Check out some of the area’s schools and camps

 Center Stage Center Stage Extending more than 127 years of faith, community and academic excellence, Cardinal McCarrick/St. Mary’s High School, located in South Amboy, continues to provide every student with an excellent, faithfilled education in a compassionate and caring academic environment.The exceptional faculty members, including religious sisters, are dedicated to helping every student succeed. CMHS/SMHS offers a rigorous academic program, cutting-edge technology, and opportunities to develop students’ intellectual, artistic, spiritual and physical abilities through extracurricular activities, community service and championship athletics.Test scores demonstrate a focus on academic excellence with results consistently above public, state and national averages.A small school where “Quality is more important than quantity,” providing AP, honors and college preparatory courses and 100 percent of its graduates are accepted to a college or university of their choice. CMHS/SMHS is fully accredited by the State of New Jersey Department of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.Transportation is available from all points in Middlesex, Union and Ocean counties. For more information, visit www.cardinalmccarrick.com or call 732-721-0748, ext. 244.

 Eagle’s Landing Day Camp at Mill Road Eagle’s Landing Day Camp at Mill Road What is a triple threat? It’s a performing artist who can do it all: dance, sing and act. It’s also a great new summer camp at Center Stage where you work on all those skills and then show them off in performance. It all starts with the Stage Struck camp: a musical theater program that’s all about putting on a show.You work on acting, singing and dancing; you are cast in a Broadway musical; you even help paint the sets and work on the costumes! Then you get to strut your stuff in two performances right there in the performing arts center. Want to push your dance level? Then Power Dance Summer Camp, is the place to be. Power Dance covers it all: ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hiphop, lyrical/contemporary, and will make you a stronger dancer while having a ton of fun. Stage Struck runs July 15 to Aug. 2 and Dance Camp is held Aug. 5-22, ages 5 to 17 (sections divided by age and ability). Call Marian at 732- 238-7890 for information. Center Stage has locations in East Brunswick and Marlboro.Visit www.centerstagenj.com.

 Immaculate Conception School Immaculate Conception School Eagle’s Landing Day Camp at Mill Road offers a unique, varied program that can be tailored to your child’s interests.The campers are involved in programs that include making new friends, tennis, swim instruction, arts and crafts, climbing a 30-foot rock tower, face painting, baking, mini golf, cooking, eating a hot, nutritious lunch every day, laughing, playing, going on trips, t-ball, dressing up, singing, acting in a show, box ball, dancing, launching a rocket, making jewelry, hockey, painting, going down a water slide, flag football, ice cream and popsicles, a carnival, basketball, archery, DDR, ceramics, skipping, soccer, tools ’n’ tech, digital photography, camp newspaper, hiking, Mad Science, fantastic fun, smiling, wearing sunscreen, digital scrapbooking, kickball, cheerleading, skateboarding, wood shop, baseball, splashing in the water park, and so much more! If you would like more information about the newest, most fun camp in town email RuthAnn@EaglesLandingDay- Camp.com or call 732-821-9155.The January Winter Fest will be held Jan. 27 from noon to 3 p.m. at Eagle’s Landing Day Camp. Check them out before the rates increase on Feb. 1, 2013. Eagle’s Landing Day Camp is located at 74 Davidson Mill Road, North Brunswick.Visit www.eagleslandingdaycamp.com.

 Kinderland Learning Center/ Summer Fun Day Camp Kinderland Learning Center/ Summer Fun Day Camp  Kinder Kastle Childcare/Learning Center Kinder Kastle Childcare/Learning Center Immaculate Conception School (ICS) is a Roman Catholic School with a long-standing history of providing students in prekindergarten through eighth grade with a quality, holistic education. ICS follows the New Jersey State curriculum guidelines.All teachers hold degrees and state certification.The school is accredited by AdvancedEd. Fifth- through eighthgrade students have accelerated classes for math and science. Junior high students may apply for the National Junior Honor Society. Eighth-grade students can qualify to take an advanced placement high school algebra course. The prekindergarten is renowned for preparing the little ones for the academic road ahead. In addition to religion, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, the students enjoy art, music, physical education, technology education, health, Spanish and library classes. Extra curricular offerings include chorus, Student Council, a spring musical,Art Show Catholic Service Club, yearbook, newspaper, and after-school enrichment programs. The Bulldog interscholastic sports program includes soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball and softball. ICS is proud to be sponsoring an open house on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.This will follow a school Mass at 9 a.m. in the church.The open house provides an opportunity to view the students’ work, to tour the facilities and to meet the staff and students. Projects from grades prekindergarten to eight will be presented and exhibited. Immaculate Conception School is located at 23 Manalapan Road in Spotswood. For more information, call 732-251-3090.

