Camp Vacamas Day Camp

Welcome, New Jersey families! As you plan for your children's summer adventures, allow us to introduce you to a truly special place right here in our backyard: Camp Vacamas Day Camp. For decades, this beloved institution has been a cornerstone of summer fun and personal growth for children across the Tri-State area. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Camp Vacamas Day Camp continues its tradition of providing enriching, memorable, and safe experiences, making it an ideal choice for local families seeking a fulfilling summer for their kids.

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of West Milford, New Jersey, Camp Vacamas Day Camp offers a unique blend of traditional camp activities and modern experiential learning. It's a place where children can disconnect from technology, immerse themselves in nature, forge lasting friendships, and develop crucial life skills. From thrilling outdoor adventures to creative arts and engaging educational programs, Camp Vacamas Day Camp is designed to cater to a diverse range of interests, ensuring every camper finds something to love.

The enduring popularity of Camp Vacamas Day Camp is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Generations of campers have passed through its gates, many of whom, like a recent reviewer who recalled their time there in 1984, carry fond memories of "loving it then, lots of things to do, swimming challenges." The fact that it's "still around today 40 years later" speaks volumes about its sustained quality and impact on young lives. It’s more than just a camp; it’s a community where "great camp experiences are made."

Camp Vacamas Day Camp is conveniently located at Unnamed Road, West Milford, NJ 07480, USA. Situated in the beautiful surroundings of northern New Jersey, the camp offers a serene and natural setting, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while remaining easily accessible for local families. Its placement allows for a true immersion in the outdoors, with expansive wooded areas and a sizable lake serving as the backdrop for countless activities.

For families within West Milford and surrounding areas, the day camp program is particularly convenient. Camp Vacamas Day Camp understands the importance of accessibility for busy parents, offering daily pick-up and drop-off bus services from selected locations in New Jersey, including the West Milford area. This transportation option alleviates the daily commute for many families, making it easier for children to participate in the camp’s full range of programs without added logistical stress. The camp's location strikes an ideal balance, offering a true "away-from-it-all" experience while remaining within reach for local New Jersey residents.

Camp Vacamas Day Camp provides a comprehensive array of services designed to ensure a well-rounded and enriching experience for all campers.

• Day Camp Programs: Operating typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with before-care (starting at 7:00 AM with breakfast) and after-care (until 7:00 PM with dinner) options available for an additional fee, offering flexibility for working parents.
• Age-Appropriate Programming: Campers are divided by grade level (ages 5-14 for day camp) to ensure activities and curriculum are tailored to their developmental stage.
• Nutritious Meals and Snacks: Lunch and a small snack are provided daily for day campers. Meals are served family-style with vegetarian and vegan alternatives, and a salad bar is available. The camp does not serve pork or shellfish and can accommodate some dietary restrictions upon request.
• Transportation Services: Daily bus service for pick-up and drop-off from selected locations in New Jersey, providing convenient access for local families.
• Experienced and Trained Staff: A high staff-to-camper ratio, with all staff members background-checked, fully trained, and carefully supervised, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
• Onsite Medical Team: A dedicated medical team is present on-site, with a hospital located just minutes away, prioritizing the health and safety of all campers.
• ACA Accreditation: Camp Vacamas is accredited by the American Camp Association, as well as local and state Health Departments, signifying adherence to high standards of safety and quality.

What truly sets Camp Vacamas Day Camp apart are its exceptional features and highlights that create an unforgettable summer.

• Extensive Outdoor Activities: Campers can engage in a wide variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, trail-blazing, orienteering, and learning to read trail symbols.
• Waterfront Activities: Access to a large lake with two beaches for swimming, boating (including canoeing), and fishing. All waterfront activities are supervised by certified American Red Cross Swim Instructors and Lifeguards.
• Athletic Facilities: Two basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), a large ball field, and gaga pits for various sports and games.
• Creative Arts & Performance: Opportunities for arts & crafts, dance, drama, acting, creative writing, drawing and painting, and theater, often utilizing an indoor stage and amphitheater.
• Challenge and Ropes Courses: Low and high ropes challenge courses, and zip-lining, offering thrilling experiences and fostering teamwork and confidence.
• Skill Development: Specialized activities like archery, woodworking, and S.T.E.M. programs, encouraging skill-building and new interests.
• Thematic Programming: Week-long themes add excitement and variety to the day camp experience.
• Focus on Community and Diversity: The camp emphasizes creating a diverse community where campers and staff learn from different cultures, fostering tolerance and understanding.
• Emphasis on Safety: A number one priority, with a high staff-to-camper ratio, background-checked staff, onsite medical team, and adherence to all health and safety guidelines.

Camp Vacamas Day Camp is a non-profit organization deeply committed to making summer camp affordable for all children in New Jersey. Their approach to pricing reflects this dedication, ensuring that a meaningful summer experience is accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds.

The camp utilizes a sliding fee scale where each child’s fee is individually set, taking into account family income and size. This tiered pricing structure ensures that families with lower incomes receive significant discounts, making the cost substantially less than many other summer programs. Additionally, sibling discounts are available, providing further financial relief for families enrolling multiple children. This commitment to affordability, combined with their non-profit status, means that a significant portion of their funding is dedicated to subsidizing camp fees for those who need it most. Families are encouraged to inquire directly with the camp about their specific pricing structure and available financial assistance to determine eligibility.

For those interested in learning more or enrolling their child in Camp Vacamas Day Camp, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Unnamed Road, West Milford, NJ 07480, USA

Phone: While a specific direct day camp phone number isn't widely published, general inquiries can typically be made through the main organization, Hands In 4 Youth. It is recommended to visit their official website or search for "Hands In 4 Youth" for the most up-to-date contact numbers or inquiry forms.

For questions regarding the day camp program, registration, or specific activities, contacting the camp directly via phone or email (usually found on their official website) is the best approach. They often host open houses prior to the summer season, providing opportunities for prospective families to tour the facilities and speak with staff.

For New Jersey families, Camp Vacamas Day Camp stands out as an exceptional summer option, perfectly suited to the needs and aspirations of local residents. Its prime location in West Milford offers a convenient escape into nature without requiring extensive travel, making daily drop-offs and pick-ups manageable for busy parents. The provision of transportation services from various New Jersey locations further enhances its accessibility, easing the logistical burden on families.

Beyond convenience, Camp Vacamas Day Camp provides an invaluable experience for children growing up in our state. It fosters a love for the outdoors and encourages physical activity, a crucial aspect in today's screen-dominated world. The diverse range of activities, from challenging ropes courses and swimming to creative arts and STEM programs, ensures that every child can explore new interests and develop new skills in a supportive environment. The camp's long-standing tradition and positive customer reviews, some spanning back decades, speak volumes about its consistent quality and positive impact on campers.

Furthermore, as a non-profit organization committed to affordability, Camp Vacamas Day Camp ensures that a high-quality summer experience is within reach for a wide spectrum of New Jersey families. This dedication to inclusivity means that children from various backgrounds can come together, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships, enriching the overall community experience. Choosing Camp Vacamas Day Camp means investing in a summer of growth, adventure, and cherished memories for your child, right here in the heart of New Jersey. It's truly a local gem, continuously proving itself as a great place to send children in the summer, as echoed by satisfied families for generations.

Camp Vacamas Day Camp

Unnamed Road, West Milford, NJ 07480, USA