Summer Camp... Already?!

Amy Scott, of Haddon Township, grew up in Haddonfield. She has several reasons for planning summer activities early. It is her nature to be a very organized household leader, for starters.

“My problem is that I’m afraid everything will be full or I’ll miss the deadline," Scott said. "I send all my registrations in as soon as I get them.”

She and other area parents are thinking ahead. Think summer. Think summer camp.

At this point, she said, those families hoping to participate in any kind of overnight camp or day camp are probably already registered.  Scott said that the overnight camp her kids attend in Medford has already signed up returning campers for this summer.

Scott can expect to either be hosting her husband’s family from Scotland for a couple weeks over the summer, or to be in Scotland herself. She plans activities for her three children around those visits.

Elizabeth Hoover, a Haddonfield parent with elementary school-aged children said, “Beechwood verification was due yesterday. You have to know what you are doing. You can still change things, but they need a commitment."

Other camps, like local church Bible schools, are starting their advertising and getting registrations out to preschool families and members of the congregations. It is a good time to call around and see when your church or favorite Bible school is scheduled for this year so you can get on the list or mark your calendar.

Betsy Baumhauer, a secretary of the Haddonfield Presbyterian Church, said the church has been getting calls about the Vacation Bible School.

“We coordinate with Grace Episcopal, and participation fills up,” she said.

The two churches combine numbers on a first come, first served basis. Donna Cashman, director of Christian education at First Presbyterian Church said this year’s theme is RENEW: The Green VBS (Vacation Bible School). The camp is held in the air-conditioned  Grace Episcopal Church and runs from July 11 through 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration opens April 25.

The Markeim Arts Center has been hosting summer camps for generations of Haddonfield residents. According to Liz Madden, managing director for the Markeim, this summer continues that tradition, with some new offerings.

“The two biggest things that are new this summer are teen art evenings and the option of extended day camps so parents can truly use the art center as their summer care.”

She said that the Teen Art Fest , as it is billed, is being offered from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with studio time for teens. Extended day for younger children can be added to class offerings from 8 to 9 a.m. or  4 to 5:30 p.m.

So whether you are a planner or were planning to wing it, here is a run-down of day camps, classes and recreation activities in Haddonfield and the surrounding towns that Patch heard about from local parents.

Keep in mind that summer recreation programs sponsored by the borough and summer enrichment programs directed by the school district are published in April and May. Check the borough and public school websites for more information about those brochures as they become available.

There are many more out there. If you are a camp provider or a parent, feel free to post other ideas for summer fun and enrichment here at haddonfield.patch.com.

Overnight and Day Camps:

YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Camp Matollionequay and Lake Stockwell, Medford, NJ ycamp.org/camp.php

Cub Scout Summer Camp, Pine Hill, NJ snjscouting.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=24196&orgkey=2227

Day Camps:

Beechwood School of Haddonfield Summer Camp, Haddonfield, NJ, phone: 856-429-0303 thebeechwoodschool.com

Haddonfield Friends Summer Camp, Haddonfield haddonfieldfriends.org

Markeim Arts Center, Haddonfield, markeimartcenter.org/contact.html

Vacation Bible School Programs:

First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, held mornings the first full week of August, firstbaptisthaddonfield.org

Grace Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, July 11-15 from 9 a.m. to noon at Grace Episcopal Church in Haddonfield: theme is RENEW: The Green VBS. gracehaddon.org and haddonfieldpres.org

Haddonfield United Methodist Church, June 26-30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: theme is Christmas in July. haddonfieldumc.com

Open Door Alliance Church, Voorhees, NJ, phone: 856-424-3556, week of July 18-22 from 9 a.m. to noon: theme is MegaSports Camp, rediscovergod.org

Other Offerings:

Collingswood Youth Theater: Summer program culminates in the presentation of a full production, students from towns outside of Collingswood accepted. collingswood.com

Haddonfield Adult School, Haddonfield, haddonfieldadultschool.org

Haddonfield Plays and Players, Stage Kidz Summer Camp, haddonfieldplayers.com/stagekidz

Sewing classes at The Little Shop for Quilting, Haddonfield, NJ phone: 856-429-7573, owner Debbie Hansen.

Afternoon sessions from 4 to 6 p.m. for one week from Monday to Thursday, beginner and project camps, six children per class. See website or call shop for more information in April. thelittleshopforquilting.com