Tweet    

Spring is here, and school will be out before you know it, so now is the time to start planning your kid’s summer schedule at one of the NJ camps near you. There’s no denying how awesome a camp experience can be—it’s a space where kids can grow and blossom in a stress-free environment, meet new friends, and try novel things. And there are so many ways a kid can do camp, whether exploring new activities at a day camp, experiencing the great outdoors with a classic camp, focusing on honing their skills at a specialty camp or getting into their game at an athletic camp. Your kiddos may already be pro campers but keep in mind that your child’s needs shift with each growth stage, so you may be looking at a whole new experience each summer. Read on for our complete guide of all things camp and listings for NJ camps below, and get ready for an amazing summer in 2023. (featured photo credit: Istock/MaxTopchij)

This is a sponsored post helping all NJMOMs and their kids plan a fun-filled summer. 

DAY CAMPS IN NJ

If you’re getting your feet wet in the whole camp thing or your kids like being close to home, check out the NJ camps around your town, like at a local YMCA or community center, where young kids can get comfortable in a familiar camp setting. Kids will spend their days in age-specific groups doing crafts, cooking, science experiments, playing rec games, learning to swim (if the camp has a pool or access to one), and if they’re older, even going on local field trips. Private schools also offer summer camp programs, with some that have a learning component (shh, keep that on the down low). But they also have lots of fun and different activities in a structured environment with plenty of outdoor time, giving kids a chance to have a ball and meet new friends.

Photo Credit: Randolph YMCA

Spotlight: Randolph YMCA

Photo Credit: Steve & Kate’s Camp

Spotlight: Steve & Kate’s Camp in Hoboken and Montclair

When you trust kids, they trust themselves. Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. As they try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment and tackle the challenges of an ever-changing world with creativity and confidence. Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, stop-motion animation, music, coding, sports & rec, makers crafts, baking, and more. They’ll decide what they want to do and for how long. This summer, families can buy as many days as they’d like and use them anytime. No weekly reservations are required–show up! Or, if you need more care, purchase a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. If your plans change for any reason, they’ll automatically refund any unused Passes in full at summer’s end. Ages: 4–12 with lunch, snacks, and all hours (8 am–6 pm) included. Now in Hoboken and Montclair.
Elysian Charter School of Hoboken, 1460 Garden St., Hoboken, NJ 07030 from Jun 26 – Aug 25
Lacordaire Academy, 155 Lorraine Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043 from Jun 21 – Aug 25

Photo Credit: Apple Montessori Schools

Spotlight: Apple Montessori

At Apple Montessori Schools, our nurturing camp staff provides educational, action-packed, fun-filled activities that inspire new friendships and joyful memories. Each day is a non-stop adventure with coding, robotics, music, drama, art, sports, daily Montessori lessons, and much more! At most locations, our campers have a blast during their swim lessons with Red Cross-certified instructors. For locations that do not have swimming pools they will stay cool with our splash pads and sprinklers. With this year’s theme of Children of the Future, our campers will look ahead to their limitless possibilities. Schedule a tour today | Multiple Locations Through NJ.

Photo Credit: Bright Horizons

Spotlight: Bright Horizons

Get ready for a summer full of adventure at Bright Horizons®. Our summer program, Camp Explorations, offers plenty of time to experiment with science and technology, engage in the creative arts, discover nature, and explore the world. Experienced teachers, a curriculum based on each child’s interests, engaging projects and activities, and virtual field trips and events will make summer fun and educational. With multiple locations all over the state, you can find a summer program near you.
NJ camps located throughout NJ

CLASSIC CAMPS IN NJ

If your idea of a camp for your kids involves paddling a canoe along a lake, group bonding over color war, and lots of outdoor adventures, then look at a classic day camp. These camps are usually big on nature, with acres of space near trees and a pond or lake (almost all have pools, so don’t worry if swimming in a lake isn’t your kids’ thing). They offer many outdoor camp activities, on-site lunch, and bus pickup and drop-off as part of the camp tuition. Kids are put in small groups by age and gender, with a small camper-to-counselor ratio. NJ camps are week-to-week, but most offer a discount for multiple sessions, and it’s an excellent springboard for future sleepaway summers down the road. 

