Camp Vacamas is a residential and day camp providing exciting and challenging summer adventures for boys and girls aged 7-16 in our residential site and 5-14 in our day camp. Campers come from throughout the tri-state region to our nurturing, caring and diverse community where each young person is someone special. Vacamas is a safe place where young people can find fun,challenges,friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Our non competitive and supportive environment encourages campers to set new goals and develop self confidence.

Why Choose Camp Vacamas?

Experienced: Since 1924 boys and girls have been a part of the Vacamas summer traditions. Our highly trained and experienced staff takes each camper on a summer adventure to make friends, try new activities, boost confidence and learn in the great outdoors. We are an American Camp Association Accredited camp.

Affordable: Camp Vacamas is a non-profit organization and our aim is to make sure that summer camp is affordable for all children. Each camper fee is set taking into account family income and scholarships are available based on eligibility. No child is ever turned away from Vacamas due to financial hardship.

Convenient: Located on a pristine 250-acre site by Lake Larriwien in West Milford, New Jersey, Camp Vacamas is surrounded by the picturesque Ramapo Mountains. But though it’s a world apart in feeling, it’s only a 45-minute drive from New York City. Free transportation from NYC, Long Island and New Jersey locations is provided. Our facilities include waterfront swimming and boating, an indoor gymnasium, outdoor and indoor sports, low and high challenge courses, indoor climbing wall, nature center, art center, archery range, creative kitchen, outdoor amphitheater, unlimited hiking trails which connect to the Appalachian Trail, wood shop, library and farm.Our dining hall seats all our camp community at one time. We honor the major religions represented in the tri-state region and do not serve any pork or seafood products as well as no dairy products are served with meat products.

Adventure: Programs at Vacamas are age-specific designed to incorporate the interests and choices of each age range. Main camp for 7-13 year old youth allows campers to experience all activities in a balanced program of swim lessons, outdoor pursuits, games, cook-outs, overnights and all that is traditional about summer camp. Teen Adventure campers aged 13 1/2 to 16 choose a program based on interest. Programs include, Biking, Canoeing, Hiking, Life Guard Training, Sports, Fitness, as well as Performing Arts and a Leadership-in-Training(Youth and Counselor Development Program for 16 year old teens).