2020 Schools & Camps

A Packet Publication 1B

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

Central Jersey

Schools & Camps

2B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

A Packet Publication 3B

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

Enjoy a stress-free summer with the kids B

etween camp, going on holidays and playdates, summer vacation can feel like endless planning and shuffling from activity to activity.

Fortunately, you can use these tips and tricks to cut down on your stress and enjoy quality family time together.

Create a schedule. Jot down family activities and commitments on a large calendar and keep it on the fridge so everyone can see what’s coming up. This will help give the kids a sense of security and routine that’s missing during the summer months.

Just be flexible, and make sure to schedule plenty of free time to relax and enjoy quiet time with a book.

Cut down kitchen time. Don’t like having to choose between healthy and quick,

easy meals? Look for simple, nutritious meal options that take much of the work

2020

Junior and High Performance Summer Camps

out of cooking. For easy lunches and dinners you’ll feel good about serving the kids,

try Mann’s Nourish Bowls. Ready in just a couple of minutes in your microwave, the bowls were developed by chefs and feature superfood veggies like broccoli, sweet potato and kale. They work as great side dishes to complete a fast and healthy meal.

Plan special dates.

Getting out of the house regularly doesn’t mean having to use up the family travel budget. Give the kids an excuse to use up their energy and get some fresh air by scheduling some fun, free activities.

Go to the park, spend time in the library and visit your local community swimming pool. Keep the kids on top of chores and other duties by presenting these activities as rewards for a job well done.

Junior Camp: 6th Week FREE High Performance:

Multi Day Discounts Early Bird Pricing until 5/1 June 22 - August 28 Beginners to Advanced High School Players Half Day / Full Day Options Before & After Care Available

4B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

A Packet Publication 5B

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

How to approach nutrition when feeding children away from home

C

hildren can be picky eaters. Parents know that getting kids to eat anything, much less healthy foods, can sometimes make the dinner table feel more like a battlefield than a place to break bread.

That’s especially so when the dinner table is in a restaurant, where savvy youngsters might know less nutritious dishes like macaroni and cheese or fried chicken fingers are on the menu. But the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet are so numerous for youngsters that it’s worth doing whatever it takes to get kids to embrace nutrient-rich foods, both at home and when dining out.

The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that a healthy diet can stabilize children’s energy levels, help them maintain healthy weights and

which can include meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Offering each of these foods at every meal may not be feasible, but kids should eat foods selected from the major food groups at every meal.

• Avoid highly processed foods. The National Institutes of Health notes that studies have suggested there’s a link between highly processed foods and health problems. Such foods, which typically contain ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup and flavoring agents, are typically high in calories, salt, sugar, and fat. While highly processed foods tend to be easier to make and readily available at restaurants, serving them to youngsters can start kids down the road to poor dietary habits, potentially increasing their risk for obesity and diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

When packing snacks for school lunches or taking kids out to restaurants, be sure to include or bring along healthy whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables. This can ensure kids get some healthy fare during mealtime.

• Enhance foods if necessary. While high amounts of sugar, salt and fat can jeopardize the health of adults and youngsters alike, the AAP notes that small amounts of these substances can be used to enhance kids’ enjoyment of healthy foods and increase the likelihood that they will eat them. Parents may not have much control over what their children eat while away from home. But a handful of strategies can increase the likelihood that kids enjoy healthy fare when eating at school or at restaurants.

MUSIC LESSONS & Springbreak and SummerMusic Camp All ages

potentially prevent mental health conditions, including anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. But recognizing the importance of a healthy diet and getting kids to embrace one are two different things, especially when kids are dining out and being tempted by unhealthy alternatives.

In recognition of that, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following strategies to parents who want their kids to eat healthy when they’re away from home.

• Make meals all-inclusive. When preparing school lunches or taking youngsters out for a night on the town, make sure to offer a mix of foods from the five food groups. The AAP recommends parents offer vegetables, fruit, grains, lowfat dairy, and/or quality protein sources,

Sing, play, listen, create and enjoy the results of an intense and fun filled week at Farrington’s Music • Group Instrument Lessons (Learn to play Ukulele, Guitar, Piano, Recorder; explore/try out other types of instruments) • Mini Rock Band • Idol Singing • Percussion & Rhythm • Music Crafts • Music History • Music Theory • Drawing & Painting • Outdoors Activities

Get Discounts - Sign UP TODAY! Visit our website for details: Farringtonsmusic.com

Montgomery Shopping Center, Rt. 206, Princeton 609-924-8282

6B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

Theater • Dance • Music Video • Visual Art Session I June 22 - July 16 Grades 8-12 4-week session $875 Session II July 20 - Aug. 6 Grades 4-7 3-week session $795 Master Class in Acting Session I June 22 - July 10 Session II July 20 - Aug. 7 Grades 8-12 3-week session $725 Taught by professional artists, on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. Tomato Patch, now in its 47th year, is the longest running, most successful multidisciplinary summer arts program in central New Jersey.

