Specialty Summer Camps in New Jersey | Grades 4-10

Follow your passion. Find your people.

Specialty Camps at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps help ignite a child's spark, nurturing their passions, building confidence, and connecting them with friends who share their interests, all in the joyful spirit of summer camp. That spark comes to life in the great outdoors, surrounded by peaceful forests, rolling hills, and the 110-acre waters of our beautiful lake. Whether campers are sailing across the water, discovering nature through environmental science, or stepping into character during live action role play, they are supported by expert staff and the natural wonder of our inspiring setting. It's a place where passions grow and lifelong memories are made.

Future Campers

Registered Families

Fairview Discovery Camp

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 5-10

This summer camp program is ideal for campers who want to try a large variety of activities. Campers choose daily activities, such as field sports, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, and target sports. Each day will bring a new variety of programs to try. Campers also participate in fun theme days, campfires, and all camp games!

2026: $1,545

>> Register Today!

6/21 - 6/27/2026

8/09 - 8/15/2026

8/16 - 8/22/2026

Farm Camp

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 4-10

Learn the basics of animal care as you experience life on the small animal farm! Campers and counselors will be charged with the care of Fairview Lake's goats, horses, donkeys, chickens, and bunnies. Campers will learn about other animals, participate in fun camp activities, and develop responsibility and teamwork skills.

2026: $1,545

>> Register Today!

8/09 - 8/15/2026

Live Action Role Play Camp

1 Week
Coed, Entering grades 5-10

Live Action Role Play (LARP) is an immersive experience where campers step into the shoes of fantastical characters like knights, mages, and rogues, acting out epic quests in a dynamic, story-driven world. Throughout the week, participants will create their own characters, solve puzzles, engage in safe, foam-sword combat, and team up for grand battles. In addition to the exciting role-play, campers will enjoy classic camp activities like swimming, archery, and campfires, making this the ultimate blend of fantasy and fun!

2026: $1,645

>> Register Today!

6/21 - 6/27/2026

Sailing & Windsurfing Camp

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 5-10

From sailing skills to proper sailing terminology, children who participate in our sailing and windsurfing camp will become proficient sailors in just one summer! With our beautiful fleet of Sunfish sailboats, you’ll love every minute that you’re out on the lake! Kids can sail solo, race their friends, or relax next to the stunning scenery of the lake and the forest.

Campers must pass the advanced swim assessment.

2026: $1,645

>> Register Today!

6/21 - 6/27/2026

Taste of Tradition

1 or 2 Weeks
Coed, Entering Grades 5-7

This camp favorite was developed to help camp-goers transition into longer summer camp stays. This is accomplished by effectively immersing children in the culture and traditions of traditional summer camps. Learn more about Traditional Camps Here

Campers enrolled in Taste of Tradition will live in cabins with other Taste of Tradition Campers. Bunkmate requests of children in other programs are not possible due to the nature of the program.

2026:

1 Week: $1,670

2 Weeks: $3,310

>> Register Today!

6/28 - 7/4/2026

7/05 - 7/18/2026

7/19 - 7/25/2026

7/26 - 8/08/2026

Wet & Wild Camp

1 Week
Coed, Entering Grades 5-10

This summer camp is all about the wet and wild fun that camp can offer! Participating children will spend time at our beautiful, 110-acre lake. We also have a wide range of water-related activities such as sailing, paddle boarding, mountain sliding, and so much more. When you’re not splashing around in the lake, try some of our wild activities - soaring on our giant swing, or making your mark at our archery and ax-throwing ranges.

2026: $1,545

>> Register Today!

6/21 - 6/27/2026

Where Campers Live

Specialty campers stay in our traditional camp cabins, the same cozy, well-equipped spaces used by our Traditional Camp programs. Each cabin has electricity, its own bathroom, and enough room for a tight-knit group of bunkmates and their counselors. Taste of Tradition campers have their own dedicated cabins within the Traditional Camp units, giving them the immersive experience the program is designed around.

Sunfish sailboat gliding across the lake

My kid had an absolute blast. She just couldn't say enough how much fun her week of taste of tradition was!

Specialty Camp Parent

This was my daughter's first time away at sleep away camp. She absolutely loved it and wants to go back again for longer. I was also impressed with the comprehensive communication I was given by camp administration leading up to the experience! Highly recommended!

Specialty Camp Parent

Our 11-year-old had the time of his life at Fairview Discovery. We have attended several Family Camps over the years and this was his first time doing a sleep-away camp. He came home with a huge smile on his face and couldn't stop talking about all of the fun he had. The counselors were fantastic and he loved all of the different activities to choose from each day. He went with a few friends but also made new ones. The first thing he said when we picked him up was, "Can I come back next year?" He'll be back - possibly for a second week! Thank you for giving him a home away from home.

Specialty Camp Parent

My child just completed her first week at Farm Camp. This was the first time that she was away from home and I feel very grateful to the staff and folks at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps for creating an environment that felt nourishing and nurturing for her, such that she seldom thought about missing home.

Specialty Camp Parent

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Whether you're ready to register or still have questions, we'd love to hear from you.

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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.

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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.