Summer Camps That Make Learning Fun!
It’s that time of year again. Summer is coming up fast and you need to have a plan to keep the kids busy. Here are a few camps in the area that your child or children might be interested in.
“A Universe of Stories” Summer Reading Program
Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon, NJ 08202
Avalon History Center, 215 39th St., Avalon, NJ 08202
www.avalonfreelibrary.org • 609-967-7155
Camp Dates: May 25-Aug. 16
Location: Avalon Free Public Library & Avalon History Center
Ages: All ages welcome. Program is held for children, teens and adults.
Time: Weekly programs
Pricing: Free
How to register: Stop by the library or History Center to sign up.
What campers should expect:
The Avalon Free Public Library invites readers of all ages – even adults – to join in for the 2019 Summer Reading Program, “A Universe of Stories.” Patrons are welcome to join for a week or participate for the entire summer. All readers can enter to win an Amazon gift card, plus giveaways for teens including YA books, and children can pick from the Treasure Box for prizes each week. Enjoy programs for each age group all summer and join the library for a Sundae Social in August to celebrate reading with the community.
Highlights: Save the dates for these great program events!
Story Time every Tuesday and Thursday
May 25: “A Universe of Stories” Summer Reading Program Kickoff with Book Bingo
June 22: Story Book Bash
June 24-Aug. 26: Monday Fundays
June 26-Aug. 28: Lego Club every Wednesday
June 28-Aug. 9: Video Games every Friday
Aug. 16: Ice Cream Social – Ice Cream Social. Readers should turn in their book logs by Friday, Aug. 9, for a chance to win a prize at the social. Attendees will also get to enjoy ice cream sundaes and a special presentation from Zoom Balloons.
Star Hollow Stables Horse Camp
Star Hollow Stables, 311 Hagan Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
www.starhollowstables.com • 609-425-9055
Camp Dates: Weekly June 24 to Aug. 22
Location: Star Hollow Stables
Ages: 5 and up
Time: 9am-12:30pm
Pricing: $300
How to register: www.starhollowstables.com/camp
What campers should expect:
Ditch the flip-flops and bathing suits for a bit and head offshore. Star Hollow Stables Horse Camp starts in June and provides weekly camps for ages 5 and up featuring hands-on training and fun. Campers will learn an appreciation of horsemanship skills, grooming, nutrition and riding skills with experienced counselors. Children will enjoy a full week bonding with trained horses and, following lessons on barn management, experience an English riding lesson. Any skill level is welcome, and training is geared toward experience for each camper.
Highlights:
The experienced counselors for this camp highlight the love and fun it takes to care for a horse, and provide detailed one-on-one instruction with a 3:1 camper/counselor ratio. Campers are guaranteed to have hands-on experience throughout the week and dedicated riding instruction to develop and improve skills and nurture the appreciation of owning and caring for an animal.
PowerHouse Field Hockey
Stone Harbor Recreation Field, 8200 Second Ave., Stone Harbor 08247
www.powerhousefieldhockey.com • 610-957-8860
Camp Dates: July 8-11
Location: Stone Harbor Recreation Field
Ages: 7-15
Time: 9am-noon
Pricing: $205
How to register: www.powerhousefieldhockey.com
What campers should expect:
PowerHouse camps offer a fun and competitive environment created to sharpen skills from beginners to advanced. The camp curriculum is built to cater to all ages and skills and is guaranteed to take your field hockey player to the next level. Campers can expect field hockey-focused drills and games that will help to sharpen skill levels, improve strength and speed and additionally gain leadership confidence both on and off the field. All participants to this camp will receive a PowerHouse pinnie and should plan to pack an outdoor stick, cleats/turf shoes, shinguards, mouthguard and water.
Highlights:
These coaches are indeed powerhouse players. Shaped by years of U.S. national team and Olympic-level experience, campers are guaranteed to receive a knowledgeable and skilled training experience. Stefanie Fee is an All-American graduate of Duke University, an assistant coach at the University of Maryland, and a player on the U.S. national team in the 2016 Olympics. In addition, play alongside Lauren Pfeiffer, an All-American graduate of the University of Iowa and a player on the national team from 2009-15.
Marine Science Camp
Avalon Community Hall, 3001 Avalon Ave., Avalon, NJ 08202
Sea Isle City Recreation 6108 Central Ave., Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
www.marinesciencecamp.com • 732-250-8124
Camp Dates:
Avalon: July 8-12; Aug. 5-9
Sea Isle City: July 22-26; Aug. 12-16
Location: Avalon Community Hall, Sea Isle City beach
Ages: Grades K-8
Time: 9am-2pm
Pricing: Weekly $345
How to register: www.marinesciencecamp.com
What campers should expect:
Marine Science Camp returns to Avalon and Sea Isle City for a few weeks throughout the summer with a mission to provide a fun and educational platform that enables youth to gain an appreciation and understanding of local marine environments. Campers from Kindergarten to eighth grade will enjoy hands-on activities that cover a curriculum of sharks and other apex predators, seals, sea lions, cephalopods, pufferfish and more! While learning the importance of marine life, campers will participate in interactive lessons, experiments, seining, kayaking and exploration of the marine ecosystem.
Highlights:
Degreed scientists, CPR- and First-Aid-certified, will lead a variety of hands-on programs to keep campers entertained, engaged and having fun. Small camper to staff ratio, programs include Marine Mammal Rescue drills, under water crab and critter cams, live animal guests, seining and loads of fun.