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

The potential links between bullying and violence

T

he Columbine High School massacre that took place on April 20, 1999, which resulted in the deaths of 12 students and one teacher, was, at the time, the deadliest school shooting in United States history.

The Columbine massacre was perpetrated by students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, and an investigation of the shooting suggested that bullying may have contributed to the shooters’ decision to open fire on their classmates and teachers.

In his journal, Harris illustrated reasons for his desire to kill, and “revenge from being teased” was among them. However, Harris also wanted to see himself as “the law,” according to his writings, indicating that he may have been an aggressor at some point as well.

While one cannot always connect bullying and extreme violence, a correlation can sometimes be made. Bullying is a growing concern in schools, and research into possible connections between bullying and other forms of youth violence is ongoing.

A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence indicates that bullying and other health-risk behaviors can happen together (i.e. substance use, violence and school failure), and more education is needed to address the broad range

of youth problems in schools.

According to Dorothy Espelage, a professor of psychology at the University of Florida, bullies have a “continuum of perpetration.” Espelage says that the aggression that can result from bullying, even years later, can be problematic. Nadine Connell, director of the Center for Crime and Justice Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, says that bullying can continue into patterns of adulthood that can be dangerous.

Experts warn that children who engage in high rates of bullying in childhood and adolescence can later become more skilled in aggression. Chronically victimized people may develop major depressive disorders or generalized anxiety disorders as a result of being bullied year after year.

The organization StopBullying.gov reports that a very small number of bullied children might retaliate through extremely violent measures. Shooters had a history of being bullied in 12 out of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s. Bullying is a problematic issue that has ties to violence, both for bullies and their victims.

Schools, parents and even government agencies are trying to find new ways to address bullying and reduce its frequency and impact.

A Packet Publication 7B

8B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

Camp Counts at YMCA Camp Mason!

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

ere at Camp Mason, we say Camp Counts! And we say this because our camp experience is transformative, helping build the skills and values your kids need to grow and thrive. We strive for excellence, relevance and innovation so that all our campers are empowered and improve their well-being.

For 120 years, we have welcomed campers to be a part of our community where they are valued and can grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, morally and socially. We take pride in our rich history of providing safe and meaningful summer camp experiences where campers make memories that last a lifetime as they participate in our wide range of activities and join our caring, inclusive community.

We believe that every child has great potential and deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. With our amazing, trained and professional staff, from all over the globe, YMCA Camp Mason connects kids with opportunities that positively influence them. We ensure that children and teens have access to safe experiences that will help them realize their potential.

We strive to ensure that every child who wishes to come to camp may have that dream come true through our robust scholarship fund. Regardless of financial circumstances, we encourage families to apply for assistance. Our scholarship fund gives out more than $300,000 annually, making the camp a reality for many!

A Packet Publication 9B

We could go on and on about the benefits each cabin group determined by age and of YMCA Camp Mason, but our campers with two counselors who live alongside the campers, ensuring there is always a caring, say it best! watchful eye on your child. Our counselors, “I made so many new friends and now I from around the US and the world, are know I can do anything!” – 14 year old girl professional, trained and prepared to Our schedule allows campers to try new mentor campers throughout their stay. By things and improve their skills while treating each child with dignity, we teach developing confidence, gaining a sense of and live our values of caring, honesty, independence and having fun! Campers respect, responsibility, integrity and enjoy a varied daily schedule that includes inclusion throughout the camp day. We choice activities, group games, swimming bring together all kinds of kids and caring and a period of recreation time. The adults, providing an excellent opportunity friendships gained from their time at camp for your child to appreciate our global can last a lifetime. We hear from so many community. campers that their camp friends are the best and bring out the very best in them.

