be hesitant at 13 and possibly at 18 about going to college. Parents need to figure out how to work through those feelings and a week or two at camp is an easy way to start. It’s actually easier to start camp at 9 or 10 and work through those
difficult homesick emotions without also contending with puberty.
11 and older
If they want to go, let them. I’ve been at camp fairs where a mother with a child taller than she is tells me, in front of her child, “He’s way too young to be away from me for two weeks.” I look at the young person standing next to her and want to say, “He’s not too young. You just don’t want him to be away from you.” An older child will likely not be the only first-year camper his age. There will be fewer new kids at camp at that age, but camp kids are welcoming, so don’t worry. I’ve met many families who waited until their child was 12 or 13 years old, only to later be disappointed that they had so few summers to enjoy at camp. If they are still hesitant, keep in mind that the kids who tend to have the most extreme homesickness are the older ones who’ve never been away. If your child gets extreme homesickness, isn’t it better that it happen during a two-to-threeweek summer program than when he’s a freshman in college? Give your children the gift of early independence to help them develop the skills they need to thrive as young adults.
Audrey Monke, with her husband Steve, has owned and directed Gold Arrow Camp in Lakeshore, California for 30 years.
Find local day and residential camps online. Visit Metrokids.com/Camp.
JANUARY 2020
MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL
WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 11:30 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. Moorestown Friends School • MFS Baiada Field House 110 East Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057 50+ Camps Attending
Day Camps • Travel • Acting • Nature • Adventure • Math • Overnight • Arts • Parkour • Sports and many more!
SIGN UP TODAY!
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www.mainstage.org 856-302-6485
SUN., JAN. 26 1-4PM
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 W. Germantown Pike • Plymouth Mtg., PA 19462
MetroKids.com/campfair JANUARY 2020
Find a location and save today at
invent.org/save
multiple locations throughout the area!
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Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2020! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests. Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas. • Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel. • Special features: See the key below. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
JCC Camps at Medford
400 Tuckerton Rd.,Medford; 856-751-1666 bsegal@jfedsnj.org • Jcccampsatmedford.org DAY, TRAVEL JCC Camps at Medford enrich children’s lives by teaching Multiple Locations; 610-668-7676 values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment, while director@sixerscamps.com •76erscamps.com DAY The #1 Basketball Camp in the NBA celebrating our 36th Year! Learn building confidence, sharing successes and creating lasting friendships. Camp is built on the fundamental values of family, love, respect, justice the drills the pros use to take their game to the next level. Age-specific and charity, compassion and kindness. ACA CIT SN and skill-specific fundamentals and skill development, from beginner to advanced. Meet players, coaches and other NBA Stars. Youth basketball Liberty Lake Day Camp player development at its finest. Half-day, full-day and overnight camps 1195 Florence-Columbus Rd., Bordentown available for 5–17 year olds. 609-499-7820 • Libertylakedaycamp.com DAY Liberty Lake Day Camp is a transformative experience, teaching life Arsenal USA Premier Soccer Camps skills to inspire young people to change the world. Campers enjoy 60 magMultiple Locations; 610-922-8255 nificent shady acres, outdoors and screen-free. Kids can customize their rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Arsenalsoccercampsusa.com day with the Freedom of Choice elective program of 60+ activities. Open DAY Arsenal USA premier soccer camps, for boys and girls from ages Houses: Jan. 26, Feb. 9, March 1 & 22, April 5 & 26, May 17. ACA 6–14, will provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs academies in London. The Arsenal Way is taught to campers as they are immersed in the curriculum that has helped develop some of the world’s 110 E. Main St., Moorestown; 856-914-4493 mcameron@mfriends.org • Summer.mfriends.org best players. Learn from Arsenal coaches that will be directing and helpDAY The Summer Scholars Program options include innovative and ing you combine techniques, tactics and that winning spirit. exciting approaches to science, robotics, technology, STEM, sports, design, thinking, arts, economics and more. In addition, Academic TransiParis Saint-Germain Academy Soccer Camps USA tions courses in August offer the chance for your child to improve in math, Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 writing, study skills, and Google Docs. Many Summer Program Master rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Psgacademysoccercampsusa.com Teachers are MFS teachers and department heads, most of whom hold DAY The Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA soccer camps, for boys and advanced degrees from prestigious universities. girls ranging from ages 6–14, will provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy CAMDEN COUNTY as the professional academies in Paris. Individual skill development and team play will be incorporated along with the character traits necessary Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC to be the best you can be. European coaches will help direct each day’s 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hil action. 