Summer Nature Program at The Wetlands Institute
The Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
www.wetlandsinstitute.org • 609-368-1211
Camp Dates: Weekly programs, June 26-Aug. 21
Location: The Wetlands Institute
Ages: 5-13; special programs for age 4
Time: Campers age 5-13, 9:30am-2pm; Campers age 4, 9:30am-noon
Pricing: Weekly ranging from $105 to $275
How to register: www.wetlandsinstitute.org
What campers should expect:
Campers of all ages can spend a week discovering the shore in a fun and hands-on experience. Campers will engage in science experimentation and exploration, play games, go on field trips, explore the beach, create arts and crafts and more! Featuring a new theme each week to keep campers engaged and entertained. (*Age 4 welcome)
June 26-28: Fins, Scales and Tails*
July 1-5: Eco-Trails and Treasures
July 8-12: Oceanopolis*
July 15-19: Outback Survival Games
July 22-26: Terrapins to Toads*
July 29-Aug. 2: Marine Mammals
Aug. 5-9: Oh, Fly!*
Aug. 12-16: Explore the Shore
Aug. 19-21: Rock Fossil Stone*
Highlights:
Older campers will enjoy weekly field trips, plus all campers will enjoy hands-on experiences with marine mammals, ocean life, turtles, and more.
July 1-5: Parents are invited to join in on the field trip.
July 15-19: Special nighttime games and campfire fun
Aug. 19-21: Special nighttime beach games and scavenger hunt fun.
Shore Sports Camp
Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Avalon Recreation Field and Avalon Elementary School
www.shoresportscamps.com • 610-812-4322
Camp Dates: Stone Harbor, July 15-19 and July 22-26; Avalon Aug. 5-9
Location: Stone Harbor Recreation Field, 81st Street and Second Avenue. Avalon Elementary School, 32nd Street In between Ocean and Dune Drive.
Ages: Boys and girls ages 5-14
Time: 9am-noon (options for extended day and transportation)
Pricing: $180
How to register: www.shoresportscamps.com
What campers should expect:
The multisports camp’s primary purpose is to create an appreciation and enjoyment of athletics featuring a sampling of a number of sports including soccer, basketball, team handball, touch football, rink soccer, yoga, tennis baseball, ultimate Frisbee, rink hockey, volleyball, track & field, and more! Campers will have fun with a variety of sports activities while also learning teamwork and gross motor skills.
Highlights:
Early drop-off and extended-day opportunities are available and include instructor supervisions, lunch, and field and beach activities. Campers seeking sports education will have the benefit of a wide range of experienced and skilled coaches, many of whom are currently playing college sports or have graduated to continue on with teaching, coaching and training at high-level institutions.
Shore Soccer Camp
Avalon Recreation Field
www.shoresportscamps.com • 610-812-4322
Camp Dates: July 29-Aug. 2
Location: Avalon Recreation Field, 11th Street and Dune Drive
Ages: Boys and girls ages 5-14
Time: 9am-noon (options for extended day and transportation)
Pricing: $190
How to register: www.shoresportscamps.com
What campers should expect:
Shore Sports Camp is the largest and longest-running sports camp at the shore, and features a wide range of experienced instructors. Shore Soccer Camp is structured to teach individual technique and small-group tactics. Campers will first watch a coach instruction followed by a warmup, drills, exercises and games. Each exercise will reinforce daily teaching themes and allow for participants to enhance their skill level.
Highlights:
Early drop-off and extended-day opportunities are available and include instructor supervisions, lunch, and field and beach activities.
Campers seeking sports education will have the benefit of a wide range of experienced and skilled coaches, many of whom are currently playing college sports or have graduated to continue on with teaching, coaching and training at high-level institutions.
The Handwork Studio Summer Camps
Avalon Elementary School, 235 32nd St., Avalon, NJ 08202
www.thehandworkstudio.com/locations/avalon • 610-660-9600
Camp Dates: Weekly, July 1-Aug. 9
Location: Avalon Elementary School
Ages: Fiber Arts Camp, 5-12; Fashion & Machine Sewing Camp, 9-14; CIT Leadership Program, 14-16
Time: 9am-noon
Pricing: Ranges from $250-$295
How to register: www.thehandworkstudio.com/locations/avalon
What campers should expect:
Fiber Arts Camp
Young campers will work on a wide array of unique projects and learn useful skills including hand-sewing, embroidery, knitting, weaving, needle-felting and more. This weekly camp features a new project every week and welcomes beginners to those working on refining skills. Campers are encouraged to express their creativity and enjoy a day with great counselors and exploring the world of needle arts.
Fashion & Machine Sewing Camp
This program is designed for older campers and focuses on creative expression. Campers learn from a variety of Simplicity Creative Group patterns and include tempting fabrics that encourage style, flare and creation.
CIT Leadership Program
New for 2019, The Handwork Studio is offering select students the opportunity to join in on the CIT Leadership Program. Experienced and past campers from the ages of 14 to 16 will learn leadership skills, build résumé experience, and advance on crafting techniques alongside professional instructors. Only a few spots are available, so register online to be considered for an interview.
Highlights:
Alumni of these camps have gone above and beyond the realm of creativity. Taking inspiration from a weekly summer camp to teaching at the Barnes Foundation, being featured in Vogue and even pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, The Handwork Studio encourages creativity and the development of skills above and beyond needlepoint and machine sewing. Perhaps your budding fashionista will be next on the lineup of admirable camp alumni.
