Explore West Milford, NJ

In 1924, a group of teachers, social workers, and businessmen noticed a need in New York City’s Lower East Side. Girls from working poor families needed a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and fresh air, sun, exercise, and community living in a lakeside mountain environment. To answer this need, East Side Vacation Camp Association was formed and began providing summer camping opportunities for girls. Seeing that boys could benefit from the same experience, the organization later expanded to serve them as well. In 1948 and again in 1955, Camp Vacamas expanded its service area to include both New York City and New Jersey and changed its name from East Side Vacation Camp Association to its current name. It also moved from Kingston, NY to its present location in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains in West Milford, NJ. Today, Camp Vacamas continues to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun summer camp experience for young people from both New York and New Jersey. With a focus on developing social skills, building confidence, and fostering an appreciation for nature, Camp Vacamas is a place where kids can explore, learn, and grow.

The YMCA of Montclair proudly serves more than 13,000 members from across nine communities. Our membership is open to all, and financial assistance is available to those in our service area, including Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona and West Milford, who demonstrate financial need. At the YMCA of Montclair, we are dedicated to the well-being of individuals and families. Our programs and activities are designed with these goals in mind—youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We provide before and after school child care, summer camps, educational workshops, and health and wellness classes for people of all ages. Our Camp at the Lake is a popular summer program that takes place at our 30-acre facility in West Milford, NJ. The YMCA of Montclair is proud to offer a wide range of programs and services that promote positive youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We invite you to join us and experience all that we have to offer.