Photo Credit: YMCA Camp Mason 

 Spotlight: YMCA Camp Mason 

Since 1900 YMCA Camp Mason has welcomed campers to be a part of our caring, inclusive community. We strive for excellence and innovation and believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our proven programs and trained counselors engage and encourage young people and deliver meaningful and memorable experiences. Our campers say it best: “I made so many new friends, and now I know I can do anything!” Our schedule allows campers to try new things and improve their skills while developing confidence, building independence, having fun, and making lifelong friends. “I come to camp for all of the great activities.” We offer archery, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, drama, music, a climbing tower, zipline, dance, digital photography and movie making, basketball and court sports, a skateboarding park, mountain biking, hiking, and countless other activities. Campers can even sign up for FREE off-site trips. There is something for everyone. “At camp, I can be myself.” 98% of parents report that their child felt a sense of belonging at camp. We connect youth with positive role models who teach and live our values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, integrity, and inclusion. For more information, visit YMCA Camp Mason. 
YMCA Camp Mason, 23 Birch Ridge Road, Hardwick, NJ  07825

Photo Credit: Camp Pembroke, Tel Noar and Tevya

Spotlight: Camp Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya: a family of Jewish sleepaway camps

Discover Camps Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya: the Cohen Camps family of Jewish sleepaway camps. With locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, your child, age 7–15, will live all the magic of summer beside bucolic lakes, develop deep friendships, and partake in activities like the arts, swimming, sports, and FUN. What has set our camp experience apart since 1935 is how we connect, celebrating Jewish values and camp traditions and cherishing each person as we laugh, cheer, and grow together. Parents say their children “feel strong,” like they “belong to something,” and “come home with lifelong friends, growing ‘Jewishly,’ and proud of who they are.” Learn s’more and take a virtual tour—of Camp Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya. 
Sleepaway camps are located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

SPECIALTY NJ CAMPS

Have a kid who wants to spend all day on a stage or improve their skills on the field? Consider NJ camps dedicated to a specialty, like robotics, coding, theater, art, a specific sport, and music. Kids will get to hone their skills and even learn new things to give them an edge since most of the day and activities will focus on that particular interest. Depending on the specialty, these camps are usually scheduled week-by-week, which means if you’ve got a coder kid who also wants to sing his heart out, he can zero in on each interest at different NJ camps throughout the summer. And for moms of special needs, specialty NJ camps provide adaptive activities (think Sensory Taekwondo and yoga) so kids can have fun and brush up on social skills in a supportive and therapeutic setting.

Photo Credit: Wharton Arts

Spotlight: Wharton Arts

Our summer camps exemplify Wharton Arts’ commitment to performing arts excellence, individual growth, and life-changing experiential opportunities. With nine weeks spanning instrumental, vocal, and theater arts, your camper is sure to find a summer program that fits their needs and wish list. Our camps include full and half-day options, including extended care and camp add-ons. We hope you can join us for the 2023 summer—it’s sure to be a blast! Check out whartonarts.org for more information. 
60 Locust Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

Photo Credit: Taubenslag Productions’ Theater Camp

Spotlight: Taubenslag Productions’ Theater Camp

Entering our 34th summer, Taubenslag Productions’ Theater is located at the Edison Elks, 375 Old Post Road in Edison, NJ – easily accessible from Route 1. For kids entering 1st grade up to 16 years old, our season begins Jun 26 and runs for 8 weeks. Register for all 8 weeks or choose by Session. We teach campers all about musical theater while building their confidence and self-esteem. Rehearsals and shows take place in our air-conditioned, Big Top Performance tent. And this year, we are bringing back the Session 3 Broadway trip to see Back to the Future. All levels of theater experience or no theater experience at all are welcome. Roles are provided for all campers in all shows. We also offer two additional teen programs. “Tech” for campers 12 to 16 years old, where they are part of a stage crew, painting scenery and organizing props and costumes — and “Teen Scenes” for 8th, 9th, and 10th graders, where they prepare unique teen productions. Plus, Theater Camp is more than just theater—after morning rehearsals, afternoons are filled with fun camp activities, including daily swimming, scavenger hunts, relay races, games, arts & crafts, foursquare, ping pong, and more! Full and half-day options are available, as well as before and aftercare. Find out why our Theater Camp was honored by the New Jersey State Senate, General Assembly, and Middlesex County Freeholders for Artistic Excellence.
For more details or to register, visit our website. Or call Taubenslag Productions at (732) 422-7071. Please note: Taubenslag Productions’ Theater Camp is no longer affiliated with Middlesex County College.
Edison Elks, 375 Old Post Road, Edison, NJ, 08818

Photo Credit: The Winston School

Spotlight: The Winston School

The Winston School of Short Hills, a private school for students in grades 1-8 who have language-based learning differences, is proud to offer its Summer on the Hill day camp. Founded in 2010, Summer on the Hill provides academic support in an engaging and relaxed environment. Winston’s teachers are trained in instructing children who may have a range of learning differences that include but are not limited to dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and executive functioning. The morning academic curriculum places a strong emphasis on phonics, reading, writing, math, and executive functioning. The afternoon sessions offer a choice between an enrichment offering and additional academic instruction. Typical offerings include STEAM, sports, cooking, art, OG Bootcamp, and Math Bootcamp, among others. The Summer on the Hill day camp aims to offer students the opportunity to maintain skills acquired in their previous school year and sharpen their skills for the fall. Our camp is open to both Winston families and outside community members. We are excited to welcome you to our campus! Inquiries are welcome.
The Winston School of Short Hills, 30 East Lane, Short Hills, NJ 07078

