Founded in 1926, Seashore has the distinction of being the first day camp in New Jersey.
When John Cittadino, a teacher and swim coach in Asbury Park, founded Seashore Day Camp in 1926, he knew children needed a recreational program where they could interact with others during their summer break. What he did not know was that he was pioneering an industry that would ultimately benefit hundreds of thousands of children.
Opening as the first day camp in New Jersey and one of the first in the United States with just seven campers, Seashore has grown over the last eight decades into one of the largest camps in the country, accommodating 500 boys and girls each summer, earning accreditation from the American Camp Association, and setting the standard for what camp should be.
Seashore has become such a tradition at the Jersey Shore that if you mention it to your doctor, lawyer, neighbor, or anyone you happen to meet, chances are not only have they attended but so have their children, their parents, and in some cases their grandparents.
Recognized for its important contribution to young people and the community, Seashore has been named Family Business of the Year and has even had a day proclaimed in its honor by Long Branch City Officials where February 12 will always be Seashore Day Camp Day.
According to director John Villapiano, a former professional football player and New Jersey State Assemblyman, more than 40,000 young people have spent summers at Seashore and three quarters of the staff were once campers themselves.
The Villapiano family became involved in the business when Cittadino retired in 1974 and sold Seashore to the late Augustus (Gus) Villapiano, a 25-year employee, who moved the camp to its present headquarters at 345 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Located a block from the beach, the program is known for water sports that rival Caribbean vacations, swim instruction in a league of its own and a wide variety of activities, trips, and special events that make one day better than the next. There are also surf and sports camps with professional athletes and coaches and a theater camp where aspiring actors not only put on a full-scale production – they go to Tony winning Broadway plays including Billy Elliot, In The Heights and Jersey Boys and take workshops with stars in the shows they see.
While Cittadino's original principles have been the driving force through the decades, under the Villapiano family, Seashore has taken camping beyond the ordinary with programs so complete and on the mark that 85% of campers return year after year.
And, while others have followed suit since the 1920s and opened throughout the state with their own particular styles, Seashore will always have the distinction of being first and of being the leader that paved the way.