3575 Valley Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 647-1777
www.daycampsunshine.org
By Joanne Kleinle
Remember the last day of school? When the bell rang and you and your friends could not get out of the school building fast enough? You ran through the doors exhilarated and dying to get home to start the summer. Summer meant freedom, fun, sleepovers, swimming, and ice cream. Life is more complicated these days. But there is still a place where you can recapture some of that summer utopia for your kids- Day Camp Sunshine at Fellowship Deaconry in Basking Ridge. 
Day Camp Sunshine began as an overnight camp in 1938, drawing kids from all over the northeast. It expanded to become a day camp in 1978 and since that time has been growing and changing while maintaining their core values. They have added a pool, Sweet Shoppe, picnic pavilions, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. Counselors from as many as 8 or 9 different countries offer the kids a diverse perspective while reinforcing the core Christian values of inclusion, love, genuine friendships, embracing who you are, and just having fun!
Each summer the camp unveils a new theme. This summer’s theme, “Undefeated”, will inspire and motivate the campers to never give up! Each week’s activities are centered on a weekly theme as well- like Color Wars and Animal Planet. The counselors and directors at Day Camp Sunshine work hard to create an environment that is all about feeling safe, secure and accepted. This allows kids to be kids for the summer, while nurturing their minds, bodies, and spirits with creative programming.
Day Camp Sunshine offers weekly sessions from June through August with drop off being any time after 7:30 am and pick up any time before 6 pm. There are programs for kids of all ages from preschool through ninth grade. They also offer a “Lead Program” for high schoolers to learn leadership by training to be a counselor.
Summer days at Day Camp Sunshine are filled with themed programs, trips to the Sweet Shoppe for a snack or an ice cream, swimming in the pool, camp-wide games, and more. Specialized events are scattered throughout the summer like the traditional Fourth of July parade and patriotic festivities and International Day, hosted by our counselors from around the world. Campers, if age appropriate, can participate in sleepovers, late-overs, and pizza and pool parties after camp hours. These events give the kids something to look forward to during the summer and help to foster closer relationships with the counselors and other campers.
Visit the website at www.daycampsunshine.org for more information on programming and registration. The camp also offers a wide range of scholarships and discounts for the military, first responders, and more. Check the website to see if you qualify.
Countless parents have said Day Camp Sunshine “is the way it’s supposed to be.” They know that they can rest easy knowing their kids are safe, secure, and growing in every way, while having a great summer. Check out their website and register your kids today!!