By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Despite municipal budgetary woes, the Lawrence Township Recreation Department is gearing up to offer its customary assortment of “camps” from sports camps to traditional arts and crafts camps, and everything in between.
That’s the message from Steven Groeger, the township superintendent of recreation.
”The Recreation Department is still here. The programs are still being offered. We are going to start our summer programs June 25. Most of the programs particularly the camps still have openings,” Mr. Groeger said.
Among those offerings are the assorted summer camps the Playground Parks Camp, Art and Theater Camp, Teen Travel Camp and Sports Camp.
The Playground Parks Camp, held at Veterans Park, is for children who are interested in traditional summer camp activities, such as arts and crafts. Campers take part in games, sports and short trips. Sessions are divided into morning, afternoon or all-day camp. Extended camp care is available in the morning and afternoon.
Art and Theater Camp is aimed at children who love the fine arts. The morning is focused on the visual arts and the afternoon is focused on theater. Children can register for the morning, afternoon or full day sessions.
Travel Camp is intended for children entering fifth through eighth grades. The participants take a day trip to different locations every day during the three-week-long camp. Past trips have included visits to the beach, sporting events, Dorney Park, Great Adventure, Mountain Creek Park and Seaside Water Works.
At Sport Camp, children can participate in a full-day sports camp with a combination of instruction and competition throughout the day in multiple sports. Children may register for the morning or afternoon sessions, or for the all-day program.
The Recreation Department also offers summer sports clinics for track, field hockey and wrestling. The clinics are held in the evening. Coaches work with the children to develop their skills and interests in the respective sports.
There is also a summer teen basketball program for girls and boys, which takes place in the evening. Girls who are entering sixth through eighth grades can take part in the program. For boys, the program is divided into two for junior boys, entering sixth through eighth grade, and senior boys for those entering ninth through 11th grade.
”We encourage people to look at our website and brochure to see what is available,” Mr. Groeger said. Registration can be handled through the mail or in person at the Lawrence Township Recreation Department, which is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Lawrence Township Recreation Department at www.lawrencetwp.com. The telephone number for the office, which is open weekdays, is 609-844-7067.

