Welcome Camp Families!
Everything you need to prepare for your camper's best summer is right here.
Camp is HERE!
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Before Your Camper Arrives
Use this checklist to make sure everything is in order before drop-off day.
✅ Upload your camper's immunization records to their registration account
✅ Download, complete, and return the medication form to camp at least four weeks before arrival (if applicable)
✅ Arrange pharmacy pre-packaging for all medications (if applicable)
✅ Download and review your program's packing list
✅ Label all belongings with your camper's first and last name
✅ Top up your camper's Trading Post wallet
✅ Review arrival times for your program
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Arrival Times: SUNDAYS
Please note that this schedule is subject to change! A reminder email will be sent to you before your child's arrival.
Sunday, June 21
1-2 PM: Specialty Camps (Arts & Crafts, Fairview Discovery, Wet & Wild, and Sailing & Windsurfing)
2-3 PM: Ranch & Adventure
Saturday, June 27
7-8 PM: CIT
Sunday, June 28
10:30 AM - Noon: Laurel Ridge
1-2 PM: Kittatinny & Taste of Tradition
2-3 PM: Adventure Trips, Minisink & Ranch Camp
Sunday, July 5
1-3 PM: Adventure Trips, Minisink, Ranch Camp, & Taste of Tradition
Sunday, July 19
10:30 AM-Noon: Laurel Ridge
1-2 PM: Kittatinny & Taste of Tradition
2-3 PM: Adventure Trips, Minisink, & Ranch Camp
Sunday, July 26
1-3 PM: Adventure Trips Minisink, Ranch, & Taste of Tradition.
Sunday, August 9
1-2 PM: Specialty Camps (Fairview Discovery and Farm Camp) & Ranch Camp.
2-3 PM: Tupelo
Sunday, August 16
1-2 PM: Specialty Camp (Fairview Discovery)
Arrival on Sunday is based on your child's program. A reminder email will be sent to you before you arrive at camp, but you can also refer to this page to plan ahead! If you are dropping multiple children off for camp and they have different check-in times, please use the LATER time. Early arrival is not permitted unless pre-approved by the camp director. If your child is arriving after 1 PM, please make sure they have had lunch!
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Departure Times: SATURDAYS
Please note that this schedule is subject to change! A reminder email will be sent to you before your child's departure.
Saturday, June 27
9-10 AM: Adventure Trips, Ranch & Specialty Camps
Saturday, July 4
9-10 AM: Adventure Trips, Minisink, Ranch & Taste of Tradition
Saturday, July 18
9-10 AM: Adventure Trips, Laurel Ridge, Ranch & Taste of Tradition
10-11 AM: Kittatinny & Minisink
Saturday, July 25
9-10 AM: Adventure Trips, Minisink, Ranch & Taste of Tradition
Saturday, August 8
9-10 AM: Adventure Trips, Laurel Ridge, Ranch Camp & Taste of Tradition
10-11 AM: Kittatinny & Minisink
11 AM - 12 PM: CITs
Saturday, August 15
9-10 AM: Ranch & Specialty Camps
Saturday, August 22
9-10 AM: Specialty Camps & Tupelo
Departure times on Saturdays are based on your child's program. A reminder email will be sent prior to your child's pick-up. If you are picking up children in different programs, please pick them up at the EARLIER time.
You must have a photo ID to pick up a child, and you must be on the child's release form. Changes to the release form must be done in writing prior to pick up or we can not release the child.
Getting Ready for Camp
Packing Lists
Help your camper pack — it's a great way to get excited together before the big day! Download the list for your program below. Remember to label everything with your camper's first and last name.
Traditional & Specialty Camp
Adventure Trips
Ranch Camp
Counselor in Training
Most of our cabins have approximately 18 inches of space under the bed. Make sure that any luggage/trunks that you pack are no more than 17" tall so that they slide easily under the beds!
Special Events
We've created a fun calendar to make each day special — from silly highlighter day to Thank You Note Thursdays. Traditions like Wham City Dinner, Lip Sync, and Unit Pride Day are on the calendar too!
2026 Calendar Coming Soon!
Laundry
Laundry is done for campers staying 3 or more consecutive weeks. Please pack enough clothing for 2 weeks. If there is any concern your camper might wet the bed, please pack a waterproof mattress cover. All laundry bags should be clearly labeled with your camper's name.
Off Site Trips
Optional trips can be added through your registration account. Space is limited and all trips are non-refundable.
Add a Trip →
FLG X - High Ropes Adventure Course
The FLG X TreeTop Adventure course is an elevated obstacle course set in the beautiful trees of Northern New Jersey and securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 50 feet off the ground. Some of the features of course include suspended bridges, swings, slides, nets, ziplines and even an aerial surfboard. No extra spending money necessary. Transportation included.
This trip requires a waiver. Download, sign and and email it to fairviewlake@metroymcas.org
Participation requires campers to reach 5'9" flat footed with hands raised.
