FAQ

Who founded Rockaway Sports Program (RSP) LLC?

RSP was founded in 2025 by two educators/husband and wife duo, Michael and Suzanne Onischuk. Michael is an experienced certified health and physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director in the Rockaway Borough School District. As an avid sports enthusiast and outdoorsman, Michael generally found himself working at camps during summer break. He's amassed over 20 years of summer programming experience. Suzanne is an experienced certified special education teacher, former coach, former college athlete, and sports enthusiast with over 20 years of summer programming experience as well. Together, the pair shares a combined 40 years in summer program expertise PLUS 30 years in education. Their experience draws from all different types of camps and programs for all different age levels. Both Michael and Suzanne have held many different titles in the summer: counselor, teacher, coach, coordinator/supervisor, and director. With their love of sports and their passion for working with children, Mike and Sue look forward to taking on this project together! (It's important to note that Mike and Sue met each other while working at a camp and the rest was history!)

What programs will RSP offer? 

RSP will focus on running a Summer Sports Institute for Summer 2025, hosted by Mr. O and Mr. Jones (two long-time PE teachers in Rockaway Borough.)  This program will allow athletes to focus on specific sports or choose multi-sports and games. Either way, your children will stay active, make lasting friendships, and have fun all summer long! Whether you are a seasoned athlete or new to the world of sports, RSP is the perfect program for you because there is something for all skill levels. We hope to offer athletes the perfect amount of choice during the day for their summer activities balanced with a lot of learning. RSP also hopes to expand to other sports clinics and training throughout the year.  After Summer 2025, we will evaluate our program and make improvements for Summer 2026. 

So is this like a camp?

You can think of it that way - but better! This program will take some essential elements from a recreational summer camp but we have the ability to offer so much more! Our goal is to keep your children physically active and to ensure they are having FUN!  

1. Certified teachers and coaches work for our program - they plan the day to day activities that we offer and then actually implement those activities. We are trained to teach sport! 

2. We still have counselors, but those counselors work under our teachers to assist in implementing our programming and supervision.

3. We offer choices!  Whether your child chooses some sport specific instruction in soccer OR would rather have a more laid back day of kickball, four square, and KanJam OR maybe a little bit of both - your child has options!

4. Like arts and crafts, board games, cards, and other creative options? We will have all that stuff  to choose from too!

Where will the RSP 2025 Summer Sports Institute be held?

We are happy to be hosting RSP Summer 2025 at Thomas Jefferson School in Rockaway Borough! We will have access to the entire outdoor athletic facility, classrooms, and a climate controlled gymnasium!

What are the dates for the program?

For Summer 2025 we will be running our program for four one week sessions (Monday through Friday, except July 4.) The first week will start immediately at the conclusion of the Rockaway Borough School District school year. 

What grade level/ages are eligible?

Students entering grades 2 through 8. All athletes will be grouped in age-appropriate "pods" throughout the day. 

What does a day look like?

Depending on the type of day you choose to sign up your child for, you can take a look at what their schedule may look like below!

Morning Session Only

• Drop off - 9:00-9:15am

• Daily Check-ins - 9:15-9:30am

• Sport Specific Instruction and Choice Activities/Games - 9:30-11:45am

• End of Day Procedures and Pick-up - 11:45am-Noon

Afternoon Session Only

• Drop off - 12:00-12:15pm

• Daily Check-ins- 12:15-12:30pm

• Sport Specific Instruction or Choice Activities/Games - 12:30-2:45pm

• End of Day Procedures and Pick-up - 2:45-3:00pm

Full Day Option

• Drop off - 9:00-9:15am

• Daily Check-ins - 9:15-9:30am

• Sport Specific Instruction and Choice Activities/Games - 9:30-11:45am

• Lunch & Free Play - Noon-12:30pm

• Sport Specific Instruction and Choice Activities/Games - 12:30-2:45pm

• End of Day Procedures and Pick-up - 2:45-3:00pm

What are the costs and what options do we have for registration?

Our rates will be competitive with other area sports programs! You will find that our rates will beat other private programs and are far more affordable than YMCA programs, etc. In fact, our rates will beat babysitter rates as well! There are many options to suit the needs of different families!

• You may choose the morning OR afternoon session for the base rate.

  • The Morning Session will run from 9am-noon daily. 

  • The Afternoon Session will run from noon-3pm daily.

• You may also choose the Full Day option (9am-3pm) for an additional fee. 

• We will be offering Early Drop Off (between 8-9am) and Late Pick Up (between 3-4pm) for an additional weekly fee. 

  • Ideal for the working parent who needs structure like a regular school day! During Early Drop-off and Late Pick-up, children will be supervised by a program director and other staff and will be given options like games, arts and crafts, or mindfulness to start the day!

• Register by May 6 for a discounted rate!  On May 7, the rates go up!

• Discounts for Rockaway Borough residents!

• Sibling discounts available!

• Full summer discount if you register for all 4 week!

Who will work for RSP in summer?

Instruction will be led by certified teachers and coaches. We will have college age counselors that work under the supervision of our certificated staff. The number of staff is dependent on the amount of athletes signed up each week. RSP would also like to start a Counselor in Training program for 9th and 10th graders interested in getting their first "volunteer work experience."  RSP plans on having guest coaches and teachers make appearances during the summer! ALL full-time staff will be trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants!

Is lunch served?

No. At this time we are not set up to serve lunches. If you are attending the Morning Session, you will be leaving prior to lunch. For those athletes arriving for the Afternoon Session or that choose the Full Day option, there will be a 30 minute lunch break.  Athletes are expected to bring their own food and drink! Please do not bring glass!  There may be times where we offer food or snacks for purchase OR have special theme days that involve food!

Do you have a cell phone policy?

Cell phones are allowed, however the expectation is that athletes are not on their phones during program hours except in the case of an emergency. We believe in keeping your children physically active during the day.  To achieve that, we cannot have cell phones distracting our athletes. Screen time significantly lowers physical activity rates. So we ask that if a cell phone is sent with a student, it remains in their bag! Staff will be trained and will be monitoring this during the program. 

Do I need to live in Rockaway Borough?

No!  We will accept athletes from any town! 

Will the program run Rain or Shine?

Yes!  We will have access to a gymnasium and other rooms, however the daily schedule and offered activities may be modified from our regular programming.

Still have questions???

Please email: info@rockawaysp.com