Hands In 4 Youth - Home of Vacamas Camps

★★★★★Iriana G

My kids had an amazing experience at HI4Y! It was their first time going to a day camp, and they absolutely loved it. My son even learned how to swim thanks to the awesome counselors! Not having to pack lunch every day was a huge plus. By the end of the day they came home filthy, tired, and happy which means they definitely had a great time. Highly recommend!

★Mariana Shvets

never leave bad reviews but today i can't pass. My son was in this camp from July 9, 2024 to July 27, 2024. Since the beginning, I have not received a single letter from my son. I gave him blank envelopes with stamps and a return address. I called many times and said that I did not receive letters, I was told to wait that all letters were sent. There were very few photos on the Facebook page with my son and I had to look for him in the background of other children. When I called and asked to take more photos, they told me that they would try, but did not promise that they would take photos because there were many children and one photographer. after almost two weeks I called again and said that I never received a any letter from my son and asked that they make a video of my son to make sure that everything is okay with him, I was told that they will do it and will send me an email. But 4 hours passed and I didn't receive anything, I went to the camp to make sure that my son was okay, I was not allowed to see him, they said that if I saw him, I would be forced to take him home. When I asked to take more photos, I was told to give $6,000 so they could hire another employee to take photos. Then they told me that everything is fine with him and he likes it there. they showed me a video that should have been sent 4 hours ago. My son really looked happy in the video. i went home. but when I took him home today I was in shock. He was dirty, in torn pants. When I opened his suitcase it was a shock. all the clothes were wet and smelly, everything was covered in mold and mildew.My son said that his clothes were never washed, although they promised to wash it’s twice. he said that he used the same socks for 4 days. He didn't have a bath towel even though I packed him 3 new bath towels. My son is only 10 years old and they had to help the children, dry towels and clothes, help wash clothes, etc. They should check that the children are washed and have a clean towel and clean clothes. It seems that this is not a children's camp, but a prison! My son said that he wrote letters to me with a request to take him home, wrote that it was difficult for him there, but they did not send any of his letters. the camp is very nice, the nature is beautiful, but the attitude towards our children is BAD! They knew that it was my son's first sleep away camp experience.

★MadnessBliss UWU

I would not recommend going to this campsite. I went for a school trip yesterday. First of all, the place is unsanitary. It was very uncomfortable. They made us share items and hold hands during COVID. The place was very unsanitary. They didn't have hand sanitizer anywhere we had went putting us a risk. Some activity's we were super close together. The activities were bland and there wasn't really much to do. The gym was very dirty and filled with bugs and dirt and leafs. And even though this was supposed to be a bonding trip we were in teams who went to completely different places. Now, the food. They had given us sandwiches but they barely had anything at all(the pictures are provided). No items were sanitized like balls and things in that category. Also it took a long time to actually start doing things. Most of the other students didn't have a good time either. The activities were limited and boring, the food wasn't the best and over all this place wasn't fantastic. I do not recommend going here especially teens. It is more suited for younger children. Our class was bored most of the time. I'll probably never go here again.

★★★★★Emma McCabe

I’m been attending camp for the past 8 years. I love this camp and everything it has to offer. It has truly been a second home for me when I was a camper to an LIT and a counselor. I’m sad I couldn’t come back these past 2 years due to work but I still love this camp and love to see all the campers happy faces during swimming hours and just in the cabins. This place really shows kids the meaning of nature and life without electronics and it gives them so much to help them grow. Camp Vacamas will always be my second home and I hope parents can see what this camp truly is and how amazing it is. I’ve made so many memories and they will stay with me forever as some of the best summers. Camp rocks and I will always love it there.

★★★★★Branden Fletcher

Making Memories and Changing Lives, that camp slogan can't get any truer. To start, my parents both attended camp in the 80's. They grew up with each other and both became counselors. They dated for a couple years then got married and had three kids. I'm the middle child. But let me tell you about how magical this place was for parents, as well as for me. I started off at 6 years old in preps. I had the greatest time of my life. Running down the hill to the dining hall, singing camp songs late at night on our way back to the bunks, swimming in that sparkling lake, and most of all, Meeting some of the greatest people from all around the world. I can't begin to sum up all the fond memories I've had while at camp. But what I can say to any parent who is looking for a place to send your child, This is it! You and your child will not regret it! Camp Vacamas is truly a magical gem!