FAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA CAMPSEstablished 1915 • fairviewlakeymca.org

YOUR HOMEAWAY FROM HOME

2014 Summer Camp

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B elong

E nergized

C onfident

O pen-minded

M otivated

E mpowered

you

you’re

you’re you’re you’re you’re

Fairview Lake Your Home Away From Home

Because of what you BECOME.

Welcome to Fairview Lake YMCA Camps! We know summer is an important aspect of childhood, and we make sure that summers are done right. Our well trained staff understands campers must be safe in order to have fun. Our staff provides an enriching individualized experience for each camper. Fairview Lake is an environment for campers to achieve goals and grow into the best versions of themselves. Don’t miss an opportunity to give your child a summer they will never forget, one that will be a stepping stone into their bright future.

Bob KahleExecutive Director

BELON

G

New friendships bloom quickly at camp. Whether

kids arrive on their own or bring friends, campers bond quickly as

they share living space, motivate and support each other with new challenges

and enjoy songs and skits.

you

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TRADITIONAL CAMP

MINISINKCoed entering grades 2-4

1-week: June 29 - July 5 or July 20 - July 26 2-weeks: July 6-19 or July 27 - August 9 Combine one and two-week programs for a three-week stay: June 29 - July 19 or July 20 - August 9 (no variation from session dates listed above)

Minisink is the perfect experience for our younger campers. Staff provide a nurturing environment for campers to live and play. Counselors ensure that their campers are taking care of their personal needs, such as brushing their teeth and making their beds. At the same time they make camp fun and exciting, encouraging campers to try new activities and learn new skills. The Minisink program provides a balance of structured and choice activities. Each camper participates in swim instruction, cabin and unit activities, plus two elected periods daily. The afternoon concludes with the campers electing to participate in a recreational swim or heading to the athletic field for sports. While Minisink campers receive the individual attention they need, they also enjoy participating in camp activities and meals with the older Laurel Ridge and Kittatinny campers. This is perfect when siblings attend camp together and also creates a smooth transition into Laurel Ridge and Kittatinny as the camper becomes older.

Energy is contagious. Camp radiates with liveliness as campers take to their daily adventures in the out-of-doors. The combination of fresh air, quality staff and energizing activity, leads campers to a peak experience.

ENERGIZED

you’re

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SAMPLE OF DAILY SCHEDULE8:10am Line up8:15am Breakfast9:15am Cabin Clean10:00am Period 111:15am Period 212:25pm Line up12:30pm Lunch1:30pm Siesta/Trading Post2:30pm Period 33:45pm Period 45:00pm Free Swim/Free Sport6:00pm Line up6:15pm Dinner7:30pm Evening Activity9:00pm Return to Cabin

KITTATINNY and LAUREL RIDGEKittatinny - Boys entering grades 5-10.Laurel Ridge - Girls entering grades 5-10.

3-weeks: June 29 - July 19 or July 20 - August 9 Campers may combine two sessions for a six-week experience and stay at camp during “changeover weekend,” July 19 - July 20.

Laurel Ridge and Kittatinny campers have the opportunity to custom design their program each week by signing up for three elected activities. In addition, there is one period for swim lessons and another for campers to elect to go swimming or play a sport of their choosing on the athletic field or court area. Cabin mates will also enjoy something different during evening programs. Believe it or not there is still time for “siesta” where campers have a little quiet time to read a book, write home, hang out with friends or visit the Trading Post.

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I never get HOME SICK when I am at camp, but I get

camp sick when I am at HOME.

““-Amy S.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

ACTION-REACTIONCoed entering grades 4-10.

June 22-28 or August 10-16

Action-Reaction combines traditional camp activities with daily activities focusing on things that fly. Specialized activities such as: building and launching model rockets, hydro rockets, and water balloon launchers highlight each day. Campers will even see how fire can dance to music using a Rubens’ Tube!

