Camp Speers-Eljabar

About us

Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA - Pioneering Spirit

Camp Speers-Eljabar was founded  in 1948 by north-central New Jersey YMCAs to provide the first inter-racial overnight camp in the YMCA system.

The original site consisted of 310 acres and was purchased in 1948. The purpose was to provide an adventure in intercultural Christian living offering a short term experience for all boys of the middle and lower economic group. In 1951, it was formally named Camp James M. Speers after a conscientious philanthropist and distinguished member of the New York City business community as well as community leader in Montclair, New Jersey.

Camp Eljabar, originally Camp Nichecronk consisting of 700 acres, was purchased in 1964 and provided opportunities for girls. In 1967, due to the generous support of the Eljabar Foundation, the camp was named Camp Eljabar for Girls. The name Eljabar is derived from the first syllable of the first names of the daughters of Charles and Florence Wallace, Elizabeth, Jane, Barbara, founders of the Eljabar Foundation.

From 1948 -1969, the camp had been operating as an entity of the Central Atlantic Area Council of YMCAs to serve associations that had no camp of their own, to provide low cost camping and to offer interracial camping experiences. In March 1969, the administrative committee set in motion a process to make the organization an independent YMCA.

What began as a summer only camp has grown to a year-round program serving close to 10,000 children and families each year, most from northern New Jersey. We remain true to our founding spirit by promoting diversity across the racial, religious and socio-economic lines that divide most New Jersey communities today.

The mission of Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA is to serve a diverse community and to build spirit, mind, and body through a unique combination of Summer Camp, Outdoor Education, Conference and Local Community Programs.Our goal is that each camper and program participant leaves our camp a better person than when they arrived, and campers are set on the path to do the right things and contribute to a better world as they continue to grow.

Financial Assistance

Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA is dedicated to the many benefits of the camp experience. We make every effort to provide financial assistance to camper who would otherwise not be able to participate. Contact us for a Campership Application or to make a donation to the Campership Fund.

Healthy Lifestyles

We are committed to reducing child & adult obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles. The quality, quantity and type of food served at Camp meet the nutritional needs of our campers while encouraging them to learn about and make healthy food choices. We are naturally very physically active at Camp. Campers develop a greater awareness of the benefits of physical activity through the variety of activities that they participate in.