FRANKLIN TWP YMCA’s CAMP SOAR at COLONIAL PARK
Hosted by Franklin Twp YMCA
Camp SOAR provides a Summer of Outdoor Adventure and Recreation. The Y’s Camp SOAR offers children a robust camp experience that takes advantage of the outdoor opportunities afforded at Colonial Park, as well as other experiences that the Y integrates into all of its camp programs, such as STEM, literacy, arts and crafts, sports, physical activity, team-building, social-emotional learning, and character-building activities.
Our camp directors have been hard at work whipping up a memorable experience for all our campers. Get ready to enjoy the familiar, fun, and exciting summer day camp experience you’ve come to expect from the Y, including:
- An 8-week program that runs from July 1st-August 23rd for 5 days per week
- For campers entering Kindergarten – 9th grade in September 2024
- Regular camp hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
- Before care hours: 7:00am -9:00am
- After care hours: 4:00pm-6:00pm
- Camp location: Colonial Park, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
2024 DAY CAMP OPTIONS
TRADITIONAL MULTI-ACTIVITY DAY CAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Traditional day camp is for campers entering Kindergarten – 7th grade in September 2024
- Camp SOAR’s popular, traditional multi-activity outdoor camp offers a broad array of activities that engage and entertain campers, including theme days, Mini Golf, Hiking, Pedal Boats, and the Splash Pad!
- Register for one or more weeks
- Campers build social skills and long lasting friendships through participation in individual and small group activities in the areas of Arts & Humanities and Sports & Games.
- Weekly swim time in our indoor pool at Hillsborough YMCA and transportation by bus is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel on these days.
- At Camp SOAR, we proactively address the dreaded academic summer slump by including an educational portion to the camp day with activities designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills.
- Weekly themes also add something special woven throughout the camp week.
ELIGIBLE CAMPERS
- Camp SOAR is for children entering Kindergarten through 9th grade in September 2024
- Camp Program: Children in K-7th grades
- Counselor in Training Program: Children in 8-9th grades
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation by bus will be available from a central location in each town to bring children to camp in the morning and back at the end of the camp day. Children participating in extended hours will need independent transportation.
MEALS
Meals will also be provided to participating children on camp days, Monday through Friday.
COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
Teen Option
- Camp SOAR’s signature Counselor in Training (CIT) program is for participants entering grades 8-9 in September 2024
- Register for one or more weeks
- The CIT program is designed for teens who are looking to develop skills as future leaders–with a special focus on the unique skills needed to become a camp counselor.
- Program participants will engage in select experiential opportunities such as leadership training and social responsibility projects.
- CITs gain valuable firsthand experience working with children of various ages, become skilled in behavior management, and gain a real-world perspective on what it means to run a quality camp day.
ELIGIBLE CAMPERS
- Camp SOAR is for children entering Kindergarten through 9th grade in September 2024
- Camp Program: Children in K-7th grades
- Counselor in Training Program: Children in 8-9th grades
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation by bus will be available from a central location in each town to bring children to camp in the morning and back at the end of the camp day. Children participating in extended hours will need independent transportation.
MEALS
Meals will also be provided to participating children on camp days, Monday through Friday.
Apply for Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program
If you are interested in applying for a CIT position, please complete the CIT Application below and return it to Alesha Clayton at [email protected]
NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Payment schedule
When you register for camp a $50.00 deposit will be required for each camp session that you choose. These payments will be made through our online system and require the use of a credit card. This credit card will be kept on file and used to draft the camp balances automatically on the due dates listed in your camp handbook.
Refund details
- Prior to May 1, 2024: A full refund will be given for any cancellations.
- After May 1, 2024: There will be no refund of the $50 deposit. A refund of a camp balance that has been paid will only be given if your child’s spot can be filled by another child.*
*The only exception to the refund policy is for a cancellation due to a medical reason that has been documented by a doctor.
Greater Somerset County YMCA Financial Assistance
In addition to any community subsidies families may qualify for, the Y also provides direct financial assistance to qualifying families enrolled in our child care programs. We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more.
Third party payment
Community Coordinated Child Care (4Cs) subsidy is available. To apply, please contact CCCC.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 732 – 324 – 4357 or https://www.communitychildcaresolutions.org/help-paying-for-childcare
SPOTLIGHT ON: S.P.A.C.E. FOR ALL
What is S.P.A.C.E.? It stands for swimming, play, art, community, and enrichment. We embed these signature elements across our entire camp program to create a truly holistic day camp experience for each child. It’s just one of the many ways the Y comprehensively supports the development of the whole child while they are here with us.
SPOTLIGHT ON: OUR CAMP COUNSELORS
Every one of our camps is staffed with counselors who are not only well trained and qualified for child supervision, but love being part of camp just as much as our campers. In fact, many of our campers later pursue our Counselor-in-Training camp and then become counselors and full time Y staff members.
WHY CHOOSE THE Y
Caring, Well-Trained Staff
Our staff is comprised of caring, nurturing individuals who are required to complete a minimum of twelve hours of on-going training on an annual basis and are certified in First Aid and CPR.
Committed to Your Child’s Safety
In an effort to continually improve the safety and security of our YMCA, we utilize a system called Raptor which instantly screens visitors against registered sex offender databases in all 50 states. This is in addition to sex offender screenings the Y regularly conducts on all members, participants, and staff. All authorized pick-ups must present a state or government issued photo ID every time when picking up a child.
For the Best Summer Ever
Give your kids a life-changing experience! Each summer, the Y inspires kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead, and make lasting friendships. Together, our proven programs and trained counselors deliver meaningful and memorable camp experiences that keep families coming back year after year. Our day camps welcome all kids to discover who they are and imagine who they can be, with programs that foster lifelong skills, build self-confidence, and create friendships.
Well-Rounded Structure
At the Y, we know that when kids are given an opportunity to accomplish things, make friends, and feel like they belong, they are comfortable expressing individuality and feel more confident, connected, and supported. We focus on these youth development areas to ensure that kids in our day camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed, that they can’t wait to come back the next day.
Y For All
We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. In addition to any community subsidies families may qualify for, the Y also provides direct financial assistance to qualifying families enrolled in our child care programs—made possible through the generosity of our Y’s Annual Campaign donors and proceeds from special fundraising events. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more.