Camp Fostering Outdoor Fun—and Water Sports

It's a structured environment for children to have fun during the summer months—and every Friday is water day.

is host throughout the summer for the township's playground camp for children entering first through third grades. This year, there are a total of 475 kids registered, and an average of 300 who show every day.

"The kids don't have to sit home and play electronic games all day, or have a play date with only one person," said township recreation superintendent Christine Schneider. "They learn how to get along, win or lose."

"And the parents love it," she added.

The camp is held for both Bridgewater and Raritan residents—with Raritan residents paying a little more in fees—every day of the week from July 11 through Aug. 5. The program is held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

"And every Friday is water day," Schneider said, adding that there is a water slide and other water games.

Schneider said she is overseeing the camp every day, and there are two district teachers on staff as well. From there, the program hires high school and college students to serve as counselors, about 12 people in total.

The program also brings volunteers as counselors-in-training, Schneider said.

"It looks great on college applications," she said. "And this is for when the teens need a little training [before becoming counselors]."

Aside from the water days, Schneider said, the program had students come up with special days last year, like electronics day, which they still use.

And, Schneider said, the program has playground activities all day like dodgeball and kickball, as well as a talent show at the end of the program, Spa Day, Crazy Hair Day and Sports Day.

"Inside the school is a game room with Legos, dominoes, cards and board games," she said. "And there is arts and crafts three times a day. The gym has basketball, scooters and dance contests."

Aside from the camp at Van Holten, Schneider said, there is a similar program for fourth through eighth graders at , as well students in pre-kindergarten at .

Schneider said the program is beneficial to the students as they are growing and finding things to do over the summer.

"This is a structured environment," she said. "The kids get to be safe and social."