By Tricia Berwick

It doesn’t matter if they are bike riding in the park, lacing up their skates for a few whirls around the ice or strolling on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach.  What’s most important to the Lopez family of Toms River is spending time together.  Jack, a firefighter and Rhonda, a stay-at-home mom, are busy raising their three children in this suburban, family-oriented community.

The couple met while working together on Wall Street in New York City years ago.  Rhonda, who was born and raised in Ireland, ironically met Jack on St. Patrick’s Day here in America.

“Jack started working at my job on St. Patrick’s Day,” says Rhonda.  “That was definitely a sign that we were meant to be together.”

After they dated for awhile, the couple decided to marry in a civil ceremony in the United States.  Years later, the couple traveled to Ireland with their two children who were three and four years-old at the time and were married in Rhonda’s family church.

“We were married in the same church where I received my sacraments and my parents and grandparents were married,” says Rhonda.  “It was very important to me to have a religious ceremony in the church where I grew up and that meant so much to my family.  My daughter was the flower girl and my son was the ring bearer for the ceremony.  My youngest daughter wasn’t born yet, but we hope to make another trip back in the future so she can experience Ireland, too.”

For now, the family-of-five is busy with work, school, and extra-curricular activities.  With two teenage children, Rhonda spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

“I am basically the family chauffer now!” says Rhonda.

Even though the Lopez family has a pretty hectic schedule, they still make spending time together a priority.  One of their favorite family activities is to vacation in Disney World.

“We all absolutely love Disney,” says Rhonda.  “Disney is our vacation of choice every year.  The two older kids still love it and would go there two or three times per year if we let them.”

Your Child Today recently had the pleasure of getting to know the Lopez family a little more personally.  This is what Rhonda, mom of three children had to say:

YCT: Please tell us a little about your children.

Rhonda: My husband Jack and I have three children.  Caitlin is 14 and a freshman at High School South in Toms River. She loves to dance and takes three different dance classes at Shore Ballet, and assists with her little sister’s dance class, also. She also loves birds! She has a pet parakeet named “Kiwi” who thinks he’s a monkey!  He climbs upside down around the cage and jumps from perch to perch! Caitlin is also very artistic and loves to draw and create, and has always said she wants to be an art teacher when she grows up.  Of course, that may change though as she has shown a great aptitude for science and math as well.   Our son Alex is 13 and is in seventh grade at Intermediate South. He really is a typical boy.  Alex loves the game of football and enjoys rooting for The New York Giants.  He also spends a lot of time playing with his friends in the neighborhood.  He is a first class Boy Scout with Beachwood Troop 114 and aspires to become an Eagle Scout in a few years.  He also loves watching the Military Channel and is a Petty Officer 2nd class (NWS Earle Unit) with the US Naval Sea Cadet program.  He participates in this program one weekend every month with my husband, who is also involved.  Our youngest daughter, Isabella is five-years-old and is in kindergarten at Washington Street Elementary School.  She is enrolled in the afternoon session, so that gives the two of us the mornings to relax and spend a little time together before school.  I enjoy spending this time with her while the older two are in school.  They grow up so fast!  She also loves to dance, especially after watching her big sister for so many years.  This year, she decided to start classes at Shore Ballet.  She absolutely loves ballet and tap.  She recently started taking ice skating lessons and loves that, too.  She’s a friendly, outgoing little girl who likes nothing better than to play with other kids her age.  Thankfully, she has a bunch of cousins born within a year of her and they really enjoy spending time together.  Isabella also likes to play dress up in her princess costumes.  She is quite the girly girl!  She absolutely loves clothes and enjoys wearing dresses to school every day.  She changes outfits at least a few times per day!

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Rhonda: A typical day involves a lot of driving!  Three kids on three different schedules both for school and extra-curricular activities can make for quite a full day! Once they get home from school they have a quick snack.  Then homework gets done while everything is still fresh in their minds, then either dinner or activities, depending on what time classes start that day.  We sit down together as a family for dinner a few times a week, but since my husband is a firefighter, that depends on his schedule.  After a little down time, the kids head to bed and then, finally it’s mom and dad’s turn to watch television and relax.

YCT:  What activities do your children participate in after school?

Rhonda:  Caitlin takes dance classes at Shore Ballet three nights a week and she participates in ice-skating on the weekends.  Alex has Boy Scouts once a week and Sea Cadets for one weekend out of each month.  Isabella takes a ballet/tap combo class at Shore Ballet and also ice-skates on weekends. In the spring we’ll add sports and swimming classes to that.  For now though, it’s manageable having one activity per day between the three kids and still having one night during the week to be activity free.

YCT:  What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Rhonda:   We like to take the bikes to Allaire State Park.  They have a great bike trail and we try to do it as often as possible.  Isabella’s “bike” attaches to my husband’s so she’s never tired out like the rest of us!

YCT:  Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Rhonda:  Our favorite spot is Point Pleasant.  The kids love to walk on the boardwalk and then go on all of the rides.  We always make it a priority to get the “2 for 1 Ticket Sale” prices on Easter weekend every year.  Also, we love to go to the Cape May Zoo and Ortley Beach in the evenings when the crowds are gone.

YCT:  Have you ever gone on any vacations without

the kids and where?

Rhonda:  Not really, we’ve probably gone away for three weekends over the last 10 years without the kids. We really enjoy our family vacations and actually feel sort of guilty if we think about doing something without them. We are Disney Vacation Club members and like to take full advantage of that.  We go to Disney World almost every year and we never get tired of going.  We decided a long time ago that since our kids would only be young for a relatively short time, we want to make as many fun memories as possible while they still enjoy vacationing with us.  We hope to travel more together after they have all gone to college!

YCT:  What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out alone with your husband?

Rhonda: While we don’t have date night as often as we’d like, when we do get out we like to go out with friends and have a nice dinner.  We also like to splurge every once in a while on a really good restaurant in Atlantic City.  It is closer than New York City and has some of the most fabulous restaurants in the world!