 Rutgers Prep Summer Programs Rutgers Prep Summer Programs  YMCA YMCA Kinder Kastle Childcare/Learning Center aims to prepare your child for the future. Not only do they concentrate on childcare and education, but they strive to provide an environment in which your child can learn good traits and mannerisms.Your child will become a well-rounded individual ready to play their part in society. In the current competitive world, the future “grown up” will need to be multi-skilled. Kinder Kastle strongly believes that children need to be exposed to various skills at very early stages. Kinder Kastle’s philosophy is developed with the child’s future in utmost regard. In addition to providing a loving and nurturing environment for your child, the state-of-the-art security system will ensure your child’s safety while left in their care.The center is set up with age-specific classrooms with separate eating and learning areas. Kinder Kastle offers specialized programs for children 6 weeks to 6 years old.The certified teachers use an advanced curriculum that is specialized for each age group. Every classroom is designed to give your child the opportunity and freedom to explore in a variety of learning areas. Creative hands-on activities encourage children to learn through experimentation and exploration. Kinder Kastle currently has four locations: Metuchen, South Brunswick, South River and Bridgewater. For more information, call 908-722-3666 or visit www.kinderkastle.com.

Kinderland Learning Center/Summer Fun Day Camp in Marlboro is the place for your child to discover a love for learning and that learning is fun. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and accredited by the New Jersey Department of Education, Kinderland Learning Center, a private, independent school, is dedicated to the social and intellectual development of children, from Mommy & Me toddler programs to preschool, pre-k and kindergarten through third grade.The school provides opportunities for students to explore and actively participate in meaningful play and learning experiences based on individual needs, interests and abilities. All classrooms are age-appropriate, with computers provided in each class. Located on a 4-acre country campus, the outdoor facilities include a huge playground, sports field, minia- ture golf, picnic area and more.A New Jersey state-certified teaching staff guides students in reading, math, science, children’s literature, Spanish, art, music enrichment, gymnastics, computer lab and school field trips. Low student to-teacher ratios ensure that each child gets the individual attention that he or she needs.A full remedial team is available to students for speech, English as a Second Language, child study and school nurse. Kinderland’s Summer Fun Day Camp program serves campers 2 ½ years old to 15 years old. Individualized instructional and group swim programs in two Olympic-size pools, sports, crafts, electives, computers, Lego robotics, science, and special event days are just some of the activities campers share to have fun and build friendships that last a lifetime. Early- and late-bird programs for school and camp is available from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Transportation is available for your further convenience. For more information, call 732-431-0718 or visit www.kinderlandlearningcenter.com.

The YMCA has been providing quality day camp experiences for children for more than 125 years.With more than 10 quality summer day camps located throughout Middlesex County, there is sure to be a camp program that fits your needs.They offer programs for children 2 to 15 years old (age range varies by camp location and program) in both indoor and outdoor settings.You can choose a full- or part-day schedule and select from many different camp programs:Traditional Day Camp, Sports Camp, Specialty Camp,Teen Camp and Leaders in Training programs.All of the programs are run by professional YMCA directors and trained and caring counselors. Help your child learn new skills, make new friends and expand their horizons in a safe and fun environment. Let their years of experience work for you. Call your local branch or visit www.ymcaofmewsa.org to find out more or to register today.

