Area schools and camps have so much to offer

Schools & Camps

 Around the Corner Art Center Around the Corner Art Center Around the Corner Art Center is anxious for summer to arrive and art camp to begin.The Little Picassos (ages 5-8) and Master Monets (8-13) bring lots of excitement, energy and creativity to the art center. Classes in clay and ceramics, mixed media, drawing and painting, cartooning, fashion design, sewing, jewelry and more, are offered during the summer.The popular summer camp sessions are offered for 10 consecutive weeks beginning the end of June. Campers ages 5-13 attend classes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children may register for as many weeks as they would like.The classes vary in subject, theme and their approach to creating art, from week to week. Check out the full schedule for a complete list of classes.All of the popular teen programs will be available again this summer.Around the Corner Art Center has 30 years of experience educating young artists. Supplies are included for all camp classes and campers will receive a free T-shirt. Regular weekly classes will be offered in anime, drawing, painting, fashion design and ceramics as part of the regular schedule throughout the summer months as well. In addition to the art classes, a paintyour own pottery studio is open during business hours.Around the Corner Art Center now has two locations for your convenience. The main location is in Freehold at 290 Mounts Corner Drive, and the satellite location in Morganville is located at 509 Route 79 near the Matawan border.Visit the website at www.aroundthecornerartcenter.com or call 732-308-4666 for the full schedule of camp and class schedules.

 Center Stage Center Stage 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 in East Brunswick and Marlboro, where you work on all those skills and then show them off in performance. It all starts with 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; and you even help paint the sets and work on the costumes.Then you get to strut your stuff in two performances at 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, hip hop, and lyrical/contemporary, and will make you a stronger dancer while having a ton of fun. Stage Struck runs July 14 to Aug. 1 and Dance Camp runs Aug. 4-21, ages 5 to 17 (sections divided by age and ability). Call Marian at 732 238-7890 for information or visit www.centerstangenj.com.

 Country Roads Day Camp Country Roads Day Camp Country Roads Day Camp is celebrating its 44th year as the most popular day camp, nestled in the heart of Manalapan, on a beautiful 26-acre campus.As second-generation owners and directors, Chris and Katrina love their jobs.“Running a camp is the most rewarding job anyone could have!” Katrina started at Country Roads as a camper when she was 5 years old, and she and Chris have three children who grew up there as well.There are many second-generation camp families enjoying their summer vacation at Country Roads. Country Roads is the kind of place where you meet your lifelong friends.Whether you start at age 3, third grade or 13 years old in the CIT Program, you feel a part of the camp magic from day one.There are incredible facilities, from a flying trapeze and 120-foot waterslide, to an 80- geyser sprayground waterpark, many air-conditioned classrooms and new sports courts complex. Exciting activities include zip lining across the brook, pottery wheel ceramics, sweet genius and foodie culinary programs, gymnastics, yoga, dance and weekly theater productions, plus a travel soccer team, hockey arena, trampoline bas- ketball, and so much more. Stop by the open house event on Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a personal tour. Call and speak with Katrina or Chris Gabriel at 732-446-4100. Country Roads Day Camp is located at 139 Pinebrook Road, Manalapan.Visit www.CountryRoads- DayCamp.com.

 Kinder Kastle Childcare/Learning Center Kinder Kastle Childcare/Learning Center  Eagle’s Landing Day Camp Eagle’s Landing Day Camp Guess what I did this summer? I had fun in a cool place and made lots of new friends. I learned how to swim and played tons of sports. I got to make rockets, take apart computers, play basketball, make a bowl in ceramics, edit digital photos and shoot a bow and arrow. I had tons of art choices, I went horseback riding, and got to climb up the rock wall. My group was small and my counselor knew each one of us and the stuff we liked to do. My counselor was kind to me and says that camp is all about making friends and feeling good about yourself. Eagle’s Landing is so much better than my last camp! I even liked my bus ride to camp. The bus was air conditioned and the ride went fast because the counselor made up games and stuff the whole way. My dad wanted to see how I learned how to swim so he visited camp during the day! It was cool to see my dad at camp. He checked in at the security and then got to see me in action. My mom says it’s the safest and cleanest camp she’s ever seen! Check it out! Eagle’s Landing Day Camp is located at 74 Davidson Mill Road, North Brunswick. For more information, call 732-821-9155.

 Kinderland Learning Center/ Summer Fun Day Camp Kinderland Learning Center/ Summer Fun Day Camp Immaculate Conception School is a Roman Catholic elementary 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 and all teachers are degreed, and hold state certification. ICS offers a renowned Pre-K program for preparing little ones for the academic road ahead.The program is age appropriate and follows the New Jersey state standards. ICS offers both full- and part-time Pre-K classes.The elementary school boasts small class sizes with a low student to teacher ratio. Fifth- through eighth-grade students have accelerated classes for math and science and the eighth grade students can qualify to take an advanced placement high school algebra course. In addition to religion, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, the students enjoy art, music, physical education, technology education, health, world language and library instruction. The extra curricular offerings include chorus, Student Council, a spring musical, Catholic Service Club, yearbook, newspaper, and after school enrichment programs.The sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students participate in an interscholastic sports program that includes soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball and softball. Immaculate Conception School will be hosting an Open House for Pre-K through eighth grade on Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come and see the students’ work; visit with the teachers; and see the facilities. Immaculate Conception is located at 23 Manalapan Road in Spotswood. For more information, visit www.icsspotswood.org or call 732-251- 3090.

