My son is attending Black Bear Lake for the first time and is going into 8th grade. He LOVES camp. There are electives for all interests and campers are able to participate in activities they are familiar and comfortable with while also being able to try new activities. The camp is well run, and I feel very safe sending my son there. He is well supervised, and the staff is there to be sure that he is having an amazing time each day while staying safe.
Parent testimonial — office responsiveness, picky eaters, friendships like family
I have made MANY calls to the office to find out how my kids were doing! Jenn has always been very informative and assured me they were safe, hydrated and well fed. I have picky eaters! The best thing I have to say about Black Bear is my kids have made friendships who are like family. Thank you, Black Bear you will always have a special place in my heart!
In a traditional camp setting, campers often participate in activities with just the kids in their group. By choosing activities based on their interests, campers quickly meet many other campers with whom they have something in common. When campers are in activities they are highly interested in, they make more friends and the activity is more fun and engaging for all.
Black Bear Lake's program uniquely focuses on choice! Each week BBL campers choose the activities they want to explore in-depth participating alongside campers with similar interests. Our Choice Elective Program allows your child the choice of participating in activities that they like and choose themselves! Our innovative program consists of over 50 diverse and exciting activities, from soccer and tennis to arts and crafts and cooking. Only Black Bear Lake campers choose their own program, not just a single elective, designed themselves to discover new interests, learn new skills, improve their talents, and have fun doing it!
Special events — Color War, College Days, Friday traditions
At Black Bear Lake, daily Special Events bring even more excitement to our already action-packed summer program. From College Days to Color War, and from Filthy Friday to Anything Can Happen Thursday, all of our 'special' programs keep campers excited about coming to camp all summer long. Color War — our all-camp competition in which the entire camp splits into 2 teams (Green & White) — can break out at any time and only Ian knows when! The culmination of each week is Friday Line-Up where each Division hands out their Staff Of The Week Award and Ian's Cup is awarded to the Division who most exemplifies the Black Bear Lake culture of Friendship, Adventure and Spirit.
Black Bear Lake is particularly unique for a NJ area day camp and has the look and feel of a traditional overnight camp. Black Bear Lake is situated on over 40 acres of pools, regulation size sports fields, shaded spots to play, and fully air-conditioned activity centers including our gymnasium, dining hall and classrooms. Our 5 acre lake is home to our unique water park, boating and fishing activities.
Food service — allergy accommodation and daily meal details
We can accommodate almost any food allergy or dietary restriction by working closely with our parents and creating individualized meal plans with our Head Chef and Group Leaders when necessary. All food served is Peanut and Tree Nut Safe and we offer myriad daily substitutes to our menu items. In addition to our rotating menu of hot lunch choices, campers can choose from our deluxe salad bar, sandwich and pasta stations, every day. Fresh bagels are available in the morning, fresh fruit and other snacks are available all day, and ice pops or ice cream are offered before dismissal. All food and snacks are included in the camp tuition!
Parent testimonial — Ian's daily presence, Ian's Cup, 10+ years
Black Bear Lake has been the summer home for my 3 children for many years and will continue to be their home for years to come. The children are absolutely loved and cared for as if their own. The atmosphere that Ian instills in the camp is second to none. Kids look forward to picking their weekly electives and their daily activities. Winning Ian's Cup is always a BIG deal. Moving many families into the area every year, Black Bear is the ONLY camp I ever recommend.
