This year marks a milestone for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges: 125 years of community service. Among its many programs and services, summer camping is certainly a signature YMCA program.
Richard K. Gorab, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Metro YMCAs of the Oranges, said "Most people aren’t aware that the YMCA introduced organized camping to the United States more than 100 years ago, and has been an innovator of camping ever since." He added, "Our Five Branches offer a wide variety of both day and sleepaway camps, and we can fit the needs of every camper. Our extensive programs provide opportunities for children to have fun in a safe, healthy, nurturing environment. All of our summer camps are licensed by the State of New Jersey and are accredited by the American Camp Association, which means that our facilities, equipment, staff, credentials and training are of the highest standards. We take great pride in the high quality of camping programs at our YMCA, which is a very important part of our heritage and our service to members and communities."
New Jersey offers ideal and idyllic camping opportunities In 1885 Sumner Dudley took eight boys to camp at Orange Lake in New Jersey. Since then, YMCA camps began to spring up across the State and Nation. New Jersey offers ideal and idyllic camping opportunities. As the State YMCA described it, "New Jersey with its wealth of historic background, its famous sea coast of one hundred and twenty-five miles, its mountainous Northern section dotted with lakes and streams, its health-giving resorts among the pines, is a veritable paradise for summer activities."
The first Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges camp began as a two-week experiment in 1915. Fifteen boys lived in two donated tents pitched at Lake Fairview in Stillwater Township, Sussex County. The following year, the YMCA organized Camp Kittatinny at Lake Fairview. The camp became permanent when the Colgate family donated l58 acres on the slope of the Kittatinny Mountains adjacent to the lake. Each year until his death, Colonel Austen Colgate "was a regular summer visitor and entered as heartily into the enjoyment of the place as any of the boys," according to a 1934 report in New Jersey State Work. Over future years, the camp would grow to become the 660-acre Fairview Lake YMCA Camps and Conference Center.
West Essex YMCA The West Essex YMCA offers two day camps. Pioneer Trails Day Camp is a traditional camping experience for pre-school through eighth grade children. Emphasis is placed on self-discovery and personal development. Campers build self-confidence by successfully exploring new opportunities and overcoming challenges in a safe, supportive environment. Campers learn teamwork, independence, and values.
The Pioneer Trails program places special emphasis on assisting children of working parents. Children are provided a safe, healthy, fun-filled environment so that parents can have peace of mind. The experienced and dedicated staff of counselors and specialists make certain that the children enjoy the best of all possible summers. Pioneer Trails Day Camp utilizes the beautiful facilities of Caldwell College, making it among the finest day camps in the tri-state area. Campers enrolled in the Pioneer Trails program will enjoy a traditional camping experience consisting of sports, arts and crafts, educational games, exciting field trips, swim lessons and recreational swim. Free bus transportation is available to campers at select locations. The YMCA has added extended hours of care for those that need this service. Children can now be dropped off as early as 8:00 am and dismissed as late as 6:00pm no additional charge.
Super Summer Day Camp is where children from kindergarten through eighth grade can have a wonderful summer experience. Activities are exciting and fun, but most importantly it is an experience that builds self esteem, lasting friendships and treasured memories. Located at Livingston High School, Super Summer Day Camp offers a full time, five-day-a-week program for children whose parents desire affordable, quality care. The Camp is organized with a school-like schedule half of the day with specialty classes such as art, archery, science, drama, sports, cooking, computers, dance, and free choice. In the afternoon the camp will then travel to the pool sites for swimming and there campers are dismissed. The Super Summer Day Camp offers extended hours from 7:15am-6:00pm.
"Throughout our 125-year history, the programs of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges have evolved with the times while remaining true to our core values," said Mr. Gorab. "We are very proud to be providing these very important services to our members and our communities."
The year long Anniversary celebration at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges will culminate with a special Anniversary Gala on October 21st at the Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange, NJ.
The YMCA is the local charity of choice. Financial assistance is available because at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.
For more information about the YMCA or their 125 Years of Community Service, please call 973-758-9622 or visit www.metroymcas.org
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is the largest YMCA in the state of New Jersey, serving over 163,000 members and program participants annually. Its mission is to enrich the lives of the children, families and communities it serves, through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, in an environment nurturing positive values.
Its five branch facilities, located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston and Stillwater, provide a wide variety of services and activities:
• Quality all-day and after-school childcare, pre-school classes, recreational and enrichment programs e.g. swimming and other sports, arts, computer activities and day and sleep-away camps.
• Programs for adolescents and teens that include sports, parties and club activities.
• Programs for adults and seniors.