Summer Camp

We’re accredited with the American Camp Association (ACA) to ensure all our camp communities are safe and nurturing with caring, competent adult role models supervising our campers. Campers feel independent being away from home and their parents, but they’re also closely monitored for their safety. We typically group campers by age (3-5, 6-10, 11-13, 14-15, etc.), so your child will begin making new friends within their age group in no time. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to knowing when your child is ready to go away for summer camp, as every child’s development is unique. Even if your child is shy, summer camp can help them feel more comfortable around others in a social setting.

Summer camp makes an ideal setting in which children feel self-confident and comfortable enough to develop a variety of social skills, including teamwork, communication, and even conflict resolution skills. Many children experience learning loss during summer vacation because their brains and bodies aren’t being stimulated daily. Avoid summer brain drain by registering your child for YMCA summer camp. We’ll challenge them intellectually, physically, and socially, so they should leave camp with increased self-esteem and the development of new skills outside their comfort zones.

Today’s youth spend far too much time in front of a screen, whether it’s a television, tablet, or smartphone. Summer camp allows them to escape the doldrums of another summer spent staring at a screen and gives them the opportunity to enjoy daily adventures with other kids their age. Camp fosters an appreciation and connection with nature, as your child will enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

Overnight experiences building campfires, preparing meals, hiking, canoeing, swimming, and sleeping under the stars are memorable shared experiences that bond our campers for life. Campers come from all backgrounds, which teaches children to respect each other and their differences. Camp gives children a sense of purpose and community while forging lifelong friendships with others.

At the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, we have different types of camps available to accommodate your child’s needs. We offer summer sleepaway camps, as well as specialty and day camps for campers not quite ready to be away from home for an extended period. Sleepaway camps are fully supervised and available for children and teens of all ages. Nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are served daily, and day trips are free. Choose the YMCA summer camp that’s right for you and your child.

The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social services organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is one of the largest YMCA associations in the state of New Jersey. Our staff is dedicated to enriching the lives of thousands of children and their families through our family-friendly programs, including our summer camps, before-and-after school care, and so much more. YMCA believes in bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together. Our organization is all-inclusive, meaning no one is ever turned away from our programs because they can’t afford to register and participate. Generous donations to our Annual Campaign provide financial assistance to individuals and families in our communities.

Are you interested in registering your child for our summer camps in New Jersey? If you have Internet access, we now offer online registration from the convenience of your own home. You must have a valid YMCA membership at the time of registration and while your child is attending camp to receive our exclusive membership rate. Otherwise, you’ll be charged our community member rate. A non-refundable $10 down payment per week of camp is due during registration to guarantee your child’s spot. If your family is on a tight budget, don’t let that deter you from making this summer your child’s best one ever. Check out our blog “Four Options to Make Summer Camp Affordable” to see if your family qualifies for special camp discounts or government assistance.

• Click here and log into your online account
• Visit your branch’s Welcome Center
• Call our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039

ALL CAMPS: Starting February 1, a $35 administrative fee will be added for all changes. Straight cancellations that do not involve changing weeks, etc, would not be charged the administrative fee.