Hooray, It’s Summer Camp Time!
This year has thrown the entire world for a loop, and for us parents just barely keeping afloat until summer hits, it’s been nearly impossible. And that’s OK. What’s making it just a little better moving forward is the promise of summer. Hot weather, beach days, walking, barbecues, cocktails and more. And while “the new normal” might not have us experiencing our summers as we expected, we’re going to embrace it for whatever it is we can get.
What makes summer even better, as I often say, is summer camps. Boy, has this article changed from 2019 when I mentioned tossing athletic schedules and after-school activities to the side! Today, we kick that computer (gently) to the curb, no more Zoom! We toss that basket of crayons and Elmer’s glue – no homeschooling! Today, we plan … for every possible summer camp that exists and for which our children qualify. Get ready, camps, our kids are en route for a summer that has never been needed more than it is this year.
“Imagine Your Story” Summer Reading Program
Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, NJ 08202
Avalon History Center, 215 39th St., Avalon, NJ 08202
avalonfreelibrary.org • 609-967-7155
Dates: Throughout the summer
Location: Avalon Free Public Library & Avalon History Center
Age range: All ages welcome; program is held for children, teens and adults
Time: Weekly programs and online/digital activities
Pricing: Free
How to register: avalonfreelibrary.org
What should campers expect: The Avalon Free Public Library invites readers of all ages to join in this summer for the 2020 Summer Reading Program, “Imagine Your Story.” What’s unique about the 2020 program is that the AFPL has signed up with READSquared, which allows patrons to register digitally and then access their online reading logs, games, activities and opportunities for prizes. So, wherever you are enjoying summer with the family, be sure to log in and sign up. Imagine your story!
Highlights: Stay tuned for further announcements on digital programming, remote programs and exciting summer classes being launched online soon.
Shore Multi Sports Camp
shoresportscamps.com • 610-812-4322
Dates: Stone Harbor July 13-17 and July 20-24; Avalon Aug. 3-7
Location: Avalon & Stone Harbor Recreation Fields
Age range: Boys and girls ages 5-14
Equipment needed: Water bottle and sneakers
Time: 9am-noon
Pricing: $185
How to register: shoresportscamps.com
What should campers expect: The owners of Shore Multi Sports Camp and Shore Soccer boast the largest and longest running camp at the Shore. With one-week sessions in both Avalon and Stone Harbor, this fun camp is great for a wide range of ages (5-14) and skills. The primary purpose of the camp is to create an appreciate and enjoyment of athletics, a sampling of multiple sports, teamwork, social skills, leadership and character development. Participants enjoy guest coaches from nationally ranked high schools, colleges and professionals in soccer, basketball, handball, touch football, rink soccer, yoga, tennis baseball, ultimate Frisbee, rink hockey, volleyball, track and field, fitness and speed training, capture the flag and more!
Highlights: Early drop-off and extended-day opportunities are available and include instructor supervision, lunch, and field and beach activities. In light of COVID-19, this camp is offering a discount on new bookings through May 31.
Shore Soccer Camp
shoresportscamps.com • 610-812-4322
Dates: July 27-31
Location: Avalon Recreation Field
Age range: Boys and girls ages 5-14
Equipment needed: Water bottle, shin guards, cleats or soccer shoes
Time: 9am-noon
Pricing: $195
How to register: shoresportscamps.com
What should campers expect: Shore Soccer Camp is structured to teach individual technique and small-group tactics. A coach’s demonstration is followed by a warmup and then specific drills and exercises designed to reinforce daily teaching themes. In addition, campers will enjoy small-sided league games.
Highlights: Early drop-off and extended-day opportunities are available and include instructor supervision, lunch and field and beach activities. In light of COVID-19, this camp is offering a discount on new bookings through May 31.
Avalon Surf Camp
avalonsurfcamp.com • 609-961-6156
Dates: July 1-Sept. 1, Monday through Friday
Location: Avalon 12th Street beach
Age range: Age 6 or older
Equipment needed: Equipment is provided (surfboard, wetsuit, etc.)
