YMCA Camp of the Pines

YMCA of the Pines was established in 1906. The camp’s original name honors Ockanickon, Chief of the Mantas Lenape tribe and an early Native American friend to the settlers in Burlington County. Henry Stockwell, a prominent Moorestown attorney, was responsible for the acquisition of the camp’s current home off Stokes Road in Medford. The camp’s main lake and day camp now bear Stockwell’s name.

Today, the camp property consists of approximately 800 acres and our organization is well established as an integral part of community life throughout New Jersey and the surrounding mid-Atlantic States. 

Chief Ockanickon, who died around 1861, is buried under a huge sycamore tree in the Friends Meetinghouse cemetery in Burlington City, NJ. A boulder near the tree bears his mark and a bronze plaque is etched with his final words: “Be plain and fair to all, as I have been.” To this day, the camp's principal mission is to honor his words.

Camp of the Pines' 800 acres and year-round programs offer opportunities for relationship-building, character-strengthening and lifelong learning. Its goal is to help children, teens and families realize their potential and nurture their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. The three camps of YMCA of the Pines serve more than 750 children a day in the summer months. In addition, Camp of the Pines runs year-round programming, including different kinds of childcare, before- and after-school programs, outdoor education and recreation programs, and special retreat weekends.