 this summer as long as they follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.){kind=link}
As New Jersey and other surrounding states continue to open up, summer day camps have announced reopening dates. For NJ, youth day camps can begin July 6 and for NY, day camps can begin in-person operation June 29. Camps must agree to safety standards before reopening and there will be rules about cleaning practices and social distancing from the Department of Health. This year’s in-person camps will look a lot different than previous summers.
Apple Montessori Schools
Multiple locations
Dates TBA
Campers typically engage in activities from music and drama to coding and robotics, plus sports and swim lessons. While Apple Montessori Schools work on a reopening date, it’s already announced new health and safety protocols that will follow CDC, federal and state guidelines. Drop off times will be staggered and parents will be required to wait at a pickup station for both drops off and pickups. Both children and parents will have their temperature taken before entering, plus hand sanitizing stations will be available. Children ages 3 and up (and staff) will be required to wear face coverings and social distancing will be in place in both the classroom and at the playground.
Camp Riverbend
Warren
July 13-August 21
In an effort to keep staff and campers as safe as possible, Camp Riverbend will be offering two-week sessions only: July 13-24, July 27-August 7 and August 10-21. The camp has also added health and safety measures. Camp groups will be limited to ten campers and one or two counselors and Riverbend doesn’t “currently anticipate enforcing social distancing within a group.” Face coverings will be required when social distancing isn’t realistic. Swimming and most typical camp activities will be running.
Deerkill Day Camp
Suffern, NY
July 6-August 21
This summer day camp for boys and girls (pre-K through grade ten) serves Hoboken, Weehawken and Jersey City, plus Bergen and Essex counties. Deerkill offers swimming, athletics, arts and specialty programs for four to eight weeks. Rates include hot lunches, afternoon snacks, towels, transportation and more. For more information on how the camp is meeting COVID-19 safety standards and summertime rates, call 845-354-1466.
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps
Stillwater
Dates TBA
While the Y hasn’t announced any reopening dates or social distancing guidelines, it’s working to finalize safety procedures and the staff remains hopeful this year’s summer camp will continue. Check the website for updated information.
Harbor Haven
West Orange
July 13-August 14
Bridging the gap between school years, Harbor Haven provides social and educational experiences for children with mild special needs. Using guidelines from the CDC, ACA, state/local health departments and medical professionals, Harbor Haven has created numerous protocols to mitigate risk in the camp environment. Transportation will not be available this season. For more information on guidelines, call 908-964-5411.
Healthbarn USA
Ridgewood
Dates vary
At Healthbarn, campers can eat, plant, cook and play. Summer Camp (ages 5-12) and Summer Seedlings (ages 3-5) will teach kids organic gardening and nutrition, culinary and life skills. For Summer Seedlings, each week has a theme, like Be a Farmer, Be a Chef and Be a Scientist. For more information on COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, call 201-444-2955.
Historic Rutherfurd Hall
Allamuchy
July 20-24, July 27-31
Rutherfurd Hall is currently finalizing its health and safety procedures, but all activities will be modifid to take place outdoors with a limited number of campers. In the event of rain, indoor activities can be completed with groups spread out in the mansion or Mountain Villa School. The first in-person camp session will be Wizardry for Muggles: A Harry Potter Themed Camp, where ages 9-13 can be sorted in Hogwarts houses, attend magic classes, play Quidditch and participate in challenges. Outdoor Adventure camp for ages 6-9 will include boating, hiking, sports, games, science and arts and craft projects.
JCC Camp Ruach
Bridgewater
July 6
Activities typically include high and low ropes courses, sports, mini-golf, archery and swims in the outdoor saltwater pools. Camp typically runs for eight weeks and includes a ninth-week speciality program for campers with special needs. For information on updated COVID-19 health and safety measures, call 908-443-9026.
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
Mountain Lakes
July 6-August 28
Ages 5-15 typically play at the two outdoor sports fields, play on the turf GaGa pit and use the camp’s indoor six-lane pool. The Y is currently still planning health guidelines according to recommendations from local and state health officials, plus the YMCA of the USA, ACA and CDC.
