Camp Guide

There’s only one summer but so many CAMP DECISIONS!

Summer camp can be a wonderful opportunity for new experiences.  It can also be a chance for children to focus on interests and talents important to them.  But, when your child is ready to begin the adventures at summer camp, where do you begin and how do you pick the best camp?

Below are some camp options that we compiled together to make the process a little bit easier. Here’s to a summer camp experience that’s awesome and certainly unforgettable!

 

(MORRIS COUNTY) MORRISTOWN CAMPS

Animal Lovers:


Seaton Hackney Stables- Campers learn basic safety, equine grooming, and barn management skills. They ride 2-3 times daily, either in lessons, on trail rides, or in lungeing session.

440 South Street
Morristown, NJ
973-644-3355

 

Kids Critter Camp-Through exciting and educational activities, creative arts and crafts and fun outdoor games, campers in grades 2 through 6 learn to understand, enjoy and value the relationship between people and companion animals.

St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter
575 Woodland Avenue
Madison, NJ
973-377-8877

 

Community Centers:


Morris Center YMCA-Specialty Camps, Traditional Day Camps, the list is comprehensive.

79 Horsehill Road
Cedar Knolls, NJ
973 267-0704 x46
 

Creativity:


Glassworks Studio Inc. – Children will create their own works in glass using sandblasting, fusing, slumping, beading, mosaics and more.  Kids will learn about the history and science about glass.

151 South St., Lower Level
Morristown NJ
973-656-0800

Day Camps:


Morristown Beard Day Camp- Designed to help children develop skills in sports, arts and crafts, drama, swimming and science.

70 Whippany Road
Morristown, NJ
973-532-7569
 

Red Oaks School-The Core Elements that children experience during this program are: Classroom experience with traditional Montessori materials and methods/Rich integration of art, singing, games and movement, science and nature AND Outdoor play (weather permitting) on our large, age-appropriate playgrounds and fields.

21 Cutler Street
Morristown, NJ
973-539-7853

 

Future Stars Camp- Well rounded day camp ranging from arts, computers, sports and swimming. Programs for children ages 4-13.

@ Camp at College of St. Elizabeth camps
2 Convent Rd
Morristown, NJ
215-674-0494

 

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Camp Discovery- A Summer-Fun Day Camp with Activities in
Science & Nature, Art, Theater, Humanities, and Sports.

285 Madison Avenue
Madison, NJ
201-692-6500; 1-800-338-3887
 

StonyBrook Day Camp-Many programs to choose from for different age groups.  Some activities include tennis, basketball, softball, swimming, canoes, kayaking, fishing, arts and crafts, drama classes, and so much more!

42 Park Avenue
Randolph, NJ
973-584-0078

 

Camp FunPlex- Kids 4-13 will enjoy swimming, pool slides, water activities, basketball courts, sports field area, organized games and activities, Fun Fridays, indoor go karts, an arts & crafts studio, arcade, interactive Foam Frenzy, Lazer tag, indoor rides and so much more!

82 Route 10 West
East Hanover, NJ
973-428-8772

 

Oasis New Jersey-Offers two different types of summer camps, a traditional summer camp program for children between the ages of four and eleven and a program called Teen Travel, which is designed for young adults between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Daily activities are centered on The Arts, Outdoor Education, Swimming, Sports and Teambuilding.

36 Madison Ave.
Madison, NJ
800-317-1392

 

Gymnastics:


Diamond Gymnastics-Full day and Half day options available.  Camp activities include gymnastics instruction, rock climbing, outdoor play, arts and crafts, swimming and more.

182 Route 10 W.
East Hanover, NJ
973-560-0414

Music:


School of Rock- Designed for musicians of all skill levels who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. 

60 Main Street
Chatham, NJ
973-635-2100
 

Performing Arts:


Brightest Star Summer Musical Theatre -Students participate in group activities led by master educators and art professionals in an environment which promotes independent thinking, creative problem-solving and group decision-making.

Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Rd.
Morristown NJ
973-971-3726
 

Sports:


US Sport Institute- Offers boys and girls aged 3-14 of all ability levels, the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports in either our flagship Multi-Sport Camps or our Sports Specific Camps.

732 563 2520
 

Hoop Heaven- For Boys & Girls Ages 7 – 16.  Start the summer with an emphasis on shooting drills, skills and personal evaluation of your shot.

