Spring has finally established a foothold and before you know it summer will be here. The Department of Parks & Recreation is pleased to have summer camps and activities for everyone in the Recreation Nation.
It beginning with the Summer Parks Program, a day camp for children from ages 5–12. The theme of this summer’s parks program is “Our Environment” and will include environmentally based activities and projects for all campers. The Summer Parks Program will be located at the Mary E. Roberts School, George C. Baker School and the New Albany Recreation Center. This five-week program offers games, crafts, art projects and opportunities for free, supervised play. Additional field trips will be available on a first come-first served basis and will include new trips like Burlington County Parks hikes and conservancy programs. This program will run Monday through Friday, from June 27 to July 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A long-time community favorite, the Summer Theater program is also available to those seeking their time in the spotlight. This time-honored program takes more than 100 children, ages 7 to 13, from novice to experienced and creates a musical that is enjoyed by all ages. This year the Summer Theater will move to the Upper Elementary School. This year, “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” will be performed. This program will host auditions on June 27 and 28 with rehearsals running Wednesday, June 29 to Friday, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The show dates are Aug. 3, 4, 5 and 6. The Teen Theater Program, now in its second year, offers teens the opportunity to delve into the craft of musical theater while focusing on character development vocal technique, movement, conditioning and theater history. “James and The Giant Peach” is open to all 14 to 18 year olds and auditions will be held Monday, June 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and rehearsals Mondays to Fridays from June 27 to July 26. Show dates are July 29 and 30.
Back by popular demand is the Four Is Fun program, which will have children participating in physical activity that promotes agility and motor skills along with letters, numbers, art and experimentation. Led by a certified teaching staff, four year old will be surrounded by a nurturing and caring staff that promotes a love of learning. Children must be 4 by June 27.
The Special Needs Summer Recreation Program has been expanded as well. Due to a generous grant from the Sean Fischel Connect organization, this program now serves children with special needs and their families from ages 5 through 21. Children ages 5 to 12 will be led by a dedicated group of instructors and teachers, as will the 12 to 21-year-old campers. This camp will run from July 5 to July 29 Mondays to Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program is led by Catherine McCarthy Devone and her professional staff of special education teachers and nurses.
In addition to the five and six week programs the Department of Parks & Recreation is running a variety of one to two week clinics and camps. From the Boys and Girls Soccer Clinic, to the Boys & Girls Sports Camp, not to mention the Instructional Basketball Clinic, the Girls Lacrosse Clinic and the all new Summer Art Camp.
For more information please check out our webpage at www.moorestown.nj.us/253/Parks-Recreation or Facebook at Moorestown Parks & Recreation.