CREATIVE ARTS CAMPCoed entering grades 4-10.

June 22-28 or August 10-16

A full-week of fun for budding artists in both the performing and visual arts in a comfortable, non-competitive environment. Activities include: drama, improvisation, drawing, dance, voice and creative writing. Campers select their own schedule for the week and may explore several different programs. Recreation time and all-camp activities will supplement your arts program.

FAIRVIEW DISCOVERYCoed entering grades 2-10.

June 22-28 or August 10-16

This is the ideal program for first timers or a camper looking for a fantastic week-long traditional camp experience. This is also the perfect program for any three-week traditional camper to have the opportunity to extend their stay and participate in one more week of their favorite camp activities. Campers in our Fairview Discovery program have the chance to select from a wide array of activities that they will participate in daily. The day’s activities are culminated with a free selection of sports and games at our sports field or a free swim.

Confidence grows in campers with each passing day and new adventure. All activities are “challenge by choice.”With the support of their friends and Y staff, kids are encouraged to push just a bit beyond their comfort zone and try new things.

CON

FIDEN

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you’re

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SAILING/WINDSURFING CAMPCoed entering grades 4-10.

June 22-28 or August 10-16

Campers learn proper terminology and sailing skills to become proficient sailors. Campers use two beginner boats - Sunfish and Lasers, or try windsurfing!

TARGET GAMESCoed entering grades 4-10.

June 22-28 or August 10-16

At Target Games, campers will have the opportunity to participate in a number of exciting activities from archery to riflery and catapults. Campers will begin shooting targets in our ranges and as their skill progresses they will have an opportunity to shoot moving targets. This program is great for beginners as well as advanced marksmen.

Because of CAMP I am more confident and

see the beauty in LIFE!

““

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-Natalie T.

ADVENTURE TRIPS

ONE-WEEK TRIPSAngler’s CatchCoed entering grades 6-11. June 22-28, July 20-26 or August 10-16Freshwater fishing basics.

Boots to Boats Coed entering grades 6-11. August 10-16Backpacking, canoeing, tent camping and outdoor cooking.

Delaware Safari Coed entering grades 8-11. June 29 - July 5Canoeing, outdoor camping and cooking.

Introduction To Adventure Coed entering grades 4-8. June 29 - July 5, July 20-26 or August 10-16Backpacking, hiking, wall climbing, outdoor camping and cooking. Great for first timers.

Navigating Nature Coed entering grades 4-8. June 22-28, July 6-12 or July 27 - August 2Map and compass use, shelter building, fire building, plant identification and outdoor cooking.

Rocks and RucksacksCoed entering grades 6-11. July 20-26Rock climbing, backpacking, tent camping, and outdoor cooking.

Living and playing with an open mind is a way of life at camp. Campers come from many different backgrounds, allowing campers the opportunity to learn from others who are different from themselves. This is an important take away for campers to use right through adulthood.

OPEN

-MIN

DED Our Environmental Trips for Challenge program (E.T.C.) uses Fairview Lake YMCA Camps as a home base, staying in our seasonal, unadorned cabins with a central bathhouse and pavilion. We want you to experience the joy of your surroundings, the satisfaction of meeting new challenges and the discovery of special friendships. An experienced, trained, responsible staff member, who is at least 21 years-old, leads each trip with at least one other staff member. While on the trail backpacking or hiking, or canoeing on the river, experience outdoor camping, cooking and sleeping in tents. Expect to support each other, push limits, reach new heights and discover a new you!

you’re

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Up, Up and Away Coed entering grades 4-11. June 22-28 or August 3-9 (Beginners, grades 4-8) June 29 - July 5 (Advanced, grades 6-11)Wall climbing, high-ropes, rock climbing. Advanced group will also experience rappelling and technical climbing at Sterling Mines (3 days).

