Summertime, and the activities are enriching

On Aug. 10, members of the school community of Bishop McHugh Regional School in Cape May Court House went to the beach in Sea Isle City, and they settled by the flag in the sand with their school name. Blue letters on a yellow flag: Bishop McHugh.

It was the school’s “Beach Blast,” an afternoon to celebrate the closing days of summer. Not that every day at the school was a vacation through the summer, as it was one of many schools to offer a summer enrichment program based on STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts and mathematics).

Likewise, the PTA of Saint Joseph Regional School in Hammonton is hosting a Back to School Pool Party, following the school’s enrichment activities that included Camp Invention and Cooking and Art Camps run by parent volunteers.

From improving the physical plant, to sports clinics to academic camps, many schools are busy places during the summer months.

Typical was the summer camp at Guardian Angels Regional School in Gibbstown that ran eight weeks for students from Pre-K to sixth grade.

“The students who attended this camp had a fantastic time,” said Marcie Voight, advancement director. “Each week had a different theme and the students enjoyed learning about animals, the ocean, and space while also enjoying fun snacks and outdoor activities.”

Many schools have include a spiritual component to their summer activities. On Aug. 8, the campers of Saint Michael the Archangel Regional School, Clayton, “filled balloons with personal messages and released them to heaven.”

The school’s Warrior Camp had 10 themed weeks, including God is the Highest Power. The children had the opportunity to write prayerful messages by hand, and then place them in their balloons. Some of the messages included “I will pray for your family,” “Jesus loves you” and many more. Mr. Williams, the camp director, gathered the students around and said a prayer, while the campers released their balloons.

“The children really took their time deciding what their notes will say,” said Mr. Williams. “We are hoping someone will be blessed to receive these balloon messages.”