Fairview Lake YMCA Camps Takes Top Honors

YMCA presented with ‘Branch of the Year’ and ‘Staff Member of the Year’ awards NEWTON, NJ - Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, has been named the Metro YMCA’s Branch of the Year for its outstanding accomplishments during 2023. The branch was presented with this prestigious award during the Metro YMCA’s Annual Campaign Celebration and Awards Dinner on April 29.

“Fairview Lake YMCA Camps far exceeded their goals in the areas of fiscal performance, contributed revenue, strategic objectives, and general performance,” said Edward Philipp, Senior VP and Chief Operations Officer of the Metro YMCA of the Oranges. “This accolade honors their unwavering commitment to excellence, their innovative spirit, and their dedication to serving the community.”

Philipp also acknowledged the impressive performances of the West Essex and Sussex County YMCAs. The Metro YMCA awards dinner is a celebration of the Y’s Annual Support Campaign success thus far, in addition to recognizing the standout work of local YMCAs and their staff throughout the last year. 

"We are honored to have our YMCA named Branch of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff who go above and beyond to deliver an extraordinary experience for every individual who comes to camp. This award inspires us to aim even higher in our mission to positively impact the lives of children and adults," said Marc Koch, District Executive Director at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps.

For over a century, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps in Sussex County has set the standard for enriching outdoor experiences in its accredited summer camps, environmental education programs, and family retreats. In 2023, the camp witnessed a significant surge in summer camp enrollments, surpassing pre-pandemic figures with 3,700 camper week registrations. Additionally, its newest initiative, Lake in the Woods Day and Sleepaway Camp at Blair Academy, saw an increase in participation. 

Fairview Lake's successful fundraising efforts and the expansion of partnerships enabled the provision of over $206,000 in financial aid, assisting one in seven campers in affording their camp experience.

Throughout the year, Fairview Lake provides employment opportunities to local residents, with many staff members having been part of the team for several years. The global and culturally rich staff team of about 50 international members during the summer season is a point of pride for Koch. Employee satisfaction has also helped the Metro YMCA association to attain the Top Workplace 2024 recognition from NJ.com Top Workplaces. Fairview Lake also consistently ranks high in its surveys measuring customer loyalty and satisfaction, obtaining a Net Promoter Score that is well above industry standards.

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps and its Blue Mountain Day Camp were just recently named among Newsweek’s Best Summer Camps for 2024. Coming up this year, Fairview Lake has exciting projects planned including revitalizing its sports court and field and to add all-weather futsal and pickleball courts, and permanent ping pong and cornhole setups, as well as building a new pavilion. 

Staff Member of the Year 

Fairview Lake is also celebrating Assistant Summer Camp Director and Program Manager Maya Gujral, who was named Staff Member of the Year for 2023 by the Metro YMCA of the Oranges. This past year was Gujral’s first as a full-time employee at Fairview Lake, but she began her journey at Fairview Lake as a young child in one of the many family programs offered at camp. From her early days learning and embracing camp life to her impactful volunteer work as a teenager, she has always been deeply involved with camp activities.

As a full-time staff member, Maya's versatility and leadership have been invaluable, especially in a year of significant staff changes. Her initiatives, particularly in water safety and DEI, have made camp more inclusive and secure for everyone. As a lifeguard trainer, Gujral has helped prepare over 50 lifeguards for duty at Fairview Lake. Her participation in the Camp Inclusion Project with Y-USA is helping innovate creative ways for social justice within camping.

“Maya is an exemplary staff member and leader who consistently embodies the Y’s core values. Her accuracy coupled with her desire to raise the bar at camp while filling in for critical staff members has made her innovative, efficient, creative and responsible,” said Jennie Griffin, Associate Executive Director at Fairview Lake. “Maya is a true role model for many who come to camp and see themselves in her!”

Gujral expressed gratitude towards the staff and leadership at Fairview Lake for their consistent support of her ambitions and personal growth. “I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive team that makes thriving and reaching my full potential much easier,” she said.

To learn more about Fairview Lake YMCA Camps visit www.fairviewlakeymca.org.

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ABOUT THE Y Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.