The Chester Township Summer Recreation Day Camp runs for six weeks, June 29-August 7, 2026.  It is for children entering 1st grade through 6th grade as of the Fall of 2026 (must have completed kindergarten). Children will enjoy a variety of supervised activities including games, arts and crafts, swimming, entertainment, and field trips. You may sign up for one week or any number of weeks of camp, depending on availability. 

We take Credit Cards and eChecks!

Pam Wilson will be returning once again this year as our Summer Recreation Program Director.

The camp is divided into 4 groups with a 1:5 staff to child ratio. Groups will be combined as follows:

• Group 1 – first graders (20 per week)
• Group 2 – second graders (20 per week)
• Group 3 – third and fourth graders (15 each grade per week)
• Group 4 – fifth and sixth graders (15 each grade per week)

The camp will meet at Black River Middle School, 133 North Road, Chester.

Swimming - The campers will enjoy 3 days a week at the Chester Area Pool. Swim days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Children should be prepared to swim on those days. Swim lessons are not included. 

Field Trips -Campers are transported on air conditioned school buses for Field Trips every Wednesday. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Week 1 – Circle Bowl, Ledgewood NJ/Mini Golf, Flanders, NJ

Week 2 – Medieval Times, Lyndhurst, NJ

Week 3 – iPlay America, Freehold, NJ (4pm return)

Week 4 – Rock-n-Air, East Brunswick, NJ

Week 5 – Dreamworks Water Park, East Rutherford, NJ (4pm return)

Week 6 – Camelbeach (5pm return), Tannersville, PA

Trips are subject to change. Please note that if you choose not to send your child on the field trip, no alternate program is offered. All staff members attend the field trips with the children. Therefore, you will need to make other arrangements for your child on the day of field trips. 

Special Entertainment/Activities – Special entertainment and activities are brought in every Monday to engage the campers. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Week 1 – Paths to Rhythm Drumming

Week 2 – NJ Snakeman

Week 3 – Dinosaurs Rock

Week 4 – HollyRock

Week 5 – Roots and River

Week 6 – Inflatables (slide, obstacle course, bounce house)

Activities subject to change. 

Daily Activities -Campers enjoy various activities while at the camp specially geared toward each age group. Groups will rotate from Gym, Art, Music, and Games in addition to the above additional activities. 

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.

Before Care and After Care are also available. Before Care is available any time 7:30am to 9:00am. After Care is available anytime 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The rates for Before Care and After Care are $15 per child per hour.

Chester Township and Borough Residents – Registration will open 6:00am, Wednesday, March 11

Nonresidents – (Nonresident fee will apply) Registration will open 6:00am, Wednesday, March 25.

Camp Fees are as follows: Week 1 - $350 per child (No camp on Thursday & Friday, July 2 & 3) Weeks 2–6 - $465 per child per week

Enrollment is on a first come first served basis. Registration will close on June 22 or as each week fills. A nonrefundable deposit of $50 per child per session is due immediately.* If paying by credit card or eCheck, you may do so online.  If you are paying by cash or check, you must come to the Recreation Office. Registration will not be considered accepted until payment or deposit is received. Final payment is due on time or an additional $50 late fee will be charged.  Payment must be made in full to secure enrollment and there will be no refunds for cancellations after closing date or days missed during camp. 

Register at https://register.communitypass.net/chestertwp

Each child will need a lunch and beverage in an insulated container as there is no access to a refrigerator, and sunscreen and water bottle(s). They will need a swimsuit and towel for swim days. Each camper will be required to sign a code of conduct agreement.  

For Counselor in Training (CIT) and Counselor positions, please email the Program Director at Summercamp@chestertownship.org. CIT positions are only available to students 14 and 15 years of age and entering 9^th grade or higher and have completed two recent years in the Summer Recreation Program. There is a fee of $150 if selected to be a CIT. All other positions are for 16 years old and up. 

Please contact the Recreation Director, Ted Ernst by either email at ternst@chestertownship.org or call 908-879-5100 x876.