YCT:  What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Rhonda:  Although they are not regularly scheduled, I think nothing beats a good old-fashioned girls’ night out.  Whether it’s getting dressed up and meeting my sister, my sisters-in-law or friends or even just attending a home sales party where I get to shop and socialize at the same time, I really enjoy getting together with friends and family and leaving the kids home for a few hours!  It’s important to have that time once in awhile.

YCT:  What is your husband’s favorite non-Daddy thing to do?

Rhonda:  My husband likes to get together with his friends to watch a football game, or just hang out. He also really enjoys interacting with the kids in the Sea Cadet Program. He loves to set up training drills and seeing how much they enjoy learning about things like search and rescue, firefighting and first aid. He’s organized some pretty fun drills for the kids and they love it!

YCT:  Do you frequent any advertisers from our magazine?

Rhonda:  Shore Ballet is the best! My oldest daughter went to two other dance schools when she was very young and one was not good at all.  We were not happy with this particular school.   The second school placed too much emphasis on competitions and since my daughter didn’t compete, she was left out of a lot of the routines and just sort of stuck on the end of the line for recitals.  Thankfully, Shore Ballet has been a wonderful fit for us.  The teachers are all professionally trained dancers and my daughter has received a great education in ballet there.  Now she takes tap, jazz and lyrical as well and loves it even more. We get comments all the time on how great her posture is and how she holds herself so well.  When I hear those comments, I say everything is courtesy of ballet!

YCT:  Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Rhonda:  I think the best advice I have is to be organized and prepared for anything! My husband says I missed my calling as a Logistics Officer in the military! Also, invest in a slow cooker.  It’s a lifesaver on busy winter evenings! Being born and raised in Ireland, for me nothing tastes better on a cold winter evening than a yummy stew, and one that has been simmering in my slow cooker while I’m acting as the family’s chauffeur all day tastes even better!

YCT:  What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Rhonda:  I love the Calendar of Events page and the Party Directory page. I always check out the party websites for new ideas for my kids’ birthday parties and the calendar is a great way to find things to do locally on days when my husband is off from work and we want to do something as a family.

The benefits of participating in the martial arts include developing discipline and coordination, improving one’s self-esteem, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The martial arts are not meant to be violent or to purposely inflict bodily harm upon others.  Although they may be portrayed this way in movies and on television, Dr. Kum Sung, of Kum Sung Martial Arts in Toms River, feels this is not an accurate depiction of martial arts.  He strongly believes that the mass media is severely tarnishing the martial arts’ image.

“It is not meant to hurt or disrespect others, but because of the media, martial arts is being taught as a way to fight,” says Dr. Sung who has studied a variety of martial arts forms ranging from Chinese to Japanese style for over 50 years.  “I have been involved with martial arts all my life and never thought it would be so misunderstood.   For years, Asians have been using martial arts as a way to improve one’s health.  Practicing martial arts prevents physical injuries and can help children who may lack focus.  I teach traditional martial arts which is different than today’s modern martial arts.  The main purpose of traditional martial arts is to promote a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.  Martial arts can also help prevent injuries and helps to preserve balance and coordination.  In contrast, modern martial arts is very dangerous and violent and is being glorified in the entertainment industry.  Young people are attracted to the violence, but this is wrong.  People don’t understand martial arts because they think it is television entertainment wrestling.  Then, the kids see that type of behavior and want to imitate it by choking each other out which can cause death.”

While the media has played a significant role in the misunderstanding of the sport, a lack of qualified instructors is also part of the problem.  Dr. Sung feels that today’s martial arts teachers do not have the experience and necessary certification to understand and teach the true meaning of the sport.

“Instructors always had to be a high black belt, but now it seems that anyone can open a martial arts school without the proper qualifications,” says Dr. Sung who majored in child psychology and is the highest Martial Arts Grandmaster in the area with over 47 years of experience.  “In order to be a respected martial arts instructor, you need to have a certain degree of education and training.  Many instructors are not properly qualified to teach martial arts today.  I was once proud to say that I teach martial arts, but now I am embarrassed by the way martial arts is being taught.  It is very frustrating for me.  I have grown up with this sport and I am extremely upset about how it is changing.  Modern martial arts is more harmful than beneficial.”
Though Dr. Sung can’t personally alter the image of martial arts throughout the country or monitor the way it is being taught, he is doing his best to preserve traditional martial arts.   The Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System is a balanced system of traditional martial arts blended with modern techniques, ancient philosophies, and modern psychology.   A strong emphasis is placed on positive thinking.  Students in the Kum Sung program are encouraged to do their very best, to see rewards in life, and to overcome negative thoughts and actions.   Designed to accommodate students of all levels and ages, this unique system emphasizes self-defense, positive-reinforcement psychology, physical fitness, and coordination.   Dr. Sung strongly believes that students of the Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System will develop not only into well-rounded martial artists, but secure, positive, self-confident, and emotionally and physically fit people.

Traditional martial arts offer many benefits, but the sport has seen a decrease in participants during recent years.  Dr. Sung directly attributes this to a slow economy.  During difficult financial times, families can be quick to omit certain activities from their children’s schedules.  Dr.  Sung firmly believes that this is detrimental to the kids.

“During this tough economy, parents tend to cut back on their children’s activities,” says Dr. Sung, who has instructed police academies, special law enforcement and military agencies, national martial arts champions and many recognizable martial artists. “But this is the wrong thing to do.  If they are home after school with nothing to do, they are more likely to get into mischief and then imitate the violence they see on television.  They definitely need an organized and structured activity.  I feel so strongly about this that I decided to bring my prices down to what they were thirty years ago.  This way, parents don’t have to cut back and take away the things that the kids enjoy.”

What sets Kum Sung apart from other martial arts studios is that the instructors genuinely care about the students’ mental health.  Once parents decide to enroll their children in a martial arts program, Dr. Sung says there are many benefits.   In addition to improving a child’s physical health, Dr. Sung says the instructors work to support the children in creating a positive way of thinking.

