BRICK – There’s still time to register for summer recreation programs, which include most of the past offerings, plus a few new ones, said Director of Recreation Dan Santaniello.
Even the always-sold-out Junior Lifeguard Program has about 30 spots left, but it’s coming to the time where registration will stop for some of the programs so the department can prepare by setting agendas, ordering t-shirts and more, he said.
There are four sessions of surf lessons (taught by Coastline Adventures Surf School) being offered for kids ages 10-16 and four sessions of co-ed adult surf lessons that begin in late June and run until the end of August.
“Last year we had women’s surf lessons and men’s surf lessons, but this year they’re together,” said Santaniello from his office at the Civic Plaza.
A Kid’s Boogie Boarding Camp for ages 6-9 is new this year. Boogie boarding, also called bodyboarding, is an introduction to riding ocean waves. The program is a 12-hour Monday through Thursday land- and water-based camp that includes equipment orientation, wave selection and riding techniques, ocean and beach safety, wave, weather and tide reports, and much more.
Children must know how to swim, and all equipment is provided by Coastline Adventures Surf School.
The Brick Barracuda Swim Team, which competes in the mid-Monmouth League, is forming for the summer. Last year there were about 90-95 participants, Santaniello said, and there is still room for kids ages 5 through 14 who must be able to swim a lap without assistance.
The camp is held in the evenings at Pine Grove Camp on Herbertsville Road. The program starts on June 26, but first there is a mandatory parent meeting on June 19 at the Recreation office.
Once again Coastline Adventures Surf School is offering Paddleboard classes for every age group. The offerings are Stand-Up Paddleboard Classes, Fitness Paddleboard Class, both for ages 12 and over; Kids Stand-Up Paddleboarding Camp for kids ages 8-12, and Family and Me Stand-Up Paddleboard Classes for kids ages 5-11, who must be accompanied by an adult. All Paddleboard classes are held at Traders Cove Marina & Park.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong Fusion on the Beach is new. The classes teach whole-body movement, breathing, meditation, improved balance, strength and flexibility and more. Session 1 begins on June 28 and Session 2 starts on August 2 and they are held at Brick Beach 3.
For kids who prefer land-based activities, Summer Camp for 4 to 13 year-olds is held at Windward Beach Park from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and runs from June 26 until August 1.
“We revamped Summer Camp, we have new ideas and a young staff who is eager to implement the new programs,” Santaniello said. “There are huge improvements with very little downtime.”
For an extra fee, a day trip is available every day, and is filled on a first come, first served basis. Otherwise campers could remain at Windward Beach Park and stay busy with games, arts and crafts, organized sports and more under staff supervision.
The Police Department Youth Camp is a six-day camp for kids ages 11-13. Selection for this popular camp is done through a lottery. The camp includes physical training, military etiquette, K-9 interaction, team building exercises, positive interaction with police officers, simulated police pursuit driving and more.
The Police Camp Graduation Ceremony is held during the Annual Night Out Against Crime celebration at Windward Beach Park. For more information about Police Camp call 732-262-1140.
The Recreation Department has numerous other summer sports offerings, including outdoor basketball league, a new basketball camp, kickball, tennis lessons, field hockey, T-ball, softball, volleyball, a wrestling club, adult bocce leagues and much more.
“The programs will definitely make your summer more enjoyable,” Santaniello said. “You won’t have a boring summer.”
For more information or to register for any program, visit the Recreation Office at 270 Chambers Bridge Road, open from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their phone number is 732-262-1044.
Online registration is available for most of the programs and events. Call 732-262-4622 to set up a family profile, username and password. Enrollment to any of the programs is limited to Brick Township residents.
