WEST MILFORD — The Passaic County Board of Freeholders joined members of the Camp Hope Commission and West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri to open a new water park and pool in West Milford in July.
“This is a great day for Camp Hope. As a former camper here, I am proud to be part of this upgrade," said Passaic County Freeholder Director Hector Lora. "The new water park will provide recreation and fun for children and families from throughout Passaic County,”
Last summer 2,103 children from Passaic County enjoyed all that Camp Hope had to offer, and this summer the camp was expecting even more.
“While Camp Hope was often known as a hidden gem within our park system, the dedication and commitment of Executive Director Karen Cisco as well as generous donations of time and money led by Stephen Tilton and New York Jets linebacker David Harris and the Give the Kids Hope Foundation has helped get the secret out,” added Lora.
While at camp, children ages 6 to 12 are offered opportunities for swimming, hiking, playing ball, miniature golfing or making special arts-n-crafts projects to take home.
“We offer the children who are eligible to come to Camp Hope the opportunity to escape to a country like setting in West Milford, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the rural setting that the beautiful township has to offer,” said Freeholder Terry Duffy, a West Milford resident. “It’s so much fun to stop by and visit the campers and staff in the county’s hidden gem.”
The 2015 summer season opened with a new composite surface basketball court, the latest facility improvement funded by GTKH. Camp Hope provides underprivileged children the chance to experience all the wholesome fun of summer camp at no charge. The program just finished its 77th season,
The Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Administrator, Anthony DeNova, got behind the plan for demolishing an outdated, high-maintenance pool and building a smaller, more efficient swimming pool with the 14-unit spray park.
“Thanks to the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Give the Kids Hope Foundation, this is sure to be a very exciting year for the children of Passaic County,” added Freeholder John Bartlett. “Moreover, senior citizens are treated to a myriad daily programs, from bingo to exercise classes, with bus services provided from different locations in the County.”
The Board of Chosen Freeholders plans to construct a large pavilion next to the pool with a shower and rest rooms next year; the pavilion will replace the large tent that GTKH put up this year, providing a shady spot where campers could get out of the sun and relax. The tent will be used for other purposes next summer.
Camp Hope of New Jersey is located on 62 acres on the shores of Greenwood Lake at 1792 Union Valley Road in West Milford.
For more information about Camp Hope, visit camphopenj.com. Information about Give the Kids Hope is at www.givethekidshope.org.
Anyone interested in learning more or participating in the activities Camp Hope provides may call 973-728-8166 for more details.