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 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 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 basketball, 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.
East Brunswick Recreation Summer 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.
Frogbridge Day Camp Registration will begin on Feb. 3 for East Brunswick Recreation Summer Day Camp. Registrations will be accepted for residents through the mail or online only on a first-come, first-served basis.The 2014 half day summer camp program will run from June 30 to Aug. 8 and the full day camp program will run from June 30 to Aug. 15. Camp programs are available for children entering kindergarten through ninth grade in September.
Ivy League Preschool Registration packets are available now at the library, in the lobby of the Municipal Building, at the Department of Recreation & Parks, and online at www.eastbrunswick.org/daycamp. Each packet contains all the information needed to register your child for a fun-filled summer camp experience. For more information, call East Brunswick Recreation & Parks at 732- 390-6797 or visit www.eastbrunswick.org/daycamp.
Frogbridge Day Camp, located in Millstone Township, is a private, family-owned and -operated facility welcoming campers entering pre-K through 10th grade.The 86- acre, state-of-the-art country campus offers all of the amenities of a sleepaway camp, right in your own backyard. Frogbridge features more than 70,000 square feet of indoor air-conditioned activity space, unlike any camp, anywhere in the country. Indoor airconditioned activities include arts and crafts, ceramics, scrapbooking, computer lab, science lab, interactive fitness center, game show set, culinary studio, nail salon, dance, drama, 6,000-square-foot gymnasium, signature destinations like Frogarita’s Island Oasis, Ribbits Ice Cream Arcade and so much more. Campers eat lunch in air-conditioned comfort at the lakeside catering hall appropriately named “Windows on the Water.”The extensive hot lunch menu, created and served by experienced culinary professionals, features age-appropriate selections throughout the summer as well as healthy daily alternatives.A salad bar, along with fruits and yogurts, is available daily. Outdoor activities include: gymnastics pavilion, rock climbing tower, zip lines, bungee trampolines, low and high ropes courses, go-karts, bumper boats with water cannons, three lakes for boating and fishing, tube rides, horseback riding, golf, tennis, archery, laser tag, and all traditional camp activities such as soccer, baseball, basketball, tetherball, gaga in our new stadium, and much more.The Frogbridge swim program consists of three heated, Olympic-size swimming pools supervised by American Red Cross-certified lifeguards and water safety instructors. Camp groups are always led by teachers and experienced, collegiate, early childhood education majors resulting in the most mature and experienced camp staff in the industry.The air-conditioned infirmary is headed by at least two registered nurses at all times. Bathing suit laundering, daily pool side towel service, modern restroom facilities with attendants and full-time front gate security in a completely fenced and secure property provide ease of mind for parents, knowing your children are cared for in a clean, safe and secure environment every day of their stay at Frogbridge. Camp programs include daily elective choices, weekly special events, annual Color War events, and seventh-, eighth-, ninth- and tenth-grade travel programs, some of which include overnights. If your child ages 3 through 15 is looking to make new friends, develop positive self esteem, interact with peers and create memories that will last a lifetime, you owe it to yourself and your children to visit Frogbridge today.Airconditioned door-to-door transportation as well as “Central Express,” money-saving meet the bus options, are available throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer and Ocean counties. For more information, call 609-208- 9050 or visit www.frogbridge.com.
Raritan Valley YMCA 
Protégé Education Center 
Kinder Kastle Childcare/Learning Center 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 
Ivy League Preschool gives each child the opportunity to discover, create and grow in a warm, caring, scholarly environment. The objective is to nurture and to teach each child and to send them home happy and bubbling with enthusiasm about their experience each day at school. One of the most important factors of a child’s education is his or her social and emotional growth and development. Establishing a positive self-image, developing self-confidence, and a love of learning are fostered in a unique learning environment. The staff consists of trained professionals concerned with the individualistic development of each child and provides creativity, guidance and encouragement to make learning fun, new and exciting. Ivy League’s pre-school director,Vicki Cutler, brings her vast experience in early childhood education, her wonderful love for children, teaching and her unending enthusiasm to Ivy League every day.Vicki Cutler is happy to answer any of your questions and to arrange for a personal tour. Programs start as early as Mommy and Me through full-day kindergarten. For more information, visit www.ivyleaguedaycamp.com, stop by at 140 Gordon’s Corner Road, centrally located in Manalapan, or call 732-446-0401.
Yellow Duck Preparatory 
Unitarian Montessori School 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.
Montessori Learning House, formerly Jamesburg Montessori Children’s House, is very excited about its new home! Conveniently located on Cranbury Road, they serve all surrounding towns including, but not limited to, Monroe, Jamesburg, East Brunswick and South Brunswick.The new custom-built facility allows the staff to offer new programs and technology to students such as a stepping stone classroom for children ages 1 1/2 to 2 1/2, classroom iPads, a Smart Board, and catered lunches available for purchase. Montessori Learning House provides early education, daycare, and summer camp for children ages 1 1/2 to 6 in our half-day and full-day toddler, preschool, and kindergarten classes by combining the teaching philosophies of Maria Montessori with traditional teaching techniques.The benefits of this mixed-method teaching are innumerable to the students.They believe in teaching each child as an individual and helping them to reach their full potential by developing their academic skills in addition to their self-esteem, motivation, and love of learning.All of the materials on the shelves have a purpose and assist the experienced, trained teachers in giving all the students the best education possible. Stop by and see why they can give your child the learning experience of a lifetime! For more information, call 732-521- 3433.
