St. Charles Borromeo School opened in 1964 through the efforts of Rev. Francis V. McCusker and the Sisters of Mercy, and for many of those years Marianne Culp has served as a lay teacher at the Catholic school on Branch Pike in Cinnaminson.
“I love St. Charles School,” said Culp, who 16 years ago started the annual parish summer camp for kids 4 to 7 years old and still teaches language arts and social studies to sixth and eighth graders. “I taught here before my children and grandchildren were born.
“There is a great sense of community at St. Charles,” added Culp, who – along with liturgical coordinator Joeram Nuarin – is a co-director of the summer camp. “Parents have a sense of comfort knowing their children are safe, and cared for and respected.”
Helping Culp and Nuarin with the 23 students each day are counselors Teresa Boland and Mikaylah O’Neill, a college student who graduated from St. Charles. Nuarin, who teaches music at the school, said the camp, at the schoolhouse with a play area in the back – is based on the mission of the church.
It is open to pre-K, first and second graders and fully supported by the school’s new principal, Deacon Joseph G. Rafferty, a longtime educator born and raised in Gloucester City.
On the morning of July 21, the youngsters had a great time making arts and crafts after an hour of supervised free play and an hour of outdoor play in the gated recess yard. At about 10:15 a.m., they all went into a second room featuring a big sign draped over the blackboard welcoming the campers, and enjoyed snacks brought from home.
Culp said that at noon, the half-day campers leave and the full-day campers eat their lunches. Then each child picks an activity to play by themselves or with another child. If the weather cooperates, there is outdoor play. If it rains, campers will play in the gymnasium at the main school building.
“Usually by 3 p.m., it’s time to unwind for the last hour with a short movie, a nature video or even a dance party,” said Culp, who enjoys arranging activities for the children.
As for the pre-K to eighth school itself, she is very proud of the education provided to the students in the basics – reading, writing, vocabulary, math and history.
“The eighth graders take a pre-algebra course and they graduate well prepared for high school,” she said.
“At St. Charles, we partner with families to inspire students to reach their highest potential,” states the school’s mission statement. “Through a supportive and faith-filled environment, we cultivate a love for learning, instill Gospel values and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to our global society.”
First a small parish school with just a few grades, St. Charles is now a vibrant educational community serving more than 300 students, the statement continued.
“For decades we have been committed to our mission of combining faith and learning to shape the minds and hearts of future students.”
Welcoming 23 youngsters to the St. Charles Borromeo Parish summer camp on July 21 were co-director Joeram Nuarin (left to right), counselor Mikaylah O’Neill, co-Director Marianne Culp and counselor Teresa Boland.
