Just two months after the 2015 camp season ended, we began working on one of the biggest projects in all of our eighteen year history – a brand new, state of the art, heated swimming pool! We are proud to say that we now have FOUR pools at our camp. Even more exciting is the new pool complex they will all be a part of.
Groundbreaking occurred on October 29 and is expected to be complete at the start of the New Year. The new pool is being constructed by Custom Pools of Rockland County. This pool will add to their impressive resume of constructing over 3,400 pools, both residential and commercial.
The decision to add a new pool was largely to focus on reducing the number of participants in our swim groups. In the past, swim groups have had as many as a dozen campers whereas now swim groups can have almost half as many, thus allowing us to offer a more intimate lesson with more personalized, one on one instruction.
The pool is an in ground pool, as all of our others are, and is 40 feet wide x 80 feet long, and will vary from 3 feet to 5 feet deep. The heated pool also features a grand entrance feel with a 16-foot wide main stairway entrance. As always, there will be multiple lifeguard stands around the perimeter of the pool as well as several ladder exits.
Conveniently located near changing areas and the restrooms, the new pool will now be part of a much larger pool complex. This new complex will include a 2,000 square foot patio area with tables and umbrellas, giving our camp groups additional shade areas when not taking lessons or swimming. The additional shaded area between the new pool and the existing pools will be complete with lounge chairs (available both in or out of the shade), a towel station, and brand new fencing around the perimeter, all overlooking the lake.
Be sure to follow our Facebook and Twitter pages for photos of the finished pool, coming soon!
Camp News
Spotlight: Laura and Melissa
A simple visit is all it will take to understand there’s no place in the world quite like Frogbridge. Our facility is unrivaled and our activities are second to none. But what truly sets our Monmouth County summer camp apart from the rest are the team members we are lucky to have here with us. Among the most important of those team members are the ten who countless days and hours of extra time to help make Frogbridge the success it is today. While everyone at Frogbridge gives 110 percent, two of our team members stand out in my mind as people that have truly made Frogbridge the place it is today. They are Laura and Melissa, the focus of today’s Frogbridge spotlight. Laura is our amazing office manager and Melissa, is best known as “my right hand.” These women never rest, eating, sleeping, and breathing Frogbridge every day of their lives. We couldn’t imagine where we would be without them! Lets get to know a little bit more about each of them and how they came to Frogbridge.
Laura’s Story
I first started at Frogbridge when I was hired for a Tadpole position before it even opened. Seeing how the camp has developed and grown since day one has truly been amazing. Although I’ve worked at “The Bridge” since it opened, my role for the past 10+ years has been office manager. Both of my children, Josh (24) and Jesse (20) were fortunate not only to be campers, but also team members. Their wonderful memories of Frogbridge will last a lifetime and I couldn’t imagine them not having the experience they had here at Frogbridge. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my boys and family and have a love for chocolate and my favorite TV show of all time is Seinfeld. I’ve traveled to many places and islands, but my favorite place has to be is Germany where most of my family lives. My parents met in Germany during World War II. My father is from the Philippines and my mother is from Germany. I am the second youngest of four girls and grew up in Staten Island. I received a degree in Computers from the College of Staten Island and later worked for a trading firm off Wall Street as a Systems Administrator. As my children were growing up, I volunteered for many years in the school system as a class mom and as a part of the PTA.Melissa’s Story
When I started working at Frogbridge, I never imagined that it would be a place I would call home, for not only myself, but for my family as well. If someone had told me when I graduated UMBC that I would be working at a camp on a daily basis, I probably would not have believed them. I always went to camp as a kid, and when I was old enough to work, I started as an assistant counselor and worked my way up the hierarchy. Camp is a huge part of my life, and people have said to me that I live in a Frogbridge bubble. This upcoming summer will be my 9th summer at Frogbridge, and what’s amazing is that every year is totally different. The great part about working in the office all year long is that when all of the campers go back to reality on the last day of camp and go back to school within the following weeks, I stay at camp. The first thing I do when I arrive the Monday after camp ends is start the countdown clock and stare at it each day to see how much time I have to get everything ready for the next summer. From staff contracts, to planning travel calendars, to setting up special events, the camp program, newsletters, t-shirts and everything in between, I work closely with JR all winter getting everything ready for the summer. Summer is my favorite time of year! I love the beach, the warm weather and taking my daughters Jayden (7) and Addison (5) to the Jersey Shore. (They too are campers, and are growing up Frogbridge!) We love the summer so much that during the winter when it’s freezing here, we often visit Florida for vacation. So what do I do when it’s winter? I love TV, shopping, and I love to eat! Everyone has a favorite TV show and mine is Grey’s Anatomy. Shopping can be done anywhere, and now that all the stores are online it’s great! Now, you ask about food? I snack all day on cookies, chocolate and chips. When it comes to restaurants I love trying new places, even though I order the same foods wherever I go. Although I have things that keep me occupied during the winter months, summertime at Frogbridge is truly the best. Nothing can replace the incredible friends that I have met, the amazing memories and having enough Frogbridge apparel to last a lifetime. Always remember, “Live 10 months for 2!” As you can see I’m very lucky to have such incredible people working by my side everyday of my life. If you haven’t gotten the chance to meet them, feel free to stop by the office at any time, they’d love to say hello and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get to know them as well as I have. Check back soon for our next Frogbridge Spotlight!What to Consider When Choosing a Day Camp