Lakeview Day Camp
East Brunswick
July 13
Running in four-, five- and six-week sessions, this day camp offers transportation from Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Hoboken and Jersey City areas. All campers and staff will undergo daily health screenings, and in addition to increased hand washing and sanitizing, more COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be in place. Expect traditional programs like sports, boating, arts, swimming, go karts and other adventures. Call 732-821-8933 for more information.
Liberty Lake Day Camp
Bordentown
July 6
Liberty Lake expects to begin camp on July 6 on its 60 acres of land. Following the recommendations of the ACA, Environmental Health & Engineering, CDC and NJ State Health Department, the camp has instituted new measures. Camp groups will be smaller, about 10 campers, and these groups of campers and staff will not be social distancing. Programs will include athletics, swimming, performing arts, STEM and more. Schedules will be staggered to create social distancing between groups and hand washing and sanitizer stations will be placed throughout camp. Upon arrival, staff will have their temperatures checked. Parents are responsible for screening their own children every morning. Face masks will be needed on the bus and for possible indoor interactions like the camp office, health center or in case of rain.
Montclair Culinary Academy
Montclair
Dates vary
Camps will be held outdoors, weather permitting. The Academy has an outdoor space, including a rear patio and grills. Staff will have their temperatures checked upon arrival, plus use masks and gloves at all times. Campers must bring a face mask and water bottle. Campers will be in small groups (no more than five per cooking table) with social distancing in place, plus cooking and baking will be done individually. Lunches will be provided using single-use plates and disposable utensils. Summer camp classes include Foods of Europe, Great American Baking Week, Knife Skills and the Food Truck Challenge, The Science of Everything Edible and more.
Summer Friends Day Camp
Matawan
Dates TBA
Upon arrival at Summer Friends’ seven acres of camp adventure, campers will have their temperatures taken at the door (there will also be a curbside drop off and pick up). Camp groups will be seated at separate lunch tables, hand sanitizing stations will be placed around the property and campers must wash hands after every activity. The nurse will be checking for COVID-19 symptoms throughout the day, as well. The pools will be open. This summer’s activities include themed weeks like reality, cartoon, cooking, Disney and talent week.
TGA Premier Sports
Multiple locations
Dates vary
TGA’s golf course programs are currently open with new guidelines: flag sticks will remain in the hole and cups will be raised, no food will be available, clubhouse and bathrooms will be closed and there are no golf carts, so everyone will be expected to walk the course. TGA is still working on rules for its tennis court and other athletic summer camp programs, but you can expect: limited registration to allow for physical distancing, limited or no equipment sharing, frequent opportunities to wash hands and more. Fore more information on summer camp status in Bergen county, call 201-230-9502; for Mercer county, call 609-558-7342, and for Essex, Morris and Union counties, call 732-835-8842.
The Winston School of Short Hills
Short Hills
July 13-August 13
Beginning in July, The Winston School’s academic camp will be on campus (with an online option) and following all NJ guidelines.. Running Monday-Thursday from 9:30 am-12:30 pm for a week at a time, kids (they don’t have to be a Winston student) can learn reading and writing, math and executive functioning. Recess and a snack are also included. For more information on COVID-19 safety guidelines, contact Summer Program Director, Terri Cerritto at: wclsummer@winstonschool.org or call 973-382-4583 or 973-379-4114, ext. 207.
YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy
Multiple locations
Dates vary
With six different camps in varying locations, the YMCA is working to adapt programs to local and state health department guidelines, including social distancing practices. There will be limited group sizes (ten children per group), staff dedicated to a single group and sanitation. Campers aren’t required to wear masks, but are encouraged to wear them inside. Camp activities will be limited to minimum contact sports like soccer, volleyball and badminton. All shared equipment will be cleaned between uses. Limited indoor activities will be offered and will be staggered to ensure social distancing. Transportation and meals will not be provided this summer.
Do you know another in-person youth day camp that will open this summer? Let us know in the comments below or email megan@njfamily.com.
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