Photo Credit: Njswim

Spotlight: Njswim

Njswim has created a safe approach to swim lessons that helps children of all ages become proficient swimmers. Njswim lesson programs are for all ages and developmentally suitable to keep kids interested in swimming and building strength as they become independent swimmers. Swimming is a life-long activity to be enjoyed as children grow. It all begins with learning how to swim—a priceless life skill every child should know. Each Njswim location offers a summer swim program. Depending on the site, they offer a swim lesson program for children of all ages. Parents can choose from Intensive Summer Swim Program, Power Swim, and Camp Summer Swim Lessons. Njswim summer and camp programs are available during July and August, and Summer Swim programs are open for registration to new students beginning Mar 1. YEAR-ROUND SWIM LESSONS: If you really want your child to be able to swim this summer, now is the best time to enroll in swim lessons. This way, they will have several months of lessons and will be more comfortable and safe in and around the pool or the beach. For more information on how to teach your child this crucial life skill, go to Njswim.com.
Locations in Brick, Florham Park, Lakeside-Roxbury, Manasquan, Sparta, and Turnersville.

Photo Credit: Manhattan Fencing Center

Spotlight: Manhattan Fencing Center

Photo Credit: NJPAC

Spotlight: NJPAC

Join NJPAC’s Colton Institute for Training and Research in the Arts at NJPAC this summer! Our best-in-class hip hop, jazz & poetry, and theater classes welcome young artists ages 9-18 to register. Students will learn and explore fundamentals, join free add-ons like In the Mix and Creative Coaching, and more. The summer performing arts programs run from July 10-August 11, 2023. Come and see why NJPAC won the Jersey Arts People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Performing Arts Camp.” Register now at NJPAC.
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Photo Credit: Game Camp Nation

Spotlight: Game Camp Nation

Photo Credit: CodeWizardsHQ

Spotlight: CodeWizardsHQ Virtual Summer Camps and Classes

Photo Credit: One River School of Art + Design

Spotlight: One River School of Art + Design

Since 2012, One River School of Art + Design has transformed the summer camp experience by developing the most fun and compelling creative camps. With 40+ new summer camps launching in 2023, there’s a camp for everyone. From Street Art, iPad Painting, Learn to Draw, Manga Characters, Custom Stickers, Cosplay Costume Design, and more, our program allows teens and kids to select from a wide range of studio and digital art and design experiences that cater to students aged K-12. Parents love our program because they can customize their child’s summer program by selecting weekly sessions around preferred dates and camp types. Transform your child’s summer at One River School. Get started by choosing a location near you at One River School of Art + Design .
NJ camps in various locations 

Photo Credit: BergenPAC Performing Arts School

Spotlight: BergenPAC Performing Arts School

Please join us for a special summer packed with triple-threat training and fun. This program is designed for children ages 6-12 and features daily music, dance, and acting classes. Fun electives include yoga, arts & crafts, and more, with top-quality performing arts education and memorable experiences for all. We provide a safe environment for children to learn and grow. The summer program culminates with a performance on the bergenPAC main stage. Registration is open for our Summer 2023 Musical Theatre Camps with session dates on July 3-July 20 and July 31-August 17. Early Bird Discount: Register and pay in full by April 30th to receive $100 off tuition. Can’t pay right now? No worries; payment plans and scholarships are available. To apply for a scholarship, please click here.
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631

Photo Credit: Appel Farm Arts Camp

Spotlight: Appel Farm Arts Camp

Appel Farm Arts Camp, an overnight summer camp for ages 7-17 in beautiful rural southern New Jersey, provides a safe space for campers to be themselves and explore art free of judgment where safety, community, personal growth, and fun are valued. Small class sizes that engage mixed-age groups are available in music, theatre, technical theatre, dance, visual arts, photography, media arts, environmental arts, creative writing, sports, and swimming. Campers also enjoy free time, workshops, trips, campfires, performances, and special events. Appel Farm works to be an explicitly anti-racist, anti-sexist, trauma-informed, trans-inclusive, and gender-affirming space for both staff and campers. “We’re a place where kids can come to be themselves,” says Tanner Rushing, Assistant Camp Director. “Whether a child is the star of their school’s drama club or they’ve never picked up a paintbrush, they will feel comfortable and supported in their art here at Appel Farm.” Appel Farm offers 1, 2, 4, and 6-week sessions for kids from June through August and a 3-night Family Camp in August.
457 Shirley Road, Elmer, NJ 08318

Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.

 

 

 Tweet