Not sure what you should bring to camp? Whether you are a tadpole or a senior camper, here is a list of what you should and shouldn’t bring to camp to enjoy all of our amenities. Everyday is a new adventure, and we can’t wait to see you! To see what fun you can have this summer in addition to our new pool, view our amenities.
Camp News
Signs You’re Ready for Camp
The beaches are open and warmer weather is here.
Harry J is ready to go and is filled with cheer.
Here are some other signs that you’re ready for camp this year…
You put away those sweatshirts and break out your camp t-shirt to wear to school.
Your end of the year class trip makes you wish you were heading to Frogbridge.
The countdown at school isn’t just for when school ends, it’s also for when camp begins.
Field day at school reminds you of the green and gold teams at color war.
You keep playing against your camp friends in soccer, baseball, and basketball on weekends.
Your dance recital features dozens of your friends from camp and you start thinking of choreographing for your talent show.
All the stores at the mall are selling bathing suits and you buy the best ones you can find to wear at the new pool.
You order chicken fingers at McDonald’s and they just don’t taste as good as the ones you’ll be eating very soon at camp.
You hear “shut up and dance” and you feel yourself dancing on stage at the Frogbridge assemblies.
You constantly start thinking of color war team names.
You pass up a trip to Florida during the summer because you don’t want to miss a day of camp at Frogbridge.
You hear “Sweet Caroline” in a store and instantly get the urge to start a conga line.
When someone says “Gaga” you’re not thinking about the pop star.
You daydream about color war, tubing on the lake, and zip lining throughout the day.
You get your “Welcome Home” letter with your new camp group and bus number on it and you start calling all your friends to find out if you are in the same group.
You put away those sweatshirts and break out your camp t-shirt to wear to school.
Your end of the year class trip makes you wish you were heading to Frogbridge.
The countdown at school isn’t just for when school ends, it’s also for when camp begins.
Field day at school reminds you of the green and gold teams at color war.
You keep playing against your camp friends in soccer, baseball, and basketball on weekends.
Your dance recital features dozens of your friends from camp and you start thinking of choreographing for your talent show.
All the stores at the mall are selling bathing suits and you buy the best ones you can find to wear at the new pool.
You order chicken fingers at McDonald’s and they just don’t taste as good as the ones you’ll be eating very soon at camp.
You hear “shut up and dance” and you feel yourself dancing on stage at the Frogbridge assemblies.
You constantly start thinking of color war team names.
You pass up a trip to Florida during the summer because you don’t want to miss a day of camp at Frogbridge.
When someone says “Gaga” you’re not thinking about the pop star.
You daydream about color war, tubing on the lake, and zip lining throughout the day.
You get your “Welcome Home” letter with your new camp group and bus number on it and you start calling all your friends to find out if you are in the same group.
What are some other signs that you can think of? Share them with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Growing Up Frogbridge: Jenn Tobias
Jenn Tobias began spending her summers at Frogbridge 16 years ago as a junior camper and stayed with us all the way through the CIT (Counselor In Training) program. She then worked two years as an Assistant Counselor, after that she became a Head Counselor and currently, she has been working the past two summers as a Head Counselor in the CIT division, where she will be again this summer. Jenn undoubtedly has a tremendous future at Frogbridge. Once she obtains her masters from her alma mater, she will be on her way to becoming a member of our Administrative Team serving as a Division Leader. Her boundless energy and love of camp is evident within minutes of meeting her. We consider ourselves lucky to have her as a member of our family. We now introduce to you Jenn Tobias.
“Hi! My name is Jenn, and I absolutely LOVE camp!”
