Halendon, NJ
A Beautiful Day Camp Experience on 60 Wooded Acres in Northern New Jersey
Camp Veritans is a picturesque day camp nestled on over 60 wooded acres in northern New Jersey. The camp’s mission is to provide an environment where campers can build their self-esteem through fun, fostering friendships, and encouraging lifelong learning.
Facilities at Camp Veritans
The facilities at Camp Veritans are designed to offer a wide range of activities and experiences for campers. These include:
- Heated Outdoor Pool: A perfect place for swimming and water activities.
- Air-Conditioned Cooking and All-Purpose Room: A space for culinary creativity and various indoor activities.
- Open Air, Covered Bunk Houses: These are used for various activities and provide sheltered outdoor spaces.
- Enclosed 4000 sq ft Dining Hall: A spacious area for meals and gatherings.
- Enclosed Air-Conditioned Activity Buildings: Comfortable spaces for indoor activities.
- Large Open Fields: Ideal for sports and outdoor games.
- 2.5 Acre Ropes and Challenge Course: Featuring a zip line and full high elements circuit for adventure and team-building.
- Archery Course: A dedicated space for learning and practicing archery.
- Gaga Pits: For playing the popular game of Gaga Ball.
- Multi-Purpose Court: A versatile space for various sports and games.
- Enclosed, Air-Conditioned Activity Building for Youngest Campers: Tailored for the needs of younger children.
- Staffed, Air-Conditioned Nursing Center: Ensuring medical care and safety.
- Changing Facilities: Convenient spaces for changing and personal care.
Programs and Activities at Camp Veritans
Camp Veritans offers a wide array of programs and activities, including:
Aquatics
The beautiful pool at Camp Veritans serves as the centerpiece of the camp, offering an oasis for children on hot summer days. The camp takes its swimming program seriously, following the American Red Cross guidelines for swim instruction. Campers receive daily swim instruction in small groups, with trained swim instructors and assistance from group staff members. Safety is a top priority, with a strict adherence to the ACA-required 1:30 lifeguard-to-camper ratio.
Ropes and Challenge Course
Nestled in 2.5 acres of wooded pine tree forest, the Ropes & Challenge Course includes over 15 team-building and problem-solving obstacles. It offers both low elements (on the ground or a few feet above) and high elements (in trees or raised platforms), challenging campers of all ages.
Go Carts
An exciting feature for older campers, the eighth-of-a-mile track provides an opportunity to test driving skills with self-powered, high-performance go carts. Campers can race for time or compete in ‘round robin’ tournament-style competitions.
Archery
Available to middle and upper campers, the archery program is taught by trained and expert bowmen, allowing campers to develop and practice their skills.
Gymnastics
With trained and certified gymnastics instructors, campers learn fundamentals of tumbling and basic floor equipment.
Athletics
Led by a trained and certified instructor, campers learn the fundamentals of various sports, including soccer, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and more.
Arts & Crafts
A staple of camp life, the Arts & Crafts program allows campers to express themselves creatively through various mediums, including wind chimes, birdhouses, lanyard bracelets, necklaces, tie-dying, and jewelry making.
Cooking
Campers have a great time learning basic cooking techniques and working with various ingredients to create summer and cultural favorites.
STEM
The STEM program offers interactive, hands-on, and exciting scientific adventures, including discovering chemical reactions, building and launching rockets, checking out security systems, and playing with spy equipment.
Dance
A high-energy program taught by someone who loves to dance and entertain.
Tarboot
As a camp founded on Jewish tradition, Tarboot teaches campers about Jewish spirit and Israeli culture, including regional foods, arts, music, dance, and customs.
Color War
A three-day competition of athletics and spirit, culminating with the famous ‘Apache-Relay’, an 18-event, camp-wide relay race.
& More Camp Fun!
Additional activities include Kickball, Whiffle-ball, Gaga, Four Square, Jump Rope, Camp Skits, Movies, Game Room, and more, ensuring an assortment of games and activities to keep children entertained all day long.