TWO-WEEK TRIPSAdventurer’s SamplingCoed entering grades 6-11. July 6-19 or July 27 - August 9A three-day, two-night canoe trip on the Delaware River; a three-day, two-night backpack trip on the Appalachian Trail; outdoor camping and cooking, a day of rock climbing and rappelling.

E.T.C. Service Corps Coed entering grades 8-11. July 6-19Campers learn the value of performing a variety of service projects. You can receive volunteer hours for participation in this program.

Rocks, Rivers and Reels Coed entering grades 6-11. July 6-19Fishing, light hiking, climbing, four-day, three-night canoe trip, outdoor camping and cooking.

Voyagers Coed entering grades 8-11. July 27 - August 9Canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing on Fairview Lake. Off-site trips include a day rafting trip on the Lehigh River and a four-day, three-night canoe trip on the Delaware River.

THREE-WEEK TRIPE.T.C. Extreme Challenge Coed entering grades 8-11. July 20 - August 9Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, camping trip to include: kayak trip, mountain bike, zip line, rappelling, rafting, waterskiing and a group service project.

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For a full description and sample trip itineraries, please visit fairviewlakeymca.org.

Use the calendar planner on page 15 to schedule a summer of exciting adventures.

ONE-WEEK PROGRAMCoed entering grades 4-10.

Coed, June 22-28 or August 10-16 Girls, June 29 - July 5 or July 20-26

Our riding program is the summer home to carefully selected horses for riders of all ages and abilities. Instruction for beginners through advanced riders is led by skilled riding instructors from a wide selection of disciplines. Each camper or “Ranchie” will be assigned a horse and taught how to manage and care for it throughout the session. Each day, campers will saddle up for expert ring lessons and exciting trail rides discovering the magic of all 660 acres here at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps. Campers will also have opportunities to swim and participate in traditional camp activities in the evenings. At the end of the session campers will participate in a horse show, providing them the chance to demonstrate their newly found skills. Our riding director is an American Camping Association approved and certified riding instructor.

TWO-WEEK PROGRAMGirls entering grades 4-10.

July 6-19 or July 27 - August 9

Includes many of the same lessons as the one-week program, plus so much more. The emphasis is on advancing your abilities as a rider. Campers will increase their knowledge of horses and learn basic animal care; recognizing common diseases, reading vital signs, and administering basic first-aid. As a culminating event campers will participate in a horseshow, giving them a chance to demonstrate sharpened skills. August campers attend the nationally famous Sussex County Farm and Horse Show at the New Jersey State Fair.

RANCH CAMP

The thrill of accomplishment is within reach for every child, every day at camp. Counselors guide kids in setting and reaching goals that fit their unique abilities, as well as motivate and encourage campers to achieve their group’s goals.

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TIVATED

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FOR TRADITIONAL, ADVENTURE TRIPS AND RANCH CAMPERSCoed entering grade 11 (16 yrs-old).

June 21 - July 19 or July 19 - August 16

The CIT program is an extensive and rigorous four-week program that offers selected applicants the opportunity to develop leadership, program, outdoor living, and effective counselor skills. The focus is on small group dynamics, communication skills, teamwork and value clarification, as well as conflict resolution. Selected applicants participate in a variety of exercises and challenges and also have the opportunity to take the American Red Cross Lifeguard Course.

The first three weeks of the program will focus on skills and techniques through a plethora of exciting lessons. The final week of the course will provide applicants the opportunity to experience the life of a camp counselor as they are fully immersed in assisting counselors. Due to the success of the program, we will be offering two, four-week programs to allow for more individual growth and attention. The goal is to have our CITs leave their four-week program with the skills to be effective leaders at camp, and back home in their communities. Please contact the summer camp director for specific information.

CIT PROGRAM EMPO

WERED

In an environment created to

highlight personal growth,

each camper is empowered to strengthen

relationships by participating in a wide variety

of activities designed to build

lasting skills and memories. At camp, magic

happens.

you’re

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-Taylor T.

