This Summer
By Albert B. Kelly
As we get to summer, it is not uncommon for me to bump into
someone who will complain that there’s nothing for kids to do during the summer
when school is out- nothing happening in the community at all. Whenever I hear that, I try and go back to
look and see whether such a claim is mostly true or mostly not true.
That happened again recently and so I decided to check
things out. It turns out that there is actually more happening in our general
area than you might guess. It’s certainly not 24/7 nonstop amusement or
entertainment, nothing ever is, but there is more than we might think.
In July, Bridgeton runs its annual zoo camp for children and
youth of different ages starting July 10th and running through
August 4th. The cost is $100 per child and you can find out more by
calling Bridgeton’s Recreation Department at (856) 453-1675.
The Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton City Park will also host “Out
to Lunch” on Fridays from July 10th through July 31st
which provides live entertainment for children ages 5-12 years old. The program
is free and a great opportunity to experience the animals at the zoo.
While the Bridgeton Splash Park will be going strong daily once
school lets out, some might want to take note of “Wacky Wednesdays” at the
Splash Park where the $3 admission is gone and the Splash Park is free.
City Park has miniature golf and this year will feature
Sunrise Catering’s mobile food trailer. You can get more information by calling
the Bridgeton Recreation Department at (856) 453-1675.
Looking ahead, there is also the Pathways 21st Century
Program running from July 10th to August 4th for those in
grades 4 through 8. Bridgeton students attending Broad Street School,
Buckshutem School, Indian Avenue School, Quarter Mile Lane School or West
Avenue School can attend.
The Bridgeton Police Athletic League will be overseeing
“Playstreets” each Wednesday at the Bridgeton Riverfront beginning July 19th.
There will be everything from a 60 foot blow-up waterslide and a DJ to face-painting,
food and soccer skills competitions.
Part of the Cumberland County Positive Youth Development
Coalition (CCPYDC), it is a great opportunity for young people to socialize and
recreate in a healthy and safe environment.
The Bridgeton Library also has a full slate in July
including Lego Club (July 12, 19, 26), a Lego Tournament (July 15th),
Science Explorers (July 13, 20, 27), a visit to the recording studio at
Steamworks (July 25th), and teen tubing trip at the Winding River
Camp Ground on July 24th. You can find out more by calling the
Library at (856) 451-2620
The Teen Summer Enrichment Program from the Boys and Girls
Club of Vineland will be in full swing from July 10 to August 18th.
Geared for youth 14 to 18 years-old, this 3-day a week program does everything
from field trips to career workshops. Find out more by calling (856) 696-4190
Do you have an actor or an actress in the family? If so,
check out the Summer Theater Camp happening at the LeVoy Theater in Millville.
Running from June into July, the $325 program provides great training for young
actors and you can find out more at (856) 327-6400.
The Holly City Family Center will be doing their summer camp
and they offer a 5-day camp and a 3-day camp for children ages 5-12. Campers do
educational and arts activities each week and enjoy swimming, crafts, sports,
and more.
There is also the Gateway Summer Training Employment Program
for youth 16-18 (856-451-6330), the Golden Learning Summer Camp for children
3-13 (856-457-4468), Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA Summer program
(856-691-0030), and the Club 21 Summer Camp (856-293-2284).
Another program to keep in mind is the CEZC’s 21st Century
Community Learning Center working with students from Buckshutem School,
Lakeside Middle School, Landis Intermediate School, and Port Norris Middle
School. You can find out more at (856) 825-3700 Ext 1354.
So there’s a lot happening beyond just the holidays like the
Fourth of July with free admission to the Splash Park, mini-golf, picnic areas,
and horseshoe tournaments before the fireworks begin at night.
If there’s a failure, maybe it’s getting the word out and
while it’s not 24/7 nonstop activity, it’s not nothing. If there’s a gap, it
would be with older youth- maybe that’s where we make the turn toward a summer
job.
Whatever you choose, have a safe and fun summer.