It’s not too late to enroll in these awesome NJ day camps

Looking for a place for your kids to run around all day while you’re at work or doing chores? Why not summer camp? While summer camps may have been on a slight pause the past several years they seem to be back and better than ever this summer.

Some of these camps have even already begun but can take campers halfway through the summer, or even make an exception. Not sure which camp to choose? Here are a few of the top in New Jersey.

Camp River Bend

Located in Warren, Camp River Bend has been running since 1962. Activities range between swimming, field sports, rock climbing, pedal carts and river activities. If you have children who aren’t quite sure what their favorite summer activities are, this place will help them figure it out. They also have a day-trippers program where children can opt to take trips every day and go on adventures nearby.

Harbor Hills Day Camp

Harbor Hills sits on a massive plot of land in Mendham and is unique compared to other camps due to its international staff. Many of the counselors are from the U.K. or Australia and come to America for the summer to experience American culture. The camp is sport-heavy, so if your child is looking to run around all day it’s the perfect spot. There’s also horseback riding, which not many other camps offer.

Willow Lake Day Camp

Lake activities are never-ending at Willow Lake, located in Hopatcong. Between water sports, ziplines, and rope towers this camp is a dream come true for adventurous children. They also have a day trip program where campers can go to sports games, waterparks and other summer spots.

Spring Lake Day Camp

Spring Lake in Ringwood has racked up numerous awards since its opening back in 1989. Among normal camp activities, they also have leadership programs for children above 8th grade who are interested in counselor positions but are still campers at heart.

Jeff Lake Day Camp

Over at Sussex County lives Jeff Lake Day Camp, where several sessions are offered for campers for the summer. Jeff Lake has been operating for over 60 years and has a wide variety of programs depending on what your child is interested in doing for the summer. The camp is best known for its massive lake where campers can partake in several activities they would not be able to try elsewhere.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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One of the Top 50 Candy stores in the US is right here in Jersey

Black River Candy Shoppe in Chester New Jersey was selected in Food Network Magazine's “America’s 50 Best Candy Stores” a couple of years back and the story went viral online earlier this year.

I decided to take a trip down there for myself to see what they had to offer. Right, when you walk in you feel like you are Charlie about to take over the chocolate factory. Black River Candy Shoppe is a cute little candy shop offering hundreds of different types of candy.

They have old-school childhood candy as well as an incredible selection of newer candy varieties. Candy is displayed in old whiskey barrels, and a lot of their candy is sold in bulk by the pound. It is located in downtown Chester right off of Main Street. Check out the photos from my recent visit:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson