About Us
Welcome to Fairview Lake YMCA Camps
Since 1915, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps has been a place where generations have come to grow stronger, play harder, and discover who they are meant to be. Nestled on 660 acres in the heart of Northwest New Jersey, we offer transformational experiences rooted in adventure, friendship, and the core values of the YMCA. Whether you're joining us for summer camp, a school trip, a weekend retreat, or a family getaway, you're stepping into a community built on connection, inclusion, and the power of the outdoors. This is more than just camp—this is a place to belong, explore, and become.
Our Mission
At Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, we strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Rooted in the values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility, our programs empower individuals of all ages to grow, connect, and thrive in the great outdoors.
Our Core Values
These four guiding principles shape every experience at camp:
CARING
We strive to show compassion, empathy, and kindness to others and ourselves. At camp, caring means helping someone who’s homesick, cheering on a friend, or pitching in before you’re asked.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word... all of which have the potential to turn a life around."— Leo Buscaglia
HONESTY
Honesty is about being truthful, trustworthy, and transparent in our words and actions. It means owning our mistakes, speaking with integrity, and choosing what’s right—even when it’s hard.
"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." — C.S. Lewis
RESPECT
Respect means treating every person, place, and idea with dignity and consideration. At camp, we honor differences, listen to one another, and take care of the people and environment around us.
"We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another." — Unknown
RESPONSIBILITY
Being responsible means following through on your commitments and being accountable for your actions. It’s about doing your part, helping the group, and making choices that reflect your best self.
"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." — Abraham Lincoln
Our Programs
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps offers a wide variety of programs that serve youth, families, schools, and groups all year long. Whether you're spending a week at overnight camp, a day exploring the forest, or a weekend reconnecting with loved ones, you'll find an experience that inspires growth, adventure, and lifelong memories.
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Overnight Summer Camps – Traditional and specialty sleepaway camps for kids entering grades 2–11, including adventure programs, ranch camp and leadership development.
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Blue Mountain Day Camp – Our day camp in Stillwater, NJ offers swimming, sports, nature, arts, and weekly themes for kids entering Pre-K through 10th grade. It’s the perfect local camp experience for families seeking fun, friends, and fresh air without the overnight stay.
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Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps – Located on the beautiful campus of Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ, Lake in the Woods is our sister overnight and day camp offering one- and two-week sessions for campers looking for big adventures in a small camp setting.
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Environmental Education – We welcome schools for day and overnight programs filled with hands-on science, team-building, and nature exploration.
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Family Camps & Parent Child Weekends – Year-round getaways designed to bring families closer together through outdoor fun, shared meals, and cozy cabins.
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Youth Weekends & Reunions – Weekends and Special events designed to foster connection, growth and leadership.
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Group & Conference Rentals – With a wide variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, we host scout groups, faith communities, school trips, corporate retreats and more - year round!
From day one to year-round, there’s a place for everyone in the Fairview Lake YMCA Camps family.
Y For All
Financial Assistance
The YMCA provides financial assistance to those who may require help covering the costs of camp. Our Y for All Fund plays a crucial role in keeping the Y accessible for children, adults, and families who need support. By offering financial assistance, the Y ensures that all individuals and families can participate in Y programs and services, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Our Property
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is located on 660 acres in the northwest corner of New Jersey, bordered by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Since 1915, our property has provided a welcoming and inspiring space for campers, families, schools, and groups to connect with nature and each other.
At the center of camp is Fairview Lake, a mile-long glacial lake used for swimming, boating, and waterfront activities. Surrounding the lake are woodlands, open fields, and miles of hiking trails that offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Our facilities include both year-round and seasonal cabins, indoor and outdoor program spaces, dining halls, program lodges, team building courses, archery ranges, and horse stables with riding arenas. The property is designed to support a wide range of programs while maintaining a sense of peaceful retreat from everyday life.
With a mix of natural beauty and well-maintained infrastructure, Fairview Lake offers a setting where campers and guests can experience growth, reflection, and fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Board of Managers
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is guided by a volunteer Board of Managers—community leaders who offer their time, expertise, and heart to ensure that our mission thrives. The Board helps support long-term planning, fundraising efforts, and strategic decision-making in partnership with our staff leadership team.
Andrew Pfaff, Chair
Sovereign/Santander Bank/Santander Holdings USA
Matt Block, Vice-Chair
Livingston Public Schools
Joan Griffin, Secretary
Promontory Financial Group
Steven Abrahams
Milepost Capital Management, LLC
Trudy Atkins
Bordentown Regional Schools (Retired)
Jonathan Clemente
Clemente Mueller, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
Jillian Cormier
Community Volunteer
Erin Drinkwater
City of New York
Stephanie Kirby-Anderson
Salesforce
David Moss
Bank of New York Mellon
Clayton Nelson
Expedia Group
Jess Seamon
City of Philadelphia
Adam Taylor
Talva Energy
Stephanie Richards
Salesforce
Scott Ross
Global Aerospace, Inc.
Frankie Williams
Independent Networker
Make Camp Possible
You can help make the magic of camp possible for every child by supporting our Annual Support Campaign. Your donation provides financial assistance to families in need, ensuring that every camper has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps. Together, we can make sure no one is turned away due to the inability to pay—because camp is for everyone.
Meet Our Staff
Our team is made up of passionate, trained professionals who believe in the life-changing magic of camp. From experienced outdoor educators and dedicated seasonal counselors to program specialists and kitchen staff, each member of our team works to make camp safe, inclusive, and unforgettable.
We also offer international staff opportunities and welcome team members from all over the world, creating a vibrant, diverse camp culture.
If you need to contact a member of the staff, click on the names below. Our staff members are focused on ensuring that your camper, school, or group will have a wonderful time at camp!
If you are unsure who to contact, please use our general mailbox and we'll make sure the right person gets back to you!
Marc Koch
Executive Director
Jennie Griffin
Associate Executive Director
Matthew Lifschultz
Fairview Lake Summer Camp Director
Julie Thomas
Year-Round Outdoor Program Director
Emily Rearer
Marketing Director
Don Sienkiewicz
Food Service Director
Paul Hawkins
Facilities Director
Michele Scabet
Office Manager & Camp Registrar
Brendan Rearer
Adventure Trips Director
Year-Round Program Manager
Liam Parker
Year-Round Program Manager
Camp Registrar & Trading Post Manager
Maya Gujral
Fairview Lake Assistant Summer Camp Director
Year-Round Program Manager
Lia Pila
Lake in the Woods Summer Camp Director
Year-Round Program Manager
Driving Information
USE THIS ADDRESS:
1035 Fairview Lake Road, Newton, NJ 07860
Please drive slowly (10 mph) on ALL camp roads.
All visitors must check in at the main office. Photo ID is required for anyone 18 years or older.
**Please note** When entering the address in your GPS system, make sure to select Fairview Lake ROAD. Fairview Lake Lane is a dirt road with no cell service at the other end of the lake!
At this time, Google Maps has mistakenly labeled a trail as "Lower YMCA Road". It is clearly not a road! Please enter camp through the main gate!