This camp is for children entering grades 1 through 6 as of the Fall of 2023. It runs for six weeks beginning July 5 ending August 11. Children will enjoy a variety of supervised activities including games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and field trips.  This camp will run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with pre and after care available. The camp is run in six, 1-week sessions. You can sign up for one, any, or all of the weeks.

Click here for flyer with all of the camp information.

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 meets at the 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 (Friday, July 7)

Week 2 – Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ (4pm return)

Week 3 – Sea Life Aquarium/Lego Land, East Rutherford, 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. 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 – Flavian Mind Reader (Wednesday, July 5)

Week 2 – Dinosaurs Rock

Week 3 – Edible Art (Christmas in July)

Week 4 – Paths to Rhythm Drumming

Week 5 – Cloverland Petting Zoo

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

*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. 

9:00am – 3:00pm, daily.

Chester Township and Borough Residents

Week 1 - $295 per child (No camp on Monday & Tuesday, July 3 & 4)

Weeks 2–6 - $380 per child per week 

Chester Township and Borough Residents – 

Registration will open 6:00am, Wednesday, February 22

Nonresidents – (Nonresident fee will apply)

Registration will open 6:00am, Friday, March 17.

Enrollment is on a first come first served basis. Registration will close on June 22 or as each week fills. There will be wait lists if sessions fill. 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 15 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 15 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 Pam Wilson, Program Director at Summercamp@chestertownship.org. CIT positions are only available to students 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.