125 Algonquin Parkway
Whippany, NJ
973-884-4667

 

Camp Rocks at The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym-We offer Camp Rocks which is a full week of fun and climbing and is open to both beginners and advanced climbers.  Secondly, we offer a summer break camp which is a great blend of climbing, bouldering and games for two hours a day, and you have the option of climbing with us for just 1, 2 or all 3 days.

40 Watchung Avenue
Chatham, NJ
973-701-7625

 

(UNION COUNTY) WESTFIELD CAMPS CAMPS

Academics:


Union County College for Kids- Kids will enjoy fun and interactive classes that challenge each child’s mind and body. 

1033 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ
908-709-7600 option 3 or 908-497-4208

 

Kean University- A diverse course schedule provides training in Theatre, Playwriting, Dance, History, Science, Chamber Music, Visual Art, Diplomacy, Public Relations and Sports.

1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ
908-737-KEAN (5326)

Community Centers:


Westfield Area Y- From one week to the whole summer.  Our camp offerings include traditional, sports, specialty, and travel programs.

220 Clark Street
Westfield, NJ
908-233-2700
 

Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y- Arts And Crafts, Baseball/Softball, Counselor Training (CIT), Drawing/Painting, Field Trips, Hiking, Instructional Swimming, Soccer, Team Building, Team Field Sports and so much more.

1340 Martine Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ
908-889-8880
 

YMCA of Eastern Union County/Five Points-Several camp options to choose from.  All camps are coed and grouped by age.

201 Tucker Avenue
Union, NJ
908-688-9622
 

Cooking:


Classic Thyme Kids Cooking Camp – Introduces students to the culinary world giving them the opportunity to develop basic skills that will build the foundation to cook and create culinary treasures with proficiency throughout their entire life.

710 South Avenue West
Westfield, NJ
908-232-5445
 

Creativity:


Just Bead Yourself-Learn professional techniques and elements of jewelry design
to create necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  Kids create at least 3 pieces of jewelry per day.

113 Central Ave
Westfield NJ
908-232-3411

Day Camps:


Camp Invention -For children entering in grades one through six that is free to schools and organizations nationwide. The top priority of the Camp Invention program is to provide quality enrichment programming in the fields of science, mathematics, history, and the arts. Local schools host the program and the week’s hands-on activities are led by local teachers to ensure a safe learning environment.

@ Orange Avenue School
Cranford, NJ
800-968-4332
 

Young People’s Day Camp Union/Middlesex County- Offers a safe and exciting summer of outdoor activity for your children.  Some examples of activities include: Swimming, Sports, Arts & Crafts, Movies & Bowling; Trips: Turtleback Zoo, and Ringwood State Park.

1-800-DAY-CAMP or 732-737-7136

Kinderprep-Arts and Crafts, Nature Studies, Water Time, Reading Adventures and plenty of outside time are some of the activities your child will enjoy

812 South Avenue West
Westfield, NJ
908-317-6900
 

Camp Yachad, JCC of Central New Jersey-Several camp programs such as on-site camp, travel camp and leader in training camp.

1391 Martine Ave
Scotch Plains NJ
908-889-8800
 

Featherbed Lane Day Camp- Activities which will foster experience in athletics, the arts and social skills.

801 Featherbed Lane
Clark, NJ
732-388-7063
 

Gymnastics:


My Gym- Children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and so much more.

1100 South Ave West # 9
Westfield, NJ
908-317-0888
 

Surgent’s Elite -Camps ranging from Gymnastics Camp, Cheer Camp, Team Camp and

Tumbling eXplosion Clinic

401 South Ave E
Westfield, NJ
908-317-0523
 

The Little Gym of Cranford- Camps combine physical activity and games with arts, crafts and special events.

6 South Avenue West
Cranford, NJ
908-497-1500
 

Sunburst Gymnastics – Program provides fun filled days of interactive physical activities such as gymnastics, dance, sports games, and swimming.

565 Rahway Avenue
Union, NJ
908-810-1300
 

Olympika Gymnastics -Recreational Gymnastics & Tumbling Programs for boys and girls.

250 Sheffield Street
Mountainside, NJ
908-514-0449

Performing Arts:


New Jersey Workshop for the Arts- Comprehensive 5 week program incorporates many facets of the fine and performing arts.