“So many parents are working full-time today, and are not home during the after-school hours,” says Dr. Sung, who has been featured on the cover of many national and international Martial Art magazines and has been the subject of several award winning photographs at national exhibitions.  “When the children are home alone, there is no social communication with the child.  The child needs to have constant attention and someone needs to be aware of their behavior.  We are able to provide that for the children.  We are educating them emotionally.  With this type of background, they will then have the confidence to become healthy and successful adults.”

During class sessions, children are also encouraged to talk about whatever is on their minds.  Kum Sung believes in open communication and wants children to feel comfortable opening up to the instructors about whatever may be bothering them.

“Every class has time allowed for kids to discuss their feelings and what they like or don’t like,” says Dr. Sung who is certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, which determines Olympic eligibility in the United States.  “We have one-on-one relationships with all of the children.  We also help children who may be experiencing behavior problems and are out of control with their parents or at school.  Some of the children battle with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), so we get a lot of referrals from doctors who are looking to us as a way to help the children gain some control and focus.”

In the children’s classes, maintaining focus and learning discipline are two of the major skills which are addressed.  Instructors will also teach balance, coordination, self-esteem, goal-setting, memory improvement, self-defense, and concentration.  In addition, students are taught self-defense with control, not aggression, which is a key factor.  They are also taught stranger awareness as well as rolling which helps prevent sprains and broken bones.  While many martial arts schools just teach a basic way of doing a technique, Kum Sung teaches with more attention to detail for maximum effectiveness and safety.  They also constantly refine and improve on students’ techniques.   Most importantly, all classes are taught in a fun and positive environment.  During report card time, Dr. Sung asks all of his students to bring in their report cards so that he can monitor their academic accomplishments as well.

The teenage classes, for students between ages 12 and 18, emphasize self-discipline and self-respect both for themselves and for others.  The students learn how to relieve stress which is a great defense mechanism during the tumultuous teenage years.  Good habits are strongly encouraged in a nurturing and positive environment.  At this age, there is an emphasis on speed, grace, and strength.  Students are also taught self-awareness, healing, and meditation.

Adult classes differ greatly from all other age categories. Although everyone in the group is taught the same kicks, punches, weapons and forms, they are taught in a manner that will best benefit the individual. Kum Sung’s adult programs are designed to fit a student’s individual needs, interests, and health.  Adult classes specialize in: exercises for the body and mind, inner peace and harmony, the Asian culture and language, philosophy, and weight control.  The instructors at Kum Sung carefully monitor these classes to ensure that adult participants do not suffer any unnecessary injuries causing lost time from work.  The purpose of the classes is to allow adults an opportunity to improve their physical and mental well-being, and to make their health a priority, which may not have been possible earlier in their lives.

Kum Sung has various locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.  Kum Sung Headquarters are located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.  The facility includes an 8,000 square foot Martial Arts Center, which has more than 600 members, and a 16,000 square foot complete Fitness Center, which has more than 3,000 members.  There are also facilities in Brick, Manahawkin, Long Branch, Howell, Lanoka Harbor, and Middletown. Their comprehensive website, kumsungkarate.com, includes information about future events, martial arts instructors, birthday parties, special offers, and Kum Sung’s summer camp.  Your family can also make an appointment online to take a tour of one of the facilities and to meet the instructors in person.  The website also offers videos of martial arts classes online and many photographs of students in action.

Despite hearing conflicting opinions about traditional versus modern martial arts, Dr. Sung feels confident and proud of the school he has maintained for over thirty years.  Kum Sung Martial Arts has built a reputation from decades of listening to the public’s requests and helping people achieve new levels of confidence and capability.  He knows that he is providing his students with a positive, traditional martial arts education.  When you consider that Dr. Sung has now been teaching three generations of students, it is obvious that the families he serves truly respect his work.

“I have had some people come up to me and say, ‘When I was a child, I learned from you.  Then, I brought my children, and now I’m bringing my grandkids to you,’” says Dr. Sung.  “That is a very rewarding feeling.”

Kum Sung Martial Arts is much more than just punching and kicking.  It is a system that helps build confidence, coordination, and inner peace and opens up the door to a positive attitude.   The overall theme of Kum Sung Martial Arts is to provide children with a proper education.  In addition to martial arts, the family also runs Sung Star Academy which is for children ages six weeks to five-years-old.  There are state certified teachers in every classroom with registered nurses on staff to take care of your little ones, if necessary.  The directors of the school all have the highest degrees of education.  If you are interested in learning more about Kum Sung Karate, call 732-341-8800, or visit their website at kumsungkarate.com.  You can even send your questions via email at info@kumsungkarate.com.

October 6

Celebrate Jersey Fresh Fruits: Pumpkins, Toms River Farmers Market, Huddy Park, on Water Street. 11 am – 5 pm. Rain or shine. 1st Wednesday of each month from June 9 – October 27. Enter to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce! Farmers & vendors will feature the fruit of the month. Demonstrations & sampling by Downtown restaurants and businesses. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com – TOMS RIVER

October 8

9th Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Street Festival, Grant Avenue from Central Ave. to Boardwalk. 4 pm – 10 pm. Weekend of Italian specialties, arts and crafts, entertainment. Parade will be on Sunday at 1 pm with bands, floats, mummers and surprises on the Boulevard from J Street to Sampson Ave. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

October 12

Toddler Make and Take, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. 9:30 am – 10:30 am. Make marine life crafts, listen to a story, and learn about some of their animals. This workshop is for children ages 3-5 years old with an adult. Pre-register. $ Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

October 15th & 16th

October 22nd & 23th

Jenkinson’s Ascareium

“The Sharks of Shipwreck Cove”

6:00PM to 8:00PM

Arrrgh Mateys! A band of pirates have returned to the aquarium but their

treasure is guarded by sharks!  Come join the crew for some halloween        fun for all ages!