Dear Parents and Friends,
As the director of Frogbridge Day Camp, I am frequently asked many questions by camp parents concerning the care and supervision, facility, and programs that children receive and experience not only here at Frogbridge, but also at summer camps across the state. While I cannot answer for the dozens of summer programs throughout central New Jersey, I can give definitive and detailed insight as to what makes Frogbridge stand apart from the rest. In addition, I can provide you with in depth information regarding our extremely high standards, our dedicated and experienced camp employees, our facility, our programs, our policies, and so much more. Choosing the right camp for your child can at first seem like a daunting task, but don’t get overwhelmed, in actuality it’s quite simple. Remember, thousands of parents just like you have faced the very same process throughout the years, so you are certainly not alone feeling this way! The first thing to do is narrow your choices down to the two or three camps you are considering to be the best fits for your children. Among the items to consider most should be the:- Care and supervision offered to your children
- Age and experience of those caregivers
- Camp’s facility
- Food served (especially if allergies are a major concern)
- Medical team in place
- Daily activities program your children will experience
- Daily communication between camp and parent
10 Things I Love About Frogbridge
Valentine’s Day is here and there is love in the air everywhere you turn. Of course we express love for our family and friends, but also for our favorite memories, places, and things. As I look around and think of all the people, places, and things I love the most, one place quickly comes to mind – Frogbridge Day Camp! In the spirit of the holiday, here are the 10 things I LOVE most about Frogbridge:
The Campers
Our campers are the reason we exist! When I look around the camp each and every day everyone is so happy. I’m always sure to see the kids – young and old – smiling, singing, dancing, and playing everywhere I turn. Nothing makes me smile more than seeing our campers having a blast!
The Team Members
It takes years to put together a championship team, and at Frogbridge we have done just that. From our teachers and counselors to our lifeguards and instructors, and everyone else in between, they all come together to ensure that each camper has nothing short of an exceptional experience. They are the camper’s big brothers and sisters and camp moms and dads, and I couldn’t be prouder of any group of people I have ever met.
The Energy
The energy here is boundless! It comes from every child, team member, and parent. One thing is for sure, campers better get a good night of sleep before they arrive here in the morning because the energy starts as soon as they get off the bus!
The One of a Kind Activities
Where else in the world can you find amazing activities like bumper cars, bumper boats, go karts, laser tag, rock climbing with zip lines OVER a lake, and tube rides in a second lake? Oh, and did I mention the Little Fenway Wiffle Ball Stadium, Aqua Dance Club, the Octagon-Championship Gaga Stadium, a 6 thousand square foot field house, and a lakeside catering hall where our campers eat lunch every day? Best of all, EVERY indoor activity is air-conditioned!
The Food
Camper Nutrition is a top priority. Just spend one week at Frogbridge and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. The lunches are delicious – with more choices than most restaurants – all made fresh and served hot daily by our amazing culinary team of top chefs. Our lunch program includes daily specials, side dishes, fruits, vegetables, and dozens of alternatives. But it doesn’t end there! We also have many camper favorite activities that involve food, such as Chef Harry’s Cooking Studio, Hipptiy Hops Chocolate Shoppe, Ribbits Ice Cream Parlor, and Frogaritas Frozen Island Oasis. Oh yeah, there is also a refreshing, cool afternoon snack available each day – can’t forget about that!
The First Day
This is one of the most highly anticipated days of the year (not counting color war break, color war week, the camp carnival, wacky water day, talent show week, the parent BBQ night, the Frogtoberfest in October… ah, you understand). Let’s just say that when those campers get off of the bus on the very first day of summer camp, there is no feeling quite like it for me! Like Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, “there is no place like home!” Welcome home everybody!
The Special Events
Trust me, there is something for everyone on our special events calendar each summer. Mix in camper favorites like the ones mentioned above or our Halloween in August dance-a-thon fundraiser coupled with surprise events that change annually, and you have the perfect combination of camper favorites and soon to be new hits. Just when you thought the fun was over and it was time to get back to school, we welcome everyone back to camp in October for our annual Halloween event, Frogtoberfest. Come on, really? It doesn’t get any better than that!
