HISTORY

= The History of Waretown Latchkey 

The Waretown Latchkey Program began about 25 years ago and many things are still the same now as they were then. A group of school staff and parents met to discuss the need for a program in our town. Everyone supported the idea and next we discussed how it would be ran. We all agreed we wanted a program that replaced the home and not the school environment. We also knew that we would need a homework time. == ==At that time Ocean County only had two before and afterschool programs. The Y ran the one in Toms River and Jackson's program was sponsored by their Board of Education as our's was and still is. At that time I was President of the PTA and a Kindergarten teacher and a member of the committee. Somehow I found my self named Director and began hiring staff from the school. And thats the way it began. Twenty Five years later not much has changed. Not even the color of our shirts.

Most people know that we operate as a before and after school program during the school year. Once summer comes, it turns into a camp. Since Waretown hasn't had their own school buses for many years, we have been lucky to be able to "rent" a bus from LBI.

The bus is the best part of the program. It allows us the freedom to do so many places. When the weather is good we almost always go to Waretown Lake. Most of the children love playing in the water and it is amazing how their swimming progresses by the end of summer. Some of the kids don't like to swim but find plenty of things to do. Digging on the beach and making tunnels and castles in the sand is a big favorite. Others like to play on the basketball court or even play volleyball.

But when they hear the sound of the ice cream truck approaching most go running for their money. Not all kids can buy ice cream everyday, but nobody whines or complains. We have a really terrific group of kids this summer!!!

On rainy days we often go to the movies or bowling. This summer we sure haven't had much of that. Actually, just the opposite. It has been soooooo hot and sunny that we all appreciate the lake. Other trips we have gone on or will go on this summer are:Chuck E Cheese, Great Adventure Wild Animal Park, McDonald's for lunch and a trip to Ol'Barney. Also, miniature golf at the Sand Trap on LBI, followed by a trip to Artic Ice Cream where they have awesome ice cream. We love to visit parks in the area and Gilly Park in Forked River has always been a favorite. However this year we discovered The Pirate Playground in Barnegat. I am sure we will go back their again this summer.

So now you know a little bit about our program. We have a super staff and we have just as much fun as the kids do. It is fun to watch them grow and change, and most come back for a visit. Every year the staff contributes money and we give the Waretown Latchkey Staff Scholarship to a senior graduating from Southern Regional who has attended the Waretown Latchkey Program.

To return home click here http://waretownlatchkey.wikispaces.com/ ==