By Becca Gutwirth, School Age Child Care Director

When schools are closed, there’s something for everyone at School’s Out at Camp. On November 7 and 8, we welcomed 45 students, ages 5-12, from Medford, Medford Lakes, Tabernacle, Shamong, and Mount Laurel. Students started Day 1 at the Ockanickon Dining Hall with board and card games, Legos, loom bands, coloring and more. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, potato coins, cereal, yogurt and fruit, our School’s Out staff was joined by staff from the YMCA of the Pines Outdoor Center. Before and after lunch, students rotated through three stations, getting to enjoy the giant swing, an emergency preparedness nature hike and archery. In the afternoon, students also had the opportunity to expend their energy at the Cherokee Beach playground and then return to the dining hall for more games and crafts.

On Day 2, we welcomed back many of the same participants, along with some new friends. Students had the choice of the climbing wall, the static elements on the ropes course, or a hayride to the playground and rock-throwing range on the Camp Matollionequay side of the property. It was a cold, cold day and after lunch, students had the opportunity to make s’mores by the fire, create fall fingerprint tees, and build Lego vignettes. Students also had the chance to play in the Rohrer Sport Court, and those who stayed after the early sunset even had a flashlight disco dance party!

While the activities at each School’s Out at Camp vary, there is always something for everyone. Our next School’s Out at Camp isn’t until President’s Weekend in February, but our Winter Camp will offer many of the same opportunities  for kids to play in the woods. Sign up now at ycamp.org

 

Note: Winter Camp (more info here)  takes place when schools are closed for the winter/holiday break as follows:

  • Sleepaway Camp / Ages 7-16 – Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31
  • Day Camp / Ages 5-14 – Friday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 30