As the summer of 2025 approaches, working parents in New Jersey face a perennial challenge: how to ensure their children are engaged, safe, and thriving during the long break. Beyond mere supervision, the goal is to provide experiences that foster growth, learning, and joy. Fortunately, there is a plethora of online and in-person summer camps in NJ to meet the diverse interests and needs of children.
1. Traditional Day Camps: For families seeking a classic camp experience with a mix of activities
1. Spring Lake Day Camp
Located in Ringwood, this camp emphasizes a balanced program of sports, arts, and waterfront activities. Their philosophy centers on building confidence and friendships in a nurturing environment.
2. Black Bear Lake Day Camp
Set on 42 acres of scenic grounds, complete with a serene 5-acre lake, this summer camp is located in Millstone Township. Running from June 30 to August 22, 2025, for grades 1–10, the camp offers a wide variety of activities, allowing children to choose programs that align with their interests and keep them engaged all summer. Focused on personal growth, kids will have the opportunity to explore new passions, build lifelong friendships, and enjoy the natural beauty of the camp.
3. iD Tech
One of the oldest and most prestigious names in summer camps, iD Tech will be organizing programs at Princeton University, Fairleigh Dickinson University–Madison, and Montclair State University in New Jersey. Children aged 7–17 will have the opportunity to make new friends and gain hands-on experience with the latest technology during an exciting week-long program. iD Tech hosts camps at over 75 prestigious universities across the country.
4. Lavner Education:
They run summer camps across the city. In New Jersey, they are offering the Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camps at the Katz JCC from June 23 to August 15. Designed for children aged 6–14, this tech camp provides a wide variety of exciting options, including Robotics, Coding, Game Design, Minecraft, Roblox, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, YouTube Content Creation, Filmmaking, Digital Art, Spy Tech, STEM & Medicine, and much more.
2. Specialized Camps: For children with specific interests, specialized camps provide focused experiences
Camp Invention® 2025:
Ideal for budding innovators, this program gets kids involved in hands-on STEM activities that build creativity and problem-solving skills. Designed for children entering grades K–6, the camp offers flexible dates and hours that vary by location. Some locations also provide Extended Day options to fit busy family schedules.
Link: https://www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention
2. Fairview Lake YMCA Specialty Camps:
Offering a range of specialized programs, including arts and crafts, sailing, science, and theater, these camps are designed to challenge and engage children in specific areas of interest.
Link: https://www.fairviewlakeymca.org/camp-landing-pages/summer-camps/summer-camps/?back=camp_sections
3. Affordable and Free Options: Budget-friendly camps ensure all children have enriching summer experiences
The Salvation Army Summer Camps
These camps provide structured, engaging programs focusing on social, emotional, and physical development, often at low or no cost.
4. Family Camps: For parents seeking to bond with their children while accommodating work schedules
Fairview Lake YMCA Family Programs
These programs offer weekend retreats and family camps, allowing for quality family time without taking extended leave from work.
Online Summer Camps: For parents with busy schedules who want to avoid the hassle of pickup and drop-off, online camps offer a convenient alternative. These camps also provide peace of mind when it comes to safety, allowing children to participate in engaging activities from the comfort of home.
1. Create & Learn
An award-winning Online Summer Coding camp with 40+ exciting options—like Python, AI, Roblox, Minecraft, and digital art! Camps run daily for 60–90 minutes with new sessions each week. Students learn in small groups (just 3–5 kids) for a fun, personalized experience, guided by expert instructors who teach with us year-round.
Founded by former Google, Amazon, and Apple pros, Create & Learn is trusted by thousands of families and earns consistent 5-star reviews..
Link: https://www.create-learn.us/kids-coding-camps/summer
2. Moonpreneur summer camp
This isn’t just another camp—it’s an investment in your child’s future! The program is tailored for 7-13-year-olds to inspire and transform idle screen time into productive, creative energy. You can choose the program and batch according to your child’s interest and convenience, as they are offering various 2-week courses in STEM and technology, such as coding, game development, video creation, AI & ML, and the Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development Program.
Link: https://moonpreneur.com/home/summer-camp
3. iD Tech
iD Tech offers both in-person and virtual summer camps. The online camps for children ages 7–17 offer a week of fun, personalized learning, and peer connection.
For ages 11–19, the two-week Virtual Academies provide in-depth courses led by top instructors, with collaborative projects and certifications that enhance college applications.
Link: https://www.idtech.com/virtual
How should working parents choose summer camps for their children?
Early Registration: Popular camps fill up quickly. Begin your research and registration process early to secure a spot in preferred programs
Align Interests: Engage your child in the decision-making process to select a camp that aligns with their interests, ensuring a more fulfilling experience. There are various categories of camps, such as STEM outdoors, overnight, coding, sports, dance, writing, math, etc.
Consider Logistics: NJ is a big, bustling city, so distance can make a big difference. Before choosing a summer camp, it is important to consider the camp location, duration, and transportation options to find a convenient fit in your family’s schedule.
Financial Assistance: Inquire about scholarships or sliding scale fees, as many camps offer financial aid to make programs accessible to all families.
Safety and Security: If it’s an in-person summer camp, be sure to check the safety of the camp environment and its surroundings. For tech camps, parents should also make sure that all materials used for experiments and hands-on activities are safe and age-appropriate.
If your child is attending an online camp, make sure the platform is secure and that there are measures in place to protect your child’s privacy and ensure safe digital interactions.
Faculty: When evaluating a summer camp, it’s essential to consider the qualifications and experience of the staff. Many camps employ counselors who are at least 18 years old, often college students or young adults, to ensure they possess the maturity and responsibility needed to care for campers. Some camps may also require counselors to have specific certifications or training relevant to their roles.
Past Reviews of the Camp/Organization: Researching past reviews can provide valuable insights into a camp’s reputation and the experiences of previous attendees. Many camps receive positive feedback from parents and campers alike, highlighting the camp’s impact on children’s confidence and sense of community. Reading reviews can help you gauge the quality and suitability of a camp for your child.
By thoughtfully selecting from New Jersey’s diverse camp offerings, working parents can provide their children with a summer filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