$6.00 per person (does not include aquariums daytime admission)

October 16

Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey, Along the coast from Atlantic Ocean, to Delaware Bay and Delaware River. Directions and hours on web page. Open day and night at Absecon, Barnegat, Cape May, Sandy Hook, Tinicum and Tuckerton Seaport Lighthouses. Day only at East Point, Finns Point, Hereford Inlet, Ludlam’s Beach, Navasink/Twin Lights, and Sea Girt, and Barnegat Light Historical Museum, Cape May County Museum, and Tatham Life Saving Station. Souvenir pamphlet to be stamped at each site is $1. Information: www.njlhs.org – BARNEGAT/TUCKERTON

October 16

Basketry – Bread Basket Workshop, Meadowedge Park 550 E. Bay Ave. 10 am – 12 pm. Create your very own bread basket to take home and enjoy. Expert basket weaver Pola Galie will provide you with the knowledge and materials for this program. $5 fee for materials and appropriate for ages 9yrs and up. Limited space. Code #101610 Information: 609-698-0080 ext. 130 or www.ci.barnegat.nj.us/recreation/recreationoffice.html – BARNEGET

5th Annual Wingstock Festival, FirstEnergy Park, Cedar Bridge & New Hampshire Aves. 2 pm. Kansas will headline with additional acts performing. All day festival featuring a wing cook-off and vendor village, classic bike and car show tailgate party $1 from tickets will be donated to an Ocean County children’s cancer organization, Ocean of Love. Presented by 105.7 The Hawk and the Lakewood BlueClaws. $ Information: 732-901-7000 or www.blueclaws.com – LAKEWOOD

Behind the Scenes Tours, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. 9:30 am – 11 am. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at their aquarium while you tour the building front top to bottom. Sneakers required. Pre-register. Ages 5 and up. $ Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Toms River Pirate Festival, Christ Episcopal Church 415 Washington St. 9 am – 5 pm. Three pirate reenacting groups featuring Valhalla’s Pirates, Jack Sparrow, Band on the Rum and Pirates for Sail play music all day. Sword fights, gun duels, cannons, and more. Come dressed as a pirate or pirate wentch for a costume judging. $ 3 under free. Information: www.tomsriverpiratefestival.com

- TOMS RIVER

53rd Annual Show of the Ocean County Chapter: “Guys ‘N Gals in Harmony,” Toms River High School North, 1245 Old Freehold Rd. 3 pm. Featuring the “Oceanaires,” the Ocean County Men’s Champion Chorus and the “Jersey Harmony Chorus.” $ Information: 732-240-2571 – TOMS RIVER

October 17

Seaside Half Marathon and 5k Race, Spicy’s, Sumner Ave. & Boardwalk. 10 am. Flat and fast, out and back on the boardwalk and into Island Beach State Park. Ocean and park views. $ Information: 732-240-0198 or www.oceanrunningclub.org/

- SEASIDE HEIGHTS

October 20

Ocean County College Midweek Jazz Series: Frank Vignola Trio, Mancini Hall, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street. 8 pm $ Information: 732-255-0500 or www.ocean.edu – TOMS RIVER

October 22,23

Haunted Seaport, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. 6 pm – 9 pm. Pirates and sea captains long lost at sea, stroll the boardwalk for a night of screams. Hayrides, phragmites maze, food, refreshments and a non-scary pumpkin patch for the little ones. Fun for the whole family! Cost included with admission. Information: 609-296-8868 or www.tuckertonseaport.org – TUCKERTON

October 23

New York Yankees Greg Nettles Meet & Greet, Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club, 518 Arnold Ave. 11 am. Meet & greet, photo ops, Q & A session, autograph signing. $ Information: 732-899-3900 or www.unclevinniescomedyclub.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

October 27

Free Demomstation, Ocean County Artists Guild, Ocean and Chestnut Avenues. 7 pm – 9 pm. Open to the Public. Light refreshments. Information: 732-270-3111 or www.ocartistsguild.org

- ISLAND HEIGHTS

October 29

Meadowedge Family Spooky Campfire, Meadowedge Park 550 E. Bay Ave. 7 pm – 9 pm. Bring the family for spooky fun and ghost stories around the campfire. Tour the park on a night time hayride with the Barnegat Fire Company. Hot cider & snack will be provide along with other scary surprises. Feel free to dress in your Halloween costume. No fee and registration is required. Code #102910. Information: 609-698-0080 ext. 130 or www.ci.barnegat.nj.us/recreation/recreationoffice.html – BARNEGET

Haunted Halloween: A Party to Die For, The Engleside Inn, 30 Engleside Avenue. 6 pm. Murder mystery dinner show. Information: 609-492-9477 or www.surflight.org – BEACH HAVEN

October 30

Getaway with a Smile, White Pearl Hotel, 201 Sumner Ave. Comedy Show. One Night Accommodations include Bottle of Blueberry Champagne, Welcome cheese & crackers basket, Dinner Buffet for 2 catered by Caterer Jacques, free transportation clubs in town, valet parking, Sunday morning breakfast. Additional night can be added. Information: 732-830-4242 or www.thewhitepearl.com

- SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Toms River Fire Company #1 Halloween Parade, Main & Washington St. 7 pm. Over 100,000 spectators, thousands of participants & floats. Information: 732-558-9216 or www.tomsriverhalloweenparade.com/ – TOMS RIVER

Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in a spectacular theatrical arena show, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is now on tour in North America and will perform 12 performances at Madison Square Garden in New York. More than 3.1 million Americans have already seen the production since it opened in July 2007.

The show originated in Australia, where after years of planning, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS came to life at Sydney’s Acer Arena in January 2007.  The show proved itself such a sensation, that this North American tour was fast-tracked.  It began a short three months after completing its sold out engagements in Australia. Since that time, the show’s two companies have played to 4.4 million people worldwide and generated over $210 million dollars in overall ticket sales.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is brought to North America by The Creature Production Company, headed by CEO Carmen Pavlovic.  Pavlovic said, “The BBC Series was a brilliant blend of special effects, escapism, excitement and information.  Our show brings together all of that, plus something extra -  it’s live!   In this production, seventeen roaring, snarling “live” dinosaurs mesmerize the audience – and are as awe-inspiring as when they first walked on earth.”

