Area schools and camps have so much to offer

 Alphabet Avenue Nursery School Alphabet Avenue Nursery School It’s such an exciting time at Alphabet Avenue Nursery School.The school is in its fifth year, and the students are always happy and confident. In the morning they run into the classroom smiling, and in the afternoon they never want to leave.All of the classrooms are very large and bright, where children can spread out and learn.The nursery school follows an academic curriculum, where subjects such as reading, science and math are taught with loving care.The older children enjoy practicing their handwriting, while even the youngest ones are busy tracing their names.The students’ motto is “I can do it myself.” It’s not unusual to see them pouring a drink of juice into a cup, or scooping out their own ice cream. No Dixie cups for this crowd.The school welcomes children ages 2 ½ to 6 years old.The fees are reasonable. There is a full-day schedule with half-day options.They offer “before-school” care starting 8 a.m. For more information, call 732-851- 4751.The school is located at 118 W. Main St., Freehold, at the First Presbyterian Church.

 Eagle’s Landing Day Camp Eagle’s Landing Day Camp In February, Artisan Studio is celebrating its 11th anniversary in Marlboro’s historic Hobart House, as its founder Marlene Bohnyak celebrates more than 25 years of instruction and sharing her passion for art. Over the years her staff and class offerings have grown.Artisan is currently enrolling campers for their January Sunday Workshop, Spring Break Art Camp and Summer Art Camp.Artisan Studio offers many different ways for students to express themselves and gain new skills.They have all the traditional classes in drawing and painting, working in all mediums. In addition, they offer Portfolio Prep classes for teens interested in pursuing art in college; sewing, fashion design and illustration, mixed media and 3D work for students who love to make or build things with their hands. Recycling bottles, cardboard, Styrofoam and cans, artists create all sorts of characters, creatures and free form designs in Green Scene and Papier Mache classes.Artisan takes pride in the integrity and nurturing of their teachers, who truly enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion as they help their students improve their artistic abilities and gain confidence.This new confidence often transfers into academic areas, where parents tell their staff of improved handwriting, neatness, and patience in doing their homework.Art is stress free and very adaptable for all ages and ability levels, and is a creative outlet for anyone to express themselves. For more information, call 732-294- 0234 or visit www.artisanstudio9.com.

 New Jersey Camp Fairs New Jersey Camp Fairs Eagle’s Landing Day Camp offers a unique, varied program that can be tailored to your child’s interests. Campers are involved in programs that include: making new friends, tennis, swimming instruction, arts and crafts, zip line, baking, mini golf, cooking, eating a hot lunch every day, laughing, t-ball, singing, football, dramatics, dancing, launching a rocket, making jewelry, hockey, nature, painting, wall climbing, going down the water slide, basketball, archery, science, ceramics, soccer, tools and tech, digital photography, hiking, Mad Science, wearing sunscreen, digital scrapbooking, kickball, lacrosse, cheerleading, skateboarding, wood shop, splashing in the water park, and so much more! Eagle’s Landing Day Camp is located at 74 Davidson Mill Road, North Brunswick. For more information, call 732- 821-9155, email RuthAnn@EaglesLanding- DayCamp.com, or visit www.eagleslandingdaycamp.com.

 Rumson Country Day School Rumson Country Day School  Ranney Summer Programs Ranney Summer Programs The Lewis School of Princeton, founded in 1973 by Marsha Gaynor Lewis, is an internationally recognized, co-educational, independent private day school whose combined resources are dedicated to providing exceptional multisensory educational opportunity for bright, creative young men and women who learn differently. During the past 41 years,The school has helped thousands of young people who learn differently succeed in their educational pursuits.The Lewis School successfully galvanized local community interest in and understanding of the struggles experienced by children with dyslexia. Lewis was among the first to bring the challenges of dyslexia and languagebased learning issues to the attention of the greater Princeton community.The school has recognized the many gifts, talents and great promise among dyslexic students.Their educational challenges were understood not as disabilities but as distinctive learning differences, coupled with remarkable capacities of human perception and original thought.