856-424-4444 ext. 1242 mfoster@jfedsnj.org • Katzjcc.org/ecccamps Phillies Baseball Academy DAY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an award-winning sumMultiple Locations; 610-520-3400 mer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2–5 to have big fun! campmail@philliescamps.com • Philliesacademy.com DAY Phillies Baseball Academy is the premier baseball camp experience Through STEM activities, creative arts, theater, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, our professional camp staff ensure your child for boys and girls, ages 6–14, featured at numerous great locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Only Phillies Baseball Academy offers top- has a fun summer experience. SN notch instruction with the unique opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park and the chance to meet a Phillies player and coach. Super Star Summer Camp 5 Larwin Rd., Cherry Hill • 856-795-4599 • theGCAcademy.com DAY Super Star Summer Camp is where kids learn how to be awesome. BURLINGTON COUNTY We offer a variety of activities for children to enjoy, including swimming, ninja obstacle courses, flip-training, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tumCamp Creek Run bling, cheerleading, arts & crafts and more. SN 199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250 campcreekrun@yahoo.com • Campcreekrun.com MERCER COUNTY DAY Get close to nature at Camp Creek Run! We are a traditional day camp with something for everyone, with a special emphasis on the natural sciences. Our 50-acre nature preserve features wooded hiking trails, open Tomato Patch @ Kelsey Theatre meadows, a spring-fed lake with a sandy beach, and a south-branch tribu- 1200 Old Trenton Rd.West Windsor; 609-570-3566 tary of the Rancocas Creek. We offer certified teachers and other qualified projects@mccc.edu • Tomatopatch.org DAY Multidisciplinary Summer Arts Workshops for grades 4–12. Theater, adults as counselors; nature study and science programs; sports, arts dance, vocal music, visual art, each session culminates in a Festival and music programs; fishing and boating, and swim instruction in our inPerformance and Gallery Exhibit. The longest running, most successful ground pools. Sign up today for a summer of fun at Camp Creek Run! summer arts program in Central New Jersey, now in its 47th year. Session I for grades 8–12; Session II for grades 4–7. Session I, June 22–July 16, Session II, July 20–Aug. 6, Master Class in Acting June 22–July 10 and July 20–Aug. 7
76ers Camps
Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated
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JANUARY 2020
Camp Directory OUTLYING AREAS Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort
925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/camps/summer-adventure-camps DAY, RESIDENTIAL Book your child’s best week of the summer at South Central PA’s favorite ski resort where campers enjoy a multitude of adventure-based activities including zip lines, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, paintball, OGO balls, high and low ropes courses, the super slide, chairlift rides and much more. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets CIT
Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute
Grand Manan Island,New Brunswick, Canada; 888-54-WHALE info@whalecamp.com • WhaleCamp.com RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL No other marine science camp offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board our research vessel for unmatched opportunities to observe marine life. Explore beaches, coastal trails and fishing villages on beautiful Grand Manan Island. Ask about our $40,000 College Scholarships, STEM projects & College Credits.
YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser
201 Cushion Peak Rd., Reinholds, PA 610-670-2267 • SMYMCA.org RESIDENTIAL We welcome you to our 600 mountaintop acres in Berks County, PA. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers come for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 6–17 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure and teen leadership. We also offer a variety of specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips. We can’t wait to see you on the mountain! ACA
Young People’s Theater Workshop (YPTW);
Theatre Arts Summer Overnight Camp at Eastern University 363 Radford Ct., Glen Mills, PA Youngpeoplestheatreworkshop@gmail.com; Yptw.org RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11–18 at Eastern University June 21-26. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.
Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training progra SN: Some special needs may be accommodated
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Child Care & Early Education Directory
FY: Full Year BS: Before School SN: Special Needs AY: Academic Year AS: After School DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. SP: Summer Program DA: Diapers Accepted DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv. NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools * Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.
