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Hardwick, NJ
Established: 1900
Camp
Details
Camp Mason's story begins in 1900 when
the Trenton/Mercer County YMCA organized its
first season of residential summer camp at Camp
Washington, near Washington's Crossing,
NJ. Several years later the camp moved to Marshall
Island (also known as Eagle Island) in the Delaware
River and changed its name to Camp James J. Wilson.
An epic flood inundated the island in 1955 and
the camp was moved to its current location in
Hardwick, NJ. Another name change accompanied
the move: Camp Wilson became Central New Jersey
YMCA Camps.
At this time the camp organized itself
as an independent YMCA association, serving children
from across the tri-state area. In the 1970's
the camp's name was changed again to Camp Ralph
S. Mason to honor the man who was instrumental
in relocating and rebuilding the camp after the
flood. Mr. Mason was a camper and staff member
who grew up to serve as President of the Board
of Trustees for 34 years. His two sons, Rip and
Tom, remain involved with the camp to this day.
Today Camp Mason welcomes approximately 800
campers each summer to its 650-acre facility
in the Delaware Water Gap. A western ranch program,
extensive outdoor adventure opportunities, and
popular teen leadership programs make Camp Mason
an exceptional traditional resident camping experience
for children and families from all walks of life.
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