The Daily Assemblies
Every one of our camp days begin and end at assembly. Each morning campers are greeted with music, games, contests, a new group raises the flag, and camper/team member birthdays are celebrated. Then on Friday mornings … let’s just say you haven’t seen any assembly in the world quite like our Friday morning assembly! Which leads me to the 9th thing I love about Frogbridge…
The Largest Camper Conga line in the World
You have to see this to believe it. Imagine: it’s Friday morning and we are ready to end another great week at Frogbridge with a celebration like no other. As soon as “Sweet Caroline” blasts from the speakers, everyone – and I mean EVERYONE – jumps to their feet and connects their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them to create the largest conga line ever! Man, I can’t wait for the first one this coming summer.
And last, but certainly not least…
That Frogbridge Fever
The moment you step foot off the bus on your very first day, you catch it! Day by day, and week by week, the fever grows stronger. It’s something that can’t be measured or explained, it can only be understood by Frogbridge campers and team members. Some say it’s the energy and enthusiasm displayed by just about every person in the camp while others think it’s a magical spell that’s been placed over the entire property. Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure…. once you catch that Frogbridge Fever you don’t ever want to let it go!
So there you have it – my top 10 things I love about Frogbridge Day Camp. Here’s what some of you had to say on our Facebook page when we asked what you love about Frogbridge:
Did we miss one of your favorite things? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page or Twitter! And while you’re stuck inside on a cold winter’s day, just think, we will be together again having fun in the sun in only five short months!
Jaimi Maloff Miller: Everything. My son comes home happy!! And tired!!!!
Maria Facciponti: Gianna learned to swim like a fish. She absolutely loves her time there. Counselors are awesome
Cindy Preiser Pukel: My daughter said swimming and my son said everything!
Joyce Mula Gheraldi: Even better than all the great activities and (should be) Zagat rated dining are all the BFF’s my son has made.
Did we miss one of your favorite things? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page or Twitter! And while you’re stuck inside on a cold winter’s day, just think, we will be together again having fun in the sun in only five short months!
Camp Activity Spotlight: Bumper Cars
Spin Zone Bumper Cars are one of the latest activities to hit this Monmouth County summer day camp! Year after year we see what we can do to continuously make sure our campers have the BEST experiences. When we had the opportunity to bring Spin Zone on board, we knew we could not pass them up.
Why Spin Zone Bumper Cars
iPlay America uses them and kids and adults love them. Not only are they more fun than traditional bumper cars, but they are safer too. They have a soft inner tube design that reduces impact.How They Work
Similar to traditional bumper cars, riders will try to bump targets on other cars. When targets (3 o’clock or 9 o’clock positions) are hit, the “Spin Zone” activates, sending the bumped car in a fast 2 to 3 second spin. As they spin, the cars’ LED lights flash to let other riders know they’ve been hit. Our campers will have a bumpin’ good time. For more information on Frogbridge activities, visit our website.Staff Spotlight: Susie, Cooking
To help our blog readers get to know our leadership team better, I’ll be featuring a few. In this month’s Frogbridge Staff Spotlight, you’ll get to know Susie (Miss Sue), our cooking instructor.
Susie, a long time Kindergarten teacher in Ocean County, has been with our day camp for eight summers. When she’s not teaching or spending time with her family, she enjoys painting and writing. Susie doubles as a Frogbridge face painter sometimes! Fun fact: She’s actually written three children’s books and is in the process of publishing one.
When I asked her what she likes most about Frogbridge, without hesitation she replied: the children. She also said she loves being our cooking instructor because she gets to introduce campers to new things and they look forward to it.
“Cooking is a favorite elective. The campers love it. It allows them to be creative with food. I introduce them to new things and they look forward to it,” Susie noted.What do campers learn how to make from Susie? For starters, there are churros that have continuously been a camper favorite. Plus, being Italian, teaching campers how to make Strombolis (Italian hot pockets) comes naturally to her. Then there’s apple pie, pigs in a blanket, parfait with fruit, taco pizza, and rainy day s’mores, just to name a few. When I asked Susie what her most memorable experience has been as a team member at Frogbridge, she elaborated on the time she returned after being sick:
“I was off for a month due to illness and returned as a surprise guest judge for Mr. and Mrs. Frogbridge. The warm welcome I got when I returned is something I’ll never forget. I think it was the most memorable experience I ever had in my life. Everyone was yelling and screaming (due to being surprised) and were just so welcoming to have me back. They reminded me of an America’s Got Talent audience.”I asked Susie to note what she would tell parents who are thinking about sending their children to this Monmouth County Day Camp. I am overwhelmed by her response:
“Why wouldn’t you send your children to Frogbridge? I sent my child there and I wouldn’t just send her anywhere. Frogbridge is the “Disney World” of camps. I was privileged to have the opportunity to send my daughter there and I have recommended many of my students. Our team members are very professional. Safety is always no. 1. Everything is very clean. There’s no tolerance for negligence. As a parent, you want all these things in day camp.”In closing, Susie asked that I leave you with this quote:
“God’s greatest gift to us is children.” She feels privileged to work with the children at Frogbridge and she’s excited to be entering her 9th summer.