Holiday Sleep-Away Programs

Many parents need childcare when their children are on school holiday break in February and April. The Holiday Sleep-Away Programs provide a fun and educational experience for all participants. Youth are encouraged to make new friends and are supported through personal growth in an enriching and safe environment. The Child Care Funds’ camp provider, Hands In 4 Youth (the home of Camp Vacamas), has separate living and program areas to accommodate both younger children and teens. They are accredited by the American Camp Association and operate in a facility with heated living areas, as well as indoor and outdoor activity spaces. All children are required to have up-to-date medical records to attend. Roundtrip transportation is provided from the New York metropolitan area.

Sleep-away camp can be an intimidating transition for both parents and children. For many families, it’s the first time children are away from home. Camp gives children the opportunity to enhance their physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills. In turn, these skills help promote independence and self-confidence. To educate families about the programs, the Child Care Funds host two Online Open Houses in January. At the Online Open Houses, parents can have their questions answered directly by representatives from Hands In 4 Youth (the home of Camp Vacamas) and Child Care Funds staff.

Holiday Sleep-Away Program

For Children Ages 8 to 13

Children attend two sessions (five days and four nights per session) during the winter AND spring recesses at Hands In 4 Youth (the home of Camp Vacamas) in West Milford, New Jersey. Programming engages children though STEAM activity options in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics; team-building exercises; arts and crafts; team sports and games; high and low ropes challenge courses; hiking; outdoor recreation; and nature exploration.

Program Dates

Winter Session: Monday, February 17 – Friday, February 21, 2025

Spring Session: Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025

Teen Holiday Sleep-Away Program

For Youth Ages 14 to 17

Youth attend two sessions during the winter AND spring recesses (seven days and six nights for winter, and five days and four nights for spring) at Hands In 4 Youth (the home of Camp Vacamas) in West Milford, New Jersey. Program activities are age-appropriate and designed to engage teens in team-building and leadership development, team sports and games, debate, art, high and low ropes challenge courses, hiking, outdoor recreation, and nature exploration.

Program Dates

Winter Session: Saturday, February 15 – Friday, February 21, 2025

Spring Session: Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025

Important Note: The Holiday Sleep-Away Programs are scheduled according to the New York City public school calendar.

There is a co-payment for this program based on the sliding scale below.

Holiday Sleep-Away Programs Sliding Fee Scale

Annual Salary	Co-Payment
$25,000 to $29,999	$55
$30,000 to $34,999	$60
$35,000 to $39,999	$65
$40,000 to $44,999	$70
$45,000 and above	$75