Island Park Schools open summer recreation

The Island Park School District’s Recreation Department is ready for another summer of outdoor games, beach days, athletics, and lively trips. Summer Experience 2016 will be held at the Lincoln Orens Middle School and will run from July 5th to August 5. The program runs on a Monday-Friday schedule from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 pm. The five-week program costs $399.00 but additional siblings will only be charged $349.00. The program is open to non-residents of Island Park for $499.00. Office hours for registration are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon or call for an appointment. Registrations are on May 17 and June 7 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the LOMS Recreation Office. Recreation Department is ready to enroll children grades pre-k to 8th grade (as of September 1).

The camp utilizes the middle school’s space both inside and outside the building. The auditorium is host to the summer’s Theater Arts Program. Recreation Supervisor Keith Manginelli said, “The staff and campers put on a spectacular Parent Night Show to culminate the Summer Program. The theme is up to Theatre Arts Director Donna Moran.”

The gymnasium at LOMS is where all of the games, competitions and athletic clinics are held. Manginelli said, “Our sports instructors are certified NYS Education coaches. The coaches will make every day an enjoyable experience and the campers will be introduced to new heights of team building, sportsmanship and fair play. During the summer, boys and girls have a chance to cool down in the air-conditioned lunchroom during their break. The school’s outdoor fields and courts are put to use, as campers are able to participate in soccer, bounceball, volleyball, badminton, and European handball among other popular sports. “

Campers in grades 1-8 are able to enjoy one “Beach Day” a week at Masone Beach. The children are divided by age so they are at the beach with their peers. The older students go on Friday. The recreation staff has a complete schedule planned that includes water games, swimming lessons (with a Red Cross instructor), group activities, and much more.

The Recreation Department has summer planned for the Junior Summer Experience. During this program, facilitated by our certified teachers, upcoming Kindergarteners and Pre-K students participate in academic learning, daily sprinklers, water games, arts and crafts, outdoor athletics, and trips to Island Park Public Library and Shell Creek Park. The Recreation Juniors will leave camp each day with smiles and enthusiasm.

The program offers trips to boys and girls grades 1-8. Boys and girls in grades 1-3 can go bounce around at Laser Bounce, enjoy the animals at The Queens Zoo, or bowl at the lanes at RVC Bowling. Meanwhile, campers in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to go kayaking, roller-skating or attending Country Fair Amusement Park.