Central Branch YMCA

Overview

• Camp Linwood MacDonald is a comprehensive outdoor adventure camp and retreat center operated by the YMCA of Newark & Vicinity, spanning over 200 acres in the beautiful New Jersey countryside near a mountain lake (Robert Rooke Lake).
• The overall atmosphere is immersive in nature, promoting inspiration, growth, teamwork, and safety in a nurturing, empowering environment. It emphasizes outdoor education, adventure, and community building, ideal for groups, schools, families, and youth programs, with a strong focus on preserving nature and youth development through YMCA values like caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Features & Amenities

• Lodging Options:
  • Rooke Lodge: Sleeps 48 guests in dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds (12 sets per room, dividable by sliding walls), handicap-accessible bath/shower rooms, center meeting room, loft, and decks overlooking the lake or trails.
  • Percy Smith Lodge: Sleeps 96 guests across two levels, each with wings of bedrooms (8 beds/room via bunks), central bathrooms, and gathering/meeting rooms; overlooks lawns, roads, and driveways.
• Aquatics on Robert Rooke Lake:
  • Canoeing, kayaking, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, and summer lake swimming.
• High Ropes & Adventure Elements:
  • 60ft climbing tower, flying squirrel, giants ladder, leap of faith, pirates crossing, 700+ ft zipline.
• Target Sports:
  • Archery (recurve, compound, golf), hatchet throwing, slingshots.
• Arts & Crafts:
  • General crafts, fun-gineering, hydro dipping*, tie-dye*, painting, jewelry.
• Nature Discovery:
  • Campfires, fishing, pond studies, bird watching, outdoor cooking*, shelter building, 1-mile trails (4 options), tree identification.
• Sports & Athletics:
  • Full fields/courts for basketball, Gaga ball, kickball, soccer, tetherball, volleyball, 9-square; challenge course (nitro crossing, spider web, team skies, etc.).
• Other Amenities:
  • Dining hall with scheduled meals (breakfast 8am, lunch 12:30pm, dinner 5:30pm), athletic fields, pavilion, art center, campfire rings; staffing at 1:15 ratio for activities.

*Some activities incur extra costs.

Services

• Group Retreats & Camps: Custom schedules (rotational for large groups, open for small), day/overnight trips (3-day/week options), consultations, tours (in-person/virtual), parent/chaperone meetings.
• Team Building & Programs: Challenge courses, evening activities, campfires; tailored for schools, youth groups, churches.
• Meals & Logistics: Allergy accommodations, table assignments; packing lists provided (clothing, bedding, toiletries; no electronics/weapons).
• YMCA Programs: Reach & Rise® mentoring (application/background checks required), supportive housing, emergency shelters, youth development, yoga, events like Leaders & Legends Dinner, MLK Breakfast.
• Safety & Health: Strict code of conduct, physical contact guidelines, background checks, first-aid, tick/injury protocols, no alone time with youth.

Pricing

• Pricing information not explicitly listed on the provided content.
• Groups must submit security deposit, final payment on arrival, and insurance certificate naming YMCA as additional insured.
• Contact for quotes: linwoodmacdonald@newarkymca.org or (973) 948-7090.

Location & Hours

• Location: Camp Linwood MacDonald, New Jersey (exact address via Newark YMCA at 600 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102); accessible via Flatbrook Road, near trails/amphitheater; virtual tour at www.camplinwoodmacdonald.org.
• Operating Hours: Booking-based; activity slots 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-5:30pm; meals fixed; evening programs/campfire until 10pm lights out. Available year-round for groups.

Notes

• What makes this special: YMCA-backed commitment to safe, inclusive youth empowerment with extensive activity variety (over 50 options) on a scenic 200+ acre campus; customizable for groups (15+ people ideal); strong emphasis on safety (no abuse, supervision rules, nature preservation); integrates community impact like mentoring, housing for disabled/homeless, and anti-violence statements. Ideal for nature immersion, adventure, and personal growth without modern distractions (tech discouraged). Donate to support camps/shelters via newarkymca.org.