Fairview Lake named Metro YMCA’s Branch of the Year

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps in Newton, a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, has been named the Metro YMCA’s Branch of the Year for its accomplishments during 2023.

The branch was presented with the 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 vice president 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.

”We are honored to have our YMCA named Branch of the Year,” said Marc Koch, district executive director at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps. “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.”

In 2023, the camp had a significant surge in summer camp enrollments, surpassing pre-pandemic figures with 3,700 camper week registrations. Its newest initiative, Lake in the Woods Day and Sleepaway Camp at Blair Academy, also saw an increase in participation.

Fairview Lake’s successful fundraising efforts and the expansion of partnerships allowed it to provide $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.

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps and its Blue Mountain Day Camp recently were named among Newsweek’s Best Summer Camps for 2024.

This year, Fairview Lake plans to revitalize its sports court and field and to add all-weather futsal and pickleball courts, permanent ping pong and cornhole setups, and a new pavilion.

Staff Member of the Year

Fairview Lake also is 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.

The past year was Gujral’s first as a full-time employee at Fairview Lake.

As young child, she took part in one of the many family programs offered at camp and she was a volunteer there as a teenager.

As a lifeguard trainer, Gujral has helped prepare more than 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 thanked the staff and leadership at Fairview Lake for their 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.

For information about Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, go online to www.fairviewlakeymca.org