The Jeff Lake Experience

If you asked me what is one of the single best things I did for my kids so far, I would tell you I sent them to camp. Yeah, there are some other things like piano lessons and tennis lessons but camp – hands down best decision EVER. My older one now attends sleep away but had I not sent him to Jeff Lake beforehand, I am not so sure he would have been prepared. Jeff Lake is an institution. It has been family owned for 57 years! Although I did not grow up in Livingston, it seems so many people that did, attended Jeff Lake back in the 80’s.Jeff Lake has grown and expanded since but it is still rooted in the same traditions, camp feeling and overall warmness that brings you back to your memories of day camp when you were little.

For those of you who at the stage where you are looking for a day camp and seem to be at loss, let me give you some info that will shed some light as to why Jeff Lake stands out.

The Freshman Camp Experience

Sending your 4 or five year old to an eight week camp for several hours of the day is a huge decision. I know that you want to make sure your little one is in the best hands. I have been there. At Jeff Lake, camp starts the minute your child steps on the bus. The bus counselors are trained to provide a safe and FUN ride to and from camp.  It is scary to put your little one on the bus for the first time knowing the ride is longer than 5 minutes. BUT I will tell you this, all the buses are 24 passenger, equipped with seat belts, air conditioning and a 2-way radio.  Jeff Lake’s first priority is the safety of the children. All the drivers are New Jersey CDL-certified professionals. They are NOT counselors or volunteers. Each bus counselor travels with a cell phone so they are always in contact with the camp. In addition, the Transportation Director is always available to discuss your child’s transport to and from camp.

Jeff Lake ensures that each bunk has a small ratio (child to counselor) and they have a beautiful indoor air conditioned clubhouse that is perfect for hot days. The clubhouse allows for creative play in a cool environment. This past year Jeff Lake built beautiful new cabins for the pre-k and kindergarten groups. They kept them campy with the cabin look!

Swim Program

When I sent Zach to Jeff Lake at 5 he could not swim AT ALL. He wasn’t the biggest fan of the water but I have to tell you eight weeks later, he was fully swimming. Jeff Lake takes swimming VERY seriously and it is their goal to have each of your children swimming by the end of the summer.

Lake

If you haven’t visited Jeff Lake yet, you should simply to see their lake.  Jeff Lake has one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. Having a lake at camp is truly the essence of “camp” and the thought of sending my kids to camp without one is a big miss! There are so many activities such as boating, fishing, jumping on the water trampoline that all the kids love! Campers can grow and gain confidence all the way from learning to dunk their head in the pool to eventually sailing on the lake.

Lunch

Kid food is tough. Kids are picky and they consistently seem to eat the same foods. Not only is a great that you do not have to pack a lunch BUT Jeff Lake offers salad and fruit along with a healthy lunch option every day. The newly added indoor/outdoor dining pavilion also is a fun place for the kids to eat lunch.

Events

What would day camp be without color war, overnights, trips, and special events? It would not be Jeff Lake! Every year Jeff Lake creates incredible overnights, fun trips, carnival and circus days plus a color war that tops the charts.  You cannot even imagine the camp spirit, team work and excitement that is built over those three days. Color War is the topic of conversation still in my house and it’s January!

 

(yes that is Parker on the left rocking the white team!)

 

 

 

I LOVE this video Jeff Lake put together. This is an amazing way to get some real insight into the camp.

 

 

Still on the fence? Jeff Lake is hosting open houses on the following days:

Jan 12th, Feb 9, March 9 and April 6th. All from 12-2 at Jeff Lake Camp (for more information contact [email protected].)

Personally I want to thank Jeff Lake for preparing Zach for sleepaway. It wasn’t an easy decision to send Zach so far away last summer but we knew with everything he learned at Jeff Lake he would be a rockstar camper and he definitely was!

Jeff Lake Day Camp, 34 Jefferson Lake Rd, Stanhope, NJ 07874. (973) 347-1230

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored.