Wall, NJ (March 5, 2019) – YMCA Camp Zehnder is offering a variety of camp programs and seasonal jobs to give local children and teenagers opportunities to learn, grow and thrive this summer. Interested families, teens and adults are encouraged to attend an upcoming open house or job fair to learn more about the 2019 summer camp season, which runs June 17 to August 30.
“The Y is committed to helping young people grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically in our summer camp programs,” said President and CEO Laurie Goganzer.
From activities that develop interest in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math – to adventures such as archery, biking, climbing, kayaking and swimming, the outdoor day camp is a place of discovery for children of all ages, Goganzer said.
Camp Zehnder also serves as a first job for scores of local teens and young adults who work as camp counselors and lifeguards. Many of the summer staff return year after year to help provide enriching experiences to campers, said Tricia Kline, camp director. “Working at Camp Zehnder is more than job, it’s a chance to be a role model and make a lasting impact on children,” she said.
A series of open houses, job fairs and family activities are planned for March through June, Kline said. Families are invited to stop by the camp to meet the staff and take a tour, while job seekers 16 and older who are interested in working at Camp Zehnder are welcome to take a tour and complete a job application, she added.
The outdoor day camp is located on 140 scenic acres in Wall Township and features a beach-front lake, two pools, KaBOOM! playground, nature center, climbing wall, biking trails and zip line. It is open to children ages 3-15. Teen campers enjoy frequent excursions to local venues such as Fireball Mountain and area beaches.
This summer, Camp Zehnder is introducing new camp groups, Kline said. “Campers will rotate through a variety of activities including traditional favorites like nature hikes, boating, fishing, and team-building games, in addition to a new progressive programming format to provide age-appropriate activities for each child,” she said.
Specialty swim camps are also available in 1-week sessions beginning June 24. In addition, the Y is partnering with the Family Resource Network to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 5-15 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Called, Camp NOVA at Camp Zehnder, the summer program offers a fully integrated and independent camping experience under the guidance of certified behavior specialists from Autism Family Services and will be available July 15-19 and Aug 26-30.
“Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends,” Goganzer said, “but few environments are as special as camp, where kids learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.”
Y camps are based on the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Families who register by April 27, 2019 for six or more weeks of camp will receive 10 percent savings on each week. Financial assistance is available to families in need based on a sliding scale while funds are available.
Registration is available online.
YMCA Camp Zehnder is located at 3911 Herbertsville Road. Following is the schedule for all upcoming Open House and Job Fairs:
2019 OPEN HOUSE & JOB FAIR DATES
| Saturday, March 9 | 9 a.m. -12 p.m. | Open House (Job Fair 11:30-12:30) |
| Saturday, March 23 | 12 -1 p.m. | Spring Hike |
| Saturday, April 13 | 9 a.m. -12 p.m. | Open House (Job Fair 11:30-12:30) |
| Sunday, April 14 | 12– 2 p.m. | Egg Dive |
| Saturday, April 27 | 9 a.m. -12 p.m. | Healthy Kids Day |
| Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Camp Clean Up & Volunteer BBQ |
| Saturday, June 8 | 9 a.m. -12 p.m. | Open House (Job Fair 11:30-12:30) |
For more information about Camp Zehnder and the 2019 camp season, call 732.836.9177 or e-mail summerfun@cymca.org.
About The Community YMCA
The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County, NJ through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, summer day camp, teen leadership, arts enrichment, health and wellness and personal and family counseling. In 2018, the Y provided $830,000 in financial assistance and program subsidies to strengthen 2,590 children and families in Monmouth County.