Pavlovic continued, “The dinosaurs are life-size, making the show so immense, it could only fit in arenas. It’s a $20 million arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality, which captivates young and old alike. With Walking with Dinosaurs, we really believe we have created a new genre in entertainment and we hope to continue to bring new product to arenas for years to come ”

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular has s been seen on “The Today Show,” Good Morning America,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and has been written about in Newsweek, The New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor and the Wall Street Journal. It was the subject of a Discovery Channel Really Big Things episode and a video clue category on Jeopardy.

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Tim Haines, creator and producer of the original BBC series, which was seen by a worldwide audience of 700 million, serves as Project Consultant to WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular.  The series won six Emmy and three BAFTA Awards.

Ten species are represented from the entire 200 million year reign of the dinosaurs.  The show includes the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the terror of the ancient terrain, as well as the Plateosaurus and Liliensternus from the Triassic period, the Stegosaurus and Allosaurus from the Jurassic period and Torosaurus and Utahraptor from the awesome Cretaceous.  The largest of them, the Brachiosaurus is 36 feet tall, and 56 feet from nose to tail.  It took a team of 50 – including engineers, fabricators, skin makers, artists and painters, and animatronic experts – a year to build the original production.

The show depicts the dinosaurs’ evolution, complete with the climatic and tectonic changes that took place, which led to the demise of many species.  With almost cinematic realism, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS has scenes of the interactions between dinosaurs, and the audience sees how carnivorous dinosaurs evolved to walk on two legs, and how the herbivores fended off their more agile predators.

The history of the world is played out with the splitting of the earth’s continents, and the transition from the arid desert of the Triassic period is given over to the lush green prairies and forces of the later Jurassic.  Oceans form, volcanoes erupt, a forest catches fire — all leading to the impact of the massive comet, which struck the earth, and forced the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Variety said, “The dinosaurs are stunning, life-size and faultlessly nimble. In act one, the beasts parade into the arena gnashing and cavorting as a safari-suited paleontologist describes their attributes … in the second half, the action cranks up, culminating in a spectacular clash as a T-Rex mom defends her baby from predators. Sonny Tilders’ triumphant creature design ensures ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’ is a truly spectacular spectacular. It is everything a dino-phile could want.”

The New York Times said that in this show dinosaurs make “a thundering comeback after 65 million years.”

Gloria Goodale of the Christian Science Monitor said, “When the dinosaurs start pouring out onto the stage, if you don’t have to stifle the natural flight response of any living breathing being, then it’s your pulse that needs checking.”

Newsweek called the show, “that rare entertainment beast that parents and kids can enjoy together.”

It took 50 artists and technicians one year to build the show. The 17 dinosaurs were originally “hatched” by Tilders, the head of creature design, in a Melbourne Docklands workshop big enough to park a 747. For the North American tour, the only building large enough to house rehearsals for the dinosaurs – some as large as 36 ft tall by 56 ft long, was the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center!

Artistic Director William May is known around the globe for co-producing shows with Malcolm Cooke for the past 30 years, including The Hobbit and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  He produced Marilyn An American Fable on Broadway and co-composed and wrote the musical Always for the West End.

Director Scott Faris directed Michael Crawford in EFX at MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, which at the time was the biggest stage production ever conceived, and was on the production team that created Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Hotel.  Faris has directed Chicago the Musical in 16 countries around the world in over a dozen languages. Most recently he directed Bette Midler in her new Las Vegas show, The Showgirl Must Go On at Caesars Palace.

Faris said, “We take the audience on a journey back in time and show them how the dinosaurs might have actually looked in their prime – huge, sometimes frightening, sometimes comical monsters – that fought for survival every day of their lives.  Our dinosaurs move exactly like they are real — with all the roars, snorts and excitement that go with it.  The realism is mind-blowing!”

Sonny Tilders, who designed and built the creatures has been, for the past decade, one of the major creative forces of the high-tech world of animatronic puppetry for film and television.  He was one of the lead animatronic engineers for Jim Henson’s Creature workshop on the Farscape series, followed by work on Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Peter Pan, Ghost Rider and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Tilders said, “Many of the technologies we are using on WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular are borrowed from film. The computer software and hardware we have developed is based on the systems used to control animatronic creatures in feature films.”

“To make it appear that these creatures are flesh and blood weighing six, eight or even 20 tons, we use a system called ‘muscle bags,’ made from stretch mesh fabric and filled with polystyrene balls, stretched across moving points on the body.  These contract and stretch in the same manner that muscle, fat, and skin does on real creatures.”

“The puppeteers use ‘voodoo rigs’ to make many of the dinosaurs move.  They are miniature versions of the dinosaurs with the same joints and range of movement as their life-sized counterparts.  The puppeteer manipulates the voodoo rig and these actions are interpreted by computer and transmitted by radio waves to make the hydraulic cylinders in the actual dinosaur replicate the action, with a driver hidden below the animal, helping to maneuver it around the arena.”  Suited puppeteer specialists, who are inside the creatures, operate five of the smaller dinosaurs.

Warner Brown wrote the script of WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular. He is an accomplished writer whose works include the book of the musical Flickers on Broadway, the screenplay of Nijinsky for Regent Entertainment, the musical The Black and White Ball, which features music by Cole Porter and The Truth About Light, written with composer Jimmy Roberts.  Other credits include a new version of Half A Sixpence for the West End in 2008, Garbo – The Musical with music by Jim Steinman and Michael Reed, playing in Europe, and the plays and musicals Scandal, The Biograph Girl, Six for Gold, Cinderella, Talullah for a Day and Dance for Life.