 Tab Ramos Indoor Sports Center Tab Ramos Indoor Sports Center The Lewis School also helped identify what are now termed “twice exceptional” students, those with significant languagebased processing difficulties and competitive intellectual and creative acumen. Lewis pioneered and advanced the roots of a new multisensory education across the entire curriculum to address the complex needs of a diverse student body. Hundreds of teachers have been and continue to be trained in The Lewis Diagnostic Clinic and with Master Teachers in the school to deliver this education. It is difficult now to find an educational resource, private or public, in the greater Princeton area that has not been influenced by The Lewis School.As the school’s accreditation process proceeds, the vision expands and reaches farther to help underserved children with dyslexia,The School’s Tree of Light shines as a symbol of hope for all students who learn differently and, especially for those who remain without educational opportunity for a brighter future.The Lewis School is located at 53 Bayard Lane, Princeton. For more information, call 609-924-8120, ext. 117.

 Temple Shaari Emeth Early Learning Center Temple Shaari Emeth Early Learning Center You might not think that the dead of winter is a perfect time to find a summer camp for your child, but indeed it is.Would your child be interested in a horseback riding camp or a space camp or learning Spanish? How about a sports or an adventure camp? All of these camps and many more will be attending the New Jersey Camp Fairs throughout January.

 Temple Shaari Emeth Hebrew School Temple Shaari Emeth Hebrew School Local fairs are:

Jan. 17, at Quaker Bridge Mall, Route 1, Lawrenceville.

Jan. 24, at Woodbridge Center Mall, Route 1 north,Woodbridge.

Jan. 24, at Monmouth Mall, Route 35, Eatontown.

All fairs will run from noon to 3 p.m., admission is free. Parents will meet camp directors from local day camps and sleep away camps from around the country. Each family will receive a 50+ page program booklet with information about camps participating in any of the fairs. For more information about specific camps attending and directions to each location, go to www.njcampfairs.com.

Discover a world of adventure this summer at Ranney Summer Programs! With more than 30 years of experience in fun- and friend-filled summer adventures, Ranney Summer Programs are a favorite of families in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties. Exceptional opportunities to explore specialized camp activities, sports clinics and academic and talent development courses await your child this summer.The 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-yearolds, 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 kindergarten through grade 12 academic and talent development courses include PSAT/SAT Prep, high school writing, math and science classes, as well as for-credit math courses. Elementary classes include math and language arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), architecture, robotics, visual and performing arts, and more! Gifted and talented reading, writing and math courses, as well as specialized CREATE (Creative Engineering and Tinkering Experiences) Workshops provide dynamic opportunities for critical and creative thinking and collaborating for grades 1- 6. Interactive preschool programs for 4-and 5-year-olds engage bright and busy young learners with eight weeks of dynamic 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 an online brochure/application and to register for an open house. Ranney School is located at 235 Hope Road,Tinton Falls.

 Yellow Duck Preparatory Yellow Duck Preparatory Rumson Country Day School emphasizes challenging academics and a wellrounded education, teaching life skills in a safe and secure environment.They get the best out of every student by teaching them to become independent thinkers.The curriculum and talented teaching staff are laserfocused on cultivating analytical and creative young minds in grades K-8, including a robust academic program for students with learning differences.Through exceptional athletics, creative arts and a family-oriented culture, they nurture children as they develop into kind, honest, responsible and respectful citizens. Students forge priceless relationships with faculty and classmates during their formative years on the beautiful campus, sharing values and experiences that last a lifetime.The school is offering a brand-new series of enrichment programs this summer for pre-k through ninth-grade students. Visit www.rcds.org/summer to learn more.

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 enjoyable for all ages.All of the camps 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 all-around adventure with one of the summer camps.There is something at Rutgers Prep for every child. For more information about all of the camps and summer school classes, visit www.rutgersprep.org or call 732-545-5600.

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 NJCSA 04 soccer programs along with coaching the U20 Men’s National Team 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.

