RED BANK — Children enrolled in the borough’s summer camp experienced action packed days filled with enrichment classes as well as recreation.

The camp offered a wide variety of activities: from creative writing, mathematical problem solving and world languages to art, music, technology, sports and field trips.

Schools Superintendent Laura C. Morana provided an overview of this summer’s enrichment and recreational program, during a meeting with the press on Aug. 12.

Morana touted the new and improved summer camp program, which she said represents a true partnership between the borough and the school system.

“The children truly enjoyed themselves this summer,” Morana said. “They learned so very much and were engaged throughout the day.”

The program, held at the Middle School from July 5 to Aug. 13, was available to all interested borough residents entering first through eighth grade. The morning session had 80 students, and 180 students attended the afternoon session.

Morana explained that the morning enrichment program focused on enhancing academics and was partially funded by the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Title 1 programs.

The morning program ran from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and was free for participants. Breakfast and lunch were provided to all students.

Field trips and special weekly events took place on a regular basis and included excursions to the Museum of National History, Medieval Times and the Liberty Science Center.

The Count Basie Theatre, Boys & Girls Club Red Bank unit, New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium and the Navesink Maritime Heritage Association River Rangers program all came together to provide a comprehensive and stimulating experience for the students, Morana added.

Students Suzette Rodriguez, entering fourth grade, and Gio Iamanidze, an upcoming seventh-grader, spoke of their experiences with the program.

“My favorite trip was to Medieval Times,” Iamanidze said. “I liked seeing how the people used to live and learned a lot about their weapons and country.”

Iamanidze added that he enjoyed learning algebra this summer and also learned how to convert U.S. dollars into foreign currencies.

“I just don’t want camp to end,” Rodriguez added.

Jackie Rivera, a parent of two girls enrolled in the program, said that initially, her daughters weren’t looking forward to spending their summer in school.

“They really enjoyed being here,” Rivera said. “They’re eager to come back next summer.”

Borough teacher Christina Vlahos said that with the use of theme-based learning integration across the board, students had such a great time that they didn’t believe they were in school.

For example, Vlahos described the “Around the World in 30 Days” initiative. She explained that each grade level chose a country to study and then the lessons and activities were based on that country. Countries selected included China, Italy, Greece, Mexico and Africa.

“The emphasis was on building academic skills through innovative planning that extended beyond reading and mathematics,” Vlahos said. “We used sophisticated concepts, like comparing and contrasting folklore of the different countries. The kids really enjoyed themselves.”

According to Vlahos, attendance was consistent.

“The kids wanted to be here,” she said. “They had a full, well-rounded experience.”

Program coordinator Samantha Maurer said that staff from the Count Basie Theatre supplemented those lessons through song, dance and theatrical activities.

Maurer added that two authors visited the Middle School to teach the children the process of writing a book.

Enrichment courses included what Morana said is the very popular robotics class, where students are challenged to think scientifically while they build roller coasters, simple and complex machines, computer-programmable robots and various solar-powered projects.

Students also learned the basics of Mandarin Chinese through myChinese360, an interactive online program. They developed conversational skills while discovering the importance of Mandarin to world culture.

“It was a truly interactive program,” said Maurer. “The children were on live web cams with China.”

This is the third year the borough and school district provided Red Bank children with a summer enrichment and recreation program.

“The program has been modified each year,” said Morana, who explained that modifications are made after surveys from parents and teachers are reviewed. “They give us suggestions and feedback on everything from food to transportation.”

Parks and Recreation Director Memone Crystian explained that the recreational part of the day began at 11:30 a.m. and kicked off with lunch for all students.

“The kids are having so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning,” Crystian said.

The afternoon recreational program worked on a rotating schedule and included arts and crafts, sports and games.

The program was further enhanced through Learn to Row Day at Navesink River Rowing.

“The River Rangers was an amazing experience for the kids,” Crystian said. “They got to kayak and canoe all over the area. It was a great team-building experience.”

Crystian said that with the district’s sports funding cut, it’s more important than ever to continue to provide sports to students on a recreational basis.

“We used this time to expose the kids to sports like baseball and tennis,” Crystian said. “Recreation is still available and will be available throughout the year. We’re trying to fill the gap…”

Morana said the district hired about a dozen borough students entering grades nine and 10 to work as counselors-intraining for several hours per day.

“It’s great for them because they earn a little spending money and gain some work experience as well,” Morana said.

The summer recreation program fee was $300.

The full-day program ran from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After-care was made available until 6 p.m. at the Middle School and at The Boys & Girls Club of Red Bank.