Union Township Recreation is thrilled to announce the launch of the Union Township Recreation Summer Camp, a brand-new four-week program designed to provide children with an exciting, safe, and affordable summer experience right here in our community. See below for all the exciting details!
Sections:
- Registration
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Press Release
- Job Descriptions
- Staff: How to Apply!
- Meet Our Directors
Registration
Registration will open for Union Township Residents on Saturday, 2/14 at 7am, and for neighboring towns on Monday, 2/16 (also at 7am). We encourage you to register early as capacity is limited and enrollment will be handled on a first come, first served basis.
Note – CITs in 8th grade do not need to register for the camp. Those spots should be held open for attending campers (whereas CITs are considered unpaid staff – earning service hours and attending for free). There will be a separate “registration” for hired CITs once hiring decisions are made to accept the camp policies.
If you’re a 7th grade parent who wants a spot for your child if they don’t get a CIT position, sign them up now to hold a spot and we’ll process a refund later (if not accepted). This will make sure you have a spot, just in case!!
How do I register?
Go to: https://register.communitypass.net/reg/index.cfm
Type in “Union Township Hampton NJ, NJ” for organization and select it from the drop down, make an account if needed, and then sign up as warranted. Once logged in/account made, look for the orange “register now” button. Click it and the current seasons open for registration will appear in a new box. Select and go from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Union Township Summer Rec Camp?
The Union Township Summer Rec Camp is a four-week community summer program designed to provide safe, affordable, and engaging childcare for local families. It offers daily activities, field trips, and specialty classes in a familiar and well-supervised environment.
2. Who can attend?
- Grades: Kindergarteners – 8th graders (based on what grade you’re entering for the upcoming Fall). Must be 5 years old by 10/1 and potty trained to attend camp.
- Counselors-in-Training (CITs): Ages 13 & 14, earning volunteer hours (and attending for free)
- Programs: Full day, half day AM, and afternoon-only options (for ESY students)
3. Where and when will the camp take place?
- Location: Union Township Elementary School (UTES)
- Dates (2026): June 29 – July 24 (Monday–Friday)
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Before/After Care*: 7:30-9am, or 4-5:30pm
*Please note, while it is our intention to offer before and after care during the UTREC Summer Camp, adult staff will be required to do this. If we do not have the staff to support the before or after care component of the camp, this extra service will be refunded.
4. What activities will campers enjoy?
Campers rotate through activities every 45 minutes, including:
- Sports and outdoor games
- Arts & crafts
- STEAM classes
- Game room activities
- Visiting vendors and special events
- Off-site field trips
Groups are organized by grade and assigned unique names for fun and clarity. We have a ton of awesome activities and trips planned for this summer, but we’re not ready to share the final calendar just yet. To wet your appetite in the interim, all of these great things are in the mix and being scheduled, including free throw shooting contests, BINGO BANANZA, DJ dance parties, face painting, an all camp carnival, visits from Kona Ice, trips to the planetarium, the movies, Branchburg Sports Complex, Bounce City, the Washington Pool, the roller rink, and much more, all included with your camp registration fee.
5. How many campers will be enrolled?
The camp will cap enrollment at 200 campers. Registration will open
6. What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
We are aiming to have the following staff-to-camper ratio, as this has worked well for our “sister camp” in Clinton. That said, final applications numbers may shift our ratios slightly. We will make sure everyone is aware of our final staff-to-camper ratio by 6/1.
- Age 8 & under: 1 senior counselor per 12 campers
- Age 9 & up: 1 senior counselor per 15 campers
- Including specialists and junior counselors, real ratios are closer to 1:10.
7. Who will staff the camp?
Our forecast and plan is for the camp to employ:
- 2 Co-Director
- 14 Senior Counselors
- 12 Junior Counselors
- 8 Specialists
- 10+ Volunteer Counselors (CITs)
- 1 Arts & Crafts Facilitator
*All over-18 staff complete background checks through CastleBranch.
8. What qualifications are required for staff?
- Director: Administrator & Supervisor certification, age 25+, First Aid/CPR
- Assistant Director: Age 21+, experience in childcare programs
- Teaching Specialists: Certified teachers
- Counselors: CPR/First Aid certified
9. What is the hiring timeline?
Applications started for all camp roles in November 2025. Hiring decisions for Junior Counselors and Counselors-in-Training (CIT) will be made in early March. We’re still looking for Senior Counselor and Specialty Instructor candidates. Detailed job descriptions can be found on our website! Have a college kid that’ll be home for the summer? Have them apply today!
