1.
Hands-On Learning That Sticks
Students engage in real-world science—collecting samples, exploring ecosystems, and observing wildlife—turning textbook concepts into lasting understanding. Learning outdoors helps knowledge come alive.
2.
Discovery of the Natural World
Field trips build curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for the environment. Students experience the interconnectedness of life and learn how their actions impact the world around them.
3.
Stronger Social Bonds & Teamwork
Outdoor challenges foster collaboration and communication. Whether it’s building a shelter or solving an orienteering puzzle, students learn to rely on each other and grow as a group.
4.
Confidence & Independence
Being outside the classroom—and often outside their comfort zones—gives students the chance to take healthy risks, try new things, and discover what they’re capable of.
School Trip Types
Day, Extended Day or Overnight Trips each play an important part in your school's traditions and learning environment. Choose a Trip Type below to learn more.
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Overnight
Our Overnight Trips bring the full camp experience to life! Staying in our cozy cabins, students, chaperones and teachers enjoy one or more nights immersed in nature. With meals provided and a wide range of daytime and evening activities, these trips foster independence, friendship, and a lasting connection to the environment.
Schedules can vary based on your school's focus and desired outcomes. When building your school's schedule for your stay, our experienced staff can guide you in creating a well-rounded experience for students and teachers.
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Extended Day Trips
When a full day just isn’t enough, our Extended Day Trips offer extra time to dive deeper. Students enjoy a full schedule of outdoor learning, team-building, and exploration—with both lunch and dinner included—before heading home in the evening. It’s a longer day packed with meaningful moments and memories.
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Day Trips
Perfect for a single-day outdoor adventure, our Day Trips invite students to connect with nature and explore hands-on learning without an overnight stay. Choose a schedule with or without lunch to best fit your group’s needs. These trips are great introductions to environmental education and outdoor discovery.
Your Trip, Your Way
Tailored Outdoor Learning for Every Group
At Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, we believe every school group deserves a unique and enriching experience in the great outdoors. Our Environmental Education programs are flexible and customizable—designed to meet your curriculum goals, student needs, and schedule. Activities are taught in small groups of approximately 20 students to encourage hands-on learning and meaningful engagement. Please note that not all activities are available every day, as some are seasonal or better suited for smaller groups. We’ll work with you to create a dynamic itinerary that fits your group and brings your outdoor classroom to life.
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Sciences
Bats
Environmental Issues
Forest Ecology
Geology
Lake Limnology
Outdoor Math
Owls, Feathers and Fur
Predator Prey
Size & Scale of Space
Starlab/Indoor Planetarium (Nov-April)
Stream Ecology
Swamp Ecology
Watershed Study
Weather
Wildlife Ecology
Winter Ecology/Winter Water (Seasonal)
Winter Tracking (Seasonal) -
Challenge Education
A.S.E. Team Building/low ropes
Climbing Wall (indoor & outdoor)
Giant Swing
Leap of Faith
Vertical Playpen -
Outdoor Skills
Archery & Ax Throwing
Boating/Canoeing (seasonal)
Coloring Nature with Words (Lang. Arts)
Cross Country Skiing (seasonal)
Eco Art
Discovery Hike
GPS/Geocache
Ice Fishing (seasonal)
Leave No Trace
New Games
Orienteering
Ridge Hike
Wilderness Survival -
Living History
Apple Cidering - Fall only
Candle Making
Colonial/Campfire Cooking
Natural Dyes -
Evening Programs
Campfire
Campfire with smores (additional charge)
Outside Speakers*
Ice Cream Social (additional charge)
Night Hikes (September 15-May 15)
*Schools are responsible for arranging and payment of evening speakers
"I LOVED IT! THANK U!"
Student
Charles Bullock School - 2025 4th Grade Trip
Request Information About A Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find some of the most common questions we receive.
Select an option below:
- Programing
- Logistics
- Meals & Lodging
- Safety & Policies
- Cost & Registration
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What types of lessons or activities are included?
We offer hands-on experiential learning opportunities in sciences, challenge education, and living history. We also offer a host of recreational based programs like boating and archery!
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Are the programs appropriate for all learning levels?
Yes! We tailor our content to meet the developmental needs of your students, with options for elementary, middle, and high school groups.
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Can we choose our own schedule or activities?
Absolutely! We work with each school to create a schedule that reflects your goals, class size, and timeframe.
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What are the sleeping accommodations like?
Students and chaperones stay in clean, heated cabins with bunk beds. Fairview Lake staff live on-site and are on-call overnight.
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What's the food like?
Meals provided by camp are nutritious and kid friendly! We can accommodate most dietary needs with advanced notice. Schools can also elect to bring a bagged lunch for their trip.
When you are planning a trip, ask about adding on a snack, ice cream social or s'mores!
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Do Fairview Lake staff supervise students overnight?
No, schools are responsible for the supervision of their students at all times.
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How long is a typical field trip?
Most trips range from one to four days. We work with your schedule to build a program that fits your needs.
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Where are you located?
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is located in Sussex County, New Jersey in the beautiful town of Stillwater. We are 15 minutes from the county seat of Newton, and just 90 minutes from New York City. Camp is nestled right next to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Our 660-acre property includes a private lake, forested trails, and direct access to one of the Northeast’s most stunning natural landscapes. It’s the perfect setting for outdoor learning, discovery, and adventure—all just a short drive away.
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What is the student-to-staff ratio?
We ask that schools provide a 1:10 ratio of chaperones or teachers to students, and that students are put into groups of about 20. Each group will have a staff member to lead them through activities.
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What is your policy on weather?
We run programs rain or shine, adjusting activities for safety. We have indoor spaces and backup plans if needed.
Please remind students and chaperones to pack appropriately for the weather, including bringing extra shoes and a raincoat!
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Is there cellphone service or wifi?
Cell service is limited, but staff and teachers have access to phones and Wi-Fi for emergencies or school communication.
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What safety measures are in place?
Your group’s safety is our top priority. Our staff are trained on safety procedures for all activities, and lifeguards are present for all water-based activities. We maintain emergency protocols, and are always in contact with local services if needed.
Please note that we do not employ a nurse or other health care professional year round.
If your group has specific security questions, please reach out to camp.
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What is the cost per student?
Prices vary based on trip length and activities. We’re happy to provide a detailed quote for your school. Through the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer schools financial assistance based on the number of students receiving free or reduced lunch. Please ask for more details!
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How do we book a trip?
Please reach out to our team to discuss your dates, group size, and goals. We’ll walk you through every step of planning and preparation.
Who to contact:
Julie Thomas, Year Round Program Director Email or phone 973-383-9282
We return with 5th grade students every year because of the fantastic programming and warm, welcoming staff. Truly a remarkable place, and we are grateful for your presence!
Amazing staff, clean facilities, excellent communication. As always, 10/10 experience.
I love the traditions.....it's so great for my students to be able to experience the joys of camp i did when I was their age, regardless of technological advances. I especially love how bad reception is!
My students had the most amazing experience 2 years in a row! I strongly recommend this program for middle school student
Fairview Lake is a wonderful bonding experience for leadership teams.
Beautiful facility, very accomodating staff, just an amazing experience. I have been taking my 6th grade students to Fairview for a one-night stay for 20 years. It has been the highlight of our middle school trips and students still thank me when they see me years later!