Fairview Lake YMCA Camps Commemorates 110 Years of Camping and Community

By: Mollie Shauger | Monday, July 14, 2025 | News

Mary Ellen Lavin, Colleen Vaughn, MaryLou McTeigue Purcell, and Colleen Lavin stand next to Fairview Lake's iconic sign.

NEWTON, NJ — Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, a branch of the non-profit Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, welcomed 250 alumni, staff, family members, and friends to its 110th Anniversary Celebration held June 13-15 at Camp. The celebration weekend also netted $40,000 in donations to the Y’s Annual Support Campaign, aimed at helping more kids in financial need attend Camp.

The event kicked off with a sit-down dinner and a party at the beach on Friday evening. Guests enjoyed various activities, including hot air balloon rides, sunset boat rides, archery, axe throwing, indoor rock climbing, and more. 

“It was truly a magical weekend,” said Marc Koch, District Executive Director for Fairview Lake YMCA Camps and Sussex County YMCA. “Reconnecting with generations of campers and staff who call Fairview Lake their ‘home away from home’ was deeply meaningful. From the live bands and the hot air balloon to the heartfelt tributes for friends we’ve lost but never forgotten, the weekend was a beautiful celebration of community, memory, and the enduring spirit of camp.”

Former Campers, Board Members Memorialized 

Fairview Lake honored three individuals who passed away in recent years for their contributions to the camp’s enduring legacy: Daniel Renzulli and his son, Peter Renzulli, and Mike McCabe.

Daniel was a long-time camper and counselor who spent many summers at Fairview Lake along with his sister, Meredith. Many spoke of how Daniel was a “first friend” at camp, teaching many how to sail. Peter, Daniel's father, served on the Board of Managers after being a camper parent for so long. He was remembered as a generous donor and a dedicated volunteer who was committed to ensuring the camp’s financial health. 

Mike McCabe was also a long-time camper, counselor, board member, and donor. His three children, Conner, Morgan, and Duncan, attended camp for many summers. Those present shared fond memories of Mike's ability to make people smile. He played a significant role in teaching others how to sail, which was his favorite hobby outside of camp.

After paying tribute to Dan, Peter, and Mike at the chapel, participants walked to the Mountainside Boathouse to view a new "Pray for Wind" sign bearing the names of Peter, Daniel, and Mike at the entrance.

New Pavilion Dedicated

Fairview Lake celebrated Peggy Pfaff, a long-time neighbor on the lake and a long-standing member of the FVL Board of Managers. Through funds gifted to the Y upon her passing, Fairview Lake was able to revamp its sports courts and construct a new pavilion, now named Peggy's Pavilion.

A Legacy of Growth

Attendees had the opportunity to sponsor tree seedlings and saplings to help create a lasting legacy for future generations attending camp, with a total of 10 trees being planted during the celebration weekend. 

Through tree sponsorships, a silent auction, and various gifts and donations, Fairview Lake raised $40,000 during its 110th celebration, which will go towards the Y’s financial assistance fund. Since its establishment 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. For more information, visit www.fairviewlakeymca.org. 

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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.