10. How will the camp operate daily?
Sample Schedule:
- 9:00 AM — Arrival/drop-off
- 9:15 AM — First activity (Gym)
- 10:00 AM — Arts & Crafts
- 10:45 AM — Playground/free play
- 11:30 AM — Gym or morning dismissal
- 12:00 PM — Games & lunch rotation
- 1:00 PM — Outdoor activities
- 2:30 PM — Game room
- 4:00 PM — Dismissal
11. What are the safety and health policies?
- Camp is peanut/tree nut free.
- Staff trained in First Aid/CPR.
- No medication administered by staff.
- Campers with epi-pens self-carry or store with counselors.
- No attendance if a child has vomited or had a fever within 24 hours.
- Walkie-talkies and rosters ensure communication and safety.
12. What if there’s bad weather?
Indoor backup locations include the gym, cafeteria, and classrooms, ensuring the camp can safely operate during inclement weather.
13. How will emergencies be handled?
- Minor issues: Bandage and incident report
- Serious issues: Parents called immediately and 911 contacted if needed
- Parents notified by email for general updates and phone for emergencies
14. How much does the camp cost?
In Town Pricing:
- Full Day – $800 one child, $750 per additional child in a family
- Half Day – $400 one child, $375 per additional child in a family
Out of Town Pricing:
- Full Day – $850 one child, $800 per additional child in a family
- Half Day – $450 one child, $425 per additional child in a family
Additional Pricing:
- Before Care: $35 per week/camper. 2+ children are $25 per week/camper
- Extended Care Only: $35 per week/camper. 2+ children are $25 per week/camper.
- There is a $10 non-refundable application fee per CAMPER in addition to the camp fees.
15. Are refunds available?
No refunds or changes to your enrollment after June 1, as staff and vendor commitments are set at that point.
16. How and when do families register?
- Registration will be online through CommunityPass starting on February 14th at 7am for Union Township Residents, and then on February 16th for other local towns.
- Payment is due in full at registration.
- No weekly options; all tuition is monthly to ensure staff stability.
17. Do staff get discounted enrollment for their children?
Yes! Camp employees may enroll their children for a discount. Final discount amounts are still to be determined, and will be finalized via a credit to the employees after registration is closed and the budget is finalized.
18. Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for those families meeting the “Regional Income Limits for Affordable Housing” based on their household size. Income limits from 2025 are available on this website here. Note – if an update for 2026 is made, we’ll update to leverage this information.
To qualify, applicants must provide certain financial documents for income verification. For more information on these requirements, please email UTRECSummerCamp@gmail.com. It should be noted that receiving financial assistance does not guarantee your child/children a position in the program until you are registered online.
Press Release: Union Township Recreation Announces Launch of New Summer Camp Program!
Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ – 11/5/25 – Union Township Recreation (UTREC) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Union Township Recreation Summer Camp, a brand-new four-week program designed to provide children with an exciting, safe, and affordable summer experience right here in our community.
The camp, scheduled to begin in Summer 2026, will be hosted at Union Township Elementary School during the month of July and will serve children ages 5 to 13, with a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for youth ages 13 to 15. Families can choose from full-day or half-day options, along with before and after-care to accommodate working parents.
“This camp is about more than just fun—it’s about creating memories, friendships, and community connection,” said Eric Meisner, Chairman of Union Township Recreation. “We’ve designed the UTREC Summer Camp to offer parents a trusted and affordable childcare option while giving kids a summer packed with play, creativity, and learning.”
Throughout the day, campers will rotate through a variety of sports, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and special vendor-led events in 45-minute intervals. Special theme days, trips, and interactive workshops will keep the program fresh and engaging from start to finish.
If this camp sounds familiar, it’s by design. Over the last 6 months, Meisner partnered with Town of Clinton Recreation Camp Director, Samantha Lestrange, to model their existing and incredibly successful camp blueprint. This process included visits to Union Township Committee meetings for conceptual approval, and to understand hiring and insurance requirements, as well as meeting with the Union Township Schools Board of Education for facilities usage considerations, and ultimate approval. These consulting efforts culminated in a 25-page business proposal for the camp which documented their vision.
In the end, UTREC has structured the camp to be financially self-sustaining, with registration fees covering all operating costs. This means local families can enjoy a high-quality camp without an additional tax burden to residents. “By leveraging our local school facility, and the blueprint shared from Town of Clinton’s existing camp, Eric and Samantha’s proposal was a no-brainer for us! It’s not every day you are able to provide an incredible program that directly benefits Union Township families, and with no financial burden to residents,” commented Union Township Mayor David DeGiralamo. “I’m incredibly grateful for Eric and Samantha’s vision and dedication to make this camp happen!”