BEGINNINGS AT MFS: THE MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM 110 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 856-914-4428 • MFriends.org Ages: 3 & up • Hours: 8:05am-3:10pm Beginnings at MFS: The Moorestown Friends School Early Childhood Program offers a values-based education for 3-year-olds and up. A project-based approach to learning and wide range of special subject areas are hallmarks of the experience. Moorestown Friends School is one of the only schools in the United States to offer a Coding Program to all Lower School students - Preschool through Grade 4. This innovative program has three strands: coding, problem solving and teamwork. These skills will be in high demand as the 21st century progresses. Half-day and full-day Preschool is available. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten are full-day programs. AY, SP, BS, AS, MSCES ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport, NJ 609-667-7838 • Essentialbeginningslc.com info@essentialbeginningslc.com Ages: 2-1/2 yrs.-13 yrs. • Hours 6:30am - 6:00pm Essential Beginnings embraces the differentiation approach to teaching. This method ensures that all children can learn the content based on their learning style. FY, AY, SP, SN, DYF FUTURE SCHOLARS EARLY LEARNING CENTER 1351 Rte. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport, NJ 609-518-1333 • FutureScholarsLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm “Where Generations Come and Grow” Full- and half-day classes available year round. Family-owned and operated with an owner on premises daily. Offering Infant & Toddler Care, PreSchool, Drop-In Hourly Daycare, Established Full-Day Kindergarten, Before- and After-School Care with bussing for township students, Private Tutoring and Summer Camp! We are your one-stop solution for early education and child care! STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR! FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DYF HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 856-467-6811 • Holdinghandspreschool.com Ages: Infant-School Age • Hours: 6am-6:30pm A place for families providing exceptional care, engaged learning and everyday play. A full-service center in a new facility with a gym, three playgrounds, access control system and video monitoring. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, N 856-235-5371 • school@olgcnj.org • Olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day prekindergarten programs, as well as full-day kindergarten. Children in first through eighth grades are educated in a top-notch, Catholic school environment, where our mission to form students in the image of Jesus Christ is reinforced daily. We provide education in music, art, specialized clubs, sports, after-school enrichment programs such as Lego Robotics and Latin, Spanish, technology, and physical education. Students do not need to be Catholic to attend our school. Please call to arrange a tour. Financial aid and volunteer opportunities available. AY, SP, AS SARI ISDANER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT THE KATZ JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 856-424-4444 • KatzJCC.org/ECE Ages: 6 wks.-K • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm, M-Th; 6pm, F The Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center at the Katz JCC is an award-winning program and leader in early childhood education. We offer full day infant/toddler care as of six weeks old, nursery school, preschool, full day certified Kindergarten, pre-K and transitional Kindergarten. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE*, NAEYC
mk smart. local. parenting. JANUARY 2020
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
1-4PM Plymouth Meeting Mall 500 W. Germantown Pike • Plymouth Mtg., PA 19462
PARTICIPATING CAMPS: 76ers Camps • Agora Cyber Charter School • Arsenal USA Premier Soccer Camps • Blue Bell Camp • Brandywine Learning Center • Burn Brae • Camp America Day Camp • Camp Merry Heart • Camp Onas • Camp Speers • YMCA • Cedarbrook Camp • Child & Family Art Therapy • Ecole • Elmwood Park Zoo • Engineering for Kids • Flourtown Day Camp • Friends Central Camp • Frog Hollow Tennis Camp • Fun in the Sun • George School • Germantown Academy Summer Camp • iD Tech • Kenbrook Bible Camp • Lavner Camp • Marple Sports Arena • Mercersburg Summer Programs • Paris Saint-German Academy Soccer Camps USA • Pathway School •Penn Charter Summer Camp • Philadelphia Rock Gym • Phillies Baseball Academy • Pinemere Camp • Plymouth Meeting Friends Camp • Ripken Baseball Camps • Science Explorers • Sesame Rockwood Day Camps and Teen Travel • Summerside Camps • Temple University Summer Education Camps • The Learning Center at PARI • The School in Rose Valley Summer Camp • Valley Forge Military Academy • Westover • YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser
FREE FUN for the whole family!
REGISTER NOW! First 100 to register receive a famous stuffed mk Goodie Bag
MetroKids.com/campfair