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 Tshirt. 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 paint-your-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.
Camp Excel is a specialized summer camp for children ages 5-17 with ADHD and others with social skills challenges.At Camp Excel, they focus on developing social skills and the social awareness necessary for better relationships.They teach children problemsolving skills and build self-esteem.The comprehensive program includes academics with special education teachers to promote growth and avoid regression over the summer, therapeutic activities with master’s-level therapists to assist in making friends and keeping friends, sports with certified physical education teachers to develop skills and build self-esteem, and recreational activities just for fun! Throughout the day, staff provides encouragement and guidance in using appropriate social skills, giving children the opportunity to experience inthe moment learning — learning that stays with them.They offer weekly parent groups that provide parenting information and support along with complimentary childcare during groups. Camp Excel is a camp-like setting with activities that include art, cooking, nature, music, teen leadership, daily swimming, boating and weekly off-site trips. Child to staff ratio is 3:1, with all-adult staff.The six-week program (July 1st through Aug. 8th), Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is located in Monmouth County.There is transportation from central pick-up points. For more information, visit www.CampExcel.com or call 877-463- 6329.
Dance into 2014 with summer camps, classes and intensives! Colts Neck Dance & Performing Arts Academy has been educating students in Monmouth and Ocean counties for more than 19 years. Classes available include preschool, Mommy & Me, Princess Camp, Acro Camp, cheer intensives, tap intensive, musical theater, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz and tap.The professional teachers are committed to building confidence and self esteem in students while they achieve their personal goals. Providing your child a dance education is an excellent after-school activity that provides them different opportunities. Dance is appreciated and so are the impressive abilities dancers have.The students are involved in school dance programs, cheer teams, local theater and holiday Nutcracker venues. Many students are chosen to participate in continuing dance education programs throughout the tri-state area and abroad. Some are awarded financial scholarships when being accepted into college and dance programs.Visit the beautiful facilities, view a class, and learn more about the Academy. There are well-equipped classrooms with viewing, hardwood flooring, professional sound system and theatrical lighting. On location, Dance Wear offers competitive pricing for dancewear including footwear and body wear. Colts Neck Dance & Performing Arts Academy is located at 410 and 420 Route 34 south, Colts Neck. For more information, call 732-866-3930 or visit www.coltsneckdance.com.
Swimming, archery, mini-golf, canoeing, volleyball, high and low ropes courses, Ga-Ga, music, gardening, cooking, volunteering, teambuilding — these are just some of the many exciting activities kids explore at The Community YMCA’s summer camps. Summer camp at the Y is a time to learn, grow, build new skills and make new friends.The Y offers a fun and safe environment for young people to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, develop social and interpersonal skills, stay active and healthy, and make lasting friendships and memories. For more than 50 years,The Community YMCA has been providing area youth and their families rewarding experiences at a variety of summer camps for children 2 ½ to 16 years old. Each summer, hundreds of campers return to the Y to renew old friendships, make new ones and be a part of the YMCA family.The Community YMCA has camp programs for all ages and interests at several locations throughout Monmouth County, including Camp Arrowhead in Marlboro and Camp Zehnder in Wall.Y camps offer convenient schedules to fit every family’s needs.All are welcome at the Y and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For more information, call 732-946-4598 or visit TheCommunityYMCA. org/day-camps.
Creative Campus Nursery School has been operating in Hazlet since 1962.They have classes for 2 ½-, 3-, and 4-year-olds in the mornings. They are also offering an extended day until 5 p.m. for all ages.The pre-K class reviews and completes simple worksheets that correspond to the letter of the week, are introduced to the sounds of each letter, and learn how to write their names.The nursery class is introduced to the letters and reviews shapes and colors.The early experience class introduces colors, shapes and sharing.The structure of each class is consistent with the age group.All classes do art projects and have time for free play.They also will have a summer camp for children ages 3-5 that will run three days a week from 9-11:30 a.m. Camp will run for six weeks and parents will be able to choose the number of weeks they want their child to attend. The children will play games, sing songs, do an art project and play outside. Every week will have a theme and activities to go along with it.Visit Creative Campus to see what their program offers.The school is located at 215 Middle Road in Hazlet. For more information, call 732-264-8050.
