About Camp COLEY

About Us

Camp COLEY is a volunteer-run weeklong outdoor experience. Our mission is to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all youth to grow, learn, and explore the outdoors while creating lasting friendships and lifelong memories.

Our overnight camp is open to youth entering grades 3 - 12. Camp is held at Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation, Camp Somers in Stanhope, NJ. The camp offers a fully supervised day and night program. Age appropriate activities include swimming, boating, first aid, ecology, outdoor skills, hiking, crafts, rock climbing, riding all-terrain vehicles, shooting sports, COPE (challenging outdoor personal experience), sports, games, songs, campfires and a Thursday night dance with a DJ.

Our campers are divided by grade level and gender, and are supervised by Camp COLEY leaders as well as the Scout staff as they visit the various program areas throughout camp. Campers sleep in 2 person tents on cots. Shower facilities are available and hot meals are provided daily in the dining hall.

Leader Program

Leaders are adult volunteers who are assigned a campsite and a small group of campers for the week. Our leaders provide campers with a wonderful camping experience in a safe and enjoyable environment. All our leaders attend training that includes Youth Protection Training. Part of their responsibility is to help train our Counselors in Training (CITs) for when they become leaders. Many of our dedicated leaders are graduates of our CIT program and/or parents of campers.

CIT Program

The CITs are our high school campers who assist the leaders during the day and help set up and run various evening programs. Like our leaders, CITs are assigned to a specific group of campers, with whom they remain throughout the week. The CITs encourage camp spirit and create a welcoming environment for all Camp COLEY campers.

History

Camp COLEY dates back more than 35 years when we were part of the Agape Camp Fire Program in Philadelphia, PA. Our program has evolved over the years and we are now a part of Scouting America.

Our Chartering Organization

Camp COLEY would not be possible without the support of our Chartering Representative, Gary Stapperfenne and our Chartering Organization, All Saints Church in Millington, NJ. All Saints values celebration, music, children, and respect and care for each other.

Year-Round

Camp COLEY has many activities that take place throughout the year.

Annual Open House
Fall and Spring Camping Weekends
Camp COLEY Cares projects:
- Relay for Life
- Beaver Day service project
- Coat drive
- School supplies drive
- Food drive

Testimonials From Our Camp Parents

"Sending my son to Camp COLEY was the best thing I could have done. He loved it and his first question when I picked him up was “Can I come back next year?” He learned independence for the week, which helped him when he got home."

"From swimming, to hiking, to fishing to archery to crafts, there is ALWAYS something for your child to be involved in. Everyone is included. It's a great way for your kid(s) to explore and test their own limits. Camp friends make your best friends for life."

"Always a fun time for the campers to reconnect!"

"Camp COLEY is a special place because of the history and all of the great people who are involved to make it special for the campers every year."

"Even though every year is different it is always the same. All your camp friends and leaders become your second family. It's one of the places that you can actually not be afraid to be yourself."

"My daughter had the best time at Camp COLEY! Even weeks later, she can't stop talking about camp. She made great friends and had so many experiences she enjoyed. From the camp songs, to the aquatics and free swim time, to archery, and crafts, she loved it all. She even told us with a lot of pride about cleaning the site, the latrines and the bathrooms! I love the way Camp COLEY was an experience that fosters her love of the outdoors, her spirit of independence, and her sense of responsibility all in a very fun and safe environment."

"Very safe wholesome inclusive environment. Everybody feels valued and important. There are activities for every interest and lifelong friendships are formed every year."

"What an amazing sleep away camp. It really builds the kids character. They have so much fun. My daughter comes home and tells me of all the fun and adventure she had."

"Camp COLEY is not just a sleep away camp, it's a year long, all seasons family. Our daughter has made friends for a lifetime over the years. Everyone involved makes sure parents are included and communication is great. Amazing people, amazing camp!"

"Camp COLEY develops confidence in our kids... teaches team work... encourages collaboration, promotes fun and independence."

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