Not only did CAMP give me confidence through

a sense of belonging, it empowered me by giving

me opportunities to see my true POTENTIAL.

““

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COME HERE ALL YEARFAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA CAMPS

In an environment created just for you, each person is empowered to strengthen relationships by participating in a wide variety of activities designed to build lasting memories. At camp, magic happens. Join us.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONThe Environmental Education program provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students. Leave the classroom and explore the Kittatinny Ridge: a three-mile hike to the highest point of our facility. Along the way, students gain valuable insight and experience a brief section of the renowned Appalachian Trail.

FAMILY AND SPECIALTY WEEKENDSFAMILY CAMP WEEKENDS February 14-16, 2014May 23-35, 2014June 13-15, 2014August 29-31, 2014October 24-26, 2014

MOTHER/SON WEEKENDNovember 7-9, 2014

MOTHER/DAUGHTER WEEKEND January 31 - February 2, 2014

FATHER/SON WEEKEND February 28 - March 2, 2014

FATHER/DAUGHTER WEEKENDS December 6-8, 2013December 5-7, 2014

WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEEKENDSNovember 15-17, 2013March 7-9, 2014November 14-16, 2014

GUY’S WEEKENDSNovember 22-24, 2013November 21-23, 2014

Visit our web site to view our Adult and Family Weekends brochure for rates and more.

2014 FAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA CAMPS REGISTRATION FORM(MUST be completed and mailed to: Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, 1035 Fairview Lake Road, Newton, NJ 07860 or Faxed to: 973 383 6386)

FAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA CAMPS AGREEMENT WITH CAMPER'S PARENTSMEMBERSHIP - All campers must have a current YMCA membership. The $50 membership fee (if applicable) must accompany the registration form. At the time of registration, non-members become a Fairview Lake YMCA Camps Summer Youth Member.

DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS - $250 deposit for each one week session and $500 deposit for each two or three week session. This deposit is applied to the total tuition bill. The $50 membership fee (if applicable) must accompany the registration form.

SIBLING DISCOUNT - If more than one child from the same family is enrolled in camp, receive a 5% discount for each additional child. Discount applies to the lower priced session(s). Applies toward camp tuition fees, they are not applicable for Membership or CIT fees.

REFUND POLICY - Deposit fees are non-refundable. Entire camp fees are also non-refundable if a camper leaves due to homesickness, dismissal or voluntary withdrawal. Fees paid over and above the deposit are refundable ONLY if cancellation is made at least 30 days prior to the start of camp session. If it is deemed advisable to send a camper home for an EXTENDED period for medical reasons, one half of the unexpired portion of the session will be refunded.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - The Y is accessible to all people. Financial assistance is available to individuals and families who need our programs and services most. Please call or visit our web site for more information and an application.

Our camps are for those who enjoy camping. Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability. It is understood that all campers will be treated as individuals and respect shown for reasonable differences in tastes, preferences, abilities, and range of behavior patterns. The Y reserves the right to dismiss a child from camp whose special needs we are not able to meet or whose conduct is not in the best interest of the total camp, without refund.

The Y is granted the right to use any and all pictures and videos taken of camp activities in their production of materials for promotion of Y activities. Believing my child is qualified for camp life, I give permission for my child to take part in all activities and understand there is some risk involved in all physical activities. I agree to place him/her in care of the camp, subject to all its rules and regulations. As required by New Jersey State Law, I give permission for my child to handle and fire a rifle and/or bow and arrow, and to participate in out-of-camp trips.

PARENT'S/GUARDIAN'S SIGNATURE: DATE: / /

13Easy online registration. Visit FAIRVIEWlakeYMCA.org and click the Sign up button.