“At camp I can be myself.” – 8 year old girl “I come to camp for all of the great 98% of our camper parents report that their child felt a sense of belonging at camp, activities.” – 13 year old boy From canoeing to ziplining through the and 93% of parents indicated that their trees to performing at the talent show, child’s self-image improved as a result there is something for everyone! We of attending YMCA Camp Mason. By offer archery, swimming in our Olympic connecting youth with positive adult role size pool, boating, arts and crafts, drama, models and encouraging the development music, a climbing tower, zipline, dance, of independence and strong values, your digital photography and movie making, child will thrive at camp. basketball and other court sports, a skate boarding park, mountain biking, hiking, Join us at YMCA Camp Mason for your aerial silks, yoga and countless other BEST SUMMER EVER! If you are ready activities. Campers can even sign up for for your child to thrive, build a positive FREE off-site trips to explore our fantastic sense of self, grow in empathy and caring natural surroundings in the Delaware River and experience a sense of discovery, then Gap National Recreation Area. Our main please take a moment to take a look at goal is to ensure that every kid is able to our website at www.campmason.org, call 908-362-8217 or email information@ find activities that interest them.

“Camp Mason is my home away from campmason.org for more information or to register. Learn how Camp Counts in home!” – 10 year old boy Campers stay in comfortable cabins with your life!

10B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

A Packet Publication 11B

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

Factors to consider before choosing a summer camp

A

dults often look back fondly on their childhood experiences at summer camp.

Camps can provide the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and discover rewarding hobbies that can enrich campers’ lives for decades to come.

Choosing a summer camp is no small task, as the options at families’ disposal range from overnight camps to weekday afternoon camps to camps that specialize in certain programs, such as music or dance.

Cost also is likely to factor into families’ decisions, as the American Camp Association reports that cost can vary greatly depending on which camp families choose.

For example, the ACA reveals that the average daily fee at a resident camp is $85, while the same fee at a day camp

should align with children’s interests and maturity level. Locale Locale may only be a consideration for families considering overnight camps.

Kids will likely be familiar with the locations of local day camps, but overnight camps might be set in mountain ranges, near the ocean or environments less familiar to youngsters.

Kids who love the ocean might benefit from oceanfront camps that focus on marine biology, boating or other activities involving the water. In the same vein, youngsters who like camping and hiking might be more likely to embrace camps located in mountainous regions.

Session length camps may last as little as one week or up to a couple of months.

is $43. When looking for a summer camp for kids, families should make the decision together.

Kids should be involved in the selection process, as they’re more likely to have an enjoyable camp experience if they had a say in where they will be spending their summers. The following are some factors families should consider as they look for summer camps, courtesy of the ACA. Kids’ interests The ACA urges parents to consider the child’s interests and personality before choosing a summer camp.

Parents might want their children to attend the same summer camp they visited as youngsters, but each child is different.

Just because mom and dad liked a particular camp does not mean their children will.

The ACA explains that summer camps

Session length should be considered by families looking at both local day camps and overnight resident camps.

Parents who want their children to enjoy a largely schedule-free summer might not want to commit their children to lengthy camp sessions, even if those sessions are close to home. If parents think their children can benefit from the same structure they’re accustomed to during the school year, then an overnight camp that stretches for several weeks might be what they’re looking for.

Summer camps give kids a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing the right camp is an important decision that parents and kids should make together.

12B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

Signs children might be victims of bullying D

espite the best efforts of educators and parents, bullying is a problem at many schools.

According to StopBullying.gov, an official website of the United States government, as many as one in three American students say they have been bullied at school.

And the problem is not exclusive to the United States, as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research report that at least one in three adolescent students in Canada report being recent victims of bullying.

Bullied students often suffer in silence.

As a result, the onus is on parents to learn the signs that a child is a victim of bullying. Such signs are not always easy to recognize, as StopBullying.gov notes that

the most common types of bullying are verbal and social.

Physical bullying happens less often, so kids who are being bullied may not exhibit physical symptoms like bruises or unexplained injuries, which are common indicators of physical bullying.

By learning the common signs of bullying, parents are in better position to recognize when their children are being bullied, whether that bullying is physical, social or verbal. Signs of bullying There are many signs of bullying and kids may not exhibit them all.

In fact, StopBullying.gov reports that some bullied children exhibit no warning signs. So in addition to learning these signs of bullying, parents can make a con-

Discover the magical world of Circus Arts in our One Week Summer Camps!

Six different weeks to choose from July 6th-10 • July 20-24 • July 27-July 31 August 3-7 • August 17-21 • August 24-28 Early Bird pricing until April 30th-multi week and sibling discounts!

