Day Camp Oratam – YMCA of Greater Bergen County

Specialties

Camp Oratam offers a well-​rounded experience allowing campers to discover and explore their interests, values, and talents in a structured and nurturing environment. Through supportive encouragement offered by our counselors, campers have an opportunity to experience self-​confidence, a sense of pride, and accomplishment.

At camp, campers have the opportunity to acquire, practice, and perfect valuable skills including problem-​solving, teamwork, and making healthy and safe choices. Each fun-​filled day, campers are led in arts & crafts, sports & games, nature activities, boating, and swimming. Campers swim twice daily receiving a swim lesson each day by our certified instructors along with time for free swim.

Camp-​wide special activities occur throughout the summer including color war, camp Olympics, and camp talent show. Overnights at camp occur once per session for campers ages 9 – 12 where campers have a cook-​out, participate in a night hike or carnival night, and sleep in cabins to receive a taste of the overnight experience. Campers’ days are filled with playing, socializing, exploring, and experimenting in the company of friends and counselors.

History

Established in 1896.

Established in 1896, the YMCA did not receive a permanent home until the Anderson family property became the first home around 1915. In 1926 a capital campaign resulted in the building still in use today at 360 Main Street in Hackensack.

Built as the «Y for All,» the facility would be the site for programs for men, women, boys and girls. Over the years, responding to community needs, the Y has been home to a variety of programs and activities including a cafeteria, bowling alley, archery and rifle ranges, a stage with an active theater group, and dinners and dances for young adults.

In 1930, in Harriman State Park, the Y began a summer camping program for boys. There are now camping programs for boys and girls.

At the Main Street building a pool, wellness center, gym and program rooms provide children, adults, families and the community with opportunities for healthy living.

The Preschool Child Care and Youth After School programs have become an important part of the YMCA.

Meet the Manager

Mary S.

Manager

Mary Sullivan is the director of teen, youth sports, and day camp programs at the YMCA of Greater Bergen County. She oversees many teen and youth sports programs and summer camps offered to children. She first got involved with the YMCA as a gymnastics instructor when she was 14 and in time became involved in the summer camp programs.

Prior to arriving in Hackensack, Mary directed day camps in Morris and Union County. Cumulatively over 10 years, she supervised approximately 28,000 campers and 1,100 camp staff. In addition to her camp experience, Mary coached competitive gymnastics for 15 years and currently volunteers in the CASA program. From 2009 – 2011, Mary served on the New Jersey American Camp Association Board as Professional Development Chair.