152 E Broad St
Westfield, NJ
908-789-9696
 

Front & Center-Performing Arts- Musical theatre based and will include technique classes and workshops in dance, acting, and voice as well as informal performances.

95 Victory Rd
Springfield, NJ
973-258-1123 
 

Sports:


Camp Hyatt Hills- Kids will learn basic “FUN”damentals of Golf.

1300 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ
732-669-9100

 

(UNION COUNTY) SUMMIT CAMPS

Academics:


Oak Knoll School – Offering summer adventures to children ages 3-16.  Age-appropriate divisions within the camp offer enriching, active, creative opportunities for playful learning.

Summer Adventures at Oak Knoll
44 Blackburn Rd.
Summit NJ
908-522-8186
 

Kent Place School- Day camp program for boys and girls, ages 4 through 14 years old, providing fun, enrichment and opportunities for physical and social development in a safe, non-competitive atmosphere.

Summer Explorations
42 Norwood Avenue
Summit, NJ
908-273-0900
 

Bilingual Buds – The school’s high-energy curriculum is taught 100% in the target language, including Science, Language Arts, Fine Arts, Social Studies, Cooking, Culture, and more. Hands-on, “mind’s-on” themes ignite campers’ creativity and comprehension.

587 Springfield Avenue
Summit, NJ
908-598-8088
 

S.E.E. Camp – Camp experience focusing on the sciences, creative arts, recreation and field trips.

Summer Excitement Experience
Oratory Prep
1 Beverly Road
Summit, NJ
973-831-7779
 

Community Centers:


Summit Area YMCA – Organized by age group, our programs range from traditional day to teen leadership and specialty sessions designed around interests like science, cooking, space exploration, math, and the arts.

67 Maple Street
Summit, NJ
908-273-3330
 

Creativity:


Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Kids- Offers kids two fun-filled opportunities to enhance their creativity during the summer: The Kids’ Art Camp fosters knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts through hands-on activities OR Summer Saturday Art Camp where your child will develop new, creative techniques.

68 Elm Street
Summit, NJ
908-273-9121

DayCamps:


The Connection- Children will enjoy performing arts, swimming, art, gymnastics, special performances, stories, snacks and games.

79 Maple Street
Summit, NJ
908- 273-4242
 

Elephant Tree Nature Camp- A nature-themed summer day camp for children ages 4 through 12.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ
908-273-8787

Gymnastics:


The Little Gym of Summit- Camps combine physical activity and games with arts, crafts and special events.

545 Morris Avenue
Summit, NJ
908-608-9400

 

ESSEX COUNTY) LIVINGSTON CAMPS

Academic Camp:


Elite Summer Academy – Enhances the abilities of students in math, science and writing. Students will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.

1550 Springfield Ave
Maplewood, NJ
973-327-2895

Animal Lovers:


Turtle Back Zoo – Campers will be introduced to the extraordinary world of animals, nature, and science and enjoy age-appropriate themed camps that include games, teacher-led lessons, behind-the-scenes visits, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science, and fun crafts.

560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ
973-731-5800

 

Community:


West Essex YMCA -Camp is organized with a school-like schedule half of the day with specialty classes such as art, archery, science, drama, sports, cooking, computers, dance, and free choice.  In the afternoon the camp will then travel to the pool sites for swimming and there campers are dismissed.

321 S Livingston Ave
Livingston, NJ
973-992-7500
 

South Mountain YMCA-Camps provide activities that are educational, exciting and fun, but most importantly, it is an experience that builds self-esteem, lasting friendships and treasured memories.

13 Jefferson Ave.
Maplewood, NJ
973-762-4145

Day Camps:


Camp Horizons- Choose from an unlimited array of Camp Horizons’ indoor and outdoor recreational activities.  Every two weeks your child will have the opportunity to select seven activities per day from our Activity Selection Sheet.

91 South Orange Ave.
Livingston, NJ
973-992-7767

Gesher Summer Camp -Camp is equipped with two swimming pools, separate girls and boys changing rooms, indoor and outdoor tennis and basketball courts, a team challenge ropes course, a brand new waterslide, a web climber, a unique Israeli Culture program, a Kosher indoor cafeteria, a soccer field, a 600 seat auditorium, two gaga pits, a kings wall, plus many other areas to facilitate all of our special activities.

