Greater Monmouth County, NJ 

Transforming A Summer Camp Into A Year-Round, Daily-Visit YMCA

Among the positive long-term effects of the pandemic is an elevated appreciation for the outdoors. For the YMCA Camp Zehnder – a standalone affiliate of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (New Jersey) situated on 135 acres – it is an opportunity to redefine itself, expand its offerings – and draw many more people to the facility.

The ACA-accredited camp currently operates throughout the four seasons, with a membership of 250 kids per day who use it. But the camp and surrounding community offer the potential for 400 kids. That includes how Camp Zehnder can be the area’s go-to YMCA for daily use. Adding features for athletics, to buildings, and the landscaping will make this more inviting to full memberships.

Our recommended program is to add a 3-season airnasium (outdoor basketball/pickleball courts), an amphitheater with a fire circle, and a “group grove.” By eliminating a recreational pool – and adding a splash pad while retaining the existing 8-lane lap pool – more lawn space opens up. Existing buildings will be refreshed with new exterior cladding plus interior resurfacing, repainting, and recarpeting. Parking areas will be repaved, trash receptacles will be in an aesthetic enclosure, and the arrival gate will be transformed by a stone masonry wall with new signage, lighting, and landscaping.

This master plan allows for an incremental build that will be funded by a mix of grants and philanthropy. Groundbreaking is planned for 2026.