Camper Information (Please print clearly)

First Name: Last Name: Age: DOB: Gender: M F

Street: Apt #: Grade as of 9/14:

City: State: Zip: Home Phone:( )

Current Y Member: Yes No Y Location: Membership Expires on:

Returning Camper: Yes No This is my year at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps. County (NJ Residents only):

Bunk request (one per camper/both campers must make same request):

Camper lives with (so we can better serve your child): Both Parents Mother Father Other (please indicate):

School attended by camper:

Parent Information (Please print clearly)

First Name: Last Name: Cell Phone:( )

Occupation: Company: Phone:( ) Ext.:

First Name: Last Name: Cell Phone:( )

Occupation: Company: Phone:( ) Ext.:

E-mail Contact (For all camp correspondence/parent packets and newsletters. Please print clearly):

Name: E-mail: Primary

Name: E-mail: Alternative

For first time campers; How did you hear about Fairview Lake YMCA Camps?

If you were referred by someone, please state their name:

Has anyone in your family previously attended Camp? Yes No

Name: Relationship to camper:

#

2014 CAMPS, DATES AND RATESTRADITIONAL CAMPSMinisinkCoed entering grades 2-4 June 29 – July 5 (1 week) .........................................................................$875 July 6 – July 19 (2 weeks) ......................................................................$1,670 July 20 – July 26 (1 week) ........................................................................ $875 July 27 – August 9 (2 weeks) .............................................................$1,720*

Combine 1 and 2-week programs for a 3-week stay(Sorry no variation from session dates listed above.)

June 29 – July 19 (3 weeks) ..................................................................$2,420 July 20 – August 9 (3 weeks) .............................................................$2,470*

Kittatinny and Laurel RidgeCoed entering grades 5-10 (3-weeks) June 29 – July 19 .....................................................................................$2,420 July 20 – August 9 ................................................................................$2,470*

SPECIALTY CAMPSJune 22 – June 28 (1 week) Sailing/Windsurfing – Coed entering grades 4-10 ......................$920 Creative Arts – Coed entering grades 4-10 ..................................... $875 Action-Reaction – Coed entering grades 4-10 .............................. $875 Fairview Discovery – Coed entering grades 2-10 ......................... $875 Target Games – Coed entering grades 4-10 .................................... $875

August 10 – August 16 (1 week) Sailing/Windsurfing – Coed entering grades 4-10.......................$920 Creative Arts – Coed entering grades 4-10 ..................................... $875 Action-Reaction – Coed entering grades 4-10 .............................. $875 Fairview Discovery – Coed entering grades 2-10 ......................... $875 Target Games – Coed entering grades 4-10 .................................... $875

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT)PROGRAMCoed entering grade 11 (16 years old) June 21 – July 19 (4 weeks) .................................................................$2,370 Traditional Track ETC Track Ranch Track

July 19 – August 16 (4 weeks) .......................................................... $2,420* Traditional Track ETC Track Ranch Track

Call camp office about deposit and special application - 800 686 1166.

RANCH CAMPCoed entering grades 4-10 June 22 – June 28 (1 week) ......................................................................$995 August 10 – August 16 (1 week).............................................................$995

Girls only entering grades 4-10 June 29 – July 5 (1 week) ..........................................................................$995 July 6 – July 19 (2 weeks) ......................................................................$1,885 July 20 – July 26 (1 week) .........................................................................$995 July 27 – August 9 (2 weeks) ..............................................................$1,935*

* Price includes NJ State Fair admission and $25 spending money.To avoid a $50 late fee, please pay balance of all fees by June 1, 2014.

Easy OnlineRegistration

Y summer camp membership fee - $50 (must accompany deposit) I’d like to make a contribution to Camp’s Financial Assistance fund in the amount of $

Check enclosed: Please charge my: Master Card Visa American Express Discover

Credit Card #: Expiration Date: Amount: $

Name of Card holder (Print): Signature: Date:

Please charge balance of camp fees to this card between 5/15/14 and 6/1/14. I would like to be contacted to discuss a payment schedule. (Get application in as early as possible because full payment is due by June 1, 2014)

Please make checks payable to: Fairview Lake YMCA

Easy online registration. Visit FAIRVIEWlakeYMCA.org and click the Sign up button.