The camp will open registration in early 2026 through CommunityPass, with priority given to Union Township residents before opening to surrounding communities.
For more information about the Union Township Recreation Summer Camp, including schedules, activities, and registration details, please look for updates soon on our website at www.utrecreation.com, or follow “Union Township Recreation – Hunterdon County” on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements.
Job Descriptions:
Camp Director:
Camp Director will oversee most aspects of staffing, programming, and camper relations for our summer camp season. Duties include staff hiring and training, site and resource organization and program management. Responsibilities include directing staff training, weekly staff planning meetings, managing camper information and groupings, maintaining fiscal records and working within a budget, maintaining camp resources and supplies, and interacting with parents, campers, staff and administration as needed. The director is accountable for the overall management of the program and is specifically responsible for personnel management, program development, and health and safety management in accordance with Hunterdon County Health Department and the Union Township policies.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and coordinate camp programs and activities for a safe, engaging, high quality summer program
- Develop and maintain safety protocols within the camp, for the safety and well-being of staff and campers
- Communicate with camp families, providing insight and solutions should the need arise
- Provide organizational and programmatic support as necessary
- Oversee hiring and training of all summer camp staff
- Maintain fiscal records for summer camp program, including summer budget and fundraising efforts. This includes staff salaries, activities, and transportation.
- Oversee camp recruitment and registration
- Oversee designation of camper placement within groups
- Oversee staff placement within groups and evaluate group dynamics
- Address crisis management, discipline and troubleshooting issues related to campers and/or staff
- Assist in determining supply and equipment needs and in ordering/purchasing
- Support and supervise instructors in organizing, implementing, decision-making and trouble-shooting
- Maintain a positive team atmosphere that includes campers, families, staff, and volunteers
- Schedule, supervise and evaluate program staff
- Assist in the evaluation of the camp itself, as well as the camping experience for youth participants
- Research and collect data to provide value proposition analysis
Qualifications and Competencies:
- At least 25 years old
- At least 1 year of administrative or supervisory experience
- Experience teaching students of all ages in a variety of outdoor settings
- Experience providing programming for diverse populations
- Strong commitment to teaching and to sharing an appreciation for nature
- Works well with minimal supervision, and asks for assistance when needed
- Required certifications include: Responding to Emergencies First Aid and CPR
- Prior camp experience, background in outdoor skills and/or natural history, experience
- managing a staff
- Manages conflict situations appropriately
- Excellent social, communication, writing and computer skills
- Ability to pass background checks
Salary range: $6,500 – $7,500 for the summer
________________________
Assistant Director:
Assistant Director will oversee most aspects of staffing and camper behaviors during the camp season. Duties include assisting in staff training, acting as director in the absence of a director, logistics, and staff support. Responsibilities include directing staff
training, weekly staff planning meetings, managing camper information and groupings, and interacting with parents, campers, staff and administration as needed. The assistance director is responsible for camper safety, staff support, and logistics on off-site trips and serves as the director off-site. Assistant director will help to oversee camp procedures, arrival, and dismissal.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and coordinate camp programs and activities for a safe, engaging, high quality summer program
- Develop and maintain safety protocols within the camp, for the safety and well-
- being of staff and campers
- Communicate with camp families, providing insight and solutions should the need arise
- Provide organizational and programmatic support as necessary
- Oversee training of all summer camp staff
- Assist with staff placement within groups and evaluate group dynamics
- Address crisis management, discipline and troubleshooting issues related to campers and/or staff
- Assist in determining supply and equipment needs and in ordering/purchasing
- Support and supervise instructors in organizing, implementing, decision-making and trouble-shooting
- Maintain a positive team atmosphere that includes campers, families, staff, and volunteers
- Schedule, supervise and evaluate program staff
- Assist in the evaluation of the camp itself, as well as the camping experience for youth participants
- Act as director on off-site trips
Qualifications and Competencies:
- At least 21 years old
- At least 3-5 years experience with working with children, camp programs, or overseeing a program where children are involved
- Leadership experience preferred
- Experience teaching students of all ages in a variety of outdoor settings
- Experience providing programming for diverse populations
- Strong commitment to teaching and to sharing an appreciation for nature
- Works well with minimal supervision, and asks for assistance when needed
- Required certifications include: Responding to Emergencies First Aid and CPR
- Prior camp experience, background in outdoor skills and/or natural history, experience
- managing a staff
- Manages conflict situations appropriately
- Excellent social, communication, writing and computer skills
- Ability to pass background checks
Salary range: $4,500 – $5,500 for the summer
________________________
Specialty Instructors:
Partial day seasonal position for the four-week summer camp season. Specialty instructors are responsible for leading classes to campers in a specific discipline in in order to enrich the camping experience. Specialty instructors will work either 9am-1pm or 12pm-4pm Monday through Thursday and lead classes to a wide range of ages. Specialty instructors must be certified instructors or teachers. They will report to the camp director. Must be available for the four-week camp season.
