By BROOKE FELDMAN
VENTNOR - Schmoopy's Beach Party, a new take on summer camp, is tough to miss on the New Haven Avenue beach.
Stationed at the entrance of the beach is a massive tent, equipped with inflatable couches and a plethora of beach activities. Activity directors in neon green custom T-shirts greet the campers beginning at noon, Monday through Friday.
Ryan Orlov, 18, of Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, started the camp last summer when COVID-19 impacted family plans.
There was a need in the market for kids to have fun on the beach because overnight camps got cancelled, he said.
Orlov, who goes by the name Schmoopy, is set to attend Tulane University in the fall where he will study entrepreneurship and communication with a minor in real estate. Entrepreneurship is nothing new to him as he launched his first technology company when he was just 10 years old.
This year, Schmoopy's Beach Party is back by popular demand with some new activities added to the mix.
We had huge upgrades this year, Orlov said as he pointed to a new basketball net set up on the beach. I plan to maximize the fun for all of the kids.
Parents dropping off campers for Schmoopy's four hours of fun love it just as much as their children.
Not only is it unbelievable for the kids, but it's also unbelievable for the parents who can get a little break, said Scott Kurzinsky, Orlov's former baseball coach and parent to one of the campers. The kids love it and get to meet different kids and play all kinds of sports.
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Flag football, basketball, surfing, and arts and crafts are some of the many activities provided, but it's the campers who get to decide what they want to do.
There is not a ton of people here so kids get more attention than they would at a camp with a bunch of people, activity direct Emmie Carlson, 17, said. I wish there was something like this when I was a kid.
The camp will run through Aug. 6. Rates are available on a daily or weekly basis. Snacks and ice cream are provided, but lunch can be arranged for an additional fee.
We are always looking to grow and have as many kids as possible, Orlov said.
Learn more at Schmoopysbeachparty.com.