Emotion In Motion Dance Center, Middletown, is in the midst of its fourth season.While they are extremely proud of the accomplishments of their award-winning competition team, they are equally as proud of the flourishing recreational program. There is a place for everyone at Emotion in Motion. Whether your goals are to compete, dance professionally, or simply have a creative outlet, they value the opportunity to educate your child in the world of dance and performing arts. It is never too early to introduce your child to creative movement, growth motor skill development, poise and discipline.At as early as age 2 1/2, your child will be learning not only basic dance steps, but the concepts of working with others, sharing and taking turns. Most of all, they will gain self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment at the year-end recital held at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Director Tara-Lynn Eccles has been teaching for nearly 15 years and thrives on the opportunity to pass on her knowledge and passion for dance and musical theater. Many of her students have gone on to pursue dance and theater in college as well as working in film and television. EIMDC’s instructors are equally as passionate and all highly educated and experienced in their fields.Their goal is to nurture your child’s passion and give them the tools to accomplish their dreams, whatever they may be! Call 732-671-2001 or visit www.eimdancecenter.com to start your dancer’s amazing journey into the world of the arts.
The Inspired Minds Fine Art School of Lincroft held its Seventh Annual Frosting Art Show in December, but this year’s show served up an extra-sweet twist. Participating students not only had the opportunity to hang and display their original oil paintings, they were selling their paintings to fund a very good cause. Proceeds from the sales of paintings, postcards and posters, made from the original artwork, were collected and sent to benefit Children’s Specialized Hospital. In total, $1,121 was raised for long-term care patients at the hospital. Coowner of Inspired Minds, Heather Brown Cadalzo, explained how all of the teachers and students at the art school were united in their joint desire to create art that makes a difference. “One of our students,Adriana Kumta (age 11), came to me wanting to help others with her art. She had the idea of using sales from the show to help raise funds for the Children’s Specialized Hospital.We immediately set to work to facilitate her vision.All of our teachers, students and families were eager to be a part of this admirable effort.”Almost 100 students participated in the Frosting Show, which was well attended by family, friends, and local art supporters. Student participants ranged in age from 4 to 84, and displayed artwork on diverse themes ranging from sailboats to desserts, fish, tigers, and mugs of hot steaming cocoa.“This was a wonderful opportunity and real-life lesson for our students to see how their hard work and creativity could help the lives of others. Art truly can make a difference!” Brown- Cadalzo added. Inspired Minds Fine Art School is dedicated to providing a strong foundation in the arts with an emphasis on traditional media and methods that encourage each student’s individual growth, from beginner to advanced. Art is not just for “artists;” it is beneficial for everyone to nurture their creativity. Not only do the arts help to develop young minds, it also builds awareness, confidence, and character in every age that will spill over to all other areas of life. For more information, call 732-600-8070 or 732-600-5703.
King of Kings School has been providing the children and families of Middletown and neighboring communities with a safe, secure, nurturing and encouraging preschool experience since 1996.They provide a child-centered learning environment based upon the principles of group cooperation and experimental learning.They strive to instill in their students a love of learning and a positive attitude toward school that will establish a solid foundation for future academic success and well-being.The needs of each individual child are recognized and fostered. It is a community-oriented school that encourages the participation of parents and families throughout the school year at special events such as holiday parties and events such as the annual “Art Happening.”They offer extracurricular programs such as Little Chef’s Cooking Academy, computer and dance classes.They have half-day and full-day flexible scheduling options.They offer a unique Young Five’s Program that meets the needs of children whose birthdays fall around the kindergarten cut-off date. 4- and 5-year-olds have benefited from participating in the “Handwriting Without Tears” handwriting development program.They have a newly renovated playground that the students will have the opportunity to enjoy. For more information, contact them at 732-615-0220 or [email protected].
