Rutgers Summer Programs in the Arts, Academics, Athletics Offer Fun and Learning for Children and Teens

      NEW BRUNSWICK – It may seem far off, but Rutgers is already gearing up for a summer of fun for children and teens. This year's offerings include a wide assortment of classes, camp programs, field trips, athletic clinics, art classes and opportunities for academic enrichment.

For Children

•     Happy Campers, June 29 to August 21, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the Douglass Psychology Child Study Center on the Douglass College Campus in New Brunswick, Happy Campers is a program for children entering first through fourth grades. Activities include recreational swimming, gymnastics, arts and crafts, science projects, gardening, cooking and weekly trips. Fee: $300 per week, all-inclusive. Call 732-932-8881 or visit http://www.douglasschildcare.rutgers.edu/happycampers.shtml.           

•     The Lindley G. Cook 4-H Camp of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, July and August

An overnight summer camp in Stokes State Forest in Branchville offers campers boating and swimming on a private lake, outdoor education, drama, arts and crafts, shooting sports and leadership development workshops. Sessions are one week and open to those completing third through 10th grades. Teenagers who have completed ninth and 10th grades may be eligible for a counselor-in-training program. Fee: $425 per week, with discount for early registration. Call 973-948-3550 or visit http://www.nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu.

Arts Programs

•     Summer Art Camp at the Zimmerli Art Museum, weekly programs, June 29 to July 31, half- or full-day classes, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Artists, ages 7 to 14, can learn drawing, painting, watercolors, cartooning and much more. Fees: $160 half day/$345 full day per one-week session; $130/$275 for members of the museum. For information, call 732-932-7237, ext. 615, or visit http://www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu.

•     Mason Gross Preparatory School, June and July

Mason Gross offers summer programs in theater, music and dance.

o     Summer Acting Conservatory, June 29 to July 27

Talented high school students are invited to apply to the four-week conservatory acting

program taught by theater professionals. Training includes acting, movement and voice/speech as well as theater history and master classes. A musical theater track will be taught by experienced Broadway professionals. For more information, visit http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/theater/thea_programs.html.

o     Rutgers Dance Camp, July 6 to 11

Dancers ages 12 to18 may apply for intensive study in modern dance with renowned Mason Gross faculty. Students will take classes in contemporary dance, ballet, theater work, improvisation and repertory. The week includes a field trip to New York City for a dance concert and concludes with a public showing of the participants’ work. For more information, visit http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/extension/summer.html#Dance.

o     Rutgers Dance Conservatory, July 12 to 24

This two-week conservatory program is geared towards students 15 to 20 years old who plan to pursue a career in dance. Students will take classes in ballet, modern dance, improvisation and more. The program incorporates a day of master classes by New York-area artists and a field trip to the Jersey shore for relaxation. For more information, visit http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/extension/summer.html#Dance.

o     The Rutgers Summer Band and Orchestra Camp, July 19 to 24

Students in grades eight to12 participate in a week of rehearsals, group lessons and clinics under renowned conductors. The camp ends with student performances. For more information, visit http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/extension/summer.html#band.

o     Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute, July 26 to31

This program is for high school- and college-age musicians who want to improve their jazz skills. It includes listening sessions, master classes, rehearsals with the faculty of Mason Gross and a trip to New York City. Student performances conclude the camp. For more information, visit http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/extension/summer.html#jazz.

Academic Programs

•     Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics, July 6 to August 31

This residential program on Rutgers’ Busch Campus in Piscataway is designed to encourage talented high school students to consider careers in the mathematical sciences. Students will participate in instructional sessions, research projects, technology-based activities (including a Robotics Challenge) and workshops on careers in the mathematical sciences. Informal evening and recreational programs also will be provided. The program is sponsored by Rutgers Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education and the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science. Fee: $3,500 (scholarships available). Call 732-445-2825 or visit http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/ysp.

•     Douglass Science Institute Program Series, June to July

In this residential program series sponsored by the Douglass Project for Rutgers Women in Math, Science and Engineering, girls entering the ninth grade apply for the four-year program series. The program features intense, hands-on science experiences on Rutgers' Douglass Residential College Campus in New Brunswick. For more information, please contact the Douglass Project at 732-932-9197 ext. 10, or visit http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~dougproj/DPPreCollege.html.

•     SPARK (Summer Program at Rutgers for Kids), two sessions in July and August

SPARK is a summer program designed to broaden the mind and encourage creativity, discovery and a passion for learning. Children in grades five through nine are divided into three groups by grade level. Campers select from a wide range of academic courses and activities that are highly active and hands-on. Fees begin at $1,650 for a single session. For more information, visit http://www.spark.rutgers.edu .

•     TARGET (The Academy at Rutgers for Girls in Engineering and Technology), six one-week sessions, June 29-July 31.

Sponsored by the School of Engineering Office of Student Development, TARGET introduces engineering to sixth- through 11th-grade girls through hands-on workshops ranging from lip balm manufacturing to roller coaster building. Each session is geared to a different grade level. Fees range from $200 to $250. For information, call 732-445-2687, ext. 18, or visit http://www.osd.rutgers.edu/target/descr.html

Athletics

•     Scarlet Knights Sports Camps, June to August

Rutgers coaches teach summer camp programs in soccer, football and basketball. Programs also are available in baseball, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, tennis, field hockey, rowing, wrestling, swimming and volleyball. Fees and times vary. For information, visit http://www.scarletknights.com/camps.asp.

•     Rutgers Recreation, June to August

Rutgers Recreation offers a wide range of classes and trips for children throughout the year. Summer offerings include swimming, canoeing, tennis, martial arts and indoor rock climbing; facilities are also available for birthday parties. Dates, fees and times vary. For information, visit http://recreation.rutgers.edu.