BODY POLITIC

SUMMER RECREATION IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

Everyone knows that Atlantic Highlands is a unique destination. Our terrain ranges from flat to hilly, residents have access to waterfront or woods, and our downtown business district offers something for everybody. As the weather warms up, the summer recreational outlets for our children are as far ranging as the town itself.

In the coming days, many Atlantic Highlands parents will be making decisions for their children’s summer activities. One of the most popular summer programs is the summer camp sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Recreation Commission. This six week program begins shortly after July 4, and is available five days per week at an extremely affordable price. The program offers bus trips, arts and crafts, as well as sports games for our youngsters.

For well over ten years, the Summer Rec program has been a success. The Recreation Commission provides a subsidy to the program guaranteeing its modest price and the commission does not turn away any interested families. Generally, enrollment is around 100 youngsters and the staff includes many teen youth counselors that participated in the camp during their younger years.

For those children that are into sports and old enough to care for themselves, the Recreation Commission is offering several weekly sports camps again this summer. There will be a field hockey camp, a tennis camp as well as a soccer camp. Sign ups for all of these great programs are under way, and additional information can be found by calling either the recreation hot line at 732-291-1444 or by visiting borough hall from Monday through Friday.

As a partner to the Recreation Commission activities, the Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program (AHSEP) is also conducting summer signups. AHSEP is a not for profit foundation sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club that offers weekly sailing instruction for youths at all levels of ability and is open to our entire community. This is a great program that gets kids interested in sailing and this year also will feature a sweeps week as well as the traditional race day for parents. Information regarding the AHSEP program is also available at borough hall or by emailing the author.

Not only are summer recreation and AHSEP great programs, but they have great hearts. Summer recreation won’t turn anyone away, and AHSEP also offers some scholarship opportunities to needy children. With so much to do and the water at our doorstep, Atlantic Highlands is a great place to be a kid in the summertime.