Frogbridge Day Camp has been my summer home for the past 15 summers. I started going to camp at Frogbridge back in 2001, in JG6 when I was in second grade. After each summer, I have always said, ‘That was the best summer ever!’ – and every year I meant it. I have the fondest memories as a camper in junior, middle, and senior camp: kayaking in the lake with friends, my first time making it to the top of the rock wall, swimming, my first bullseye in archery, cheering with my friends when we were on the winning Color War team, and my first win in the game of gaga. Some of the girls I went to camp with in those past years are still my best friends today, and we always talk about our cherished memories of camp! I loved traveling in the SCORE and Teen Travel programs, especially seeing the Broadway shows and going to all of the amusement and water parks. I was so excited to become a CIT and then a counselor, and after eight wonderful summers as a camper, I was an Assistant Counselor in senior camp for two years. Then, I was a Head Counselor in senior camp travel for one year, in SCORE for two years, and this summer will be my third as a Head Counselor in the CIT division. Growing up as part of the Frogbridge family, I always looked forward to the first day of camp when I would see the ‘Welcome Home!’ sign upon arrival because Frogbridge truly feels like home! There are endless unique, fun activities, and every day is filled with lots of smiles and laughter; even rainy days are sunny days at camp, and each summer, memories and friendships grow. The campers I had back when I was a CIT are now Head Counselors at camp, and we always reminisce about how much fun we had together and how we love coming back to camp each summer! The bonds I have with my campers and co-workers add to what makes Frogbridge so special to me, and my experiences as a counselor helped shape me into the teacher I am today. I graduated from The College of New Jersey in May 2015, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and English, and this year, I will be graduating from the graduate program there with my Masters of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I look forward to continuing my frog-tastic experiences at camp and possibly in an administrative position there in the future. I love camp, and I am super excited to celebrate my sweet 16th summer at camp this year!” Do you have an amazing experience at Frogbridge Day Camp that you would like to share? Post it to our Facebook page today.Harry J’s Healthy Snack Ideas
We strive for our campers eat healthy food throughout their day. Eating healthy can promote optimal growth and development of children, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Our Executive Chef Will and our cooking instructor Chef Susie always make sure to cook and teach with the freshest ingredients. In honor of National Nutrition Month, we are celebrating by giving you a few snack recipes from “Chef Harry’s,”our official camp cooking studio brought to you directly by Harry J himself! Some “healthy snacks” can be thought of as unappetizing, however, these snacks are so delicious you’ll want to make them again and again.
Please note that Frogbridge Daycamp is a nut aware facility, which means that we do not serve anything that may contact nuts or are produced somewhere that processes nuts of any kind. For the below recipes with any type of nut or nut butter, please substitute with another ingredient.
Red, White, & Blue Parfait
Be patriotic with this fun recipe for a Memorial Day treat this year. Ingredients:- Vanilla yogurt (can be Greek or regular)
- Strawberries, sliced
- Blueberries
- Rice Krispies
- Put two scoops of yogurt into bottom of a cup.
- Lay strawberry slices on top of yogurt.
- Add another two scoops of yogurt.
- Sprinkle blueberries.
- Add another two scoops of yogurt.
- Top off parfait with Rice Krispies.
Flag Toast
Source: mrbreakfast.com Show your pride in this snack that is not only pretty but tasty too. Ingredients:- Whole grain toast
- Strawberry jelly
- Cream cheese
- 1 banana, sliced
- Blueberries
- Spread layer of cream cheese on toast.
- Use strawberry jelly to create the red stripes.
- Use banana slices to create the white stripes.
- Add blueberries to create the space where the stars go.
Apple Cookies
Source: rachelschultz.com Using an apple slice as the base of this “cookie” will add a crunch and keep the nutritional value. Ingredients:- 1 apple (type of your choice)
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, sliced
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- Remove the core of the apple and slice it into thin rings.
- Spread peanut butter on top of one side of the ring.
- Top with walnuts, almonds, coconut, and chocolate chips.
Impossibly Easy Banana Ice Cream
Source: mylifeandkids.com A healthy type of ice cream that everyone will enjoy. Ingredients:- 3 large, very ripe bananas (peeled, sliced, and then frozen)
- ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh chopped fruit of your choice, chocolate chips, coconut flakes (optional)
- Remove bananas from freezer and allow to thaw for about five minutes.
