Beth Chaim Pre-School’s Summer Camp is bridging the gap between pre-school and camp by adding pre-camp and post-camp weeks to its summer schedule.
Most pre-schools dismiss in early June and start in early September, yet summer camp generally doesn’t start until the week of June 28. Now, parents can send their young campers to Beth Chaim to fill those before-and-after weeks.
“Our camp is officially eight weeks, from June 28 to Aug. 20,” said Director of Early Childhood Education Barbara Kahner. “We’re pleased to be able to offer additional weeks this year for our campers. As always, we continue to provide early and late hours for those who need it, as well. We’re very flexible.”
Activities at Beth Chaim Camp revolve around weekly themes. Children are grouped and then further divided by age into two camps: Camp Ganon-Alef for those 2-1/2 to 4, and Camp K’Tan Tan for those 4 to 6.
In Camp Ganon-Alef, 2-1/2- to 4-year-olds are broken down into three smaller groups, by age: 2-1/2, 3, and 4. They attend either a three- or five-day program, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 or 1:30 p.m. The focus is to encourage self-confidence and develop social skills. Activities include arts and crafts, music, gym, outdoor time, cooking, stories, science specials, water activities, and much more. New this year is an all-day option for 3-year-olds.
Camp K’Tan Tan offers those between 4 and 6 a full day of activities, three to five days per week, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Activities include outdoor sports and games, scavenger hunts, cooking, gym, music, drama, hands-on science, and more.
All campers take part in science- and nature-themed activities, as well as sports. Younger kids cool off with water games, wading pools, and sprinklers. Four- to 6- year-olds are transported to a local indoor pool, rain or shine, for lessons two days per week. The Little Gym on Wheels also rolls into camp weekly to delight, entertain, and educate.
“We’re the experts when it comes to young children,” Kahner added. “More parents are working now and need a fun, safe place for their pre-schoolers. As a full-service pre-school, we provide that place and supervise children with licensed teachers. Parents appreciate that difference.”
A wonderful benefit of being housed at Congregation Beth Chaim is the camp’s ability to use the whole, air-conditioned building on rainy or extremely hot days. There’s an indoor gym/multipurpose room, social hall, and art room at the ready to accommodate indoor sports and games.
Registration for the summer is open, including a limited transportation option. Those interested in the Beth Chaim Pre-School also are urged to call now. Both the Camp and fall classes are filling quickly. And that’s no surprise: Kahner reminds parents “At Beth Chaim, we cherish the children.”
Beth Chaim Pre-School and Summer Program. 329 Village Road East, Princeton Junction. 609-799-8811. 609-799-9401. preschool@bethchaim.org
