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 Large Heated Pool is Completely wheelchair accessible |
Have Lunch at our Pavilion |
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| Meals are served in our spacious cafeteria |
Our New Playground donated by the North West District |
Elks Camp Moore's History At a Glance
Set in the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, Camp Moore was originally established in 1936 by the Democratic League of Essex County to provide Summer activities for the children of Newark. The Camp was named in honor of A. Harry Moore, 39th Governor of New Jersey. In addition to being a 3-term Governor, Moore also served as a United States Senator, was Past Exalted Ruler of Jersey City Lodge No.221 AND in 1924 he became the twelfth President of the New Jersey State Elks Association.
June 1970
With the buildings being poorly maintained and facing financial difficulties, one of the founders of Camp Moore turned the Camp over to PGER William Jernick and the New Jersey State Elks Association with the stipulation that the Camp would always be called Camp Moore.
Spring 1971
A Board of Trustees for Elks Camp Moore was appointed in the spring of 1971, and their first assignment was to evaluate and determine what was needed to get the original 10 buildings fully operational to open as a special needs camp. The buildings were in disrepair and the Board requested help from our lodges to renovate the buildings, and to supply money and materials to get the work completed for the 1971 Camp season.
July 1971
After many hours and weekends spent by Elk members, the first 3 campers were officially welcomed to Elks Camp Moore on July 7, 1971.
1971 - 1972
Long Branch Lodge brought bus loads of members each weekend to renovate the First Aid building, which was ready for 1971. Members of Asbury Park Lodge converted their building into offices and living quarters. This was completed and ready for the 1972 Camp season.
August 1972
Elks Camp Moore was officially dedicated on August 6, 1972. Woodbridge Lodge adopted one of the original ten buildings and named it in honor of PER George Wittenzellner, who was instrumental in enlarging and renovating the building and installing two outside lavatories. Witt Hall was transformed into a beautiful recreation building by the start of the 1972 Camp season. Eight other cabins were adopted and renovated by Closter, Lyndhurst, Nutley, New Brunswick, Cedar Grove, Weehawken, Asbury Park and Ridgefield Park.
1972 - 1973
In 1972 $35,000 was pledged by the North and Northeast Districts to build the Camp’s first large dormitory. PER Ed Van Vooren from Wayne Lodge No. 2181 pledged to erect a brick building for that price which became Jernick Hall in honor of PGER William Jernick.
1973
The Southwest District constructed Buch Hall in 1973, dedicated to PGER Joseph Buch who was the founder of our Special Children’s Committee.
1977
Ed Van Vooren, who was also very involved in the renovation of several buildings and the construction of the first pool. Prior to the installation of the first pool by the North Central District, a railroad tie support
wall was built by hand on the side of the mountain.
In 1977, PER Ed became the General Chairman of the Camp, overseeing a number of projects. He remained in that position until he was elected President of the New Jersey State Elks Association in 1981.
1980 - 1989
The Camp would continue to undergo expansion and renovation throughout the 1980s and1990s through the efforts of the Lodges and Districts of the State Association.
1990-1991
In September 1990 the NJ DOT requisitioned 0.231 acres of Elks Camp Moore for the construction of Route 287. Through negotiations the State reimbursed the State Elks Association for the property by relocating the pool, flag poles and erecting a new fence. The new pool was built in 1991 as well as Cantoli Hall, named in honor of PGER
Kenneth V. Cantoli, which would house 28 campers and a one-acre recreation area and pavilion.
1992
In 1992, the NJ DOT again claimed portions of our property for Route 287, and through negotiations, it was replaced with a parking lot four times the size of the original lot.
During the same year, Elizabeth Lodge donated $100,000 which provided for the construction of a new counselor/camper cabin housing 12 campers.
The same year, Paterson Lodge donated $100,000 for a new infirmary and nurse’s quarters
2016
In 2016, the State SCC Trustees entered into an agreement with Tilcon Industries to allow them to construct an access road at the rear of our property.
2017
An Interactive Spray Park was constructed and dedicated in 2017
through donations from various Lodges and a $10,000 donation from Tilcon.
Campers enjoyed attending Elks Camp Moore every year from 1971 through 2019. The 2020 and 2021 in-person camping seasons had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Through the efforts of our Camp Director & Assistant Camp Director and our State Special Children’s Committee, a virtual camp was held during these two years. Each camper received a bag with arts and crafts to be used during virtual camp. Virtual camp allowed our campers and counselors to stay connected to our campers even though they couldn’t be there in person.
2020 - 2022
While we were saddened to not be able to have our “in-person” camp operational, this time proved invaluable for the preservation and renovation of our beloved Elks Camp Moore. Districts continued to
arrive at the Camp each weekend for work duty. Our pool was reconstructed and resurfaced. Witt Hall was replaced with a state-of-the-art recreation center adjacent to the pool and includes an accessible entertainment stage, gaming floor and covered seating on the pool deck.
