Black Bear Lake Day Camp

As a mom with two kids and who works full time, Black Bear Lake was a fresh of breath air. My oldest had the opportunity to attend camp at Frogbridge but because of Black Bear Lakes elective program Lorenzo chose to go to BBL in 2022 and was so happy he did. The friends he has made, the bond he has with his Division leader. I was so happy to see my son just be a kid. My youngest is on the spectrum and can truly be a handful returned for his second summer this year. My husband and I where so worried that Keegan was not going to adjust to the elective program and he had some issues adjusting at first but it was then that the office manager and owner suggested that we hire a 1:1 for Keegan. That was the best advice we received. This gave our son the ability to enjoy the power of camp but at his level and he thrived this summer. I don't know how to thank Black Bear enough, my kids love camp and finally have something to look forward to each year. The Sanchez family is #BBL4life and are a #10for2 #campfriendsmakethebestfriends

My son just finished his second summer at BBL and he cannot wait to go back next summer. Everyday he came home with a new story about something exciting they were doing that day. His favorite part of camp is swimming however he did enjoy the fun dances they would do and horseback riding. It's nice, as a working parent, to know that your child is enjoying themselves all day and being well taken care of by the loving staff. The staff is extremely attentive, caring and empathetic. I have camps that are much closer to my house but I choose BBL because my son absolutely loves it, I feel totally comfortable sending him there and you can truly tell that this camp is Ian's passion. 10/10 would highly recommend!!

Black Bear Lake is the best of the best. Our daughter just completed her 2nd year there (she’s 5.5). The “cub” program is incredible. The cubs have a division leader, a camp counselor (who in our experience, was a teacher during the year), and then a junior counselor. They have special events every day as well as swim lessons. They do everything from fishing to gymnastics and horseback riding. My daughter slept with her camp photo on her nightstand for the entire year. Unfortunately, we decided to try another camp this year to save a little money and learned the (very) hard way that you get what you pay for. Thankfully the owner of BBL is incredible and figured out a way to squeeze us in last minute. Needless to say, we will never be making that mistake again and have already re-enrolled her for next year! The safety measures, staff, activities, and overall attentiveness and love BBL gives my daughter each and every day is priceless. I would highly recommend BBL to any family considering camps in Monmouth County. We searched high and low, they truly are the best of the best. Check out their Instagram for highlight videos, the kids are all so happy- it speaks for itself!

There are no words to truly express how much 8 weeks at Black Bear Lake Day Camp meant to Hayley & Tyler. They loved every minute and have both cried many tears about their BBL summer being over. For Tyler, he absolutely adores Nathan Mains, his counselor and is sad it will be 10 months before he gets to see him again. For Hayley, I noticed something remarkable - no more tantrums. She has struggled with tantrums and even had a week of them at camp. But with the help of her counselors and some work at home, they have completely vanished. The camp experience has been life changing for my kids to the point that they even play together - more often and less arguments. My tears are happy ones because BBL is the best thing to happen to our family. I’m excited for our youngest to be a cub next year and get to experience what he saw from a distance with his older siblings. I could go on but I’ll wrap it up and let you read more reviews from families like mine. I am so grateful for all Ian and his staff do to make Black Bear Lake Day Camp the best in New Jersey! (Quite possibly the best in the country!) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. See you next summer! :)