Sussex County Miners - Baseball
Take me out to the ball game! After a fun day at Fairview Lake, campers will depart camp for a local minor league baseball game. We're rooting for the home team - the Sussex County Miners! This night game is a fun way to spend the evening with new and old friends - and maybe we'll even get invited down on the field. Campers will each receive a food voucher for the stadium. No extra spending money necessary. Transportation included.
Mountain Creek Water Park
Campers head to Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon, NJ for splashes, slides, and summer fun! Campers will travel the park in small groups with a counselor. We’ll leave camp after breakfast, and bring a bag lunch/drink. No extra spending money necessary. Transportation included.
White Water Rafting
Enjoy a fun-filled day of white water rafting on the Delaware River! Spot bald eagles flying overhead, tackle rapids, splash your friends, and maybe even take a swim in one of the last unspoiled rivers in the country! The trip includes breakfast just before starting down the river, a bag lunch, and transportation. Campers must be green swimmers (highest level). No extra spending money necessary. Transportation included.
Sussex County Fair
It's time for the FAIR! The cost of the trip includes admission, transportation, an identifying T-shirt, a bracelet for rides, and $25 spending money. You may choose to purchase additional spending money for your child. Campers will have breakfast before departing and return for dinner.
Select an option below:
- Where You'll Stay
- Meals, Snacks & Trading Post
- Keeping Healthy and Safe at Camp
- Staying Connected
- Getting to Camp
Where You'll Stay
Traditional and Specialty Camp Cabins
For campers enrolled in our Traditional or Specialty program, you'll stay in one of our 26 traditional cabins! These cabins sleep eight campers and two counselors in bunk beds. Each cabin has its own bathroom, with sinks, a shower and toilets. The cabins have electricity, with a large central fan to keep things cool.
Our cabins are divided into three units, Laurel Ridge, Lakeside and Birch.
Ranch Camp Cabins
Our Girls Ranch Campers will stay in the Wickapeck Lodge - a converted farm house with a cozy living room! The rooms are laid out like our traditional cabins, with bunk beds and bathrooms. The Lodge also has a large fire ring located behind the cabin - perfect for a fun campfire in the evening.
During co-ed weeks, we will also use cabins in our traditional units.
C.I.T. & Adventure Trip Cabins
Our Counselor in Training and Adventure Trips programs live in our seasonal cabins. These breezy cabins are screened, with four sets of bunk beds each. These cabins do not have electricity.
The CITs live in the Warriors Unit, which has a central bath house and a fire circle.
Adventure Trip campers and staff live in the Delaware Unit, which has two firecircles, a central bathhouse, and a pavillion for rainy days. The Delaware Unit also has a large trip shed for all of our adventure gear!
Meals, Snacks & Camp Must-Haves!
Camp Dining Hall and Camp Trading Post
Mealtime at Camp is More Than Just Food—It’s Family Time!
At camp, we gather in the Dining Hall three times a day to refuel, connect, and make memories. Breakfast kicks off with a hearty main course alongside a spread of cereals and a build-your-own yogurt bar—perfect for picky eaters and early risers alike! Lunch and dinner feature delicious main courses and a fresh salad bar with plenty of options to keep everyone happy and energized.
Vegetarian? No problem! We’ve got you covered. Have food allergies or specific dietary needs? Just let us know on the Dietary Form, and we’ll take it from there. Still have questions? Reach out to camp—we’re happy to help.
Best of all, campers share every meal with their cabin and counselors, turning each bite into a chance to bond, laugh, and live the camp values of caring and community.
Sweet Swag and Snacks at the Trading Post!
Our Trading Post is a camper favorite—part snack stop, part souvenir shop, and 100% camp magic! Campers typically visit twice a day. Their first visit is all about the free snack—no soda, candy, or ice cream here, just tasty, nourishing options to keep the fun going strong. On their second visit, campers can purchase a drink and a snack (just one of each), and browse cool camp gear like T-shirts, stuffed animals, and souvenirs to remember their best summer ever.
Families can add funds to their camper’s virtual wallet before camp begins, so there’s no need to send cash or worry about loose change. Just smiles, snacks, and maybe a new favorite hoodie.
Keeping Healthy & Safe at Camp
Health at Camp
Keeping our camper and staff healthy is a priority here at camp. From preventing communicable diseases to fixing cuts and scrapes, our policies and procedures are focused on the wellbeing of all.
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Healthcare Staff
Our team of health care professionals is on site 24 hours a day for the entire summer to make sure our campers and staff are healthy and well. The treatment room is centrally located in the main area of camp and is stocked with first aid and emergency medical equipment.
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Medications
If your child takes medication, our Camp Nurse will supervise the administration of all medications. Your family doctor must include specific instructions on the camper medication form.
Please do not pack any medications in camper bags.
To improve efficiency and ensure our nurses spend more time caring for campers, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps and Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps requires all medications to be pre-packaged by a licensed pharmacy. This change allows us to streamline medication administration and reduce time spent organizing medications, ensuring campers return to their activities more quickly.
What You Need to Do
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Complete your child’s health history form (online) and include all medications they will be taking at camp.
