Camp at the Lake

Campers can experience everything Camp at the Lake offers with one or more weekly sessions. Each themed week provides a unique experience, so campers may come for one or join us for them all!

Specialty camps are designed to provide a singular exposure to one program area and are a great way to add even more variety to campers’ summer experience. It is essential for campers to have a genuine passion and strong enthusiasm for exploring this program area. All Specialty Campers receive swim lessons and participate in Special Event Fridays.

This specialty camp is designed to offer nature lovers the full outdoor experience while teaching them basic outdoor education and survival skills.

This specialty camp is tailored for sports enthusiasts, combining the unique experience of Camp at the Lake with opportunities to sharpen athletic skills through a variety of sports and friendly competition.

The Red Cross Junior Lifeguard program, hosted by the YMCA of Montclair, introduces teens ages 11-14 (must be entering 6th grade in Fall 2027) to the fundamentals of lifeguarding through a blend of water-safety education, skill development, and hands-on practice. Designed for participants who are strong swimmers and eager to build confidence around aquatic environments, this program teaches essential rescue skills, CPR and first aid basics, and how to recognize and respond to potential safety hazards in and around the water.

Under the guidance of certified Red Cross Instructors, Junior Lifeguards participate in team-building activities, shadow lifeguards on duty, and learn the responsibilities and professionalism expected of future aquatic staff. While completion of the program does not certify participants as lifeguards, it provides a strong foundation for future lifeguard training and instills leadership, responsibility, and the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

This engaging and supportive program is ideal for teens interested in aquatic safety, personal development, and preparing for future employment opportunities at the pool or waterfront.

Program Objectives:

Program Details:

This course will teach water safety and introduce participants to the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard; however, this course will not certify anyone to be a lifeguard. It will build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills in preparation for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. Successful completion requires participation in all skills practice. The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your family health-care professional before participating in the practice sessions. Please note that participants will NOT receive a certification for the completed course if they miss any days of the 2-week course.

To participate in Junior Lifeguarding, the following skills must be demonstrated:

Pre-course Dates (TBA)

Camp at the Lake’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is a dynamic leadership development experience designed for teens who are ready to grow, learn, and step into a mentorship role at summer camp. Open to motivated youth ages 15–16, the program blends hands-on training with interactive workshops to help participants build confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

CITs work alongside experienced camp staff to learn effective leadership techniques, camper engagement strategies, activity planning, and problem-solving skills. Through guided practice and supportive mentorship, teens gain valuable insight into what it takes to be an exceptional camp counselor while contributing to a fun, inclusive, and safe camp environment.

By the end of the program, CITs will have developed practical counselor skills, strengthened their ability to work as part of a team, and embodied the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—preparing them for future leadership opportunities both at camp and beyond.