Patch Picks: Summer Camps for Shore Kids

Spring may be barely beginning, but summer camp sign-ups are in full swing. Whether your youngster is looking for a ropes course adventure, acting lessons or a little extra attention to help build social skills, we've got suggestions.

• The Strand Theater School of the Arts Summer Theater Workshop, 303 Fourth St., Lakewood, 732-367-7789

Type: Theater day camp

Who it’s for: Theater buffs and singers of all experience levels who want to learn more about acting, vocal techniques, onstage movement and teamwork through rehearsals, games and activities, all culminating in a performance. First- through eighth-graders attend half-day sessions, high schoolers attend full-day camp.

Ages: 7 to 18

Website: www.strand.org

• Camp Excel, 1110 Route 71, Spring Lake Heights, 732-281-0275

Type: Six-week day camp

Who it’s for: Kids with ADD/ADHD looking for a fun environment where they can develop problem-solving and communication skills that will help them build self-esteem. Social skills lessons are woven into daily activities like sports, arts and crafts, swimming and trips.

Ages: 5 to 17

Website: www.campexcel.com/index.htm

• Camp Sacajawea, 242 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale, 732-938-5454 and Amity Acres Day Camp, Jones Road, Waretown, 732-751-2755

Type: Outdoor day camps for girls and their siblings

Who it’s for: Adventuresome girls interested in nature activites, performing arts, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, climbing, canoeing and horseback riding. The camps are operated by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. Boys ages 5 through 11 who have sisters in camp can also attend their own partner program.

Ages: 4 to 15

Website: www.sacajaweadaycamp.com; www.amityacresdaycamp.com

• Pine Grove Day Camp, 4010 Herbertsville Road, Wall, 732-938-3760

Type: Outdoor day camp

Who it’s for: Kids looking for a classic summer camp experience, from swimming to archery to performing arts. Travel and service programs are also available for older kids, taking teens from New Orleans, La. to the Quileute reservation at La Push, Washington and even to Costa Rica.

Website: www.pinegrovedaycamp.com

• LBI Foundation of the Arts & Sciences Summer Children’s Programs, 120 Long Beach Boulevard, Loveladies, 609-494-1241

Type: Arts and sciences day camps at the beach

Who it’s for: Kids interested in art exploration and/or science studies. Art programs offer age-appropriate instruction in ceramics, photography, painting and drawing, fiber arts and theater. There’s also a natures studies camp for kids ages 7 to 9 and a marine biology camp for those ages 10 to 12 that get young scientists out exploring wetlands, beach and bay.

Ages: 3 to 16

Website: www.lbifoundation.org

Still looking for more options? Check out YMCA programs in Monmouth and Ocean counties, and contact Ocean and Monmouth parks and recreation departments for upcoming summer events and activities for kids.