 St. Bartholomew School St. Bartholomew School  Old Bridge YMCA Old Bridge 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-theart 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.

 Unitarian Montessori School Unitarian Montessori School  Temple Beth Ahm Preschool Temple Beth Ahm Preschool 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 indi- vidual 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, miniature 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.

 Yellow Duck Preparatory Yellow Duck Preparatory The Old Bridge YMCA provides a safe and loving environment for each and every child.They nurture your child’s sense of selfconfidence and introduce them to positive, fun experiences that build leadership and social skills. Character development is integral to all Y programs, and they incorporate the core values of caring, honest, respect and responsibility into all that they do. In the gym, at camp, in the home and in the community, they strive to develop these values in their members and themselves.Well-grained, qualified staff members serve as positive role models for campers and are committed to developing your child’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth, in a fun atmosphere. Campers develop an understanding of diversity in an atmosphere of acceptance and approval of the uniqueness of others.Your child will learn new skills, develop lasting friendships, and most of all have fun.The Old Bridge YMCA is located at 1 Mannino Park Drive. For more information, call 732-727-0704.

St. Bartholomew School has been welcoming families for 50 years.They welcome you to their Catholic Schools Week Open House on Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested parents/guardians and children can take a personally guided tour of the school and facilities. A second Open House will take place on Jan. 31 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:15-1:15 p.m. St. Bartholomew School has been recognized for its academic excellence for 50 years with scores on standardized tests above national percentiles.

A comprehensive academic program is offered in full-day kindergarten through eighth grade.The preschool program for 3 and 4 year olds is renown in the area. St. Bartholomew’s received AdvancED Accreditation. But academics are not all that St. Bartholomew has to offer.Along with the music, art, world language, state-of-the-art technology and physical education programs, the school has many extra-curricular activities such as band, chorus, Scouts, yearbook and newspaper.The yearly drama production is an annual highlight. School safety is of primary concern and a safe, protected environment utilizing closed circuit surveillance is provided.A full-time nurse and guidance counselor are present daily. Before and after care are carefully monitored. St. Bartholomew School is located at 470 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. For more information, call 732-254-7105.

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 kinder- garten because they have the appropriate social and academic foundations they can now build upon.Temple Beth Ahm Preschool offer classes for children ages 2, 3 and 4 with half-, mini- and full-day options.The classes meet two, three or four days weekly.There is 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 Preschool is located at 550 Lloyd Road,Aberdeen. For more information, call 732-583-1010 or visit www.tbaed.org.

The Unitarian Montessori School (UMS) is located on Tices Lane between Route 18 and Ryders Lane and within two miles of Route 1 and the New Jersey Turnpike’s Exit 9. For 28 years the school has provided its students with an individualized educational experience using proven Montessori methods and materials.When you visit UMS, you will observe a supportive and loving staff and a school with a proven track record for creating independent, confident learners who transition well to public school. As important, parents of alumni report children who are compassionate, socially well-adjusted, accepting of differences, able to articulate feelings and to resolve conflicts with others. UMS is housed in the new wing of The Unitarian Society, surrounded by woods and gardens.The extremely large, shaded playground makes use of the natural environment and contains a garden plated by the children, natural playground equipment and a large safe space for children to play and interact. For information or to arrange a visit, call 732-246-0606 or go to www.unimont.org. UMS is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, and member of New Jersey Montessori Administrators Council.

Yellow Duck Preparatory is a private, early childhood school located in Manalapan for children ages 2 ½ through kindergarten. For more than 40 years Yellow Duck has been the leader in academic excellence.A team of dedicated teachers and directors, combined with 26 beautiful acres and spacious, bright classrooms, are what make this school so successful. A wait list often starts just weeks after enrollment opens in January for the following September. Students look forward to an exciting day of learning, from social play and interactive learning to educational computer games, Smart Board lessons and hands-on science centers. Full-day kindergarten students excel in every area of learning because the academic program remains on the cutting edge of teaching methods, from Singapore Math to language arts, reading, social studies and science. The students gain a solid academic foundation and the confidence they need to be at the top of their class when they enter first grade. Call 732-446-4700 to schedule a personal tour. Sessions include 18-24-month mommy and me classes; two, three or five full days; two or three half days, choose 9:15- 11:45 a.m. or noon to 2:30 p.m.The director is Anne Tensen; director/owners are Katrina and Chris Gabriel.