First-time Campers & Families Guide
We know that sending your child to camp for the first time is a big milestone. At Willow Lake, we ensure that every new camper feels safe, seen, and celebrated from the moment they step onto the bus.
We’ve got the First-day Jitters Covered
The magic of Willow Lake isn't just in our 35 acres or our private lake – it’s in the way we handle the "new." We believe that a successful first summer starts with a warm, inclusive environment. Whether your camper is 3 or 14, our staff is trained to recognize the "new kid" nerves and turn them into "new activity" excitement. At Willow Lake, no one sits on the sidelines.
Built for Belonging
We’ve spent nearly 50 years perfecting a support system that removes the unknowns of a new environment and replaces them with a sense of immediate security. By focusing on these four core structural elements, we create the perfect launchpad for your child to stop worrying about fitting in and start focusing on having the best day ever.
Small Groups, Big Connections
We intentionally keep our group sizes small (roughly 15 campers) to ensure no one gets lost in the crowd. This allows our counselors to focus on individual group dynamics, helping your child find their "person" and their place from day one.
Mature, Experienced Leadership
Your child’s division is led by a Unit Leader – a teacher or parent who brings year-round experience in child development. Under their guidance, our counselors act as big brothers and sisters, modeling the kindness and confidence we want our campers to catch.
The DREAM BIG Philosophy
We don't just "put kids in groups" – we actively facilitate friendship. Through our DREAM BIG philosophy and Friendship Coaches, we encourage empathy and appreciation, teaching campers how to be a friend and how to make one.
A Partnership with Parents
You aren't just dropping your child off – you’re joining our family. From pre-camp welcome calls from your Unit Leader to daily photo updates, we keep the lines of communication wide open. You’ll always know exactly how their "firsts" are going.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
For our Pre-K and Kindergarten campers joining the "Little Willows" program, we offer an even higher level of TLC. With our lowest camper-to-staff ratio, air-conditioned changing rooms, and our specialized Frog pool (just 2 feet deep!), we’ve designed a pace that respects their energy levels and celebrates their growing independence.
No Guesses, Just Great Summers
The magic of Willow Lake starts long before your camper’s first morning at the bus stop. We’ve designed a proactive welcome process that ensures your family is fully equipped, completely informed, and comfortably connected to our leadership team. We take care of the logistics early, so by the time opening day arrives, your only job is to celebrate the big moment.
First-time Family FAQs
Common questions and answers to ensure a smooth and exciting start to your child's camp experience.
Camp is made for making friends! Many of our campers come to camp not knowing anybody and make friends after their first day at camp.
The Willow Lake staff are patient, friendly, warm and caring. All staff takes part in our extensive orientation process where we spend time training how to work with campers experiencing a more difficult transition adjusting to camp. Our small group sizes and mature staff are a perfect blend to allow us to closely monitor group dynamics and ensure group cohesiveness throughout the summer.
We would love to hear from you! Please send us an email or call us at 973.663.2267 any weekday between the hours of 9:00 and 5:00. We will be happy to speak to you and answer all of your questions.
Willow Lake emphasizes active participation and skill acquisition over winning and losing. Our camp community encourages campers to cheer for and support each other and show good sportsmanship when winning and in defeat.
As campers get older and take part in our elective program. They can choose to participate in more competitive games, leagues and instruction.
We supply everything your child will need except for 2 bathing suits, a towel and sunblock. Enrolled families will receive a list of things that you should send as the summer gets closer.
Activity specialists are hired to instruct specific activities. Each specialist is a teacher, coach or professional in their field and is able to teach age-appropriate skills which foster personal growth and build self-esteem.
The number of counselors varies by age group. Our Pre-K has 4 counselors per group, our Kindergarten through 3rd grade have 3 counselors per group, and the rest of our groups have 2 counselors and a counselor-in-training. These group counselors stay with the group all day and are active participants at each activity.
Each age group is also assigned a Unit Leader. Each Unit Leader is a parent, teacher or coach who takes part in our year round training meetings to constantly review and improve everything about Willow Lake. Unit Leaders contact each camp family before the summer begins and remain your camp liaison throughout the summer. Unit Leaders spend their day out on the grounds ensuring that each child is safe, is participating and is having fun! At the end of camp, unit leaders will return any phone calls that come in during the day.
Our typical camp day runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Each day we expose each camper to a carefully balanced schedule of our key areas: swimming, athletics, arts, outdoor adventure and special events.
A typical group has 15-17 campers. Our Pre-K groups are coed and the remainder of camp groups are single sex. Each group and unit consists of campers going into the same grade in the fall.
Our campers come from Essex, Morris, Union, Hudson, and Sussex counties.
Ready to see the magic in person?
The best way to feel the Willow Lake difference is to walk our campus and see the smiles for yourself.
Keep exploring About Willow Lake
