Hands In 4 Youth - Home of Vacamas Camps is a non profit organization in West Milford, NJ. Open: Mon–Sun Open 24 hours. Phone: (973) 838-0942. Average rating is 4.2 stars from 60 reviews. Website: http://hi4y.org/.
Hands In 4 Youth - Home of Vacamas Camps
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Hands In 4 Youth - Home of Vacamas Camps — 256 Macopin Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480, USA
4.2 60 reviews Today Open 24 hours

A Century of Opening Doors for Young People

Sleepaway camp, day camp, and afterschool programs giving underserved youth in New Jersey real-world experiences since 1924.

About Us

Since 1924, Hands In 4 Youth has operated out of West Milford, NJ on a mission that has never wavered: give young people access to experiences that stretch beyond what a classroom can offer. The organization behind Camp Vacamas has spent a century building a place where kids from underserved communities can swim, grow, make friends, and discover what they are capable of.

The 256 Macopin Road property is more than a camp address. It is a working hub for youth development year-round, hosting day campers in the summer, afterschool learners during the school year, and outside groups through its conference and retreat center. That range of programming reflects a core belief: opportunity should not be a seasonal thing.

As a nonprofit organization, every program is built around expanding access, not maximizing profit. Families, schools, and community groups have all found a home here across the decades, and volunteers continue to be a vital part of keeping the mission alive.

What We Offer

Camp Vacamas is the organization's flagship sleepaway camp, offering a residential experience designed to pull kids out of their everyday environment and into something genuinely transformative. For families who need a day option, the day camp serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade with structured, supervised programming through the summer months.

Beyond summer, afterschool enrichment programs keep young people engaged and supported during the school year. Groups looking for a retreat space away from the city will find the conference and retreat center a practical and meaningful option, set on the same West Milford grounds that have hosted youth programs for a hundred years.

For those who want to give back, volunteer opportunities are available and welcomed. Whether you are a family exploring camp options, an organization planning a retreat, or an individual ready to contribute time, Hands In 4 Youth has a role for you.

Why Choose Us

Operating continuously since 1924, making this one of New Jersey's longest-running youth development nonprofits.
Programs span the full year: sleepaway camp, day camp, afterschool enrichment, and group retreats all under one mission.
Built specifically to serve underserved youth, ensuring access to outdoor and enrichment experiences regardless of background.
Located on dedicated camp grounds in West Milford, NJ, providing a true outdoor setting away from urban environments.
Volunteer-supported and nonprofit-driven, meaning every dollar and hour goes directly toward youth programming.
Flexible offerings for families, schools, and community organizations seeking retreat and conference space.

Gallery

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What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
3 weeks ago
"Worst camp ever! I took my son out this week! He was physically assaulted and had another child spray bug spray down his throat! The counselors only told me he was bullied and nothing of this!!! Take your loss out immediately! Police report being filed! Suing this place!!! Get your kids out asap!"
— Kim Mickus
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 months ago
"My kids had an amazing experience at HI4Y! It was their first time going to a day camp, and they absolutely loved it. My son even learned how to swim thanks to the awesome counselors! Not having to pack lunch every day was a huge plus. By the end of the day they came home filthy, tired, and happy which means they definitely had a great time. Highly recommend!"
— Iriana G
4 years ago
"I would not recommend going to this campsite. I went for a school trip yesterday. First of all, the place is unsanitary. It was very uncomfortable. They made us share items and hold hands during COVID. The place was very unsanitary. They didn't have hand sanitizer anywhere we had went putting us a risk. Some activity's we were super close together. The activities were bland and there wasn't really much to do. The gym was very dirty and filled with bugs and dirt and leafs. And even though this was supposed to be a bonding trip we were in teams who went to completely different places. Now, the food. They had given us sandwiches but they barely had anything at all(the pictures are provided). No items were sanitized like balls and things in that category. Also it took a long time to actually start doing things. Most of the other students didn't have a good time either. The activities were limited and boring, the food wasn't the best and over all this place wasn't fantastic. I do not recommend going here especially teens. It is more suited for younger children. Our class was bored most of the time. I'll probably never go here again."
— MadnessBliss UWU
2 years ago
"never leave bad reviews but today i can't pass. My son was in this camp from July 9, 2024 to July 27, 2024. Since the beginning, I have not received a single letter from my son. I gave him blank envelopes with stamps and a return address. I called many times and said that I did not receive letters, I was told to wait that all letters were sent. There were very few photos on the Facebook page with my son and I had to look for him in the background of other children. When I called and asked to take more photos, they told me that they would try, but did not promise that they would take photos because there were many children and one photographer. after almost two weeks I called again and said that I never received a any letter from my son and asked that they make a video of my son to make sure that everything is okay with him, I was told that they will do it and will send me an email. But 4 hours passed and I didn't receive anything, I went to the camp to make sure that my son was okay, I was not allowed to see him, they said that if I saw him, I would be forced to take him home. When I asked to take more photos, I was told to give $6,000 so they could hire another employee to take photos. Then they told me that everything is fine with him and he likes it there. they showed me a video that should have been sent 4 hours ago. My son really looked happy in the video. i went home. but when I took him home today I was in shock. He was dirty, in torn pants. When I opened his suitcase it was a shock. all the clothes were wet and smelly, everything was covered in mold and mildew.My son said that his clothes were never washed, although they promised to wash it’s twice. he said that he used the same socks for 4 days. He didn't have a bath towel even though I packed him 3 new bath towels. My son is only 10 years old and they had to help the children, dry towels and clothes, help wash clothes, etc. They should check that the children are washed and have a clean towel and clean clothes. It seems that this is not a children's camp, but a prison! My son said that he wrote letters to me with a request to take him home, wrote that it was difficult for him there, but they did not send any of his letters. the camp is very nice, the nature is beautiful, but the attitude towards our children is BAD! They knew that it was my son's first sleep away camp experience."
— Mariana Shvets
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 years ago
"I’m been attending camp for the past 8 years. I love this camp and everything it has to offer. It has truly been a second home for me when I was a camper to an LIT and a counselor. I’m sad I couldn’t come back these past 2 years due to work but I still love this camp and love to see all the campers happy faces during swimming hours and just in the cabins. This place really shows kids the meaning of nature and life without electronics and it gives them so much to help them grow. Camp Vacamas will always be my second home and I hope parents can see what this camp truly is and how amazing it is. I’ve made so many memories and they will stay with me forever as some of the best summers. Camp rocks and I will always love it there."
— Emma McCabe

Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups does Camp Vacamas serve?

The day camp program is designed for students in grades K through 8. For specific age ranges tied to the sleepaway camp, visit hi4y.org for current enrollment details.

Is Hands In 4 Youth only active in the summer?

No. The organization runs programs year-round, including afterschool enrichment during the school year and a conference and retreat center that groups can book throughout the year.

How do I enroll my child in day camp or sleepaway camp?

Enrollment information and program details are available at hi4y.org. The camp is located at 256 Macopin Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480.

Can outside organizations use the retreat and conference center?

Yes. The property includes a conference and retreat center available for groups. Contact the organization through hi4y.org to discuss availability and booking.

Is Hands In 4 Youth a nonprofit?

Yes. Hands In 4 Youth has operated as a nonprofit organization since 1924, with a mission focused on providing underserved youth access to camp and enrichment experiences.

How can I volunteer with the organization?

Volunteer opportunities are available and encouraged. Visit hi4y.org to learn about current volunteer needs and how to get involved with the camp and afterschool programs.

Where exactly is the camp located?

The camp is at 256 Macopin Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480, in the Highlands region of northern New Jersey. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Open 24 hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Today Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

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