The Advantage Before and After School Care Program will ensure your child is safe and supported. We operate in a way that considers the care, welfare, health, and safety of all of the children in our program. Our staff will encourage your child's growth and development during before and after school hours from 7 am-6 pm for children grades K-8 in the Lebanon Township School District and grades K-6 in the Franklin Township School District.  We also serve grades K-6 at Brass Castle and Port Colden School in Washington Township for Before and After Care.

Homework Support

Staff know the time you spend with your children is important.  We have college level staff to assist with homework daily.

CATCH

Children participate in structured games & activities to encourage physical activity & the development of fine motor skills during their day. Games include basketball, soccer, scatter, freeze tag, sharks & minnows and more!

 

Healthy U

We provide children with healthy, well balanced snack options daily.  Children are taught the value of balanced meals and are engaged in group conversations with staff.  One option is a fresh fruit or vegetable every day!

NJ State Subsidies

The state of New Jersey has increased childcare subsidies in response to the pandemic.  YMCA Camp Bernie works with state organizations to help families afford childcare through this system.  Click here for information from the state about how to apply for childcare subsidies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the Advantage Program operate during emergency/weather related delays/early dismissals?

    No, to ensure the safety of participants and staff the program only operates on scheduled early dismissals.

  • What are your staffing requirements?

    The ratio for the Advantage Care program is a one staff member for every 15 students maximum. YMCA Camp Bernie does not provide one-on-one services.  The director and all staff are thoroughly screened and background checked. Staff at each site receive state Health and Safety Training and American Red Cross CPR training. 

  • What children are eligible to participate in the Advantage Care Program?

    The YMCA Camp Bernie operates before and after school programs for school age students, Kindergarten and up, under child care center licenses for the Lebanon Township School District, Washingtown Township School District, and Franklin Township.  Enrollment can be on a drop-in basis, or from one to five days per week.  Options include Before Care 7 am to the start of school, and After Care which runs from the end of the school day to 6 pm.

  • Where are the programs located?

    Lebanon Township: 

    Before Care operates at Woodglen Middle School, 70 Bunnvale Rd., Califon, NJ 07830

    After Care operates at Valley View Elementary School, 400 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ 07830

    Franklin Township:

    After Care operates at the Franklin Township Elementary School, 52 Asbury-Broadway Rd, Washington, NJ 07882

    Washington Township:

    Before Care operates at Brass Castle School, 16 Castle St., Washington, NJ 07882

    After Care operates at Port Colden School, 30 Port Colden Rd., Washington, NJ 07882

  • How many days until my child can attend the program?

    It may take up to five business days from the date we receive the enrollment packet for the child to be able to attend the program.

  • What is offered during the school’s scheduled days off?

    YMCA Camp Bernie offers a Vacation Camp program during holiday breaks/professional development. Any child from the area, grades K-8, are welcome to attend! Children participating in the Advantage Care Program five days a week can attend 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for free!  Children who attend one to four- days a week can attend at a discounted rate!  There must be a minimum of five children attending for the program to run.  Click on Vacation Camp to learn more!

  • What are the Advantage Care Program hours?

    Before Care operates 7 am to the start of the school day.  After Care begins at the end of the school day and runs until 6 pm.

  • Is financial assistance offered?

    Siblings of a child enrolled in the program will receive 10% rate reduction.