110 S Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ
973-597-3699
 

Far Brook Mini Camp-Weekly theme activities such as Circus, Waterworld, Music, Science, Nature, 4th of July, and Beach Weeks.  Specialists in all areas (Sports, Music, Art, Drama, Pre-Gymnastics, and Nature.

52 Great Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ
973-379-3442
 

Nature Discovery Summer – Provide kids a fun and interactive way to learn about nature.

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
324 Forest Dr South
Short Hills, NJ
973-376-3587

Performing Arts:


NJ School of Dramatic Arts- Children will learn theater skills while developing their confidence and discover the joy of being on stage.

593 Bloomfield Ave.
Bloomfield, NJ
973- 566-9700
 

Special Needs:


Harbor Haven – A 7 week co-ed summer program for 3-15 year olds with mild to moderate special needs. We have combined the most important elements of traditional summer activities with structured support, helping our youngsters to maintain and expand social, educational and communication skills.

70 Prospect Avenue, Suite 203B
West Orange, NJ
908-964-5411
 

Sports:


US Sport Institute- Offers boys and girls aged 3-14 of all ability levels, the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports in either our flagship Multi-Sport Camps or our Sports Specific Camps.

732 563 2520
 

Newark Academy -Weekly sports camps for boys and girls (ages 5-14)

91 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ
973- 992-7000
 

Pirate Sport Camp - Campers will participate in a variety of sports, games, arts and crafts, swimming, and special events.

Seton Hall University
Regan Center
973-761-9720
 

Soccer for Life – Camp for different ages.  Preschoolers will focus on individual skill, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.

56 East Willow Street
Milburn, NJ
973-912-9002
 

All Sports Summer Camp- Designed for the child who can’t play just one sport!  Professional coach’s implement the patented Soccer for Life style of coaching and incorporate your child’s “other” favorite sports into one setting.  Activities include soccer, baseball, touch football, capture the flag, relays and more.

56 East Willow Street
Milburn, NJ
973-912-9002

 

(HUDSON COUNTY) HOBOKEN CAMPS

DayCamps:


Kidville – Provides a summer camp experience for kids ages 18 months to five years, in increments of two-week, eight-week, 12-week, and 16-week sessions. Week-long specialty camps (i.e. Fairy Princess Camp or Superhero Training Camp) are offered for kids ages three to five.

1202 Shipyard Lane
Hoboken, NJ
201-377-5495
 

Camp Liberty-Sing-alongs and swimming are a part of every camper’s day as well as their choice of recreational sports, art workshops, cooperative group games, drama workshops, gardening and much more. During each session children are encouraged to participate in a collaborative event such as a play, talent show or art exhibit.

300 Morris Pesin Drive
Jersey City, NJ
201-432-1912
 

The Little Gym – The Little Gym camps combine physical activity and games with arts, crafts and special events. Each week offers an interactive learning theme and each day brings a different, creative lesson plan.
420 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ
201-433-1711
 

Young People’s Day Camp – Offers a safe and exciting summer of outdoor activity for your children.  Some examples of activities include: Swimming, Sports, Arts & Crafts, Movies & Bowling; Trips: Turtleback Zoo, and Ringwood State Park.

1-800-DAY-CAMP or 201-530-1255

 

Wild at Play – will spark children’s curiosity and interest while giving them new perspectives on Art, Science and Culture.

125 River Drive
Jersey City, NJ
201-333-4244
 

Boys and Girls Club – Young people are involved in a variety of engaging programs under the supervision of adult professionals, including field trips to baseball games, water parks, museums and other local attractions.

1 Canal Street
Jersey City, NJ
201-333-4100

Sports:


US Sport Institute- Offers boys and girls aged 3-14 of all ability levels, the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports in either our flagship Multi-Sport Camps or our Sports Specific Camps.

732 563 2520

Ducks Soccer Camp – Primary aim is to teach campers the fundamentals of soccer in a fun, kid-friendly environment.

Stevens Institute of Technology
Castle Point on Hudson
Hoboken, NJ
201-216-5000
 

United Soccer Academy - Full service soccer education to players of all ages and ability levels.

1-866-345-BALL
 

Cobra Fencing Camp – Campers will learn the exciting sport of fencing: On guard, advance, retreat,
lunge and the off­ense and defense of foil and sabre.

629 Grove St, floor 4
Jersey City, NJ
201-882-2879

NJ Moms Guide