Summer time is playtime, and there’s no better place to enjoy a carefree childhood summer than Eagle River Day Camp, where 32 acres of fun await toddlers to teens from 13 towns in Mercer, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties.
“It’s more important than ever to allow children to go out and play,” said Ruth Ann Weiss, who co-owns Eagle River with Barry Wasserman. “Kids are so overscheduled and booked during the school year. Leave the video games at home and come out and have fun with us this summer.”
Weiss emphasizes that outdoor play is a natural part of childhood that’s gotten lost in an increasingly digital world. Eagle River Day Camp goes back to the roots of play and enables kids to socialize, interact, and learn.
New to Eagle River this year are two- and three-week Super Summer Sessions. In the past, the minimum was four weeks, but because of economic pressures or other summer obligations, parents asked for the option to pick fewer weeks. Weiss says they are happy to give the people what they want.
“We heard what our parents were saying, and we listened,” she added. “What’s nice is parents can opt to extend in the summer once their kids are enrolled. We serve children as young as three through those entering 10th grade, and there’s something for everyone at Eagle River.”
Everything at Eagle River is geared toward age-appropriate fun. The youngest Miniday Program campers –– 3- and 4-year-olds –– enjoy a half-day program that offers them a taste of all camp has to offer. Older children in Kiddie Kingdom spend the entire day and start to experience new activities: first graders tackle the ropes, while second graders learn boating.
“By third grade, we start with electives,” Weiss explained. “This gives kids the chance to focus on activities they prefer. Kids may select new electives every week, so there’s plenty of variety.”
In sixth grade, campers participate in the travel program. Day trips to Great Adventure, Jenkinson’s Beach Boardwalk, and tubing down the Delaware River are camper favorites.
“Campers entering ninth grade explore our Leadership Program,” Weiss said. “They still enjoy fun camp activities but also learn to work in groups with other kids.”
Successful Leadership Program campers generally go on to Counselor in Training (CIT) in 10th grade. This important credential prepares job-ready teens to work at Eagle River or another camp.
Summer camp begins June 28 and ends August 20. Before and after care also is available, as is air-conditioned, door-to-door transportation or Central Pick-Up (for those looking to save some money). Registration is open, and tours are available. Or, visit the open house on February 21 from 12-4 p.m. Find out more at www.eagleriverdaycamp.com, or by calling (609) 448-5885.
Eagle River Day Camp. 1470 Perrineville Road, Monroe Toanship. 609-448-5885. www.eagleriverdaycamp.com
