Register now for township kindergarten

Registrations have begun for Harrison Township kindergarten readiness program to prepare students for classes.

The program’s camp will take place from Monday, Aug. 17, to Thursday, Aug. 20, at William Wilt Soccer Complex. Hours will be 9 to 11:30 a.m. each day.

The camp is intended to provide kids – especially those who missed preschool – with the essentials they need to transition into kindergarten.

“It’s a good way for kids to prepare for school,” explained recreation coordinator Sharon Chew. “We do it in August to help jump start them for their next adventure. Kindergarten is the new first grade, from back in the day in the sense that it’s when kids start to go to school for full days, five days a week.

“Most kids have preschool, but some don’t. Those that don’t tend to get left behind.”

The camp instructor will be Jeanne Woerner, a sixth-grade teacher at Saint Cecilia Catholic School in Pennsauken who has had the role for the last few years. The camp was originally instructed by Anna Lisa Rodano, principal of Harrison Elementary School and a former elementary-school teacher herself.

“She (Rodano) inspired the kindergarten camp and preschool camp that we do,” Chew noted.

Early skills such as letter recognition, counting, shapes, colors, using scissors and name writing will be a part of the camp. A main focus is to encourage independence, listening skills and classroom readiness. Kids will take part in social-emotional learning as well, with activities focused on promoting sharing, turn taking, problem solving and building friendships.

“Summer camp isn’t just for elementary-schoolers anymore,” Chew said. “We have camps for preschoolers and those about to be kindergartners. It gets them in a routine when it comes to interacting with other kids, following rules – the whole nine yards. It’s a great camp.”

Parents are required to register their children in advance at signupgenius.com. The camp has a maximum capacity of 20 kids and there is a fee.

“With hands-on learning, structured play and positive encouragement, this camp helps children feel capable, confident, and ready to take the next big step into kindergarten,” Chew said.