NEW for 2014! New York City to Fairview Lake transportation. Pick-up: June 29 - Drop-off: July 19 ($100) Pick-up: July 20 - Drop-off: August 9 ($100)

(Call camp office for pick-up/drop-off location and time.)

NEW! Refer a Friend** For all returning campers: Refer a first time Fairview Lake camper to any summer camp program and you can earn $20 referral credit to the Trading Post for each week your friend is registered. Your family can earn up to $300. Be sure to write the referring family name here:

**Credit valid at Trading Post only. Non-transferable.

ADVENTURE TRIPS/E.T.C.Angler’s Catch – Coed entering grades 6-11 June 22 – June 28 (1 week) ....................................................................$800 July 20 – July 26 (1 week) .......................................................................$800 August 10 – August 16 (1 week) ..........................................................$800

Boots to Boats – Coed entering grades 6-11 August 10 – August 16 (1 week)............................................................$935

Delaware Safari – Coed entering grades 8-11 June 29 – July 5 (1 week) .........................................................................$935

Introduction to Adventure – Coed entering grades 4-8 June 29 – July 5 (1 week) .........................................................................$800 July 20 – July 26 (1 week) ........................................................................$800 August 10 – August 16 (1 week) .........................................................$800

Navigating Nature – Coed entering grades 4-8 June 22 – June 28 (1 week) .....................................................................$800 July 6 – July 12 (1 week) ...........................................................................$800 July 27 – August 2 (1 week) ..................................................................$800

Rocks and Rucksacks – Coed entering grades 6-11 July 20 – July 26 (1 week) ........................................................................$935

Up, Up and Away – Coed entering grades 4-11 June 22 – June 28 – Beginners (1 week) grades 4-8 ....................... $935 August 3 – August 9 – Beginners (1 week) grades 4-8 .................. $935 June 29 – July 5 – Advanced (1 week) grades 6-11 .......................... $935

Adventurer’s Sampling – Coed entering grades 6-11 July 6 – July 19 (2 weeks) ......................................................................$1,650 July 27 – August 9 (2 weeks) ...............................................................$1,650

ETC Service Corps – Coed entering grades 8-11 July 6 – July 19 (2 weeks) ......................................................................$1,650

Rocks, Rivers and Reels – Coed entering grades 6-11 July 6 – July 19 (2 weeks) ......................................................................$1,650

Voyagers – Coed entering grades 8-11 July 27 – August 9 (2 weeks) ...............................................................$1,650

ETC Extreme Challenge – Coed entering grades 8-11 July 20 – August 9 (3 weeks) .............................................................. $2,625

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Plan Your 2014 Summer Schedule HereDATES Week 1

June 22-28Week 2

June 29-July 5Week 3

July 6-12Week 4

July 14-19Week 5

July 20-26Week 6

July 27-Aug 2Week 7

Aug. 3-9Week 8

Aug. 10-16

Sunday-Saturday

Traditional Camp

COED GRADES 2-4

Minisink Minisink Minisink Minisink

Minisink Minisink

GIRLS GRADES 5-10

Laurel Ridge Laurel Ridge

BOYS GRADES 5-10

Kittatinny Kittatinny

Specialty CampCOED GRADES 2-10

Fairview Discovery

Fairview Discovery

COED GRADES 4-10

Creative Arts

Creative Arts

Action-Reaction

Action-Reaction

Sailing/Windsurfing

Sailing/Windsurfing

Target Games

Target Games

Counselor-In-Training Program (Saturday - Saturday)

COED (AGE 16)

GRADE 11June 21 - July 19 July 19 - August 16

Ranch CampCOED GRADES 4-10

Ranch Camp Ranch Camp

GIRLS GRADES 4-10

Ranch Camp Ranch Camp Ranch Camp Ranch Camp

Adventure Trips / E.T.C.