The Marlboro LearningRx brain-training center promises to help anyone get smarter and learn easier. The training is proven to reduce or eliminate learning problems in as little as 12-24 weeks. LearningRx specializes in treating the root cause of learning problems. The programs’ game-like exercises and 1:1 trainer-to-student ratio provide guaranteed dramatic improvement.With more than 80 centers across the country, (more than 30,000 people have been helped since 2003), LearningRx can help anyone — from 5 to 85 — increase the speed, power or function of their brain.“LearningRx does for the mind what a physical fitness center does for the body,” says Michael Ginsberg, owner and executive director of the Marlboro center. “We make the brain stronger and faster by strengthening the underlying brain skills that are responsible for how well we learn and function. Our methodology is proven to bring improvement faster and more effectively than any other educational process. It eliminates the root cause of learning struggles and makes people smarter, permanently.” For more information about the Marlboro LearningRx, contact Michael Ginsberg, executive director, at 732-444-8579 or visit www.learningrx.com/marlboro.
This summer, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) will offer six week-long sessions of their popular Marine Science Day Camp for children in grades three through eight. Sessions begin July 7 and will be conducted at the Consortium’s Sandy Hook location. At NJSGC’s Marine Science Day Camp students will explore the science of New Jersey’s shoreline through first-hand experience and challenging, hands-on experiments and investigations. Each week is targeted to specific age groups and is comprised of age- and gradelevel appropriate activities. Camp is led by experienced science educators with a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1.This summer a new session is available for children in grades four, five and six.The week will feature activities and lessons not included in other camp sessions and is the perfect choice for campers wishing to participate in a second week of marine science camp with their siblings or friends. NJSGC’s Marine Science Day Camp fills up quickly, so early registration is recommended.
To receive more information, call 732- 872-1300, ext. 19. For general information about the Consortium, visit NJSGC’s website at njseagrant.org.
While the snow is still on the ground, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp. Middletown Recreation is offering eight weeks of summer camp starting June 30. Camps are based upon the grades the children will enter in fall 2014. Pioneers are for Pre-K and kindergarten, Buccaneers grades 1- 4, Explorers grades 5-7 and Teen Trekkers grades 8-9. Pioneers must be 4 years old by Oct. 1. Camps are held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for Pioneers and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Buccaneers and Explorers. Optional aftercare is available for Bucca- neers and Explorers.Weekly specials include Mad Science, interaction with animals, puppets, magic and more. Explorers have the option of taking a day trip on Wednesdays to locations such as iPlay America, Lakewood BlueClaws games, and mini-golf.A separate set of trips is available for Teen Trekkers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Trips include Medieval Times, Pirates on the Manasquan, and Zip Line Fun. Registration begins March 1 for residents and March 8 for nonresidents. Parents can register campers for as many weeks and trips as they like.Visit https://register.communitypass.net/Middletown to register online. Fees vary based on camp and number of optional services selected. Call 732-615-2260 for more information.
Want to make a splash with your children this summer? Send them to camp with the Monmouth County Park System for an experience they’ll never forget! From Camp Seven Presidents to Life on the Farm, the Park System offers numerous summer camps tailored to different ages and interests.This listing of more than 150 camps includes Camp Din-OMite, Pirate Adventures, Stars Wars Camp and Summer Garden Camp. Learn more about these and other offerings in the Park System’s Camp/Swim edition of its Program Directory, which lists all of its summer camps and swim lessons for children.This issue will be available in most county parks on Feb. 28. Information will also be available online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com. Registration for summer camps and swim lessons begins on March 9, with phone registration from noon to 4 p.m. and online registration starting at noon.To register by phone with VISA, MasterCard or Discover, call 732-842-4000, ext 1.To register online, visit www.monmouthcounty parks.com. Starting March 10, registration can be done online (24/7), by mail, by phone (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or in person at the Thompson Park Headquarters Building, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).You may register your family members only. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.
