Community Corner
Grab & Go Kids Planner: Summer Camp Preview
Sign up to reserve a spot in the area's best summer camps.
School is out in less than four months and many local child care and recreational facilities have announced their 2011 summer camp schedules. The region has loads of options for every budget, interest and need.
Check great traditional options like the YMCA camp in Woodbury and more unique options like science camp at the Franklin Institute.
In Gloucester Township, the Recreation Department hosts an annual summer camp that's for ages 3 and up. Keep a lookout on Patch.com for details on this summer camp and other new programs that pop up as summer nears.
Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
1.
Where: 1167 Chews Landing Rd., Laurel Springs
Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When: All summer long
Why Go: The award-winning Goddard School in Laurel Springs offers its annual summer camp for ages 6 weeks to 9 years. Options include full- and part-time care, making this a great option for working parents who need child care during the day. The camp is great and features special guests like magicians and story tellers, crafts, outdoor activities, and loads of excitement. A bonus: Your kids will learn something because of the Goddard School’s emphasis on early childhood education. Prices range depending on age and duration of program.
2. For the Science Kid: Franklin Institute
Where: Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia
When: June 20 through September 2
Why Go: We all grew up fascinated by the giant heart and I remember sleeping in the shadow of the enormous Ben Franklin statue when I was a Girl Scout. The Franklin Institute is science made cool. Send your Science Kid for a week when they can explore outer space, amusement park physics (so cool!), inventions, chemistry, environmental science and maybe even blow up some stuff. The day includes hands-on science activities, museum exploration, planetarium shows, guest speakers and field trips (for campers there two weeks or more). Camp is all day for grades K-8, and for the pre-K set there is a half-day program. There is also an extended-day program for an additional fee.
For kids ages 15 and up, you can apply to be a counselor-in-training. Prices start at $150 (for a member, half-day) and $270 (for a member, full-day).
3. Traditional Summer Camp: YMCA
Where: YMCA, East Red Bank Avenue, Woodbury
When: All summer long
Why Go: Many of us have memories of summer at a YMCA summer camp—swimming, canoeing, crafting, games and friendships. The YMCA of Gloucester County offers a summer day camp program for children entering grades K-8 and a counselor- or leader-in-training program for children entering grades 9 or 10. All sessions include swim lessons. There are special sessions featuring martial arts and soccer camp. Register by April 15 to get a week for $135; afterward, pricing is $150 per week until May 31 and then $160.
4. For the Princess: Enchanted Dreams
Where: Enchanted Dreams, 9 S. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield
When: Mini Camp with Belle, June 22-23
Snow White, June 27-30
Sleeping Beauty, July 11-14
Cinderella, July 18-21
Ariel, August 1-4 and August 8-11
Camp is held 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., each day.
Why Go: If a trip to Disney World is not in the cards for your family, send your princess (ages 4 and up) to a week of Princess Summer Camp at Enchanted Dreams. There will be time for dress-up, dancing, crafting, eating and hanging out with the featured princess of the week. Owners Theresa and Joy take time to make every little girl feel special—teaching them that beauty on the inside is the most important thing. It is a magical week and one of my favorite places. The mini-session is $150; all other sessions are $225. Space is limited, so sign up your princess soon.
5. For the Actor: Mainstage Center for the Arts
Where: Mainstage Center for the Arts, 311 College Dr., Blackwood
When: All summer long
Why Go: Mainstage for the Arts is a gem located right in the township on the Camden County College campus. Grab your aspiring George Clooney and little Julia Roberts for a fabulous week or more with Mainstage. For those entering 2nd and 3rd grades, there is Kid Stuff—an introduction to the dramatic arts. The Children’s Theater program for grade 6-12 offers children a chance to perform in full productions of Disney plays and more. For older children, there are programs like Technical Theater (ages 13 and up), which offer kids a chance to learn all the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes theater happen. Prices range, so check out the website for full details.