More

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular will perform 12 performances at Madison Square Garden in New York. The performance schedule is:

• Wednesday, July 21, 2010 – 3PM & 7PM
• Thursday, July 22, 2010 – 11AM & 7PM
• Friday, July 23, 2010 – 11AM & 7PM
• Saturday, July 23, 2010 – 11AM, 3PM & 7PM
• Sunday, July 25, 2010 – 11AM, 3PM & 7PM

Tickets for the general public are on sale NOW by calling 866.858.0008, online at www.thegarden.com/dinos or in-person at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. For groups, please call 212.465.6080. For more information, please visit www.dinosaurlive.com. Video of the show is available on our site under “Meet The Dinosaurs” tab in the middle of the front page.

July 21-25, 2010

Monmouth County Fair

East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Rd, Freehold

Wed, Thu & Fri: 5pm-11pm, Saturday: 11am-11pm,
Sunday: 11am-6p Night Fireworks: 9:15pm (weather permitting)

4-H Events ▪ Animal Shows & Exhibits ▪ Rides & Amusements,Free stage Entertainment ▪ Lumberjack Shows ▪ Racing Pigs

Kids Races ▪ Home& Garden Competitions ▪ Bwana Jim ,Admission: $7.00 ▪ Ages 12 & under admitted Free,Free Parking

For More Information (732) 842-4000 ext 4312, www.monmouthcountyparks.com

July 13 – 18

Ocean County Fair, Robert J. Miller Airpark, Route 530. Continuous entertainment, animal shows, horse shows, exhibils, childrens contests every day with ribbons and prizes, demonstrations and exhibits, all included in admission. Information: 732-914-9466 or www.oceancountyfair.com

- BERKELEY TOWNSHIP

July 4

Independence Day Parade & Concert, 20th St. & Central Ave. to 10th St. Boat Ramp. 7 pm. Olympians on Parade, flags, floats and music. Information: 609-494-9196 or www.barnegatlight.org

- BARNEGAT LIGHT

Fireworks Extravaganza, Beach Area. 9:30 pm. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 5

Yosi, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 7

Outdoor Concerts 2010: Jennifer Mylod & the Boys of County O’Cean, Brick Beach III, Route 35 N. 7 pm. Free. Information: 732-262-1044 – BRICK

Celebrate Jersey Fresh Fruits: Blueberries, Toms River Farmers Market, Huddy Park, on Water Street. 11 am – 5 pm. Rain or shine. 1st Wednesday of each month from June 9 – October 27. Enter to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce! Farmers & vendors will feature the fruit of the month. Demonstrations & sampling by Downtown restaurants and businesses. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com – TOMS RIVER

July 8

Sand Sculpting Contest, Beach, 25th St. 2 pm. Compete and build your own castle. Information: 609-494-9196 or www.barnegatlight.org – BARNEGAT LIGHT/LONG BEACH ISLAND

July 9

Grove Gatherings at Murray Grove, Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center, 431 Route 9. Potluck dinner (BYOB) 6 pm – 7 pm, entertainment 7 pm – 9 pm. Musical/Artistic Coffee House in the tradition of the English Folk Music Club where performers share their craft and engage the audience. $ Information: 609-693-5558 or www.murraygrove.org

- LANOKA HARBOR

Classic Car Cruises, downtown, Arnold & Bay Aves. 5 pm – 9 pm. Antique Cars, collectible cars, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles & live music. Rain date May 11. Information: www.pointchamber.com/classic_car_cruise.asp/ – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Concert: Toms River Municipal Band, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 10

Rainforest Rescue, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. All day Spend the day learning abut their resident inhabitants, what they should mean to you and how you can help! Included in general admission. Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

July 11

Brick Summerfest 2010: Speed Garvey , Windward Beach, Princeton Ave. 7 pm. East Coast Boat Racing Club of New Jersey. Food Court and DJ begin at 5 pm. Shuttle buses run from Drum Point School, Midstreams Elementary School, and Brick High School (Chambers Bridge Rd). From 5 pm – 8 pm continously. Return trips from at 9 pm. All children 16 years old or under must be accompanied by an adult. Information: 732-262-1006 – BRICK

Concert: The Tone Rangers, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 12

The Dazzling Mills Family Unicycle Juggling Act, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 14

Wild West Day, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 2 pm – 5 pm. Dress up as a cowboy and cowgirl, arts & crafts, face painting, storytelling, pony rides etc. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Cruisin’ Downtown 2010, downtown Toms River, Washington St. 6-9 pm. Live Bands & Entertainment, street vendors, contests along with classic cars & motorcycles. Information: 732-341-8738 or   TOMS RIVER

July 16

A-Cat Races, Island Heights Yacht Club. 5:30 pm. Sailboat races. Presented by Toms River Seaport Society. Information: 732-349-9209 or www.tomsriverseaport.org

- ISLAND HEIGHTS

Concert: Toms River Municipal Band, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 17

Shore Dreams for Kids, Municipal Dock & Ball Field, Rt. 35. 11 am – 3 pm. Entertainment for Special Olympics, Make A Wish, Oceans of Love Support Group for children with cancer, mentally, physically challenged children. Free powerboat rides, vintage and antique car displays, live music, food, drinks and planned activities and games. Raindate July 18th. Information: 201-906-2668 or www.shoredreamsforkids.org – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Slider’s 5th Birthday Party, Breakwater Beach Waterpark, 62 Grant Ave. 11 am – 3 pm. Slider, Breakwater Beach’s mascot celebrates his birthday with special riends, including Perky the Penguin from Jenkinsons Aquarium. Enter waterpark between 9 am-noon and get a Buy-One, Get-One FREE, arrive after noon with non-perisable food donation for the local Food Kitchen and get $5 off admission. Games, photographs, balloonists, & tattoos. Rain date July 24th. Information: 732-793-6488 ext. 8211 – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Toms River Seaport Society’s Annual Wooden Boat Festival, Huddy Park, W. Water St. & Route 166/Main St. 9 am – 5 pm. In the water boat on display, nautical vendors, marine artists, family boat building and model boat building. Meet the Valhalla Pirates. Games and boat rides. Food available. Information: or 908-303-1710 or tomsriverseaport.org – TOMS RIVER

