Since 1924, Camp Vacamas has been providing exciting and challenging summer adventures for children 7-16 from throughout the Tri-State region. Located on a pristine 560-acre site by Lake Larriwein in West Milford, New Jersey, Camp Vacamas is surrounded by the picturesque Ramapo Mountains. But though it’s a world apart in feeling, it’s only a 45-minute drive from New York City.

That very special feeling is based on decades of experience in merging play with learning, laughter with a serious appreciation of both the gifts nature offers and the opportunities the world offers to grow and achieve. We accomplish this with programs designed to nurture mind and body. Activities are as diverse as our campers are individual. And a highly experienced multi-cultural staff that enables campers to learn first-hand about other cultures.

From junior to teen programs, culinary arts to performing arts, scenic woods to woodshop, basketball to volleyball, splitting logs to logging on in our computer lab, it’s a summer with something special for every child.

PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

PROVIDE A QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CAMPING EXPERIENCE for all low and moderate income families, with sliding-scale fees according to need

CREATE A DECENTRALIZED NON-COMPETITIVE ATMOSPHERE fostering individuality, personal growth

PROVIDE A MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY serving a diverse population in economic, gender, religion, race, culture

FULLY REALIZE POTENTIAL as both a camper and a person

LEARN TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY with campers from diverse backgrounds

DEVELOP SELF-RELIANCE AND SELF-ESTEEM through independence, cooperation and problem-solving skills

EXPERIENCE A BEAUTIFUL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT to fully appreciate the world we live in

PROGRAMS:

JUNIOR CAMP (ages 7-13)
Groups of 8 campers spend days with their counselors exploring the scenic surroundings, playing sports, boating, fishing and participating in such activities as: American Red Cross-approved swim instruction, woodshop, environmental education, arts and crafts, farm, photography, dance and drama, computers, ropes course, creative cooking. Nights are geared to such larger group activities as carnivals, skit nights, talent shows, scavenger hunts, cook-outs and campfires.

TEEN CAMPERS (ages14-16)
Campers choose from nine special teen adventure and training programs:
Backpacking, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Performing Arts, Basketball Skills and Drills, Healthy Lifestyles, American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, Six-week Theatre and Leadership-in-Training (LIT) programs.

SPECIAL FACILITIES:

500 Wooded Acres with NJ/NY Hiking Trails
50-acre Private Lake
Extensive Ball Fields
Waterfront Activities
Indoor/Outdoor Basketball Courts
High and Low Ropes Course
Indoor Climbing Wall
Gymnasium
Nature Center
Computer Laboratory
Farm
Library
Indoor / Outdoor Stage
Culinary Arts Center
ACCREDITATION: American Camping Association