Camp Vacamas Day Camp

For over a century, the serene woodlands of West Milford, New Jersey, have echoed with the laughter and cheers of children discovering the great outdoors at Camp Vacamas. Now operating as part of the Hands In 4 Youth (HI4Y) organization, Camp Vacamas Day Camp remains a cornerstone of the local community, offering a transformative summer experience for children across the tri-state area. This sprawling 230-acre site is nestled within the lush landscape of the Ramapo Mountains, providing an immersive natural environment where young campers can step away from screens and step into a world of physical activity, social growth, and creative exploration.

The history of Camp Vacamas is as rich as the environment it inhabits. Founded in 1924, the camp has spent 100 years evolving to meet the needs of New Jersey and New York families, transitioning from its original roots in the Catskills to its current home in West Milford in 1954. Today, it is recognized not just as a campground, but as a premier youth development center that bridges the gap between traditional rustic camping and modern experiential learning. For local parents in Passaic and Morris Counties, it represents a legacy of excellence—a place where their own childhood memories were forged and where a new generation can learn the values of leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Vacamas Day Camp is located on an expansive private property on an Unnamed Road in West Milford, NJ 07480. While the address may feel like a hidden secret, the camp is exceptionally well-connected to the Northern New Jersey region. It sits conveniently on the border of Bloomingdale and West Milford, less than one mile from major thoroughfares like Route 23 and the Hamburg Turnpike. This prime location allows it to serve as a convenient "backyard" getaway for families in local townships, as well as a manageable commute for those traveling from the greater New York City area.

Accessibility is a top priority for the facility, ensuring that the magic of camp is available to everyone. The site features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making it inclusive for visitors and staff with mobility needs. The on-site parking is ample, catering to the flow of parents during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as visiting groups for retreats. Its proximity to the 4,500-acre Norvin Green State Forest further enhances the feeling of total seclusion and wilderness immersion while remaining physically accessible to the modern world.

Services Offered

• Summer Day Camp Programs: Comprehensive 3-day and 5-day weekly programs for children aged 5 to 14, featuring rotating weekly themes to keep the excitement fresh throughout the summer.
• Overnight Camping: Both 12-day and 19-day sleepaway sessions are available for Junior Campers (ages 7-13) and Teen Campers (ages 14-16), providing a deeper dive into independent living and community building.
• American Red Cross Swim Instruction: Daily swimming lessons held in the private lake, led by certified instructors to ensure water safety and skill progression.
• Youth Development & Literacy: Integration of academic support and social-emotional learning into the camp schedule to prevent summer learning loss.
• Corporate & Group Retreats: The facility offers professional team-building excursions, conference rooms, and lodging for businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations.
• Holiday Programs: Special sleepaway sessions during winter and spring school recesses to provide year-round engagement for youth.
• Transportation Services: Bus transportation is often available from selected towns in the New York metropolitan area and Northern New Jersey to facilitate easier access for families.

Features and Highlights

• Private 50-Acre Lake: A stunning focal point for waterfront activities including canoeing, rowing, fishing, and supervised recreational swimming.
• Extensive Athletic Facilities: Includes a multi-use indoor gymnasium, outdoor and indoor basketball courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and volleyball courts.
• High and Low Ropes Courses: Challenging adventure courses designed to build confidence, problem-solving skills, and trust among peers.
• Modern Learning Centers: The Arlene Labadorf Learning Center and a dedicated literacy center provide beautiful, indoor spaces for academic and creative workshops.
• Professional On-Site Amenities: Fully equipped restrooms, health centers staffed with medical professionals, and large-scale dining halls capable of serving up to 1,000 guests.
• Diverse Playground: A well-maintained playground area that serves as a hub for free play and socialization for the younger camper groups.
• Natural Wonders: Miles of private hiking trails that connect to broader regional trails, along with a nature center and a small petting farm to foster an appreciation for wildlife.

Contact Information

For more information on registration, seasonal dates, or to book the facility for a group event, you can reach out to the camp administration through the following details:

• Address: Unnamed Road (Off Macopin Rd), West Milford, NJ 07480, USA
• Main Phone: (973) 838-0942
• Alt Phone: (973) 317-8691
• Website: hi4y.org

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Camp Vacamas Day Camp means choosing a legacy of community impact and a high standard of care. For New Jersey residents, the camp is worth choosing because of its unique "no-tech" policy, which encourages children to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and their peers. In an era where screen time is at an all-time high, the opportunity for a child to spend weeks hiking, swimming in a private lake, and engaging in face-to-face conversation is invaluable. The international flair of the staff—hiring counselors from all over the world—adds a global perspective to the local experience, exposing children to different cultures without leaving the Garden State.

Furthermore, the camp’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion ensures that every child, regardless of their background or physical ability, has the chance to thrive. The combination of professional coaching, American Red Cross-certified swimming instruction, and a curriculum focused on self-efficacy makes this more than just a place to stay during the summer; it is a place where children build the confidence they need for the upcoming school year. Whether you are looking for a reliable day camp close to home or a historic sleepaway experience that has stood the test of time for a century, Camp Vacamas remains one of the most trusted names in New Jersey outdoor recreation.