8th Annual New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival, downtown Washington St. 11:30 am – 5 pm. Tasting from noon – 3:30. Attracting Ice Cream shops from NJ and National Brands, the best way to beat the heat in Toms River! Games, rides, food, and entertainment. Sponsored by Downtown Toms River. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com

- TOMS RIVER

29th Annual Family Chicken Barbecue, Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department, 40 Clayton Ave. Noon – 7 pm. Cost includes ½ chicken, corn, salad, rolls, watermelon, 2 drinks. Order made to go. Kids bounces, face painting, fire truck rides, pony rides, live music by The CPR Revival. Also, door prizes, food, display of Antique Gas Engines & Pedal Tractors, Buster of Lakewood BlueClaws, Toms River Then & Now Expo. Information: 732-363-5296 or www.ppfd30.com – TOMS RIVER

July 21

Christmas in July, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 1 pm – 5 pm. Santa goes to the Shore 6 months early, pictures, snowfall on beach, face painting, arts & crafts, holiday music and more. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com - POINT PLEASANT BEACH

July 20

Blood Drive
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Please come and support the cause. . For more information please call 732-974-8314.

Location: The Goddard School of Wall  1981 Highway 34 (Wall Circle Park)

There will also be an open house,  please stop in for some complimentary food and beverages.

July 24

Point Pleasant Elks BPOE #1698

16th Annual Van Duyn Open Combo

Fluke Tournament

, Point Pleasant Elks Lodge, 820 Arnold Ave. 6 am – 10 pm. Food, beverages, souvenirs. $ Information: 732-899-5121 or www.pointpleasantelks.org

$40,000.00+ IN PRIZES

(Based on Minimum of 250 Boat Entrees) & Average Calcuttas

July 25

13 & Over Movies on the Beach: E.T., Hiering Avenue beachfront. At dusk. Free movies on the beach for 13 years of age and over. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Concert: The Roustabouts, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 26

T-Bone Musical Show, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 28

Hot Halloween Festival, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 2 pm – 5 pm. Wear your Halloween Costume early to the beach, face painting, arts & crafts, spooky shows, storytelling, free admission to Fun House with a costume. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Sea Critter Round-Up, Arlington Bay Beach, 13-16th St. and the Bay. 10 am. Join the Alliance for a Living Ocean volunteers and interns to seine the bay and discuss the interesting creatures you find. $ Donation. Information: 609-494-7800 or www.livingocean.org – SHIP BOTTOM/LONG BEACH ISLAND

July 30,31

Exit 82: A Toms River Theatre Company Presents: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Auditorium, Toms River High School North, 1245 Old Freehold Road. 8 pm. A Rip-Roaring, Tap-Dancing, Fun-Loving Musical Comedy for the whole family! $ Information: www.exit82theatre.com – TOMS RIVER

After enjoying an exciting inaugural season, Jersey Shore Pirates is back for another summer of fun and adventure along the Metedeconk River. The Sea Gypsy 2, which sails from Riverfront Marina, on Princeton Avenue in Brick, is ready to engage and captivate your children as they search for treasure.

Owners Rob “Captain Scurvy” Corring and his wife Jessica, have prior experience with boating and buccaneers and have created a true-to-life pirate ship adventure. Families across the New Jersey Shore area are enjoying this unique form of family entertainment.

“The public has had a tremendous response to our Pirate Adventures,” says Rob Corring. “Last year we had a rough start with the inclement weather early in the season but as soon as the weather improved, we really started to see the “word-of-mouth” advertising that is so important to us. Friends told other friends and mothers who sailed with their families returned for birthday parties. It was really great to see the return Pirates. We had some mates sail with us three and four times throughout the season. Our crew puts their heart and soul into every trip and we believe it really shows when you see families coming back for another sail.”

“Captain Scurvy,” is part of the energetic and enthusiastic crew, along with 18-year-old Christopher Hendershot, otherwise known onboard as “Pirate Smee.” While on board, both men lead kids on an interactive treasure hunt and teach the little sailors how to properly read a treasure map. Before they set sail, the kids always listen to a few rules about water safety, which is of utmost importance to the Jersey Shore Pirates staff. The kids will then hoist the ship’s flag and begin their journey. Together, the kids on the ship will work as a team to defeat “Pirate Pete,” who has stolen the keys to their treasure. They will collectively use the ship’s water cannons to defeat the enemy and secure the treasure! At the conclusion of the ride, children will be treated to authentic pirate “loot” as a souvenir of their journey.

For Corring and the rest of his crew, the best part of each trip is watching the kids have tons of fun on this high seas adventure.

“What we enjoy the most is the reaction of the kids on The Sea Gypsy 2,” says Corring. “Nothing is better than watching the mates’ faces when they haul their hard earned treasure from the waters, or when they battle the dreaded “Pirate Pete” with the water cannons. Although we offer several sailings a day, every trip ends up having something new and exciting. The reaction of the kids is always the best part.”

For two consecutive seasons, Corring and his crew have enjoyed watching the reaction of little Jake Vowteras. His maiden voyage last year made such an impression on the young sailor that his mom felt compelled to have his birthday party with the family-owned and operated business.

“I have been listening to him talk about Jersey Shore Pirates ever since we sailed on the ship early last summer,” says Jake’s mom, Kimberly. “For nearly a year, Jake has asked when his pirate party was going to be. There wasn’t even a question of what should we do for his fifth birthday! The party was amazing and everyone had the best time. It’s hard to even say who had more fun. And although it’s a cruise for kids, it’s a really nice time for parents too. You’re out on the water, it’s scenic, and it’s relaxing and so enjoyable, even though 22 kids are screaming “Argh!” the whole time!”

Since preparing for the adventure is a major part of this event, Corring and his staff made a few changes during the off-season to further enhance the customer’s overall experience.

“This season we have expanded our offices so that we can present more of an experience for our families and groups when they arrive at the dock,” says Corring. “We have a larger shop where we offer more retail options. It was really important to us, that when you enter our office, you know that we are trying to improve on what we do, and what our guests experience. It took a lot of work over the winter, but we believe it will improve on the overall experience which is what we want. We will always try to exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Customer satisfaction is one of Jersey Shore Pirates’ top priorities. The crew will go to great lengths to make sure that all of their guests have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience aboard the Sea Gypsy 2.