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Complete and have a physician sign their medication form and email it to camp at least four weeks before your child’s arrival.
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Arrange for your camper’s medications to be pre-packaged by a pharmacy of your choice. Make sure that your child’s physician has written a prescription for all medication they will be taking, including vitamins. This will allow the filling pharmacy to include it in the packaging.
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The packaging must meet the following requirements:
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Camper’s full name
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Medication names
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Dosages
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Dispense times
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Clearly sorted by day and time
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On check-in day, families must bring their child’s pre-packaged medications to the nurses' station. Please bring enough medication for your child’s entire stay at camp.
Finding a Pharmacy
Many local or mail-order pharmacies provide pre-packaged medication services. We recommend contacting your pharmacy to inquire about this option. Please ensure you allow enough time for the pharmacy to prepare the medications before check-in day. Most pharmacies will package both prescribed and “over-the-counter” medications together, provided you have a prescription for all of the requested medications.
What Medications Need to be Packaged?
Any medications in pill form that your child will take at camp must be packaged. Packaging should be arranged so that each package contains the exact dosage and medications needed to be taken: ie all breakfast/morning medication should be packaged together.
Vitamins and supplements in pill form must also be included in the package. Please speak with your pharmacist to include these.
Medications that are not in pill form (ie liquids, inhalers, injectables, epi-pens) do not need to be packaged and should arrive at camp in their original packaging.
Our health center keeps common medications in stock for our nurses to distribute as needed. Please indicate that your child can take these medications on their health history form. Do not package these medications with your child’s prescriptions.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this process, which allows our nurses to focus more on camper care. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
International Campers: Please contact our office to discuss medication packaging options.
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Immunizations
All campers are required to submit a record of their immunizations prior to attending camp. Please upload a copy of their immunization record to their registration account.
Please contact our office if you are unable to provide a current immunization record.
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What if my child gets sick at camp?
Camp personnel will contact you or other designated emergency contact if your camper requires the services of a physician.
It is your responsibility to schedule an appointment and transport your child to a physician of your choice.
If a camper requires hospital emergency room treatment, camp personnel will attempt to contact you immediately. If we are unable to reach you, we will contact your designated emergency contact immediately. If your camper becomes sick during their stay, you will be contacted and updated.
Please select emergency contacts that will be willing and able to pick up your child or make medical decisions on your behalf.
Keeping Kids Safe
Learn more about our commitment to keeping kids safe from abuse.
Safety First, Splash Second!
At Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, water safety is our top priority. Every waterfront is supervised by certified American Red Cross Lifeguards, and we have a Water Safety Instructor on-site to ensure best practices are always in place. All campers complete a swim test and are placed in swim levels that match their ability, with swim lessons available to help them grow their skills.
Life jackets (PFDs) are required for all boating activities, and no one is allowed in the lake without a lifeguard present. Our in-house American Red Cross Instructors regularly train and update our lifeguards to keep everyone safe and confident in the water—because at camp, fun and safety always go hand in hand.
Staying Connected While Growing Independent
A Screen-Free Summer, Fully Connected
Fairview Lake is proudly screen-free. Campers leave phones and personal devices at home so they can be fully present all summer.
Homesickness Happens—And That’s Okay
If your camper is struggling to settle in, our staff will reach out to you directly. Sending them supportive letters and care packages will certainly help!
Touching Base With Camp
We know how much you care about your camper and want to stay connected while they’re away. At Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, we believe that no news is good news—it usually means your child is having a great time, staying active, and fully immersed in the camp experience. Of course, if there’s ever anything you need to know, our team will contact you right away. If you have questions or need to reach us, you’re always welcome to call our office at 973.383.9282 or email us at fairviewlake@metroymcas.org. Thank you for trusting us with your camper—we’re so glad they’re here!
Old-School Letters with Big-Time Impact
There’s something special about getting a letter at camp—and we want to make sure every camper gets the chance to experience it. Families can send letters by mail or drop them off during check in to be delivered throughout their stay. Campers are encouraged to write back home, sharing stories, doodles, and updates on their favorite camp adventures. It’s a great way to stay in touch while giving campers a sense of independence and excitement.
Camper First and Last Name, Cabin #
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps
1035 Fairview Lake Rd
Newton, NJ 07860
If your camper is participating in CIT, ETC or Ranch Programs, please use CIT, ATC or Ranch in place of the Cabin #.
Photos That Capture the Magic
Throughout each camp session, we share photos so families can follow the fun from home on SmugMug. These photos are shared in a secure online gallery for families to enjoy and cherish. Please check your arrival email for a link and password. While we can’t guarantee a snapshot of every camper every day, we do our best to show the joy, energy, and growth happening all over camp.
Getting To Camp
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps
1035 Fairview Lake Road
Newton, NJ 07860
PLEASE NOTE!
Double check you have entered the address correctly. Entering "Fairview Lake LANE" will put you on a dirt road on the other side of the lake, with poor reception!
Financial Assistance
Y For All
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.
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.