Discover the Magic of Summer at Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps!
Give your child a summer filled with adventure, creativity, and lasting friendships at Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps, located on the stunning 525-acre campus of Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ. Our unique Monday-Friday schedule allows campers to immerse themselves in exciting activities during the week while returning home for the weekend—offering the perfect balance of independence and family time.
Whether they’re trying new activities at Traditional Camp, exploring their interests at Discovery Camp, or unleashing their creativity at Studio Arts Camp, every camper will experience a dynamic, engaging, and supportive environment. From sports, swimming, and target games to painting, photography, and ceramics, our programs encourage personal growth, teamwork, and confidence—all while having fun! With top-tier facilities, delicious meals, and a caring staff, campers will create memories that last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable summer where every day is a new adventure!
Specialty Summer Camps at Lake in the Woods – Blair Academy, NJ
Lake in the Woods Specialty Camps, hosted on the scenic campus of Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ, provide unique summer experiences tailored to a variety of interests.
Coed Entering Grades 4-10 One Week Session, Monday-Friday
June 23-27, 2025
Explore new interests, make new friends, and have fun. This week is filled with a wide variety of activities, ranging from sports and swimming to arts and crafts and target games. Each day we’ll offer a different selection of programs so that campers will experience a wide variety of activities. Evening activities will include campfires, special events, and games.
Coed Entering Grades 4-10 One Week Session, Monday-Friday
June 23-27, 2025
Explore your creativity and express yourself through various art forms. This week-long program offers a wide range of activities such as painting, drawing, photography, and ceramics. The campers are encouraged to experiment with different mediums and techniques to create unique and meaningful pieces of art. The program is led by experienced art instructors who guide the campers through the creative process and provide them with feedback and encouragement.
Coed Entering Grades 6-10* Two Week Session, Monday-Friday
June 30 - July 11
B.E.A.R. Camp for Dyslexia is a two-week specialized reading program for middle and high-school-aged children with dyslexia. During a typical day at camp, students use the state-of-the-art computer labs and classrooms for instruction and tutoring in the morning and then join the other campers for lunch and afternoon programs like swimming, archery, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Evening activities include all camp games, special events, and campfires.
*B.E.A.R. Camp is designed for students entering grades 6-10 with a functional reading level between grades 4 through 7 or a non-emotional/behavioral IEP for reading support.
Traditional Summer Camp at Lake in the Woods - Blair Academy, NJ
Lake in the Woods Traditional Camps, held on the beautiful Blair Academy campus in Blairstown, NJ, provide a classic summer camp experience with a twist!
Traditional Camp provides a structured program to encourage campers to try new things, form strong friendships, learn cooperation and teamwork skills, and have fun.
Each session will bring a variety of entertaining and engaging activities to spark the imagination of your child and bring out their very best. Campers arrive at camp on Monday. At the beginning of each week, campers will select activities that interest them - including sports, archery, boating, ceramics, arts and crafts, golf, and more! There are also all camp activities, evening activities, and themes to make each day special. Evening activities will include campfires, special events, and games.
On Friday, we'll close out the week and get ready for a new adventure next week! Campers can enjoy their week at camp and then be home on the weekends to spend quality time with their families.
Leadership Programs at Lake in the Woods YMCA Camp - Blair Academy, NJ
Lake in the Woods YMCA offers a dynamic CIT (Counselor-In-Training) program at Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ! The program is designed for aspiring leaders eager to make a difference.
Coed Entering Grade 11 Four Week Session, Monday-Friday
June 30 - July 25
Over the course of the program, participants will receive specialized training in areas such as child development, conflict resolution, and activity planning. These trainings will equip them with the skills needed to become outstanding camp counselors. CITs will take on leadership roles such as guiding younger campers, organizing events, and assisting in daily camp operations, all under the mentorship of experienced staff. But it's not all work and no play—our CITs will also enjoy plenty of fun, with exclusive activities, team-building exercises, and social events that create lasting memories and friendships. This program is the perfect blend of learning, leadership, and laughter, preparing the next generation of camp leaders for an exciting future!
Blair Academy is our home away from home for Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps, providing the perfect backdrop for a summer of adventure, friendship, and discovery. Nestled among rolling hills and shaded by towering trees, Blair’s stunning campus offers everything our campers need to thrive. The dorms become a cozy retreat after days filled with excitement, while the dining hall is a gathering place where laughter and shared meals strengthen our camp family. Campers explore creativity in state-of-the-art classrooms, take the stage in the theater, and unleash their energy on the athletic fields and courts. The sprawling campus, with its winding paths and inviting green spaces, fosters a sense of wonder and belonging, making it more than just a summer camp—it’s a place where memories are made, and lifelong friendships take root.
Summer Activities
While each week comes with its own adventures, here is a sample of the awesome activities available to us at Blair Academy.
Archery, Arts & Crafts, Basketball, Canoeing, Ceramics, Dance, Fishing, GaGa, Hiking, Improv, Nature, Swimming, Swim Lessons, Tennis, Theater, and SO MUCH MORE!
Remember, this is just a sample! We may change it due to weather, special events, and other considerations.
Bunk Groups
Unlike many summer camps, Lake in the Woods Sleepaway Camp has access to the beautiful dorm style housing at Blair Academy.
Our dorms are divided into halls. In each hall, there is a shared bathroom, and 5-8 rooms. Depending on the building, campers will either have their own room, or have a room with a roommate. Each hall will have 2-3 camp counselors.
Campers are divided into their halls based on their gender and grade. We will try to honor mutual housing requests, but they are not guaranteed. Bunkmate requests can be made at the time of registration.
Monday & Friday Transportation - at no additional cost!
Having a unique camp that begins Monday morning and ends Friday afternoon also means having unique transportation needs. We provide free transportation from NYC and Livingston, NJ.
During the registration process, you'll choose your bus stop. Families can also elect to drop off their children in Blairstown on Monday morning or pick up on Friday evening.
Spend the Weekend with us!
Each weekend, campers can register for a holdover weekend. Registered campers will head to our sister camp, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, in Stillwater, NJ for a camping adventure. Fairview Lake is 20 minutes from Lake in the Woods.
While on their holdover, campers will stay in seasonal cabins and enjoy meals at the Fairview Lake dining hall. Activities like boating, archery, fishing, climbing, and more will be available.
The YMCA provides financial assistance to those who may require help covering the costs of camp. Our Y for All Fund plays a crucial role in keeping the Y accessible for children, adults, and families who need support. By offering financial assistance, the Y ensures that all individuals and families can participate in Y programs and services, regardless of their financial circumstances.
