Recreation Department Gearing Up For Busy Summer

With spring just getting underway, preparations are already in full swing for the summer camp programs led by the Howell Township Recreation department.

Starting on July 5, the five week program will kick off in two locations for area residents in kindergarten through fifth grade. Running four days a week, the camp will be in session from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with campers taking part in a variety of activities.

Days at the camp will be spent with campers taking part in arts and crafts projects, playing outside, theme days, sports and much more. 

The camp program splits the town into two sections. The "Summer Camp North," is held at Middle School North and is open to students at Aldrich, Adelphia, Ardena, Land O'Pines and Griebling Schools. 

"Summer Camp South," is held at Middle School South, and takes students from Newbury, Taunton, Ramtown and Greenville Schools. The more southern camp also hosts a S.T.A.R. program for "special needs children who are currently enrolled in self-contained classes," according to a release from the recreation department. 

Summer may seem a long way away considering Monday's dreary weather, but the recreation department is holding early bird registration starting on Monday, March 28 when residents will be able to save $25 off the cost of the camp. The early bird registration runs through April 29 at the Recreation Building on Preventorium Road.  As of May 9 the registration fee will be $205.

The registration fees do not include trips and special activities, and lunch and transportation are not provided by the camp. Parents are also asked to provide a snack and beverage to enrolled campers on a daily basis. The registration runs until June 10, and the fee can now be paid by credit card. 

For the older Howell residents, the recreation department will also be holding a Counselor in Training program for 14-and 15-year old residents. The program will be held July 11th to the 28th. It runs Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $75. 

For more information on the program you can go to the recreation building or call there. The registration deadline for the counselor in training program is June 10. 

Even before the summer camp season starts, the department has plenty of other activities on the calendar for township residents. This coming Sunday, March 27, the mother/son dance will be held at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale. The cost is $35 per child and $45 per adult. For more information you can contact the recreation department at 732-938-4500 ext 2501. 

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held April 9 at Oak Glen Park from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will also include a petting zoo, games and more. It is also broken into age groups so everyone gets a fair share to get as many eggs as possible. The rain date is set for April 10. 

April 10, is also the scheduled date for the father/daughter dance, also at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club. As with the mother/son dance, the fee is $35 per child and $45 per adult. 

More information on these and other events and programs can be found on the department's website