Friendships begin at the Temple Shaari Emeth Early Learning Center and last a lifetime. Shaari Emeth’s Parent & Me program for children ages 3-30 months offers interactive experiences for children and their parents or other caretakers. New and supportive friendships are encouraged while you and your child learn songs, play instruments and participate in fun activities.Your child will be introduced to his or her Jewish heritage through songs and stories.This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your baby to strengthen your bond while the teachers create a calm and soothing experience. As your child grows, Shaari Emeth’s programs adapt to his or her changing developmental needs.Transition classes are offered with a supportive environment that allows for easy separation, making preschool an easy next step. Music, free play, bubble fun and puppetry are favorites, and a giant, colorful parachute evokes squeals of delight. In Shaari Emeth’s preschool and full-day kindergarten, a warm and nurturing atmosphere is provided, and the hands-on director, Jayne Lieberman, makes sure your child gets plenty of personal attention.The staff is fully licensed and dedicated to the success of every child.As students grow, Shaari Emeth’s curriculum adapts to meet developmental markers and guidelines. Each age level has a specific age-appropriate curriculum infused with academics, arts, discovery time and spirituality. Programming exceeds the requirements of the state and surrounding school districts, and students are fully prepared for public school when they graduate. Students also experience the joy of sharing Shabbat with Shaari Emeth’s Rabbi Panken and Cantor Siet.Trips, special events, holidays and celebrations round out your child’s experience. Days and hours are flexible, and the needs of parents are also met by optional early drop-off and late pick-up hours. Pizza, bagel, and chicken tenders lunches are offered and the Friday challah program is always a favorite. Shaari Emeth’s indoor gym and large, enclosed outdoor playground offer students the opportunity for exercise and major motor skill development while the well-equipped classrooms have a wide variety of manipulatives to address fine motor skills. Summer Camp at Shaari Emeth is a wonderful experience for children ages 2-6, and for the last two summers has completely sold out. Shaari Emeth’s staff is warm and loving and the staff-to-camper ratio is unbeatable. Summer camp runs for seven weeks on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays, days and weeks are flexible and there are full- and half-day sessions.Temple Shaari Emeth is a progressive, egalitarian Reform congregation and interfaith families are welcome. For more information and a tour, contact Jayne Lieberman at 732-462-3264 or jlieberman@shaariemeth.org. Shaari Emeth’s website is www.shaariemeth.org.

Temple Shaari Emeth’s Hebrew School rocks! Shaari Emeth’s goal for their K-12, one-day-per-week Hebrew School students is to develop a positive Jewish identity in a fun, community-oriented and warm environment. This encourages lifelong friendships and active membership in the Jewish community. Students learn to read and understand Hebrew and develop an appreciation for Jewish holidays, liturgy, ceremonies and traditions.Above all, Shaari Emeth instills Jewish values.The school’s success in teaching Hebrew comes from a mixture of careful classroom instruction with the students’ own enthusiastic use of online activities and assessment features. Shaari Emeth’s warm and friendly clergy is personally involved with every student’s education.Temple Shaari Emeth is a full-service Reform synagogue, with family education, events, religious services and outstanding activities in which Jewish identity is strengthened and great friendships blossom. Interfaith families are welcome. Shaari Emeth’s Hebrew School fully prepares students for Bar or Bat Mitzvah and for Confirmation, but a Jewish education is much more than that. Shaari Emeth provides the support of a full Jewish community. Shaari Emeth instills Jewish values, Shaari Emeth pursues social justice, and Shaari Emeth provides the preparation for a life of Jewish learning, to ensure a Jewish future. To register your child, call director Janis Knight at 732-462-4245, or email her at jknight@shaariemeth.org. Shaari Emeth’s web site is www.shaariemeth.org.

Yellow Duck Preparatory is a private, early childhood school located in Manalapan for children ages 2 ½ through 5 as well as fullday 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, in addition to the dynamic academic curriculum, are what makes the school so successful. Students look forward to an exciting day of learning through letter recognition, phonics, reading, math, science and social studies and interactive learning through educational computer games. Full-day kindergarten students excel in every area of learning because the academic program remains on the cutting edge of teaching methods with the use of Smart Boards, from common core math to language arts, reading, social studies and hands-on 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 director Robin Slad for a personal tour at 732- 446-4700.Yellow Duck Preparatory School is located at 139 Pinebrook Road, Manalapan.