Toms river boosts summer programs after police camp cancellation

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Today, Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick expressed disappointment after the Toms River Police Department announced it will no longer be hosting its annual police summer camp.

The Toms River Police Foundation has announced that its popular Junior Police Camp will not be held in 2025. The camp, which is run annually by the non-profit organization, Rodrick said is not affiated in any way with Toms River township, and the township has no authority or control over the privately funded and hosted camp.

“We have increased the Town’s summer camp capacity to the largest it has ever been, and spots in other specialty camps are still available,” Rodrick said.

Rodrick said he did not know why the foundation canceled the camp.

“Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that the camp will not be held in 2025,” the Foundation wrote. “We love hearing how much your children have enjoyed the program—it’s exactly the kind of impact we hoped to make when we began supporting the camp a decade ago.”

The Foundation clarified in its statement that it operates independently from both the police department and the township, as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is not controlled by the township or mayor’s office, and has operated independently in the past.

Families are encouraged to explore other programs offered by the township.

Mayor Rodrick confirmed today that the township has never funded the camp in the past. and not a program offereed by the township.

A full list of available camps and registration information is accessible through the town’s official website.

You can see which programs are available through the township with the Toms River Recreation Department.

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