Garden State Equality lifts up the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ communities through education and advocacy to advance the movement for equality in New Jersey and nationally. We work tirelessly to ensure the communities we serve experience lived equality. Garden State Equality is the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in New Jersey, with over 150,000 members. Established in 2004, we are now one of the most successful statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations in the nation. Our services include advocacy, policy work, and training. We work to address safe environments for youth, improve health services that meet LGBTQ+ community needs, and ensure respectful treatment of seniors. Beyond that, Garden State Equality supports New Jersey’s activist community by bringing an LGBTQ+ lens to the shared struggle for justice. All our current work is informed by racial, economic, and disability justice concerns. We envision a vibrant and diverse Garden State with full equality in the law and LGBTQ+ residents of all backgrounds experiencing equality in their lives.
A Junior Summer Camp Counselor works under the supervision of the Camp Director, Advisor, and Senior Camp Counselor and will be directly responsible for a group of participants aged 14-17. A Junior Camp Counselor is responsible for the ongoing support and supervision of their group throughout the day. In addition to continual supervision, this camp opportunity offers a unique experience for counselors to regularly be engaged in all aspects of the camp day, including but not limited to facilitating activities, leading debrief discussions, supporting participants through challenging situations, and being an overall support system for the duration of programming. Camp will run from August 16th, 2026, through August 24th, 2026. Junior staff will start on August 15th, 2026, through August 24th, 2026.
Our student delegates will be participating in a series of workshops focused on, but not limited to, racism, gender identity and sexual orientation, power and privilege, body positivity and self-love, religion/faith, acceptance, and inclusion. Through these workshops, students will create, facilitate, and experience collaborative, student-led activities that will be fun and foster deep connections for all of our participants from different parts of the state. In addition to participating in leadership work, students will have the chance to participate in a plethora of fun camp activities like rock climbing, canoeing, archery, swimming, talent show night, and so much more.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a professional, supportive, compassionate, and inclusive demeanor throughout the program.
- This will include supporting students through difficult conversations, uplifting individuals after emotionally heavy content, and encouraging and leading positive and affirming dialogue.
- Keep track of delegates throughout the program, ensuring that participants remain engaged, focused, secure, and safe every day.
- Support in supervising delegates during all meal times and outside of programming hours while in their cabins.
- Ability to work long days, sometimes outside in the heat, while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Remain actively engaged with all delegates and fellow counselors, advisors, and leadership team members to provide a quality experience for all involved in the program.
- Support senior counselors and delegates in small group discussions, supporting daily programs and workshops, participate in camp activities, and create activities for their groups.
- Help maintain cleanliness in all spaces, both inside and outside.
- Create a positive and nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Respond to delegates’ needs, and actively communicate with camp leadership as necessary.
- Assist camp director with any day to day operational needs as they arise.
- Attend all trainings, both virtually and in person, prior to the start of camp.
- Uphold, model, and amplify the mission of Garden State Equality.
- A formal evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the camp session.
PAYMENT/ROOM & BOARD:
- All camp staff will be paid a competitive flat rate for a 11-day commitment. This includes 9 days of camp and 2 additional days of training. Training days may not be full days.
- Staff will be provided lodging for the duration of the camp program.
- Staff will be provided with all meals and snacks for the duration of the program.
- Staff will receive daily breaks provided throughout the session.
- Staff will receive payment after the duration of the summer camp program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15, 2026
TO APPLY:
Send cover letter & resume by email to:
Natalie Hernandez, Camp Director
Email: [email protected]
Be sure to specify “Junior Summer Camp Counselor” in your cover letter. No phone calls or visits, please. Qualified candidates will be contacted to set up a virtual interview with our leadership team.