Rutgers Prep Summer Programs, located in Somerset, is delighted to offer many new programs as well as annual favorites.The goals for the Rutgers Prep Summer Programs are to provide a wide range of options for growth academically, artistically, and athletically in an environment that is safe, caring, and fun for all ages. By June, the campus will be teeming with tennis players, soccer players, golfers, basketball players, strategy gamers, Lego students, chess competitors, baseball players, iPhone App students, volleyball players, Bridge Back to School students, Mini and Mega Mac computer campers, just to name a few! They also welcome back annual favorites, Summer Blast, Sunny Days, Mini Campers and Sunshine Clubhouse children.These and numerous other activities are designed with one overarching principle in mind: summer is all about fun! The summer staff is charged with the responsibility of giving your child a tremendous summer experience.They strive to see each child achieve personal growth in whatever aspect of the program he/she participates, whether it is in the classroom through the summer school program or enjoying an allaround adventure with one of the summer camps.There is something at Rutgers Prep for every child. For more detailed information about all of the camps and the summer school classes, visit www.rutgersprep.org or call 732- 545-5600. For Summer School questions, ask for Carole Zboray, Gail Moskowitz or Joan Coogan. For Summer Camp questions, go directly to the director of the camp you are interested in.

The Sacred Heart School community’s mission is to enable children to encounter Jesus in a personal way and nurture them through spiritual and educational programs so they reach their full potential and succeed in their life’s journey. Sacred Heart’s Open House, scheduled for Jan. 27, 1-3 p.m., is your best opportunity to take a tour of the facility, and learn about the academics, athletics and clubs/activities and meet the talented faculty, staff and students. If you are unable to attend the Open House and would like to schedule a personalized tour, contact the Admissions Office at 732- 721-0834.

Sylvan Learning strives to create confident, independent students by targeting the causes of academic frustrations. Sylvan Learning has grown to become the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. Only Sylvan Learning is able to offer a proven approach to learning focused around Mastery Learning. Sylvan’s personal instructors ensure your child truly understands and masters a skill before moving on to the next level.The Sylvan Learning experience begins with a personalized Sylvan Skills Assessment to accurately pinpoint an individual student’s academic strengths and weaknesses.The results are then used to develop a personalized learning program that will fulfill that child’s specific academic needs. Sylvan’s learning programs are individually customized to address your child’s specific skill gaps, so your child receives exactly the right help. Sylvan students receive individualized assistance in the areas of reading, writing, math, study skills, homework help and state test prep. Sylvan also offers courses to help students prepare for the ACT and SAT college entrance exams. For more information concerning how Sylvan Learning can help your child develop the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success, contact Sylvan Learning of East Brunswick at 732-390-4040.

Temple Beth Ahm Preschool is designed to provide a happy and nurturing environment where children develop a positive self image and love of learning.The curriculum is diverse and flexible, allowing the children to utilize all of their senses while developing the foundations for reading, language, math, science and social studies. In addition to the fine secular curriculum, Judaism is integrated daily through art, holiday celebrations, books, food and song.The culture and values observed at a young age become part of the student’s general knowledge that develops and grows as they do.The students leave the program happy, healthy and ready to take on kindergarten because they have the appropriate social and academic foundations they can now build upon.Temple Beth Ahm offers classes for children ages 2, 3 and 4 with half-, mini- and full-day options.They have an extensive Mommy & Me program taught by “Miss Judy”Wiskin for babies, toddlers and those ready to transition. In addition they offer a six-week summer camp for children ages 2 through 5, just right for little ones.Temple Beth Ahm is located at 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen. For more information, call 732-583- 1010 or visit www.tbaed.org.

This summer, give your child the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive! Y camps build self-esteem, lasting friendships and treasured memories, all in a safe and supportive environment. The day camp at the YMCA of Old Bridge offers an affordable program that provides fun and challenging experiences under the supervision of the highly trained and caring staff.Trust the experts! The day camp experience is one of wonder and exploration. Camp programs are packed with activities that fill summer days and offer independence and adventure.The campers enjoy daily swim instruction, recreational swim, sports, games, arts and crafts, science, special events, weekly themes and so much more. Full- and half-day programs for children ages 3-10-years-old are offered, as well as before and after care. For more information, visit www.ymcanj.org or call 732-727-0704 ext. 307.