- In a blender, add bananas, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a bowl and mix in additional ingredients if needed.
- Serve immediately or add to popsicle molds and freeze for another time.
Sweet Potato Banana Bites
Source: theleangreenbean.com This is a great snack for picky eaters. They won’t even know what they are eating is good for them. Ingredients:- 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about ½ cup)
- 1 medium banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup peanut butter (type of your choice)
- Cinnamon, to taste
- Dark chocolate chips, sliced fruit, seeds (optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix sweet potato and banana together in a small bowl until somewhat smooth.
- Add eggs, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in any additional ingredients if needed.
- Spoon mixture into greased mini muffin tins. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Infographic: Benefits of Sending Your Child to Frogbridge
Learn what sets Frogbridge apart from the rest and why we are considered the best summer day camp in NJ.
Bring Camp Home
Counting down the days until camp during the offseason can seem like a never ending process. Help the time pass and warm up on a cold winter’s day by bringing the Frogbridge fever into your home! Try one of the following day camp inspired activities with your children.
Note for Parents: Remain close by to oversee all the recommended activities below.
Note for Campers: Let your parents handle the cooking chores that involve hot water or the oven.
Silly Science
Source: lemonlimeadventures.com Try Silly Science at home with this fun dissolving candy cane science project! Supplies:- 4 cups/jars (must be see through)
- 3 cups cold water
- 3 cups hot water
- 3 cups oil
- 3 cups vinegar
- 4 candy canes
- What do you think is going to happen?
- How long do you think it will take to dissolve?
- What do you smell?
- What do you see?
- Why do you think this is happening?
DIY Nail Art
Source: chloesnails.blogspot.com Bring Ms. Lily’s Salon into your home and have your child add a little sparkle to their manicure. Supplies:- Color nail polish of your choice
- Glitter nail polish of your choice
- Tape
- Decorative edge crafting scissors
Funfetti Cupcakes
Source: sallysbakingaddiction.com Make Miss Susie proud by baking this easy funfetti cupcake recipe at home with the family. Ingredients:- 1 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup yogurt (plain, vanilla, Greek or substitute for sour cream)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake lines. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine baking powder, flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave. Whisk sugar into the melted butter. The consistency will be gritty. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 minute.
- After chilled, stir in yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined. Slowly start to add the dry ingredients until mixture is smooth. The batter will be thick.
- Slow stir in the sprinkles but do not overmix because the sprinkles will begin to bleed their color.
- Divide batter evenly among the muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool.
- Top with frosting of choice and add sprinkles if desired.
Put on a Play
If your children love to dress up and perform then this is perfect for you. Turn your living room into an at home theater. Use blankets as curtains and move couches around for a stage. Dig up those old Halloween costumes to create the outfits for a variety of characters. You can even get the pets involved by dressing them up to. Make it feel even more real by setting up a specific time for them to perform and having the other members of your family sit down to watch it. Let their performing arts skills be unveiled and enjoy.Plastic Bottle Bowling
Although we’d love to say build a Gaga court in your basement, playing sports like that inside can be hard to do, and sometimes a little dangerous. But if your children are the athletic type, they may not take no for an answer on a snowy day. Plastic bottle bowling is a great alternative and a way to let out some energy while indoors. Supplies:- 10 plastic bottles
- 10 shades of acrylic craft paint
- 1 Tbsp. of water for each bottle (only if needed)
- Ball
- Remove the cap and labels from the bottles. Wash and clean thoroughly.
- Place a few drops of paint inside of each bottle, enough to cover the bottom and then a little extra. If your paint is thick, add a tiny bit of water.
- Close the bottles and shake them up to spread the paint inside.
- Remove cap and pour the excess water/paint. Leave the caps off and let dry. Ideally overnight but if not, then a few hours at least.
- Once dry, set up your bowling pins and have fun!