A second floor was added to Jernick Hall and dedicated as the Malcolm J. McPherson, Jr. Residence Hall in honor of PGER Malcolm J.
McPherson, Jr. This addition to Jernick Hall houses counselors in dormitory style sleeping quarters and includes restrooms with showers and an elevator.
Plans are underway to add a second floor to Cantoli Hall with the same purpose in mind. Most recently, Buch Hall was completed renovated from top to bottom including a new kitchen, new bathrooms, a new arts/crafts room and all new furniture.
These much-needed renovations will prepare the Camp for many more years of creating smiles on the faces of our Special Children.
Spring 2022
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Elks Camp Moore had to be
postponed due to COVID-19, but was held in 2022. Elk Members and their families came from all over the State of NJ and were able to see all of the great improvements being made!
2024
From its first season in 1971, Elks Camp Moore has been supported by our Lodges and Districts. The Miracle on the Mountain Fund was established and through the financial investing guidance of PGLC/PSP Stephen Terrible, the cost per camper was reduced over the years. Right now, the cost for Lodges to send children to Elks Camp Moore is ZERO Dollars.
The State Special Children’s Committee Trustees continue to maintain and improve Elks Camp Moore. Our Miracle Run Committee has been supporting Elks Camp Moore for almost 25 years. Through the support of our members, Lodges, District and State Committees, the State Major Project of the New Jersey Elks Association continues to flourish and provide a unique camp experience for our Special Children
NOTE: Much of this article was taken directly from the Spring 2021 issue of The New Jersey Elk and information at that time was supplied by PDD John Cangelosi, Jr. and PDD Richard Altieri. Updated information was added.
For more information e-mail our State Headquarters, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Learn more about our Miracle Run |  |
Learn more about our Special Needs Children Committee |
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Our Camp in the News
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Local lodges sponsors kids for the camp click here for a lodge near you
The local lodge in you area will help you with the information you need so they can sponsor your child
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Be A Star - Pledge $100
Pledge $20 a year for 5 years and receive a “Miracle Star Pin” and a Elks Camp Moore “Miracle On The Mountain Pin” upon completion of your pledge. Donate $100 and receive both pins immediately.
Be A Miracle Maker - Pledge $1,000
Pledge $200 a year for 5 years and receive a “Miracle Star Pin” and a Elks Camp Moore “Miracle On The Mountain Pin” immediately and
a “Miracle Maker Pin” upon completion of your pledge.
To learn more about the Miracle On The Mountain Fund click here.
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Reflections from Campers, Parents and Staff
"I just wanted to thank everyone who helped me. I had a great time at camp. I want to come back already, but mommy said I had to wait until next year." Camper: Jennifer Murphy"You cannot imagine how appreciative we all are to be able to enjoy a week or two of respite known Eric is in such good hands. You always match him up with a terrific counselor." Parents of camper Eric Weber.
"It really means a lot that he can go to camp just like the rest of the kids. Our kids don't always get to do what 'normal' kids do, but this helps to change that." Parents of camper Danny Ambroziak
"The kids are really great, and everyone works very hard together to give them the best summer of their lives." Staff Member: Lori Shumway - USA
"This is the ideal place to lose all self pity and put your life into perspective" Staff member: Andrew Wood - Australia
"An extrodinary place which is alive from sunrise to sunset. There is no place like it!" Staff member: Paul Morgan - Wales
"Heaven on Earth" Staff Member: Jenny Scrupps - England
"'You don't know what you've got until you lose it.' This saying applies to Elks Camp Moore. It's easy to drift blissfully through the first few weeks thinking that it's going to last forever without really appreciating what this place really is. It's about 80 people from all over the world coming together and working in perfect harmony together with total trust in one another. It's not until you arrive back in the world that your realize what a paradise comp was in many ways. It's the highest standard of humanity I've ever experienced." Staff Member: Gary Knox - Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Our Camps History
In 1971, while the New Jersey State Elkswere looking for a site for a camp, the trustees of Camp Moore, a camp for underprivileged children that closed in the 1930’s, were lookingfor someone to carry on their work. The camp was donated with the stipulation that the name of A. Harry Moore, former governor of NJ, is carried on in perpetuity. More than forty-five years later, due to the hard work and dedication of many thousand NJ State Elks, Elks Camp Moore is the major charity project of the NJ State Elks and has grown to great proportions. The camp is composed of over 18 modern buildings, which are air conditioned and fully accessible. Among the buildings stand 3 modern camper dormitories, a two story dining hall, kitchen, arts and crafts room, game room, and a fully equipped health center. The camp also contains a large heated pool that is completely wheelchair accessible.
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Our Camps Mission
Tucked away in the hills of the Ramapo Mountains, Elks Camp Moore offers a fun filled vacation away from home for children with special needs. A week at Elks Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further the deleop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atomsphere, each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships and opportunities that promote independence and greater self-confidence.
