Making Memories and Changing Lives, that camp slogan can't get any truer. To start, my parents both attended camp in the 80's. They grew up with each other and both became counselors. They dated for a couple years then got married and had three kids. I'm the middle child. But let me tell you about how magical this place was for parents, as well as for me. I started off at 6 years old in preps. I had the greatest time of my life. Running down the hill to the dining hall, singing camp songs late at night on our way back to the bunks, swimming in that sparkling lake, and most of all, Meeting some of the greatest people from all around the world. I can't begin to sum up all the fond memories I've had while at camp. But what I can say to any parent who is looking for a place to send your child, This is it! You and your child will not regret it! Camp Vacamas is truly a magical gem!

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.

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.

I've been going to camp HI4Y almost my entire life. The counselors there have seen me grow in ways I still don't even see. I went there every year always something new a different about me but I guess that's one of the many reasons why I love it there so much. Camp Vacamas isn't just a ordinary camp it's a family it's a place where you could go and have fun for the sessions your there for. The camp director Lee Bell... well the campers call him crunchy is like a father to me and all the other campers. Me being a camper there outta be the best thing that has happened in my life because it taught me so many things. There are so many kids that go there in the beginning and say oh i wanna go home but at the end the say I wanna stay and that's because you have all these amazing staff. That's why next year when I graduate from high school I'm becoming a counselor at camp vacamas because honestly it's the place to be. You won't find anything else like it. You will not find a place that will welcome you with open arms the way they do."I love you guys" :) I recommend the TEENS BIKING DIVISION for KIDS 14-16 and Try and sign up for the Leaders In Training Program for ages 15-17. Best OF LUCK GUYS AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.

This camp staff is very unprofessional and proceeds to neglect children on camp. there has been many injuries between me and other campers yet they always refuse to let us speak to our parents.

This was horrible. They treated us like 5 years old. The food was DISGUSTING 🤢🤮, the building were disgusting.. there was spider, dead and alive. They made us do unsafe stuff by holding hands and sharing stuff during covid. I will NEVER be coming back here ever, I do NOT recommend this place for field trips especially teenagers, it's really not worth it.

This was the best childhood experience I could have ever hoped for. From the projects in the Far Rockaway, Queens NYC Camp Vacamus saved my life in so many unimaginable ways. We received scholarships to go. These memories have brought a lifetime of joy and always a smile. Forever Grateful!!

HI4Y his is an amazing organization running both summer camps and youth programs throughout the year. Last summer, in spite of COVID, they were able to get their day camp at Vacamas up and running and put a lot of safety protocols in place so that kids could have a nice and safe summer. The property is beautiful and my son really enjoyed himself there. They also run a program during the year where the staff help look after kids enrolled in virtual learning. I give kudos to the team working there, they love the kids and put them first.

I spent the summer of 2016 working at vacamas. It was the best experience ever. It became my second home. All the staff and campers were so genuine. Looking forward to be able to volunteer this year and see some familiar faces. Camp has a lot of life lessons to teach to both campers and staff. Can’t wait to make 2019 a summer to remember

I attended Vacamas as a camper (3 summers)!and then staff (6 summers!) and it was a no brainer that I’d send my kids one day. So this summer, I did just that. I sent my daughter for the 1st session, 12 days. She’s going in to second grade, and although young, very independent. I knew she’d be good... and she was. She had an amazing time. She’s been missing it so much since she returned. My daughter was well cared for by her counselors, and won’t stop talking about Rachel and Simba, the guidance counselor was great and responded to my messages when she had a chance, and there as an assistant director that would post pics on a private page every evening so that parents could may a glimpse of their child. I didn’t receive any letters, but that is a sign of a great time and that she was busy, having fun, and making memories. Overall great experience. I was worried that something would change in the... 15+ years that I was last there, and all that’s changed are faces of the leadership, and they’ve managed to maintain the magic and tradition that makes Vacamas (HI4Y) special. She’ll be back next year, without hesitation (aside from my own separation anxiety :D), for a longer session.

Best camp ever! I love this place so much! My entire childhood. I miss it everyday

AWESOME place! Amazing people helping youths to discover and develop their full potential. The impact on the children is even more important in the 21st century since they will face challenges requiring creativity, collaborative work and confidence. I worked in the camp for 2 summers and witnessed the kids leaving with all of those skills and more. Your kids will be grateful to you for the whole life if you sign them in :)

We are a Christina organization that was looking to hold a youth retreat at this location. Where to start when writing this review! It was the staff for me! Chelsea, AJ, Mandy deserve to be mentioned for their attention to detail and care for the group that went this past weekend 3/3-3/5. We had a group of about 170 people (give or take) and everyone was well taken care of. We opted for the option to cook our own food for the weekend, but we were helped and given access to so much, which helped our organization run smoothly. Everyone was very impressed with the cleanliness of all cabins that were used (including the gym). I couldn't be more pleased with HI4Y, and hope that they continue providing such amazing service! Special s/o to AJ and Mandy once more who were our concierges for the weekend. Thank you for being just amazing people and helping us run our camp as orderly and functional as possible. Definitely could not have done it without the 2 of you. Hope to see you all soon!

Best camp I’ve ever been to had the most best activities and you can pick which ever activity you want to do no phones allowed just enjoying life and nature 24/7 loved it which I can do it all over again amazing experience