Come discover a world of adventure this summer in Ranney Summer Programs! With more than 30 years of experience in summer adventures, Ranney Summer Programs are a favorite of families in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties. Extraordinary opportunities to explore camp activities, sports clinics and academic and talent development courses await your child this summer.The exceptional facilities, licensed by the state of New Jersey and accredited by the American Camping Association, include a 25-meter indoor swim complex, gyms and sports fields, climbing wall and air-conditioned dining spaces. Programs include a full day camp for 3-13-year-olds, Sports Camps for 8-18-year-olds,Trip Camp for 10-13- year-olds and a Counselor-in-Training Program for 14-year-olds. Personalized attention in K through grade 12 academic and talent development courses are a great value! Classes include language arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and visual and performing arts. Interactive preschool programs for 4- and 5-year-olds engage bright and busy young learners with eight weeks of themed programs. With discounts in effect before March 1, there is even more reason to sign up early for a summer of exceptional learning and fun.Visit www.ranneyschool.org/summerprograms for a brochure and application and to register for an open house. Ranney School is located at 235 Hope Road,Tinton Falls.
Summer at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel will begin June 23 and will run through Aug. 15.As in years past, SJV will be host to elementary, middle school and high school students, and will offer hands-on camps, academic enrichment programs, credit-bearing classes, and a full range of sports camps in a fully air-conditioned building. Some of the most popular programs include Digital Art, Photoshop, Crime Scene Investigation, Study and Organizational Skills,Writing the College Application Essay Workshop, along with boys and girls basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball and strength and conditioning camps.Visit www.sjvhs.com for more information. For enrichment programs and classes, contact Stephanie Terry at 732-739-0800 ext. 258 or register online 24 hours a day. For sports camps, contact Anne Koeck at 732-739-0800 ext. 150.
Tab Ramos Indoor Sports Center, located at 17 Blair Road in Aberdeen, was established in August of 2003. Tab Ramos is a National Soccer Hall of Fame player and calls the sports center home. He oversees all the NJSA 04 soccer programs along with coaching and playing in the Men’s League.The sports center is an indoor climate-controlled facility with 46,000 square feet boasting a 165-foot by 105-foot state-of-the-art turf field, a 165-foot by 80-foot multi-sport arena, batting cage with jugs machine, snack bar, adult lounge with upstairs viewing area, and a multi-purpose room. The sports center offers various youth and adult leagues including soccer, roller hockey, flag football, basketball, dodge ball, lacrosse and field hockey.The youth classes and clinics run all through the year from soccer, learn to play basketball, learn to skate, roller hockey, flag football and lacrosse.The sports center also offers a summer camp and school break camps. Adult and youth birthday parties are their specialty; they will customize any party toward your needs. Rentals are available for sports teams, individuals, organizations, schools and organizations. For more information, visit www.tabramossportscenter.com.
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 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.
Temple Beth Ahm Religious School, Aberdeen, provides a well-rounded education that enables the students to become active knowledgeable Jewish adults.The teachers are experienced Jewish educators who know how to merge the best of “what’s new” with the best of “what’s tried and true” in a comfortable, warm, and caring atmosphere where children, together with Jewish learning, thrive.All lessons and activities are designed to keep the classes interesting and lively. Each grade focuses on a specific area of study, culminating in a well-rounded Jewish education.The students learn Hebrew and prayer, holidays, history, mitzvot, heritage, Israel, and Holocaust studies. These studies are enriched with hands-on experiences and trips.All students receive their own Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. Grades K-2 meet on Sunday mornings (Temple affiliation is not required), third through seventh grade meet twice a week on Wednesday 4-6:15 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.The temple also offers a Hebrew High School Program for grades 8-11.The high school is open to non-temple members. For Temple Beth Ahm, the goal is to create a strong love of Judaism, a sense of family, and a place for the children to feel at home. Come meet the family! For more information, call 732-583-1700.