Our children are growing up in a new world, with technological advances happening every day.This requires the school curriculum to evolve with the changes. Some of the schools have started to incorporate STEM in their curriculum. STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. Computer technology is developing faster than anyone can learn.Teachers need to be trained frequently to keep up with the changes. Children need education in computers and other technologies every year. Do we teach computer programming and App development at a younger age? How young they can start learning STEM? STEM needs to be taught to all the students, not just for the students in the gifted program.As the world is moving toward a high technology driven life, economy, and sadly even death (cyber bullying), children need to be kept up to date in science and technology. Children also need to be taught to use the technology for good.This is an investment for the future of children and the country. Ignoring STEM education now would hurt children’s future and country’s future, in terms of economic development, and national security. Summer would be very ideal for kids to engage in STEM education.This will be fun for them and will help their future. Schools need to develop competitive programs to teach the next generation, so our country doesn’t fall back on innovation and exploration in science and technology. For more information about STEM education, call Nithianandan Selliah, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Protégé Education Center in East Brunswick, at 732-432-4900.
The Raritan Valley YMCA will be holding a Childcare and Day Camp Open House on Feb. 8 and March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. Additional open houses are held monthly.All families are invited to tour the YMCA and meet with the professional directors or call the Y for a private meeting. Let your child experience the amazing benefits of summer camp while remaining conveniently close to home. Share their daily discoveries and adventures from camp as they tell you about their caring and talented counselors, their daily swim class, their archery lesson, their weekly trips, their culinary creations and their new friends. Right before your eyes your child will build self esteem, become more confident in their skills, express their positive values, and exhibit the magic only found at camp. Camp Yomeca will be your child’s home away from home, a place where they are safe and free from boredom. They will be physically active and experience learning in a non school setting.They will have tons of fun in a day filled with diverse, age-appropriate activities. Camp Yomeca is a co-ed traditional day camp for ages 5-13 plus a CIT program for ages 14-15. Children may be enrolled in weekly sessions from June 23 through Aug. 29.The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which maintains the highest national standards for youth camping.The YMCA also operates a state-licensed childcare center featuring the most comprehensive facility in the area. Indoor and outdoor play areas ex- ceed the norm.The day care center serves children 6 weeks old through 6 years old. The after-school program provides transportation to and from East Brunswick, South River, and Milltown schools for children in grades K-7. Full academic curriculums, nutrition, and physical activity standards develop the spirit, mind and body of youngsters’ everyday. Before you register your child in childcare or enroll for camp anywhere else, call the YMCA at 732-257-4114 to learn more about their affordable program options and to schedule a tour. Visit www.raritanvalleyymca for program information.The Raritan Valley YMCA is located at 144 Tices Lane, East Brunswick.
Although “something special” is easily recognized, the manifestation of such an accomplishment does not merely just exist. In fact, it takes terrific children and countless hours of preparation by proven staff to reach such a goal.The staff at Schoenly School is among the finest group of educators in the area.Their compassion, commitment, knowledge, and current instructional strategies provide an unwavering foundation for something truly “special.” Parent involvement, including the generous PTA, supports the theory that when home and school work together, students will achieve their highest potential.The community works under the theory,“It takes a village to raise a child,” and includes programs from the Spotswood Police/Fire Department.The fact that all facets of the Spotswood Educational Community are committed to making decisions based upon the best interest of all students truly does make Schoenly School something special. It is such an honor to be a part of a school that puts the needs of all students at the forefront of daily efforts. As they continue the journey of setting new goals and meeting the educational demands of our current time, there is no challenge too large for this little School with a big heart! Schoenly School is located at 80 Kane Ave., Spotswood. For more information, call 732-723-2220.
Shalom Torah Academy of Western Monmouth County prides itself on providing an excellent education in a warm, supportive environment.The small class sizes and commitment to individualized education allow for every child to attain his or her highest academic potential. Beginning with the preschool, the children are engaged in activities to stimulate excitement in learning through the use of modern technology. In an atmosphere of literacy, pre-math, scientific experimentation, open-ended art, music, and dramatic play, preschool children develop academic and life skills while enjoying themselves throughout the day. The elementary and middle school curricula emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and self-directed learning across all the disciplines. Learning takes place in classrooms, the media center, and the science lab at all grade levels as well as in the computer and robotics suites. Technology plays a major role in every area of learning with a major emphasis on the STEM curriculum. The school’s philosophy calls for handson learning that is exciting and relevant to children. Students are involved in making choices about their learning, selecting different roles in collaborative work and finding original ways for applying their knowledge. The result is a student body that loves to learn. The Judaic Studies program emphasizes Hebrew language, textual skills, a love of Israel, and a strong appreciation for holidays and traditions. Jewish values permeate the school, creating an inviting, happy atmosphere in which the children thrive. For more information and to arrange a personal tour, call Risa Gold, director of admissions, at 732-536-0911, ext. 23.
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-theart 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.
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.