Middletown Cancels All Summer Camps 'With Great Sadness'

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown announced Thursday that all summer camps for summer 2020 will be canceled.

More than 500 Middletown families had already signed up to have their child attend camp this summer. All will be given full refunds.

"It is with great sadness that I announce to you all we will not be running any of our Summer Recreation Camp programs for 2020, including all outsourced programs," said Middletown Recreation Director Janet Dellett. "With so much uncertainty, it is simply not possible to be able to offer a quality, fun camp experience while adhering to the brief guidelines offered in order to decrease the risk of infection."

"The only way we can truly ensure no child in our care is exposed to this virus is to not hold camp," she added.

She said anyone who signed up for camp and would like to continue will receive a“Camp in a Box” adventure kit in exchange for the cost of the required t-shirts, "in an effort to offer your child some type of fun for the summer."

Each box will include an online portion:

- Limited edition “Camp in a Box” t-shirt
- Dossier with weekly instructions and challenges
- Over 30 fun and unique items and activities that tie into the weekly themes. Themes include:
Week 1 - Patriotism: USA themed crafts and activities
Week 2 - Fossil Hunting: trowel, shark tooth
Week 3 - Essential Camp Skills: crafts and playing cards
Week 4 - Russell Traveling Duck: scavenger hunt and rubber duckie
Week 5 - Nature BioBlitz: bug boxes and track guide
Week 6 - Art for Everyone: sketch pad, water colors
Week 7 - Let’s Get Physical: jump rope, work dice
Week 8 - Science of Water: water testing kit
Week 9 - STEM Building Challenge: craft sticks and connectors

Everyone will get a full refund, less the $18 for the t-shirts which will be applied towards the “Camp in a Box” program. There is no need to fill out a refund application.