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  Sometimes sending children away to camp for the summer isn't an option. In most cases, however, there are local day camps where kids can spend their afternoons participating in most of the activities of overnight camps while returning home at the end of the day. In southern New Jersey, there are several day camps that offer such an experience.
  
  

Great Times Day Camp

• Great Times Day Camp is located in Waterford Works, New Jersey, just west of Wharton State Forest in the southern half of the state. Campers' ages range from 3 to 15, and the counselors at Great Times are trained, state-licensed teachers. The campus area covers 55 acres and includes two large in-ground pools, an archery range and a corral and stable. The camp offers a variety of sports, from street hockey to soccer, as well as more creative programs, such as nature studies and cooking classes. Parents can book the camp for as little as two weeks and as long as 10, with special rates for longer periods.
  
  Great Times Day Camp
  
  Waterford-Blue Anchor Road
  
  Waterford Works, NJ 08089
  
  609-567-2166
  
  greattimesdaycamp.com
  
  

Tall Pines Day Camp

• Tall Pines Day Camp in Williamstown features a well-rounded mix of fitness and learning for children 3 to 14 years old. The camp is "state certified and is accredited by the American Camp Association." It has an 80 percent staff return rate each summer, which is 30 percent higher than the national average, according to Tall Pines. The compound consists of facilities ranging from swimming pools to basketball courts and even a go-kart racetrack. Some of the daily activities at Tall Pines include gymnastics, jewelry making and miniature golf. Campers can sign up for sessions ranging from 3 to 8 weeks.
  
  Tall Pines Day Camp
  
  1349 Sykesville Road
  
  Williamstown, NJ 08094-3247
  
  856-262-3900
  
  tallpinesdaycamp.com
  
  

Future Stars Day Camp

• Future Stars Day Camp has several locations in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The location in Linwood is right outside Atlantic City near the southeastern Jersey shore. The camp makes its home at Mainland Regional High School during the summer months, so it has access to all of the school's facilities. Future Stars is split into three separate camps: Voyager camp (ages 4 to 8), Explorer camp (ages 9 to 13) and All Sports camp (ages 7 to 13). Voyager camp offers youngsters swimming as well as theater and arts and crafts. Explorer camp includes similar but more advanced activities, while All Sports camp features purely sports activities with an opportunity to learn friendly competition and teamwork.
  
  Future Stars Day Camp
  
  1301 Oak Avenue
  
  Linwood, NJ 08221
  
  609-909-1551
  
  futurestarscamps.com‎