Summer Camp Directory
Summer Camp Directory
38
YMCA Camp Mason
What we're all about...
At YMCA Camp Mason we believe that every child has great potential and deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. For more than 120 years we have built a caring, inclusive community that ensures kids have access to experiences that will help them learn, grow and thrive.
YMCA Camp Mason is located in the town of Hardwick, NJ, on 460 wooded acres in Northwestern New Jersey. Only 1.5 hours from New York City and 2 hours from Philadelphia, our property borders the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap, a pristine national recreation area that provides the perfect backdrop for our premier summer camp programs and year-round programs for schools and groups.
Forests, trails, lakes, professionally built challenge courses, a nature center, sport courts, craft centers and dedicated program areas enable us to provide safe and age-appropriate activities that aim to foster new relationships, build self-confidence and teach new skills. Our small size enables us to give your child the individual attention.
98% of our camper parents report that their child felt a sense of belonging at camp, and 93% of parents indicated that their child’s self-image improved as a result of attending YMCA Camp Mason. By connecting youth with positive adult role models and encouraging the development of independence and strong values, your child will thrive at camp. Join us at YMCA Camp Mason for the BEST SUMMER EVER!
Our camp address
YMCA Camp Mason
23 Birch Ridge Road
Hardwick
NJ
07825
Founded:
1900
Type:
Day Overnight/Sleepaway
Age Range:
7-16
Campers:
Co-ed
Lodging:
Comfortable cabins
Capacity:
250
Accreditation
ACA Accreditation
What we offer...
Activities
Aquatics:
Swimming, pool games, boating (canoe, kayak, rowboat), fishing, pond study, creek hikes.
Sports:
Softball, basketball, volleyball, street hockey, flag football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, soccer, extreme fitness, skateboarding, archery, backyard sports, yoga, mountain biking
Arts:
Arts & crafts, painting/drawing, video/photography, dance, music, drama, story/poem writing, cartooning, improv comedy
Adventure:
Teambuilding, high ropes (zipline, giant swing and more), climbing wall, survival, nature hikes, aerial silks, outdoor cooking, day trips into the surrounding area
Others:
Horseback riding, gardening, farm animal care and many more!
Cost & Sessions
Choose from one or two week sessions throughout the summer or combine sessions to create the perfect summer camp experience for your child. The cost for camp is approximately $1,000 a week and we offer substantial scholarship assistance for families that qualify. We look forward to hearing from you!
Camp Q&A
How do we screen staff?
Our staff members are hired from around the world! Each staff member is interviewed, references are checked and are background checked, including a check of the National Sex Offender Registry. Many of our staff are returning and/or are former campers at YMCA Camp Mason.
Ratio of campers to staff?
We endeavor to have a staff to camper ratio of 1 to 4 to 1 to 6, ensuring that your child(ren) receive the individual attention and care they deserve.
What are our safety & security policies?
How do we handle disciplinary issues?
YMCA Camp Mason has an onsite social worker to help with everything from homesickness to discipline issues. Each camper also signs a Code of Behavior that makes clear the Camp's expectations.
What medical resources are available?
YMCA Camp Mason has a full time medical staff available 24/7, as well as a Health Center equipped to handle camper's needs. There is a nearby hospital and a doctor and dentist on call for emergency situations.
What's our typical daily schedule?
A typical day at YMCA Camp Mason always involves fun, learning new skills and making new friends! Roughly half of the day is devoted to "free choice"- activities that your camper will choose that interest them. The other half of the day involves larger group activities to expose your children to more friends and fun.
How do we help campers with homesickness?
Homesickness is not unusual for the first time camper or even the returning camper. Our caring staff are trained to recognize and work with homesickness, as well as any other anxieties our campers may have. Using proven techniques and experience, we do our best to ensure your child is safe and cared for and has the best possible camp experience.
What percentage of campers return to camp?
Approximately 60% of our campers return year after year, leaving plenty of room for our new campers! Other campers age out of our program and become our staff members.
What kind of food is served?
YMCA Camp Mason serves hearty, kid-friendly food, as well as caters to those who have dietary needs. Every meal has vegetarian and vegan options. Breakfast consists of a hot entree and a breakfast bar with cereal, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, etc... Lunch and dinner have a full salad bar available with protein options.
Can parents visit camp?
One of the most important things your camper does at summer camp is build their independence and self-confidence. As such, parents may not visit camp while it is in session, but we encourage you to come for a tour and meet our staff prior to the camp experience.
How do campers communicate with parents?
Campers communicate the old-fashioned way through letters or postcards! We do have a secure website though where parents can send daily emails to their children as well as see photos of the day.
Are references available?
YMCA Camp Mason has served hundreds of thousands of children in our 121 years of existence, and is able to provide as many references as you would like.
What's our policy regarding phones and digital devices?
We are a tech-free facility so no phones or digital devices are allowed on camp. Children enjoy the company of others and the great outdoors while they are with us.
Is tuition assistance available?
We strive to raise money year-round to support our substantial camper scholarship fund. This fund gives out more than $250,000 annually to families that qualify for assistance. It is our hope to be able to provide some sort of financial assistance to every child who wishes to attend camp.