For First Time In A Decade, Asbury Park Summer Camps Will Be Full Day

ASBURY PARK, NJ — For the first time in more than 10 years, the city of Asbury Park will offer full-day summer camps for children this summer.

Asbury Park is able to offer the full-day camp through a combination of a Workforce Development grant from the state of New Jersey, the city's Rodeo for Recreation fundraiser, held in April at the Stone Pony, and "careful planning," said Asbury Park city spokesman Nate McCallister.

It is the first time in more than a decade that Asbury Park has been able to offer a full-day summer camp to local children, in kindergarten through seventh grade.

The city and the school district used to offer a joint summer program, where the school district offered summer school in the morning and the city provided recreation in the afternoon, making for a full day.

But about 10 years ago, budget cuts from the state meant the Asbury Park school district could no longer afford to offer summer school classes, and the city could not sustain a full-day program on its own, given the staffing costs involved, said McCallister.

The city is happy to offer a full-day camp again this year.

"This is a fantastic deal for our families," said Mayor John Moor. "A lot of parents told us a half day just wasn't cutting it. I want to thank Leesha Floyd and everyone who supported the Rodeo for Recreation for making this happen. I couldn't be more proud of what we put together for our children this summer."

The camp runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The program is open to current kindergartners through current 7th graders and will be held at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Pre-registration is required and slots are limited. Registration is available at City Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program includes lunch and admission fees for most trips. Outings may include bowling, movies, Pt. Pleasant Aquarium and rides, waterparks, a visit to American Dream mall, beach trips and Hurricane Harbor. Payment plans and scholarships are available. For more information, contact Leesha Floyd at 732-502-5759 or recreation@asburypark.gov.

The city's Rodeo for Recreation fundraiser was held April 30 and honored Dan and Christina Smith, who are community leaders in Asbury Park; Dan is a Little League coach and sits on the board of the Asbury Park Little League. The charity fundraiser had one goal: To ensure no Asbury Park child is turned away from summer camp.

"This expansion reflects the kind of thoughtful, community-driven programming that makes Asbury Park special," said city manager Adam Cruz. "We are committed to providing quality recreational opportunities for our young residents, and this is a meaningful step forward."