111 Summers of Tradition, Fun, Joy, Belonging, Friendship, Adventure, Magic, Wonder, Teamwork at Fairview Lake
Traditional Summer Camps in New Jersey
For 111 years, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps has offered kids a place to unplug, explore, and grow. Our traditional overnight camps help children build confidence, make new friends, and discover who they are—all while having an unforgettable summer.
Campers live in cabins with kids their age and are supported by caring, trained counselors. Each day is filled with swimming, sports, outdoor adventures, and plenty of camper-choice activities, all grounded in our core YMCA values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
Looking for a classic summer sleepaway camp experience in New Jersey? You’ve found it.
Click on a tab below to learn about our four traditional camp programs.
Select an option below:
Camp Minisink - Coed Grades 2-4
Camp Kittatinny - Boys Grades 5-10
Camp Laurel Ridge - Girls Grades 5-10
Camp Tupelo - Coed Grades 5-10
Camp Minisink
Coed; Grades 2-4
"We Are The Future!" | Established in 1929
Camp Minisink at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps has been helping young campers grow in confidence, kindness, and independence since 1929. Designed especially for children entering grades 2 through 4, Camp Minisink is a welcoming space where first-time overnight campers feel supported, inspired, and ready to explore.
Guided by our proud motto, "We are the Future," Minisink gives kids the chance to discover who they are while connecting with others in meaningful, playful ways. For many, it’s their very first adventure away from home—and we’re here to make it a great one.
Each day offers a mix of structured activities and camper choice, including daily swim lessons, cabin group fun, and optional experiences like arts and crafts, sports, and nature exploration. Campers stay in our cozy, traditional cabins with bunk beds, electricity, and bathrooms with flush toilets and showers.
With one-, two-, and three-week sessions available, Camp Minisink is the perfect first step on a lifelong camp journey—where every camper is valued, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Camp Laurel Ridge
Girls; Grades 5-10
Motto: "We Light The Way" | Established in 1968
Camp Laurel Ridge at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps has been lighting the way for young women since 1968. Designed for girls entering grades 5 through 10, this traditional overnight camp is a place where self-discovery, confidence, and lifelong friendships thrive.
Rooted in the proud motto, “We Light the Way,” Camp Laurel Ridge inspires girls to lead with heart, shine with courage, and grow through shared experiences. Each day is filled with opportunities to explore new interests and build skills through swimming lessons, free play, and exciting electives like dance, archery, creative arts, and more.
With a strong focus on teamwork, independence, and self-esteem, campers are supported by caring role models and surrounded by a community that celebrates who they are—and who they’re becoming.
Camp Laurel Ridge offers three-week sessions to allow time for deeper connections and personal growth. Campers are grouped by age and stay in traditional cabins with bunk beds, electricity, and bathrooms with flush toilets and showers.
Here, girls don’t just make memories—they become beacons for others. At Camp Laurel Ridge, we light the way—together.
Camp Kittatinny
Boys; Grades 5-10
Motto: "The Other Fellow First" | Established in 1915
Camp Kittatinny at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps has been shaping character and building brotherhood since 1915. Created for boys entering grades 5 through 10, Camp Kittatinny is where tradition meets adventure, and young men learn the power of putting “The Other Fellow First.”
Each three-week session is packed with action, exploration, and growth. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities including sports, swimming, cabin group time, and free choice sessions that reflect their interests and spark new passions. Whether it’s archery, climbing, arts and crafts, or something brand new, Kittatinny gives every camper the chance to build skills, challenge themselves, and gain confidence in a supportive, all-boys environment.
Our program emphasizes friendship, responsibility, and resilience, helping campers return home with a stronger sense of self—and often, a lifelong crew of camp brothers.
Campers are grouped by age and stay in our traditional cabins, complete with bunk beds, electricity, and bathrooms with flush toilets and showers.
At Camp Kittatinny, boys grow into young men who lead with courage, character, and compassion.
Camp Tupelo
Coed; Entering Grades 5-10
Motto: "Grow Strong and True" | Established in 2018
Camp Tupelo at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is a coed traditional camp designed for kids who are ready to grow strong and true. Since 2018, Tupelo has offered an unforgettable two-week experience where campers dive into the full magic of summer in a shorter timeframe—without missing a moment of the fun.
Perfect for first-time campers or seasoned adventurers, Camp Tupelo is filled with classic activities like tennis, swimming, and campfires, alongside exciting challenges, hiking trips, and unique community-building events every evening. From group games under the stars to quiet moments on the trail, Tupelo helps campers build confidence, independence, and friendships that last far beyond the summer.
Each day encourages campers to try new things, connect with nature, and celebrate what makes them unique—all while being part of a welcoming, inclusive community.
Tupelo campers reside in traditional cabins with bunk beds, electricity, and bathrooms featuring flush toilets and showers—a comfortable home base for two weeks of unforgettable growth and joy.
At Camp Tupelo, your child will do more than just have fun—they’ll grow strong and true.
2026
3 Weeks | $4,260
Session 1: June 28 - July 18 Session 2: July 19 - August 8
Each week, campers in our Traditional Camp programs build their own schedule. Campers choose up to four different activities, depending on their age group. We offer a wide variety of programs - from camp classics to new games and fun. We also play on the strengths of our staff to create engaging programs for campers. Please note that we do not offer every activity every week... variety is the spice of life!
At camp, we follow a general daily schedule to help create rhythm, structure, and a sense of community—but no two days are ever exactly the same! Weather, group needs, and special events can all lead to shifts in timing or activity. We ask everyone to bring a spirit of flexibility and adventure—because sometimes the unexpected makes the best memories.
8:15 AM
Breakfast
A delicious meal with your counselors and cabinmates.
9:00 AM
Cabin Clean Up
Campers and staff work together to make sure their cabin is clean! Cleanest cabins will win special prizes each week!
9:45 AM
Periods 1 & 2
Time for programs!
12:10 PM
Lunch
Another delicious meal with your counselors and cabinmates!
1:15 PM
Siesta and Trading Post
Campers have the chance to visit the trading post for a free snack, and then head to their cabins for a rest period.
2:30 PM
Periods 3 & 4
Time for more programs!
5:10 PM
Fifth Period
Free Sport/Free Swim
Campers have the option to head to the waterfront for open swimming or to the courts to play and hang out.
6:15 PM
Dinner
Get back together with your counselors and cabin mates for a delightful meal!
7:30 PM
Evening Activity
Each evening we have a planned program.
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.
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.