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About the Campers & Staff
Our talented and creative program staff offers a wide variety of activities, with special care given to include every child. A day at Elks Camp Moore might include hiking up the nature trail, cooling off in the spray park, tye-dying, playing basketball, relaxing in the multisensory room, painting in
arts and crafts, relay races in the pool, or rehearsing for Saturday’s big finale concert. After dinner, the entire camp gathers together for special programs including talent contests, scavenger hunts, carnivals, and dances – the possibilities are endless.
Elks Camp Moore accepts children with disabilities who are between the ages of 7 and 18, as well as young adult week (ages 19-21) and spring/fall respite weekends. There are 600-700 camperships provided each summer. Each child must be sponsored by their local Elks Lodge with the full cost of attendance paid by the lodge. The children attend at no cost to their families. An application for Elks Camp Moore can be obtained through a local Elks Lodge’s Special Children’s Committee Chairperson. The committee’s state office can also be contacted for help in finding the nearest lodge.
The director of the camp is selected based on experience and certifications associated with special education and special needs camps. The counseling and support staff are hired by the director from the United States and other countries around the world. Over 27 countries have been represented at Elks Camp Moore over the years. The staff is fully trained before camp with ongoing training throughout the season. A large majority of the staff returns from previous years and are therefore very familiar with the campers and camp life in general. The ratio of campers to counselors is usually 2:1 or 1:1. Medications and emergency treatments are handled by a qualified nursing staff. Local doctor and hospital services are available when needed. Please note that any medication brought from home must be in prescription bottles with labels. Be sure to bring enough for the full stay, with a few extra as accidents do occasionally happen. All food is prepared by an experienced cook and kitchen staff. Special diets can be accommodated when necessary.
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How you can help Camp Moore
If your company has a United Way donation program, specify your funds to go directly to Elks Camp More. The United Way identification number is 008866.
To make a donation:
New Jersey State Elks
Special Children's Committee
665 Rahway Ave
PO Box 1596
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
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General Directions to Camp Moore
From the Garden State Parkway
GSP North take Exit 153 B (A left turn exit). You will be on Rt. 3 West. Take Rte3 West to Rt 46 West. Continue on Rt 46 for 4 miles and get onto Rt23 North. Follow Rt 23 for 7 miles (on your right you will pass McDonald’s, Bradlees and the Pompton Queen Diner) At an Amoco Gas Station, make a right turn onto Newark Pompton Turnpike. (WARNING: DO NOT TAKE any earlier exits for Newark Pompton Turnpike or you will get lost). You will now be headed toward Riverdale, Bloomingdale and Pompton Lakes. Go to the end of the road (1 mile) and turn right onto Hamburg Turnpike. At the first traffic light make a left onto Ringwood Ave. At the third traffic light, make a left onto Union Ave. (at the underpass for Rt 287) 1/4 mi. mile down Union turn left onto Susquehanna Avenue. Bear right UP THE HILL TO ELKS CAMP MOORE.
FROM ROUTE 287 North
Take Rt 287 North to Exit 55. Make a right turn onto Ringwood Ave off the exit. Immediately get over to the left lane. At the first traffic light make a left onto Union Ave. (at the underpass for Rt 287). At the second traffic light , make a left onto Union Ave. 1/4 of a mile down Union turn left onto Susquehanna Ave. Bear right UP THE HILL TO ELKS CAMP MOORE.
FROM ROUTE 287 South
Take Rt 287 South to Exit 55. Make a left turn off the Exit onto Union Ave. 100 feet on Union make a left onto Susquehanna Ave. Bear right UP THE HILL TO ELKS CAMP MOORE.
FROM YAHOO MAPS
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Our new Miracle on the Mountain Mural is a public thank you to all the Districts, Lodges and individuals who support Elks Camp Moore. The acrylic and bronze sculpture is engraved with the names of individuals, groups, Lodges, Districts or Corporations contributing funds to Elks Camp Moore.
How you can become part of the Miracle on the Mountain. Becoming a part of the Miracle on the Mountain Mural is simple. The acrylic building blocks and balloons may be purchased and engraved as a tribute to any individual, Lodge, District or Corporation. Donation Categories Are:
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| $ 25,000.00 1 Teddy Bear $ 10,000.00 1 Large Balloon $ 7,500.00 1 Medium Balloon $ 5,000.00 1 Small Balloon $ 1,000.00 1 Building Block |
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Your donation may honor a relative, friend, family, group or corporation or in memory of a loved one. Each dedication will be prominently displayed on the Mural, an attractive addition to the dinning hall at Elks Camp Moore. Gifts may be in the form of cash, securities, and bequests by will. All pledges are tax deductible for those who itemize their deductions. If you work for a company that has a matching gift program, please suggest that your employer support your donation with matching funds. While one time donations are preferred cumulative pledges over a five year period are also encouraged. Donors may pledge a gift by completing the pledge form |
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Camp Moore Day At
NY Giants Training Camp
