Anytime a child leaves for summer camp, they gain a little independence. It can be somewhat scary for them especially if it is their first time. They will be able to make their own decisions as what to wear, choose to eat, and activities to participate in. Obviously, Camp Counselors help them make those choices. Eventually, young campers begin to learn how to make decisions by themselves. Consequently, this develops self-confidence in addition to becoming self-reliant.

While self-esteem increases through understanding how to be without any assistance, children will keep on trying new activities. They discover how to cooperate as a group by contributing with the chores as well as having others depend on them. Children then learn to share and respect one another.

American Camp Association (ACA) confirmed after a three-year study that camp experience sharpened kids’ ability to focus, lowered childhood obesity rates, established a connection to nature and allowed them to use their imagination and engage in free play for entertainment.

The Bridgewater Recreation Department here in Bridgewater, NJ offers many  summer programs as well as day camps.  A complete list of activities can be found on their website  at  http://www.bridgewaternj.gov/regformlist.htm  Registration for your child(ren) can be done right online.

In the event your child has, an individualized need due to a disability and may require a reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to successfully participate, please note it on their registration form. Someone from the Bridgewater Recreation Department, as well as a staff member from the Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation Department, will contact you for more information.

If you would like to know more about Somerset county programs or assistance, check out the Somerset County Parks Commission’s website: http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/ or call (908)722-1200 Ext. 351