West Milford, NJ
Hands In 4 Youth (HI4Y) offers diverse and enriching summer camp experiences designed to inspire young people from all backgrounds. Located on a sprawling 230-acre campus in New Jersey, HI4Y camps provide opportunities for campers to explore new environments, develop skills, and build lifelong friendships. Here’s a look at the main programs available:
Camp Vacamas: The HI4Y Sleepaway Camp
Camp Vacamas is the centerpiece of HI4Y’s sleepaway camp program. Established in 1924, this camp offers 12- and 19-day sessions for children aged 6-17. Campers live, play, and learn together in a supervised environment, engaging in a variety of activities that promote self-esteem and social skills. The camp’s mission is to help kids develop independence and responsibility, preparing them for future challenges in school and life.
Key Features:
- High staff-to-camper ratio with trained and background-checked staff
- Accredited by the American Camp Association and local health departments
- Onsite medical team and nearby hospital
- Certified American Red Cross swim instructors
- Affordable fees with sliding scale based on family income, plus scholarships available
Vacamas Day Camp
Vacamas Day Camp offers 3- and 5-day-a-week programs for children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. The camp’s structured activities and themed weeks keep children engaged and excited throughout the summer. Located on the border of Bloomingdale and West Milford, the camp provides a wilderness experience with the convenience of nearby urban access.
Key Features:
- Variety of facilities including athletic fields, indoor/outdoor courts, ropes courses, and more
- Daily swim instruction and recreational swimming
- Meals provided in the camp dining hall, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Extended day care options available
Hands In 4 Youth Teen Camp
Camp Vacamas offers Teen Outdoor Adventure Programs for ages 14-16, featuring activities such as biking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, and survival skills. Programs focus on developing independence, leadership, and self-confidence in a technology-free environment. Safety is prioritized with trained staff, and the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Affordable fees are based on family income, with scholarships and transportation provided.
Additional Information
Both sleepaway and day camps emphasize safety, with thorough staff training and supervision, as well as facilities designed to ensure a secure environment for all campers. Programs are tailored to different age groups, ensuring that each child can participate in activities that are appropriate for their development level.
History of Hands In 4 Youth
Hands In 4 Youth (HI4Y) began in 1924 as the East Side Vacation Camp Association, founded by teachers, social workers, and businesspeople to provide summer camp experiences for children living in poverty in New York City. Initially located in Kingston, NY, it later moved to West Milford, NJ, in the Ramapo Mountains. Over the years, the organization expanded its programs and was renamed Camp Vacamas, eventually adopting the name Hands In 4 Youth to reflect its comprehensive year-round offerings, including summer camps, retreats, and afterschool programs.
Theory of Change
Hands In 4 Youth (HI4Y) focuses on inspiring young people from diverse backgrounds to engage fully in school and life. Their mission is to cultivate global citizens who exhibit empathy, compassion, and a commitment to equality. Through goal-setting, responsible living, and reflective practices, HI4Y programs enhance social intelligence, self-efficacy, and educational prowess, preparing youth for success. The organization measures its impact through rigorous evaluations, aiming to leverage the science behind their proven youth development strategies.
For more details, visit the HI4Y Summer Camps website.