A Rite of Passage developing independence at an Overnight Camp

Is it time for your child to experience some independence while enjoying fun, new adventures and creating long-lasting friendships? Sleepaway Camp has long been an important stage in a kid’s life where they gain confidence, responsibility and independence, not to mention great friends that may last a lifetime. It is a safe environment, away from their families, where they can learn fabulous, new skills, and experience making decisions for themselves.

Many of these camps are coming to the NJ Camp Fairs this January and February. Register for the Camp Fairs in NJ as this is a tremendous opportunity to meet camp directors who can answer all your questions, give you information and show you videos and photos, plan a tour of the camp and even sign you up. Many are filling up quickly. Find a residential camp near you, or search for the one that matches all the activities you seek!  

New Jersey and various Northeast Camps with all the activities imaginable for 2026

YMCA Camp Mason

At YMCA Camp Mason, our camp experience is transformative, helping build the skills and values kids need to thrive in a natural environment. For nearly 125 years, we have welcomed campers to our caring, diverse, inclusive community. We strive for excellence and innovation and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our proven programs and caring, trained counselors engage and encourage young people and deliver meaningful and memorable experiences. Kids arrive to play and have fun! For children ages 8-16, ACA accredited, located in Hardwick, NJ. CampMason.org

Girl Scouts Heart of NJ - Camp Hoover

Sleepaway camp for girls in 1st-12 grades. Creating life-changing experiences since 1953. Nestled within 340 acres of forests, hills, and a tranquil lakefront in Middleville, it offers campers in first through 12th grade opportunities to embrace independence, build friendships, and connect with nature. Campers enjoy activities like horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, and STEM programs, fostering growth and discovery in a supportive environment. gshnj.org

Adirondack Camp

Adirondack Camp is a traditional sleepway summer camp for boys and girls in the Adirondack mountains where children unplug, play hard, and come home transformed. Surrounded by the crystal waters on the shores of Lake George NY, campers ages 7-16 can choose from over 30+ activities. Campers pick their own summer adventure. AdirondackCamp.com

Appel Farm Arts Camp

For more than 60 years, summers at Appel Farm have sparked the imaginations of thousands of young people as they interacted with artists from around the world in beautiful rural southern NJ. Appel Farm Arts Camp is an overnight camp where campers can be themselves and explore art free of judgment. With small class sizes, mixed age groups, campers explore music, theatre, technical theatre, dance, visual arts, photography, media arts, environmental arts, creative writing, sports, and swimming too. Camper ages 7-17, ACA accredited, located in Elmer NJ. AppelFarm.org

Buck's Rock Camp

A freedom-of-choice creative and performing arts camp for teens ages 11-17 in New Milford, CT. Every day is a new opportunity for self-discovery and creative expression. From professionally-equipped studios and performance spaces, to state-of-the-art recording facilities and pool, campers are free to try over 30 world-class programs, including from glass-blowing, dance, painting, sketch comedy, radio, weaving, gardening and so much more! ACA accredited. BucksRockCamp.org

Camp Awosting | Camp Chinqueka | Ebner Camps

Sleepaway camp in Connecticut for children ages 7-16. Camp Awosting for boys and Camp Chinqueka for girls are separate brother-sister camps that share the philosophy of fun with a purpose! Both camps are a part of the Ebner Camps family, a third-generation, family-run organization with over 75 years of history, tradition, and camp memories. chinqueka.com | awosting.com | Ebner Camps

Camp Hawkeye

Come to New Hampshire this summer! Camp Hawkeye is the un-traditional sleepaway camp for campers ages 7-17 with a commitment to creating a diverse community. With 70 campers and 35 staff, Hawkeye is perfect for first time campers of any age. Hawkeye includes campers and staff from a variety of social, ethnic, economic, religious, and geo-graphic backgrounds as well as across the gender spectrum. Choice activity days, bunk day, trip day, all-camp special activities. CampHawkeye.com

Camp Southwoods

For campers ages 7-16, Camp Southwoods is a co-ed, sleep-away camp located right in the heart of the Adirondack Wilderness. Southwoods campers certainly have the time of their lives! Our 2,3,5,6 & 8 week sessions allow for any busy family to be able to craft the session length that works perfectly for them. With countless activities spanning from athletics, arts, aquatics, and adventure. But what happens while they're having fun is more important. We’ craft an environment where campers build confidence, embrace challenge, and celebrate each other for their authentic selves. Someday when they’re grown up, they’ll look back and say, “I am who I am because of camp.” And that all starts today. ACA Accredited, located in Paradox, NY. CampSouthwoods.com