“One of my favorite parts of the business is when we get someone who is slightly skeptical about what we do and then they approach us at the end of the Pirate Adventure to let us know they had a great time,” says Corring. “They admit that they weren’t sure what to expect when they arrived, but as they watched their mini-mates turn into Pirates right in front of their eyes they became believers. Our PirateAdventure is designed to keep the kids’ attention from start to finish. To anyone who has every tried to keep a 4- year-old occupied for almost two hours, you would be amazed how our crew does it for multiple kids at one time, six times a day.”

The Jersey Shore Pirates adventure is geared toward children ages 3 to 10. They sail from May-October and are available for birthday parties, class trips, and families. During October, they sail on Saturdays and Sundays only, with six different sailing times to choose from.

Before the children enjoy this exhilarating adventure, they first must be transformed into swashbuckling pirates. Upon arrival, kids will be welcomed by enthusiastic staff members who will assist the children in selecting a perfect pirate costume. The little mates will then receive their very own pirate names, learn some valuable pirate lingo, and also have the opportunity to get their faces painted with pirate “tattoos.” Before the kids head down to the dock for their trip, the staff will remind the children to keep a look out for “enemy pirates” in the area.

Prior to sailing times for check-in, face painting, and dress-up. For more information, check out their website at www.jerseyshorepirates.com or call 732-899-6100. Reservations are highly recommended and it’s suggested to that you arrive 30 minutes prior to sailing times for check-in, face painting, and dress-up.

It’s hard to believe that in a few short months, another school year will be completed.  Summer is just around the corner and that means it’s time to start researching day camps for your kids.   Instead of sitting of sitting on the couch, munching on snacks, and flipping on the television switch or the computer, your child will have stimulating activities with peers.  You won’t have to answer the daily question of, “Mom, what are doing today?   Are we doing anything fun?”  If you decide on a camp experience this summer, that question will be taken care of and you can feel at ease that your child will be busy and productive while having a good time.

According to the American Camp Association, (www.acacamps.org), camp encourages children to explore and learn in a nurturing environment.  It’s also a good opportunity for your child to try new activities and to have a better idea of what he or she is good at and feels comfortable doing.   Sending your child to camp is an excellent way for your child to learn how to be independent, too.

Another important reason to send your child to camp this summer is simply to enjoy the fresh air and to experience nature.  Your child will go on guided nature walks and learn to truly appreciate nature.  It’s always great to take a break from the everyday routine and to see something new.  During the school year, kids are always busy with homework and after-school activities.  However, summer is the perfect time to slow down, have some fun, and enjoy the warm weather.  Camp is a great way for your child to do all of these things with his peers.

Before deciding on a camp, it’s a good idea to gather as much information as possible before you commit to one.   A good technique to find out whether a camp would be a suitable fit for your child is to network with other parents.  Getting feedback from those who have already experienced the camp is one of the best ways to determine if the camp would be a good option.  When speaking to parents, be sure to ask questions about what a typical day is like, how competitive the activities are, what the camp-to-counselor ratio is and how the counselors are screened and trained.
 
 It’s also advisable to ask how counselors deal with difficulties that may arise.  For instance, how do they handle problems with discipline?  Do they call parents when there’s a problem?  It’s important to research the camp’s behavior policies before you sign on the dotted line.  Also, it’s not unreasonable to ask for references beforehand and to research the camp’s credentials.  Make sure to keep a checklist of your information to stay organized and focused while compiling research.

Another significant tip in the selection process is to determine what type of camp would work best for your child.  These days, there are many options to choose from, from traditional camps which feature nature and arts and crafts activities, as well as more specialized camps.  Does your child enjoying drawing pictures?  If so, an art camp would be appropriate.  If your child loves to shoot hoops, run the bases, and swim, a sports camp would be ideal. Or if your child likes dance, you could send her to a ballet camp.  Or perhaps even a camp which studies foreign languages or filmmaking.  Decide on a budget that your family can afford and then ask your child for input.

Point Pleasant Beach mother Joanna Madden, says she looks for a camp that can develop her children’s athletic abilities. 
“What’s important to me is how well the counselors can coach my kids, especially my older child,” says Madden.  “My nine-year-old is really involved with sports, so finding the right sports camp is a key factor for my family.  If there’s a camp that is designated for a specific skill, I would be more willing to travel.  I also want to make sure the camp has a down-to-earth atmosphere and allows the kids to be social with others.” Melissa Nagel, a mother of two, concurs with Madden and says that her kids, ages 5 and 3 have benefited from specialized camps in the past.
 
“The soccer camp we sent the kids to was small, with only three kids to a class which was great,” says the Point Pleasant mom.  “It was very specialized which helped them a lot.”
Other factors to consider are the cost and the location of the camp.  What is your family’s budget?  Sure, you would like your child to have a fun and rewarding summer camp experience, but it’s also important to determine what your family can reasonably afford.  What about location?  Is it better for the camp to be close to your job in case of an emergency, or should your child choose a local camp so he can socialize with kids from the neighborhood?  What about transportation to and from camp?  Will you be able to drive your child to camp or does the facility offer bus service?  Maybe you can coordinate a transportation schedule with another mom.  This way, one parent can take care of drop off and the other mom can be responsible for pickup.  It’s imperative to plan ahead and figure out the details before making a choice.

Once your family has decided on a particular camp, it’s important to register as early as possible.  Many times camps offer discounts if you commit before a certain date.  It’s also wise to book early if you have specific dates in mind that you would like your child to attend camp.
If you’re thinking about sending your child to camp this summer, start researching the Internet, visit some of the local camps and their staff, talk to other parents about their experiences, and ask your child what type of camp he or she would like to attend.   By working together as a team, you and your child will pick the best camp experience for the summer.