Fairview Lake YMCA Camps Set to Mark 110 Years of Community Impact

By: Metro Y Staff | Friday, May 30, 2025 | News

Photo of people enjoying the lake, circa 1950s.

NEWTON, NJ — Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, a branch of the non-profit Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, is excited to announce a milestone celebration as it marks its 110th anniversary. The Y invites neighbors, alumni, families, and friends to camp from June 13 to 15, 2025 for a weekend filled with festivities, nostalgia, and fun for all ages.

Attendees can look forward to hot air balloon rides, sunset boat rides, classic camp activities and more. The camp has opened its cabins for families to reserve for the weekend; attendees can also bring a tent or purchase a day pass.

Fairview Lake will also honor alumni who have contributed to the Y’s legacy, and is inviting all families to help send future kids and families to camp by purchasing and planting a tree sapling at camp. For a full list of activities and registration details, visit www.fairviewlakeymca.org.

“It’s an incredible honor to welcome generations of campers, families, and friends back to Fairview Lake YMCA Camps as we celebrate 110 years of unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and lifelong impact. This weekend is more than a milestone—it’s a homecoming. Whether you first came here in 1955 or just last summer, you’re part of the Fairview family, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you,” said Marc Koch, District Executive Director of Fairview Lake YMCA Camps and the Sussex County Y.

A Legacy of Tradition - and Transformation

Founded in 1915, the camp started with just 15 campers and has grown significantly over the years. In 2024, the camp welcomed over 23,000 people in programs including summer camps, environmental education field trips, conference and retreat groups, family camps, and community events. 

The summer camp has expanded significantly since its early days, currently offering Traditional sleepaway camps, Adventure Trips for Challenge, Specialty Camps, and  Ranch Camp. Built on the Fairview Lake campus in 1973, Blue Mountain Day Camp became officially part of Fairview Lake in 2018, providing day camp programming to the local community. Family Camp was introduced in 1952, and environmental education programming commenced in 1959. Fairview Lake is now the largest Environmental Education program in the state.

In response to the global pandemic in 2020, Fairview Lake quickly adapted by introducing innovative programs, including School Year Day Camp and Emergency Food Distribution. The camp also launched Lake in the Woods Camps at Blair Academy in 2022 with a unique 5-day sleepaway camp and a popular day camp program. B.E.A.R. Camp began in 2023 to support middle and high school students with dyslexia, combining academic assistance with camp activities.

Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, stated, “For generations, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps has been a place where young people and families come together to learn, grow, and connect — all surrounded by the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. We're proud to carry that tradition forward for the generations to come.”

In an increasingly technology-dependent world, Fairview Lake is dedicated to offering screen-free summer experiences for children and teens, promoting connection with nature, independence, and face-to-face interactions. For many children living in urban settings, Fairview Lake offers a transformative first experience in a rural environment. 

Since first established in 1927, the camp’s financial assistance program has helped hundreds of children attend camp who might otherwise not be able to afford it each summer.

In addition to summer camp, Fairview Lake hosts school trips, wellness retreats, and corporate conferences throughout the year. The growth of programming has necessitated the construction of additional buildings and event spaces. Upcoming and future enhancements include renovating and expanding the dining hall, a new high ropes course and updated climbing wall, new cabins, and multipurpose pavilion, and much more.

In 2024, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, along with Blue Mountain Day Camp, was honored to be included in Newsweek’s list of the top 100 camps in the U.S., as well as being recognized as the Best Campground in the NJ Herald's Best of Sussex County awards.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.