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps

For campers entering grades 2-11. Whatever comes to mind when you think of a picturesque summer camp, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps likely fits your vision! Our camp is situated on a beautiful lake with an array of options designed to cater to any skill set, interest, or personality. Our program at Fairview Lake includes adventure, leadership, riding ranch, traditional, and specialty programs. We're an accredited sleepaway camp situated on a beautiful lake in New Jersey, and we're proud to offer an array of options for your child's summer experience. At Lake In the Woods Sleepaway Camp, it’s camp Mon - Fri then home on the weekend. FairviewLakeYMCA.org

Frost Valley YMCA

For camper ages 7-16, ACA Accredited, Co-ed Sleepaway, CIT Program. At Frost Valley YMCA, summer camp is more than a retreat—it’s a transformative experience where children thrive, grow, and build lifelong connections. Nestled in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, just two hours from New York City, Frost Valley offers a safe and inclusive environment where campers of all backgrounds discover the joys of community, nature, art, and recreation. Camp located in Claryville, NY. FrostValley.org

Independent Lake Camp

A premier overnight summer camp in the Pocono Mountains for kids ages 6-17 offering an impressive array of activities rich with integrity, top-notch facilities, and talented passionate staff. Independent Lake Camp is a premier sleep-away summer camp dedicated to celebrating diversity, committed to fostering creativity, providing the best facilities, and a powerful, individualized program. ILC has been offering respect, creativity and understanding to campers aged 6-17 in an inspiring and nurturing environment for over 30 years. The friendships and connections forged at Independent Lake are among the key reasons that make the ILC experience truly special. ACA accredited. IndependentLake.com

Peddie Summer Academy

The Peddie Summer Academy delivers the academic rigor and supportive community of Peddie as a summer boarding and day school experience for rising 7th–9th graders. During our two-week program, students of the Peddie Summer Academy will attend classes designed and taught by Peddie’s faculty; live in Peddie’s dormitories; eat meals together in Peddie’s dining hall; participate in extracurricular programs in arts, athletics and robotics; and receive guidance from current Peddie students. Peddie.org

Pok-O-MacCready Camps

Camper ages 6-17, ACA Accredited, Sleepaway camp in Willsboro NY. Grounded in a century of tradition, Pok-O-MacCready fosters personal growth for children by empowering them to achieve independence, create lifelong friendships, and develop a deep appreciation of the natural world in the Adirondacks and beyond. 30+ activities include hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, blacksmithing, mountain biking, sailing, sports, swimming, and creative arts, plus overnight trips. pokomac.com

Tranquillity Camp

Our 1,200-acre camp in upstate New York is welcoming community and a summer home away from home for our campers and homegrown staff. Have fun and participate in a range of activities like drama and art to basketball, swimming and even minigolf - all while developing forever friendships in a safe and rewarding environment. We are rooted in Jewish-led values that welcome all. TranquillityCamp.com

YMCA Camp Bernie

YMCA Camp Bernie is your local overnight camp, close to home in Port Murray NJ, but a world away for children entering grades K-10. This sleep away camp experience is a unique opportunity for children to gain a sense of independence with the freedom to be themselves. Offering a diverse range of programs aiming to foster self-discovery, joyful connections, environmental stewardship and confidence. Instructional activities, structured free play and all-camp events. Weekly sessions allow campers to enjoy and explore everything our beautiful 285-acre facility has to offer. Join us for a summer of friendship and adventure at YMCA Camp Bernie! Ridgewoodymca.org

YMCA Camp Michikamau • Camp Oratam • Camp Kahagon

For campers in grades 3-10, experience enriching, fun, outdoor adventures and make lots of new friends. Camp Michikamau is the kind of sleepaway camp kids dream about - packed with adventure, endless laughs, and friendships that last long after summer ends. Nestled in a gorgeous natural setting, it’s the perfect place for every kind of camper, from first-timers to fearless explorers. Rock Climbing, Low Ropes & Team-Building Challenges, Swim Lessons & Pool Party Time, Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP, Row Boats & Water Bikes, Hiking & Camp Outs under the Stars, Arts & Crafts Creativity Zone, Archery…and that’s only the beginning! ACA accredited, located in Harriman State Park, Lake Kanawauke, Southfields, NY. CampMichikamau.org

Find More Camps:
Click to see the Camp Directory for ideas.
2026 Camp Guide eBook
Traditional Day Camps 2026 in and around NJ
STEM and STEAM Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Sports Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Performing Arts Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Academic Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Special Needs Camps in and around NJ