Children’s Resource Center (CRC) was founded in 1999 and awarded IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit status in 2001. CRC's primary mission is to provide for the betterment of children, youth and their families by offering alternative learning experiences. CRC dedicates its resources and energies to work with existing and emerging schools, community-based groups and non-profit organizations to provide quality facilities, programs and services.

Ironwood Outdoor Center (IOC) is the initial project for CRC; named after the abundance of Ironwood trees (Carpinus Caroliniana) which grow on the property. IOC is an ecologically diverse 84 acre woodland and wetland preserve located on the banks of the Rancocas Creek in Lumberton, NJ. CRC purchased the property from the YMCA (orginally known as the YMCA Camp Worth) in 2000 with the assistance of a NJDEP Green Acres grant, thus saving the site from the imminent development of townhomes and condominium units.

Located on the Ironwood property is a 6000 square foot swimming pool and wading pool, sensory garden, hiking nature trails, high & low ropes challenge courses, natural grassland meadow, vernal pools, camping, and public access to the south branch Rancocas Creek for canoeing and kayaking. A respectable 241 species of flora and fauna make Ironwood their home.

Ironwood Outdoor Center, Our Mission:

The purpose of Ironwood is two-fold: to offer swimming recreation at a reasonable rate to the community, and by partnering with industry professionals, providing outdoor learning opportunities that are not typically available through schools, churches or community programs. IOC will give children, families and groups the opportunity to connect with nature, gain knowledge, and challenge themselves, building self-confidence and cultivating positive values. It is our belief that children who at a young age have a positive experience with nature are more likely to become stewards of the environment later in life.

Board of Directors

Ernest Previte, Chairman of the Board
Rev. Joseph Messina
Robert T Healey
Caroline Adillon
Harry Bell

Officers

Christine Healey deVaull, Executive Director CRC

Ironwood Outdoor Center

Andrew P. Giles, Director CRC

Jamielynn Storch, IOC Pool Manager

Dana Winkler, Senior Aquatics Instructor

Sara Sheehan, Senior Aquatics Instructor

Ironwood Outdoor Center, Adventure Education

Jamielynn Storch, Adventure Education Coordinator

Ironwood Outdoor Center, Environmental Education

Jennifer Bulava, Naturalist/Ecologist Burlington County Parks