Programs at Camp Veritans
Lower Camp (Pre-K Through 3rd Grade)
Lower Camp at Camp Veritans is designed for children entering Pre-K through 3rd grades and is divided into three distinct units. The Pre-K program is called Yeladim, Kindergarteners and 1st graders make up Kinneret, and 2nd and 3rd graders are part of El Al. The curriculum for the youngest campers is crafted to allow room for exploration and socialization in a nurturing and noncompetitive environment. Activities and special events are tailored to introduce them to the joy and excitement of camp, all at a comfortable and relaxed pace. A daily blend of swimming, specialty, and athletic activities fosters skill-building in an engaging, whimsical, and carefree atmosphere. Special events add to the magic of a Camp Veritans summer, ensuring a memorable experience for the young campers.
Middle Camp (4th & 5th Grade)
Middle Camp at Camp Veritans, known as Negev, is designed for 4th and 5th graders, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn and grow. In addition to traditional camp activities, Middle Campers experience three day trips over the summer, which have included visits to a water park, shows, and bowling. A standout feature of Middle Camp is the opportunity to pick a weekly elective club specifically geared toward their age group and interests. These Elective Clubs offer a more detailed and intensive exploration of a particular activity area that interests the campers. Taught by qualified specialists and staff who develop curriculum especially for these elective activities, campers can choose new clubs to participate in every week, adding a personalized touch to their camp experience.
Upper Camp (6th Through 9th Grade)
Upper Camp at Camp Veritans is designed for 6th through 9th graders and is divided into two units: Galil and Masada.
Galil (6th and 7th Grade Campers): Galil is tailored for 6th and 7th graders, offering a wide array of traditional camp activities along with elective choices based on individual interests. The program is designed to provide a relaxed, nurturing, and comfortable space for exploration, while introducing campers to a greater variety of activities. Galil campers also enjoy a weekly day trip out of camp, enhancing their summer experience.
Masada (8th and 9th Grade Campers): Masada is designed for 8th and 9th graders, the more experienced and mature campers at Camp Veritans. These campers participate in more advanced activities and specialty programs, with opportunities to travel out of camp more often. The trips include visits to exciting places like Camelbeach, Great Adventure, Mt. Creek, Bowling, Beach days, rafting, and New York, to name a few. The oldest campers have also enjoyed extended trips to destinations like Club Getaway, Boston, and Virginia.
The Upper Camp curriculum at Camp Veritans is thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs and interests of older campers, providing them with a rich and diverse summer experience. Whether it’s engaging in cutting-edge camp activities, exploring new interests through elective choices, or embarking on thrilling trips and excursions, Upper Camp ensures a fulfilling and adventurous summer for its campers.
Counselor In Training Program (Entering 10th Grade)
The Counselor in Training (CIT) program at Camp Veritans is an enriching experience designed for those who have completed at least one year of the camp’s Masada program. The CIT program offers exciting benefits, allowing participants to engage in a variety of camp activities while also receiving valuable training for potential future employment as camp counselors.
The program emphasizes learning through experience, discussion, and role-playing. Weekly meetings with camp administration are a key part of the CIT experience, encouraging the sharing of experiences and facilitating the learning process. These meetings provide a platform for CITs to reflect on their experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance from seasoned professionals.
A pre-enrollment interview with the Camp Director is required for all CIT applicants, ensuring that participants are well-suited for the program and committed to its goals. While completing the CIT program does not guarantee future employment at Camp Veritans, it serves as a valuable stepping stone for future employment endeavors, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in leadership roles within a camp setting or other youth-oriented environments.
The CIT program at Camp Veritans is more than just a summer job; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and a chance to make a positive impact on the lives of younger campers. It’s a unique blend of fun, responsibility, and education, all wrapped up in the joyful and supportive atmosphere of Camp Veritans.
All the programming at Camp Veritans is designed by professionals, with purpose and with consideration for age, ability, and interest level. The camp’s professional staff of specialty counselors work hand-in-hand with group staff to get to know each camper and make them feel excited about each camp day. From the youngest campers in Lower Camp to the leadership development in the CIT program, Camp Veritans offers a comprehensive and thoughtful range of programs that cater to various age groups and interests, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching summer camp experience.
Camp Veritans offers a rich and diverse summer camp experience in a beautiful natural setting. With a wide variety of facilities and a focus on building self-esteem, friendships, and lifelong learning, the camp provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children. Whether it’s taking on the challenge course, enjoying the heated pool, or participating in special programs and trips, Camp Veritans promises a memorable and fulfilling summer experience.
Camp Veritans is a proud partner of The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.