Required Qualifications
- Certified instructor or teacher
- Experience working with children in a group setting
- Ability to assist in teaching/leading activities
- Enthusiasm, patience, self-control
- Ability to adapt to camp setting
Salary range: $28.00 – $32.00 per hour, with 4 hour shifts available
________________________
Senior Counselor:
Full-day seasonal position for the four-week summer camp season and additional hours as needed. The senior counselor is responsible for the safety and well-being of an assigned group of campers; serves as the group leader to campers, junior counselors, and volunteer counselors. They will assist specialty teachers when the group is participating in scheduled activities. The senior counselor will supervise the group (staff and campers) at all times, oversee routine tasks related to the group, and plan and implement counselor run activities. They will supervise the junior & volunteer counselors and will report to the camp director. Senior counselors must be 18 years or older by 6/15/26. Must be available for the four-week camp season.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with children in a group setting
- Ability to accept guidance and supervision
- Ability to assist in teaching/leading activities
- Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior and volunteer counselors
- Enthusiasm, patience, self-control
- Ability to adapt to camp setting
- Prior camp experience
Salary range: $18.50 – $20.00 per hour
________________________
Junior Counselor:
Full day seasonal position for the four-week summer camp season and additional hours as needed. The junior counselor is responsible for the safety and well-being of assigned group of campers; assisting the senior counselors and specialty teachers during
scheduled activities. The junior counselor helps to supervise the group (volunteers and campers) at all times and helps to plan and implement counselor run activities. The junior counselor works under the supervision of the senior counselor and reports to the camp director. Junior counselors must be 15 years or older by 6/15/26. Must be available for the four-week camp season.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to accept guidance and supervision
- Ability to assist in teaching/leading activities
- Enthusiasm, patience, self-control
- Ability to adapt to camp setting
Salary range: $15.50 – $16.50 per hour
________________________
Counselor in Training (CIT):
Full-day seasonal position for four-week summer camp season and additional hours as needed. CIT counselors are responsible for the safety and well-being of an assigned group of campers; assisting the senior counselors, junior counselors, specialty teachers, and camp director. They will participate in scheduled activities and help plan and implement counselor run activities. CIT counselors are expected to adhere to the policies and guidelines required of all staff. The volunteer counselor works under the supervision of the senior and junior counselors and reports to the camp director. Must be at least 13 years old as of 6/15/26.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to accept guidance and supervision
- Ability to assist in teaching/leading activities
- Enthusiasm, patience, self-control
- Ability to adapt to camp setting
Note – CITs do not need to register for the camp. Those spots should be held open for attending campers (whereas CITs are considered unpaid staff – earning service hours and attending for free). There will be a separate “registration” for hired CITs once hiring decisions are made to accept the camp policies.
Staff: How to Apply!
Please fill out this application and email it to UTRECSummerCampDirector@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are due by February 16th. We’re currently still hiring for Sr Counselor, Jr Counselor, Specialty Instruction and CIT roles, so apply today!
Meet Our Directors
Union Township Recreation (UTREC) is proud to announce Sue Pinto and Chelsea Giunta as the Camp Directors for the inaugural Union Township Recreation Summer Camp, launching in 2026!
“Sue and Chelsea bring a deep love for Union Township and an infectious passion for working with children”, says camp founder and UTREC Chairman, Eric Meisner. “Together, they offer nearly 30 years of combined experience in education, building classrooms and programs rooted in creativity, structure, and care. Their commitment to helping kids grow—both academically and socially—has made a lasting impact across the lives of the children they’ve taught.”
Both directors are thrilled to partner with UTREC on this exciting new project and are eager to help shape a summer camp experience that is fun, safe, inclusive, and memorable. From engaging activities and exciting trips to educational opportunities, Sue and Chelsea are already hard at work building a program families can trust and their children will love.
UT Recreation is incredibly excited to have their leadership guiding this new adventure, and we can’t wait to welcome campers this summer!
###