The Holiday Sleep-Away Programs Sparks Educational Adventures

The Holiday Sleep-Away Program (HSAP) and the Teen Holiday Sleep-Away Program (T-HSAP) held winter and spring sessions at Hands In 4 Youth (the home of Camp Vacamas) in West Milford, New Jersey. Sixty-nine children across both sessions attended the HSAP, geared toward kids age 8 to 12, who participated in a wide range of educational activities like sports, robotics and nature exploration.

“My child was so excited about his experience. This was his first time away and can’t wait to go back. It is a joy to listen to the fun he had and all the new things he experienced. Thank you to the staff and organizers for everything.”

The 37 teens, age 13 to 17, who attended the T-HSAP winter and spring sessions explored interests in technology and nature and continued to build personal development skills with high- and low-ropes challenge courses, archery, hiking and movie nights. T-HSAP participants also joined in big brother/big sister mentorship activities with HSAP participants, including partnering for team sports.

With the safety of our campers always in mind, we implemented new protocols for the 2022 season. Prior to attending, members needed to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for their child during enrollment or had their child take a PCR test or lab-analyzed rapid test within 72 hours of each session’s start and submitted negative test results to Hands In 4 Youth staff at departure.

“They loved archery and making friendship bracelets and the little sister/big sister program. My son had big brother/little brother and played sports like football, although I had tried through the years to get him to play but he refused. They loved dessert too!”

Following each session, members completed a HSAP and T-HSAP satisfaction survey. Some highlights include:
92 percent said their child liked/loved his/her camp experience.
90 percent said it’s likely/extremely likely they will apply for the program again.