Stafford Summer Camps Specialize in Science, Sports and More.

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP ---- No longer just about soccer or baseball, township residents and non-residents can register their children for more than a dozen specialty camps over the summer, according to Jason Hazelton, Supervisor of Children’s Programs for the township Recreation Department.

A popular new camp this year is the Marine Science camp that is described as being “hands on and feet wet,” as children from Grades 2-8 will travel out into both salt and freshwater eco-systems.

The first session for this camp has already been filled, but a second session will be held from Aug.6-10 from 9 am to 2 pm.

Another new camp this year focuses on Running and Fitness and is held along with the South Jersey Running and Triathlon Company. It is open to children from ages 7-12.

The camp will covers issues such as nutrition and stretching and teach some basic physiology and anatomy. Each of the two sessions will end with a 5-K race and awards ceremony.

There are a host of other sports and fitness camps, said Hazelton. Multi-sports will cover 15 sports from around the world, future Lords and Ladies of the dance can learn the Irish steps, and the Bike Camp will be run by Officer Chris Fritz, a Stafford Police Department Bike Patrol Officer.

Those entering 7th grade might want to ask Officer Fritz about the police department’s Summer Youth Police Academy.

Sports specific camps include soccer, tennis, lacrosse and filed hockey for children on average between ages 6-14.Many sports camp also have mini versions call Squirts for children between ages 3-5.

Those kids looking to exercise their brains as well as their bodies, Mad Scientist camps will cover space travel, CSI investigations techniques as well as topics in medicine and chemistry.

An extremely popular camp each year said Hazelton is the Pony Camp which is offered at two levels for 4-6 years olds and 7-13 years old. In addition to riding, children will learn about tack and harness, equine sense, grooming and animal care from qualified instructions from PonyShare.

Most camps will be held at the Ocean Acres Community Center at 489 Nautilus Drive.   

Hazelton said there is still limited registration available for the department’s day camp and field trips. This would depend mostly on if there are days where the camp is light in attendance or there are openings for a specific trip.

For more information, fees, restrictions and registration visit the Recreation Department at:   http://twp.stafford.nj.us/departments/recreation/childrens-programs/

Contact Hazelton at 609-597-1000 ext. 8578 or email jhazelton@staffordnj.gov for information on how to register.

Registration is open to all; however there is a 10% surcharge for those that are not residents of property owners in Stafford Township.