Adventure Trips

For Challenge

Adventure Awaits at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps!

 

I'm Ready for Camp!

Every kid dreams of a summer filled with excitement—and at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, that dream comes true! Whether your child loves hiking through the woods, paddling across a lake, or just laughing around the campfire, our Adventure Trips for Challenge (ATC) offer the perfect mix of thrill, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Let’s be real—kids won’t remember their best day of scrolling on social media, but they’ll never forget the summer they climbed a mountain, slept under the stars, or made a lifelong friend around a campfire.

Located in the heart of New Jersey, our ATC program is built for campers who crave something different—a summer of exploring the great outdoors, stepping out of their comfort zones, and discovering what they’re really capable of. From climbing new heights to learning lifelong skills, every day brings a new adventure.

Best of all? They’ll be doing it all while surrounded by supportive leaders, awesome new friends, and the YMCA’s core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

This isn’t just summer camp—it’s a journey they’ll never forget.

Adventure Rating System

Adventure Trips programs are rated to help you and your child determine what adventure they're ready for! If you have questions about an activity, please reach out to Adventure Trips Director Brendan Rearer - he's happy to chat with you about the goals and challenges in each program and about your child's experience level. 
Level 1-1

Intro:

Campers will spend the majority of their time at Fairview Lake - exploring our great program areas, swimming in our lake, and hiking our beautiful trails. Campers will experience a one-night tent camping trip as part of their program.
Level 2-1

Beginner:

Campers will spend time on-site exploring our great program areas, swimming, and hiking, and also may head out on longer off-site excursions. Campers will experience tent camping as part of their program. 
Level 3-1

Intermediate:

Campers will experience more challenging pursuits as they head off-site for longer excursions, multi-night trips and experiences.  Tent camping, cooking over a fire and more await!
Level 4

Advanced Level: 

These high adventure programs are perfect for campers who have experienced other camping and adventure programs. These programs offer our longest trips, including multiple-night backpacking trips. 

Adventure Selector

Use the Adventure Selector to narrow your options by date, grade level, and adventure level to find the perfect summer camp experience for your child.
Dates
Grade Entering in September:
Adventure Rating:
Adirondack Explorer Icon with a green mountain and blue paddle

Adirondack Explorer

2 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 8-11

The Adirondack Mountains offer a breathtaking landscape that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and two weeks exploring this natural wonder is an experience of a lifetime. Campers will be surrounded by serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests as they hike, canoe, and camp on this incredible adventure. Campers will begin their journey at Fairview Lake, where they plan their trip with their staff. From there, campers and staff will be driven to the Adirondacks where they will spend multiple days and nights backpacking through the unspoiled wilderness of Upstate New York. 

July 5-18, 2026 | $3,245

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 4

Adventure Sampler Icon of a Blue Backpack

Adventure Sampler

2 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 6-9

Campers will embark on two unforgettable journeys: a three-day, two-night canoe trip down the Delaware River and a three-day, two-night backpacking trek along the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, your child will learn to pitch tents, cook meals over an open fire, and embrace the great outdoors with their friends. Back at Fairview Lake, they’ll enjoy favorite camp activities like the high ropes course, boating, archery, and ax throwing. This exciting experience builds teamwork, leadership, and a love of adventure in every camper.

July 5-18, 2026 | $3,245

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 3-1

 

Angler's Catch icon of a blue fish

Angler's Catch

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 4-11

Ideal for the fishing enthusiast. Campers will explore fishing on our beautiful 110-acre lake, and catch large and small-mouth bass, sunfish, perch, pickerel, and more! Fish from the shore, our dock, and boats. They will also experience fishing at other off-site locations. The week also includes activities like swimming, archery, riflery, and climbing wall. We recommend that campers bring their own pole and tackle box. Campers will also go on a campout during the week. 

June 28 - July 4, 2026 | $1,610

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 2-1

 

Boots to Boats

Boots to Boats

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades

The perfect one-week adventure for campers who love exploring the great outdoors on foot and on the water! This dynamic program begins with a two-day, one-night backpacking trip along the iconic Appalachian Trail, where campers will hike, set up camp, and soak in the beauty of the forest. Midweek, the adventure shifts from trail to river as campers launch into a canoeing expedition on the Delaware River, spending a night camping along its scenic banks. When they're not out adventuring, campers enjoy classic Fairview Lake favorites—like campfires, swimming, and games—with new friends and fresh stories to share.

June 28 - July 4, 2026 | $1,610

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 3-1

 

 

Delaware Safari icon of a green map and blue paddle

Delaware Safari

1 Week
Coed, Entering grades 8-11

Our staff and campers love the challenge and experience of a 60-mile, 4-day, and 3-night adventure down the Delaware River. Campers will develop their leadership and teamwork skills and gain independence and confidence. Navigate rapids, paddle through calm sections, swim, camp on the beautiful shores and islands, and build memories and friendships that will last forever. 

