By Stephanie Prokop, Staff Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — With summer vacation just over the horizon, students are securing their places in summer camps and program to help combat boredom during the warm months.
While older teens work the summer away earning their first paychecks at part-time jobs, many younger teens who aren’t old enough to work yet are left out in the heat.
That’s where Bordentown Youth Summer Program comes in, for teens in the Bordentown City, Bordentown Township and Fieldsboro area.
The program, which is free to teens and is supported by donations from several area churches and the city, gives kids the chance to come out and express themselves creatively throughout the month of July.
This year, the program is looking to include day trips on its itinerary, but in order to do so, must raise some funds first. In order to do that, the program is hosting a block party, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Burlington Street in Bordentown City.
In addition to games, food and prizes, there will be face painting and a “Moon Bounce” present at Saturday’s event to keep younger children occupied.
Local illusionist Dennis James will be performing a special three-act showcase, and all proceeds gathered from the event will be applied toward the Bordentown Summer Youth Program.
The Bordentown Youth Summer Program’s mission is to provide teens with a safe environment to interact with each other in various activities, said program coordinator Terry Johnson.
Starting on July 7 and running through Aug. 1, all teens ages 12-17 are encouraged to register and participate in the five-day-a-week camp that features a free lunch and drinks.
“The students are able to experience drama, music, and design their own freestyle music during the activities of the camp,” said Ms. Johnson.
The program is supported by a paid staff and volunteers who help foster the teens’ interests throughout the program.
The youth program has several church sponsors, including Mt. Zion AME, Trinity United Methodist Church, Crosswicks United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and the First Presbyterian Church.
At the end of the camp, participants will put on a showcase, highlighting the skills they have learned during the time they have spent perfecting their craft.
Teens who are athletically inclined are also able to participate in daily basketball and volleyball games, culminating at the end of the camp with a competition between the teens and the Bordentown Police Department.
Last year, the police won, so the teens are really looking forward to win this year, added Ms. Johnson.
This will be the second year the camp is in operation, and Ms. Johnson said she is anticipating enrollment to grow from the 60 teens present last year to nearly double that amount this year.
One of the reasons that the program is so important is because there are a lot of opportunities for younger children, but not as many for teens, said Ms. Johnson.
The camp, she added, gives teens something fun and productive to do over the summer other than sit and play hour after hour of video games.
There is no admission fee for the block party, but donations are encouraged. The party will be held rain or shine.