COED GRADES 4-8

Navigating Nature

Intro. to Adventure

Navigating Nature

Intro. to Adventure

Navigating Nature

Up, Up and Away(Beginners)

Intro. to Adventure

Up, Up and Away

(Beginners)

COED GRADES 6-11

Angler’s Catch Up, Up and

Away(Advanced)

Rocks, Rivers and Reels Angler’s Catch

Angler’s Catch

Adventurer’s Sampling Rocks & Rucksacks Adventurer’s Sampling Boots to

Boats

COED GRADES 8-11

Delaware Safari ETC Service Corps ETC Extreme Challenge

Voyagers

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FAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA CAMPS1035 Fairview Lake Road, Newton, NJ 07860 P 800 686 1166 F 973 383 6386fairviewlakeymca.orgAddress Service Requested

YouTube

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSparta, NJ

PERMIT NO. 185

WHAT I BECAMESeveral times over the past decade I have been asked why I feel such a strong connection to Fairview Lake. On more than one occasion I have simply told them I still feel such pride in where I spent my childhood summers because it is where I grew up and where I learned to become a man. For many people that went to summer camp as children, the memories stay with them, but they may not feel so drawn to the place itself. For me there is no separating the two.

I will always have fond memories of playing games of knockout at court time, singing the Kittatinny song and, yes, stacking and sweeping the dining hall on more than one occasion. But for me, witnessing the beauty of the lake in the mid-day sun or the view from the ridge evokes those same memories of where I learned to interact, grow and establish my own sense of self.

In the years since my last summer at Fairview Lake in 2004, I have gone on to pursue a career in sports journalism that has led me to be the sports editor of my college paper, an editor for MLB.com and eventually a copy editor with the National Hockey League. These pursuits are the result of years of work, both in the classroom and in the office, but they would not be possible without the time I spent growing with the Sons of Kittatinny. From the time I first came to Fairview Lake as a 10-year-old in 1995, the social environment did not just force me to mature and learn how to develop relationships with those around me, but it also helped imbue me with a sense of responsibility and self-determination for achieving my goals. An impact like this took time – no one grows up overnight, and certainly not at the age of 10. But the lessons I learned from my fellow campers, counselors and senior staff members eventually built me into the man I am today, one who is confident, self-assured and professionally successful but aware there is much more still to achieve. Those lessons

were being taught as soon as I began coming to Fairview Lake, but they continued beyond my years as a camper and into my time as a counselor when I learned not what it was just to grow up, but to shepherd others who are doing the same.

I firmly believe that none of what I have achieved would have been possible in the same way without my time at Fairview, but even more important than the growth I experienced and the lessons I learned is this simple fact: I had a ton of fun for 10 straight summers. Whether I was writing the story of the Mohawk tribe for Color War, playing Mr. Mushnick in Little Shop of Horrors or exhausting myself during a daily game of Ultimate Frisbee, I knew every summer that I would have the time of my life for six weeks. My memories are still rich and the friendships I made nearly two decades ago are still some of the closest I have. These are connections that will impact me for a lifetime.

How deep do these connections run? I always keep a Kittatinny patch and my CK cookie in my bag, a little piece of camp wherever I go. But even nine years removed from the last time I was a camper or counselor at Fairview Lake, wherever I am in the world I stay connected to the events in Stillwater. Just this past summer, I spent my vacation climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at the time Color War 2013 broke out. For the first two days of my hike, I wore the black Mohawk shirt I got at the trading post in 1999.

It was not a coincidence.

-David Kalan-

The Metro YMCAs of the Oranges has 5 facility locations that build youth development, healthy living and social responsibility through many programs and services. Visit metroymcas.org for more information.East Orange YMCASouth Mountain YMCASussex County YMCA

Wayne YMCAWest Essex YMCA