Time: 9-11am
Pricing: 1-day, $100; 5-day, $375
How to register: avalonsurfcamp.com
What should campers expect: Surf’s Up with Avalon Surf Camp, running all summer, Monday through Friday and instructing all skill levels, ages 6 and up. As long as campers are comfortable in the water, they are ready to surf, and this summer is the perfect time to jump in the water and catch that wave. Ocean, beach and surfing safety instruction is provided to all levels including waterman skills with knowledge of rip currents, undertows and other ocean conditions. Campers will be given colored jerseys according to surfing ability and experience, and divided into groups for a morning of fun. Note that the camp will operate regardless of rain or water conditions, and if needed instructors will lead campers in games and beach activities. In the case of inclement weather, make-up days will be held on Saturday of each week.
Highlights: In addition to hosting surfing camp throughout the summer, you can also book instructors for private lessons, group lessons for birthday parties and family get-togethers, beach yoga and more! Rest assured, parents – all instructors are ISA (International Surf Instructors) certified and doctors are readily on call.
Ace the SAT Workshops
advancetestreview.com • 609-263-6798
Dates: Evening Classes – SAT/PSAT Verbal/Writing July 20, 21, 23; SAT/PSAT Math Review July 27, 28, 30; Day Classes – SAT/PSAT Verbal/Writing July 22-24; SAT/PSAT Math Review July 29-31
Location: Sea Isle City Community Lodge, Park Road and JFK Boulevard
Age range: Students preparing for the SAT/PSAT
Time: Evening classes 6-9pm; Day classes 10:45am-1:45pm
Pricing: One camp $290 ($195 + $95 Books); Two camps $485 ($390 + $95 Books)
How to register: advancetestreview.com
What should campers expect: Students everywhere have had their SAT, PSAT and ACT prep disrupted by school closures. To combat these disadvantages, Sea Isle City Recreation is sponsoring day and evening Ace the SAT Camps to help students get back on track for scoring their personal best. These helpful workshops promise to boost scored significantly with expert professional instructors and exclusive inside information. Confusing and time-wasting questions are demystified and turned into opportunities for higher scores. Included in the cost of the camp are books and study materials needed to continue expanding test-taking skills at home.
Highlights: Students who practice and use the score-raising techniques offered in this camp see significant improvement in their performances and scores. Campers will receive the newest and up-to-date materials and exam changes, plus this year includes a strong appreciation on disruptions caused by school closures. This program is nationally recognized and has assisted students for 14 years, boosting scores by 120-180 in the SAT and 4 to 8 points in the ACT.
PowerHouse Field Hockey
powerhousefieldhockey.com
610-957-8860
Camp dates: Aug. 7-9
Location: Stone Harbor Recreation Field
Age range: Ages 7-15
Equipment needed: An outdoor stick, cleats/turf shoes, shin guards, mouth guard and water.
Time: 9am-noon
Pricing: $155
How to register: powerhousefieldhockey.com
What should campers expect: PowerHouse Field Hockey camp hosts a fun and competitive environment created to sharpen skills from beginner to advanced. The curriculum is built to cater to all ages and skills and is guaranteed to boost your player to the next level. Campers will enjoy focused drills and games designed to sharpen skills, improve strength and speed, and gain leadership and confidence both on and off the field.
Highlights: The major highlight to this camp is within the coaches themselves. Shaped by years of U.S. national team and Olympic-level experience, campers are guaranteed to receive a knowledgeable and skilled training experience. Camp director Stefanie Fee is a 2016 Rio Olympian, an All-American graduate of Duke University, and a former assistant coach at the University of Maryland. Fee coaches alongside Lauren Pfeiffer, a former national team player and an All-American graduate of the University of Iowa, and Caitlin Van Sickle, a 2016 Rio Olympian and graduate of the University of North Carolina.