June 21-27, 2026 | $1,610

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 4

First Adventures Icon of a flag with a 1 on it

First Adventures

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 4-6

Every explorer had a first adventure, and we’ve got the perfect one just for your young camper. Over the course of the week, we’ll take on team-building challenges, learn outdoor skills, build friendships, and try out a ton of great activities. We have also planned two fantastic day trips. One will be a day hike up Mt. Tammany, in the Delaware Water Gap.  We’ll also take a day canoe trip down the Delaware River. We hope to inspire a love of the outdoors in each of our campers and build a foundation for a lifetime of fun in nature.

June 21-27, 2026 | $1,610
July 19-25, 2026 | $1,610

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 1-1

 

Hikes and Bikes logo of a bike on a dotted line path

Hikes & Bikes

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 6-11

Embark on an adventure with a blend of day bike trips and an overnight backpacking experience on the Appalachian Trail. Campers will also enjoy a variety of activities including archery, riflery, climbing wall challenges, swimming, and boating.

Please note, campers need to bring their own bicycles and helmets. Bicycles should be suitable for both paved and dirt roads.

July 19-25, 2026 | $1,610

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 4

Pioneers Logo of two blue horseshoes and a blue sailboat

Pioneers 1

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 5-7

Horseback riding, sailing, cooking, archery, hiking, swimming and boating, outdoor living skills, and more. (It's going to be a busy week!) This week is based on what Fairview Lake YMCA Camps was like in 1915 - the year we were founded. Campers will also get a taste of tent camping and cooking over a fire. This is a great week for first-time Adventure Trip Campers, or campers who want to try many different activities while at camp. 

June 21-27, 2026 | $1,515
June 28 - July 4, 2026 | $1,515
July 19-25, 2026 | $1,515

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 1-1

Pioneers 2 Logo of two blue horseshoes and sailing

Pioneers 2

2 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 5-7

Ready for more pioneer camping? This two-week adventure is based on what Fairview Lake YMCA Camps was like back in 1915- the year we were founded! For two weeks, you enjoy horseback riding, sailing, cooking, archery, hiking, swimming and boating, overnight camping, outdoor living skills, and more.

July 5-18, 2026 | $2,845
July 26 - August 8, 2026 | $2,845

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 2-1

 

Pioneers 3 icon of two blue horseshoes and a blue sailboat

Pioneers 3

3 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 4-9

The ultimate Pioneer experience! This three-week adventure is based on what Fairview Lake YMCA Camps was like back in 1915- the year we were founded! For three weeks, you’ll enjoy horseback riding, sailing, cooking, archery, hiking, swimming and boating, overnight camping, outdoor living skills, and more. You’ll have time to experience almost everything we have to offer, all while making new friends and having fun!

July 19 - August 8, 2026 | $3,990

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 3-1

 

RRR

Rivers, Rocks & Reels

2 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 6-11

This trip is great for any camper who enjoys a variety of adventures including climbing (rocks), canoeing (rivers) and fishing (reels)!  Other activities include swimming, archery, riflery, high ropes and giant swing. The second week includes a four day three night canoe and camping trip on the Delaware River. We recommend that campers bring own fishing pole and tackle box.

July 26 - August 8, 2026 | $3,245

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 3

voyagers icon of a PFD and a paddle

Voyagers

2 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 6-11

Perfect for the camper that enjoys being on, in, and around the water. We’ll enjoy swimming, canoeing, and kayaking on our beautiful 110-acre lake. We’ll also spend one day on an exhilarating rafting adventure on the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania. During the second week, we’ll explore the Delaware River on a four-day three-night canoe adventure. 

July 26 - August 8, 2026 | $3,245

>> Register Today!

Adventure Rating:

Level 3

 

A Camp That Reflects Your Values

Choosing the right summer camp isn’t just about activities—it’s about finding a place that shares your values and supports your child’s growth. At Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, our mission is to help every child discover who they are and who they can become.

We focus on more than just fun—we’re building the foundation for future leaders. Through skill-building, confidence-boosting experiences, and a strong sense of community, campers learn to navigate challenges, make new friends, and feel a deep sense of belonging.

At the heart of it all, we’re here to help your child grow into a kind, capable, and well-rounded young adult—one campfire, one adventure, one unforgettable summer at a time.

Where Campers Live & Play

Adventure Trips Campers and their dedicated staff live in the Delaware Unit, located on a hillside in camp. This unique setting is a great basecamp for all Adventure Trips programs - with a shared bathhouse and pavilion, lawn space for games, and beautiful woods to explore. While the airy cabins do not have electricity, the bathhouse and pavilion are both powered. A short walk away is our dining hall, where campers enjoy meals. Campers are also close to the newly expanded Wakegan waterfront, where our lifeguards and staff supervise fun and games in our pristine lake.

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.

Do I Qualify?
I'm Ready To Help

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.