Our History

Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ, is an ACA accredited non-profit day camp operated by the Salesian Sisters of St.John Bosco, continuing their mission to serve local youth thru the summer camp. 

Where it all began! 

In 1961, it was found that there was a need for a resident summer program for girls.  This prompted the founding of Camp Auxilium by the Salesian Sisters.  The location for the summer camp was advantageously located about ½ mile up the hill from the Sacred Heart Novitiate.  The main building, formerly “Louis Steak House”, became the center of the camp.  The building and grounds needed much work before the first camp season.  This help came primarily from the Sisters, and especially the students and parents of Pius X High School, who volunteered their time.  Work was performed under the able direction of Sister Rosalie Di Peri, whom Mother Theresa Casaro, Provincial at the time, had appointed Camp Director.  The camp very soon gave evidence of functioning as a serviceable camp and, when construction of Cabin 1 was completed, everything was ready for the official opening.   

Our Very First Camp Session 

Camp Auxilium officially opened in July of 1961.  The first session brought approximately 25 campers, primarily from New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania, with a few from as far away as Florida.  They were warmly welcomed by the Camp staff:  Sister Rosalie Di Peri, FMA (Camp Director), Sister Theodora Carabin, FMA and Sister Domenica Di Peri, FMA.  The novices, with Sister Adeline Gastaldo, FMA, made the campers feel “at home” with a special warming welcome the first evening. 

Campers and camp staff were looking forward to a happy and unforgettable camp season.  However, there was a hiccup along the way as the first “MUST” of a camp is a swimming pool and Camp Auxilium did not have one yet.  The solution presented itself in the form of Swartswood Lake just 4 miles down the road.  Campers were transported there via station wagon and all enjoyed a cool & refreshing swim.  The campers and staff had a great summer and looked forward to the next camp session!

The Amazing Archeological Discovery at Camp Auxilium 

When Camp Auxilium prepared to open for its second session in 1962, its registration had already doubled.  Therefore, a swimming area became a high priority as were additional cabins.  Plans were drawn up for four additional cabins and a swimming area and construction began.   

Then something unexpected and exciting happened putting Camp Auxilium on the front page of local news!  But this exciting discovery also suspended construction of the swimming area for another 2 years. 

While a crane operator was dredging the swimming area to prepare for the upcoming camp session, the scoop of his crane slipped further into the mud than intended and got caught up on something.  The scoop lifted out a nearly complete prehistoric mastodon skull!  Mastodons predated the Mammoth and existed 25,000 – 10,000 years ago; they were drawn to the Sussex County area by the dense forests that grew as the ice that covered the area during the ice age melted.  In January 1965, a coffer dam was installed in the pond at Camp Auxilium to hold back the water, pumps were borrowed and members of the Historical Society and others slogged through the cold mud, probing with rakes and their bare hands to find more of the animal’s bones.  “Mastodon Unearthed in Hampton”, New Jersey Herald, Lifestyle section, December 6, 2014. 

The Salesian Sisters gifted the mastodon remains to the Sussex County Historical Society Hill Memorial Museum located at 82 High Street, Newton, NJ.  The mastodon remains were given the name “Moe” and can still be seen at the museum.  Sussex County Historian Wayne McCabe stated that the museum exhibit displays 30 – 40% of Moe’s complete skeleton.  It’s possible that more of the skeleton may have been discovered if funding had been available for a full excavation.  Scruton, Bruce A. “Fossils Show that Mastodons Once Roamed Sussex County”, New Jersey Herald, Dec. 24, 2018. 

Camp Auxilium Becomes Part of the Community 

Campers now flocked to Camp Auxilium and additional space and improvements became necessary.  In 1965, a large gym-size playroom was added to the facilities.  Over the next few years more work was accomplished with campers, families and local businesses and volunteer organizations taking part in the clearing of the upper hill areas on the campus under the guidance of Sister Mary Rinaldi, FMA.  Then in the fall of 1976, the original “Luis Steakhouse” building was demolished to make room for the new facilities constructed in the winter of 1977.  On June 15, 1977 many guests witnessed the blessing and opening of the present new building.  It was a grand celebration!  Camp Auxilium had become a well-known and beloved member of the community. 

Fast Forward to Present Day

The last 45 years have brought much growth and change to Sussex County and Camp Auxilium has continued to grow too.  The community, local businesses, volunteers and especially our Camp families have worked with us to improve our campus; playgrounds, pools, mini-golf, trails, playing fields, archery, boats & kayaks & docks, sheds, outdoor activities areas, Gaga Ball pits, covered activity areas, a Low Ropes Course and more have been added over the years.  Our first campers have come back as counselors & lifeguards or just to visit; their children have come to Camp, also returning later as counselors & lifeguards.  The grandchildren of those first campers, their friends and family are now campers at Camp Auxilium and are part of our great Camp Auxilium family too; some of them are already talking about returning as counselors & lifeguards.  Camp Auxilium is still a well-known and beloved member of the community and we look forward to adding many more years of lifelong friendships, cherished memories and joy at Camp Auxilium!