See our website for more information at www.thecircusplace.com Please contact us for more information: 6 Jill Ct, Hillsborough, NJ admin@thecircusplace.com / 908.829.3784

www.TheCircusPlace.com

certed effort to communicate with their children every day, asking youngsters about how their day went and if they encountered anything that adversely affected their mood.

• Unexplainable injuries • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry • Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness • Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem • Self-destructive behaviors, such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide Parents are urged to report any concerns about bullying to educators immediately, as research indicates bullying can lead to or worsen feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair.

Bullying also can lead to or worsen feelings of depression and anxiety, which can contribute to suicidal behavior. Learn more about bullying and how to combat it at www.StopBullying.gov.

A Packet Publication 13B

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

Begin planning kids’ summer recreation now

M

any families spend winter figuring out how to chase away cabin fever and endure frigid temperatures until spring and summer mercifully return.

Parents thinking ahead to swimming pools and days lounging on the beach can put their daydreams to practical use by planning ahead for their youngsters’ summer vacations.

Youth recreational programs and summer camps can bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer.

The following are a handful of tips for moms and dads who want their kids to

have fun and fulfilling summers.

• Ask for recommendations. Speak with fellow parents and trusted friends about where they send their children. Personal recommendations can be very helpful, providing firsthand insight into a particular camp or program. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget.

Take your son or daughter along so he or she can get a sense of what camp will be like.

• Explore all options. Camps come in more flavors than ever before. Certain camps may be faith-based ministries while others may focus on particular sports.

Band camps and art camps may appeal to creative kids. Also, there are plenty of general-interest camps that offer various activities without narrowing in on any particular one. Parents may need to choose between a

sleepaway camp or day camps, depending on which camp experience they want for their children.

• Inquire about camp schedules. While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as after-

school programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available.

• Determine your camp budget. As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost.

Government-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs. Scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts. Martial arts schools and dance centers frequently offer camp schedules. If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by camps, but they can quell kids’ boredom and keep children occupied during the day.

In addition to camp, remember to plan for some free days so children can just enjoy some downtime. Such days can break up the monotony of a routine and provide kids and families time to relax together.

Summer recreation may be far off, but it is never too early to start making summer plans, including finding camps and other activities for kids.

14B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020C

A Packet Publication 15B

Central Jersey Schools & Camps 2020

SCHOOLS & CAMPS

Five reasons why summer camp is a good choice for kids

S

ummer vacation offers students a respite from lessons and the routine of school.

Children might once have eagerly awaited those final days of classes so they could lounge poolside, skip rocks across ponds and spend the long days of the season playing with friends.

But many of today’s youngsters spend much of their summer vacations indoors playing with their digital devices. Perhaps that’s why one of the last vestiges of the classic summer vacation escape — summer camp — remains such a viable option for parents who want their children to get

2. Physical activity. Lots of camps build their itineraries around physical activities that takes place outdoors. Campers may spend their time swimming, running, hiking, playing sports, climbing, and so much more. This can be a welcome change for kids accustomed to living sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity has many health benefits and can set a foundation for healthy habits as an adult.

3. Gain confidence. Day and sleepaway camps offer campers the opportunity to get comfortable in their own skin. Camps can foster activities in self-esteem by removing the academic measures of success and fill in with noncompetitive opportunities to succeed. Campers learn independence, decision-making skills and the ability to thrive outside of the shadow of their parents, siblings or other students.

outdoors once the school year ends.

Although kids needn’t be in camp all summer long, a week or two can benefit campers of all ages.

The following are five reasons why summer camp might be the right fit this year.

1. Explore talents. Summer camps help young people explore their unique interests and talents. Under an organized, yet often easygoing, camp schedule, kids can dabble in sports, arts and crafts, leadership, community support, and so many other activities that may not be fully available to them elsewhere.

4. Try new things. Camp gives children the chance to try new things, whether that’s learning to cook, exploring new environments or embracing a new sport or leisure activity. Opening oneself up to new opportunities can build character and prove enlightening for children.

5. Make new friends. Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. Campers flood in from areas near and far. This provides kids with a chance to expand their social circles beyond their immediate neighborhoods and schools.

Camps benefit children in a variety of ways. Lessons learned in camp can strengthen values, build confidence, develop coping mechanisms when adversity strikes, and enable campers to make lifelong friends.

16B A Packet Publication

The Week of Friday, January 24, 2020