Registration is now open for multiple age-specific programs
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
We still have weeks to go before the phrases “arctic blast” and “snow squall” are eliminated from meteorologists’ forecasts for good, but Lower Southampton Township is already looking ahead to brighter, warmer days.
Earlier this month, registration officially opened for the township’s Summer Day Camps, which this year will run for nine weeks from June 17 to Aug. 16 at three locations — Russell Elliott Memorial Park on Buck Road, Dolphin Swim Club, 260 W. Bristol Road, and Joseph E. Ferderbar Elementary School, 300 Heights Lane.
An additional week of camp will be made available through Aug. 24 for families who are interested, and no camp will be held on Thursday, July 4.
“This year’s camps will feature a full share of recreational and fun activities, crafts, instructional enrichment and entertaining cultural excursions,” said Matt Gilbert, parks and recreation director. “Our programs have been meticulously designed to allow every child the opportunity to grow and mature through a series of professionally supervised programs and activities embracing physical development, socialization, teamwork and camaraderie.”
According to Gilbert, Lower Southampton’s camp programming has significantly grown since he and his sister attended nearly 35 years ago.
“At that time, we used to only run it at the Poquessing Middle School and now, the program has grown to three different locations with seven different camps,” he said.
The Summer Day Camps are divided into a series of age-segmented groups, starting with the Pioneer Camp for children ages 3 to 5 years, which is located at Russell Elliot Memorial Park. Discovery Camp for ages 5 to 12 years and 7 to 12 years runs simultaneously at the Dolphin Swim Club and Ferderbar. Teen Camp for ages 13 years and older is also located at the Dolphin Swim Club.
“For all the age groups, the specifics, whether it be arts and crafts, a game, sports, swimming, they’re all geared toward the abilities and interests of the age-segmented group,” Gilbert explained.
Each program lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5:15 p.m., there will be a cost of $20 for every additional 15 minutes the child is present. Though it’s not mandatory campers attend all nine weeks, with flexibility offered, registration fees are for the full duration.
“We don’t do any type of partial camp session,” Gilbert said.
Last summer, campers enjoyed several field trips, which included laser tag and visits to AMC Neshaminy 24 and Palace Roller Skating Center. Gilbert said he intends to conduct the same trips for 2019, and dates will be announced after registration closes in June.
In addition, there is a Counselor-In-Training Program for 13- and 14-year-olds at Dolphin Swim Club and Ferderbar Elementary. Lasting two years, the program is designed for young adults who have an interest in working with children when they turn 15, the minimum age for hire.
“It’s been a great success. It’s been a very rewarding feeling seeing how many of those CITs who come through the program are counselors today and have been for several years,” Gilbert said, adding that many participants attended the Summer Day Camps when they were kids.
The registration deadline for all programs is Monday, June 3, at 4 p.m. Registrations with a $100 fee increase will be accepted until Friday, June 7, at 4 p.m. No registrations will be accepted after this date.
Special resident rates are offered to those living in Lower and Upper Southampton townships and the 19053 ZIP Code. Cost is $840 for the season with a $210 first installment required. The non-resident rate is $1,108 per child with a $277 first installment required. Payment plans are available.
A digital registration system is available at lowersouthamptontownship.orgunder the “parks and recreation” section. The manual paper system is also accepted. A full camp payment schedule and further information, such as lunch details and photographs, can be viewed online or obtained by calling 215–357–7300, Ext. 340. The Lower Southampton Parks and Recreation Department is headquartered at 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
