Seven camp fairs are planned throughout New Jersey over the next few weeks.
It’s like a wedding show. But instead of bridezillas looking for the best photographer and DJ, families are looking for the perfect summer for their kids.
Events are free and parents are encouraged to bring their children so they can see the options for themselves.
Each fair takes place on a weekend and lasts three hours, and different camps will take place at each fair. New Jersey Childrenwhich hosts the events, invites day camps, summer camps and special interest camps from New Jersey, as well as New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet camp directors, pick up brochures and ask questions.
Parents do not need to RSVP to attend, but fill in this form will entitle you to a free gift.
2023 NJ Camp Fair Schedule (all events run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Sat. January 21: Bergen City Centre, Paramus
- Sun. January 22: Oak Knoll School, Summit
- Sat. January 28: Livingston Mall, Livingston
- Sun. January 29: Ridgewood Community Center, Ridgewood
- Sat. February 4: Quaker Bridge Mall, Princeton
- Sun. February 5: Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
- Sat. March 5: Menlo Park Mall, Edison
Many camp managers also use fairs to find staff.
NJ request for a summer camp
Oak Crest Day Camp, located in Somerset
Parents are advised not to wait until March to make decisions about summer camps.
“Overnight and day camps fill up quickly. Some already have waiting lists,” said Alicia Skovera, executive director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey.
During the dodgy COVID summers, “a whole new generation of families” tried camp, in order to get their kids out with other kids and in social settings. And many of those families continue to hold positions today.
Waiting lists typically go down, so parents shouldn’t be discouraged from trying to reserve a spot, Skovera said.
“A lot of families sign up for camp in the fall, and now they’re starting to re-evaluate their plans, they’re changing their weeks, maybe they’re dropping out,” she said.
ACA, NY & NJ offers free personalized advice to families looking for the right camp for their children, to 212-391-5208 ext. 1002.
Dino Flamia is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at [email protected]
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