The Chester Township Summer Recreation Day Camp runs for six weeks beginning July 1 and ending on August 9.  It is for children entering 1st grade through 6th grade as of the Fall of 2024 (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 now! *  See Registration for details.

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)

Due to construction at Black River Middle School, the camp this year will meet at the Bragg Elementary School, 250 Route 24, Chester.

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

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

Week 1 – Circle Bowl, Ledgewood NJ

Week 2 – Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ (4pm return)

Week 3 – Funplex, East Hanover, NJ

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

Week 5 – Medieval Times, Lyndhurst, NJ

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 Friday to engage the campers. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Week 1 – Chef-it-Up (Tuesday, July 2)

Week 2 – Paths to Rhythm Drumming

Week 3 – Kafka Petting Zoo

Week 4 – SuperScience Physics and Chemistry

Week 5 – Powerhouse Studios

Week 6 – Inflatables (Thursday August 8) 

Activities are 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.

Chester Township and Borough Residents – 

Registration will open 6:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22

Nonresidents – (nonresident fee will apply)

Registration will open 6:00 a.m., Friday, March 15.

Enrollment is on a first come first served basis. Registration will close on June 20 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 by Monday, May 20 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 May 20 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 recreation@chestertownship.org or call 908-879-5100 x876.