All About SPARK

About Us Our Philosophy Ariana, Also and the Kids

OUR CAMP PHILOSOPHY

Our goal at SPARK is for all children to have fun in an emotionally safe, nurturing environment. We strive to empower our campers to feel positive about themselves, develop as confident individuals, further their skill development, and learn to be supportive members of an inclusive camp community. We do this by providing our campers with opportunities to express themselves creatively and emotionally and find success trying new challenges. Our staff are positive role models who works to assist children with problem-solving through patience, teamwork, and empowering them to make age-appropriate decisions.

MEET OUR DIRECTORS

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JOE SMITH

Executive Director

Joe has held just about every position in camp, working his way up from counselor and group leader to director.

JOE SMITH
Executive Director

As a former Adaptive Physical Education teacher with the NYC Board of Education and Director of Field Services for Special Olympics, Joe gained the ability to condense activities to their basic skills and fundamentals. Watching campers progress through them has always been an aspect of camp and teaching he has enjoyed.

Joe gained a unique perspective on camping after attending Camp Sussex for underprivileged children and then being asked to become a member of their Board of Directors, to being the camp director for Camp Marcella, a summer program for children and adults with special needs. His professional experience also includes being the training and athletic director at Camp Romaca, a private all-girls camp in the Berkshires.

This led to the director of camping, Family and Youth Services at the Riverdale YM-YWHA where he was responsible for five-day camps and three after-school programs. From there, he returned to overnight camping at Camp Louemma and then Camp MasterChef.

“I have always felt one of the camp’s main focuses should be to develop more “Camp People” who by definition, look forward to giving back. My joy and expertise lie in my abilities to motivate colleagues and support and recognize their efforts in order to create a camp community where, with our campers, we identify working collaboratively and we can rely on each other to exceed expectations.”

When not at camp, Joe enjoys time with his wife Pam and their daughter Iliza. Occasionally, he may also be found on the golf course.

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JANICE BROWN

Assistant Director

Janice brings decades of experience as both an educator and camping professional at several of New Jersey’s premier day camps. 

JANICE BROWN
Assistant Director

After studying fine arts, Janice began her camp career as an art instructor. Through this experience, Janice found a love for teaching and returned to graduate school where she received her certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Janice spent several years as a Pre-K teacher and Preschool Director while spending summers at camp as Program Director and Assistant Director. She believes that camp is a unique and magical place for children where they can create lifelong memories and friendships. Working with children and creating opportunities for them to find success is her passion. In her spare time, she enjoys making art, doing crossword puzzles, and winning at yard games.

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Craig

CRAIG DOYLE

Program Director
Craig, a lifelong camper, and child at heart has a love for the camping world like no other!
 

CRAIG DOYLE
Program Director

Craig Doyle, a lifelong camper, and child at heart has a love for the camping world like no other! He believes that camp creates an environment where kids can go and be their truest selves.  Craig loves how the experiences at camp through different program activities allows for campers to try new things, make new friends, and unlock potential they didn’t know they had. With a Child Psychology and advocacy background, Craig began his camp career in 2010 as Program Director before becoming a Director for the past nine years at camps in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Craig is excited to be a part of the SPARK family ! 

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JENNIFER MOTEIRO

Office Manager

Jennifer grew up going to camp before becoming a counselor, specialist, assistant program director, and now office manager.

JENNIFER MOTEIRO
Office Manager

Jennifer spent several summers as a camper and later joined the staff as a counselor. Over several more summers, Jennifer worked as a tennis specialist, assistant program director, and camp videographer, before graduating college. 

After leaving television production, Jennifer returned to working with children as an office manager for a preschool, before returning to her camp roots and joining SPARK. She believes camp creates lifelong memories and enjoys seeing children light up when they succeed. 

Jennifer also serves on her local Board of Education, to help the students in her district reach their highest potential. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her husband, Nelson, and son, Nathan (who is a happy SPARK camper!).

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Val

VALERIE ROGERS

Aquatics Director

Valerie has decades of experience as a certified aquatics director at several New Jersey camps.

VALERIE ROGERS
Aquatics Director

Valerie is currently a teacher at Keyport High School. She holds a degree in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA.

She has a lifelong love for aquatics. She swam competitively in High School on a Varsity level and in college on an NCAA level. She also has had the pleasure of coaching the Varsity Swim Team for Middletown High School North for several years. 

Val has held the following American Red Cross certifications for over 25 years:

• Water Safety Instructor Trainer
• Water Safety Instructor
• Lifeguarding Instructor
• Professional CPR/AED Instructor
• CPR/FA/AED Instructor/Instructor Trainer
• Lifeguarding
• Professional CPR/AED/FA

She has had the pleasure of being an Aquatics Director at Ivy League Day Camp for several years where she ran the American Red Cross Swim Lesson programs.
Val is very excited to be the Aquatics Director at SPARK Day camp where campers will be using the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program for all campers taking swimming lessons and offering a Swim Team as well.

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Our Values

Care for yourself / Care for others / Care for the environment / Always be a positive role model. Fun at SPARK Day Camp is a given, but we strive for more. The main difference between camp and school is that at SPARK, our campers learn without knowing they’re being taught. Our program was developed with these core values in mind and throughout the summer, our campers and staff exhibit them daily.

About Us Lunch and Snacks Christine and Ice Cream

LUNCH & SNACKS

We serve a healthy, kid-friendly lunch with a variety of options and a menu that rotates throughout the summer. Campers can choose from the main entrée of the day, pasta and salad bar, bagels, or deli sandwiches. At the end of the camp day, we serve a snack of fresh fruit, ice cream, ice pops, s'mores and more!

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HEALTH & SAFETY

At SPARK, the safety of our campers and staff is our top priority. All staff are background checked and participate in thorough training prior to the start of camp. During camp, all staff must wear an official SPARK shirt. The campgrounds are enclosed and all visitors must sign in at the front desk. Any campers being picked up early must be checked out from the camp office or the entrance to Middletown Sports Complex by an authorized adult. We have an on-site registered nurse and/or EMT. In addition, our lifeguards and leadership staff are American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certified. There are handwashing stations located throughout the camp as well as water stations where campers are encouraged to hydrate throughout the day.

About Us Health and Safety Aniaha Suzy and the Kids