Summer camp in New Jersey. Children of lesbian and gay parents find support at Mountain Meadow

Mountain Meadow’s mission is to empower all youth from LGBTQ and other non-traditional families. The Summer Camp program takes place in Southern New Jersey – about an hour from Philadelphia – from August 10 to 23. The two-week residential camp for up to 80 youth (ages 9-17) plus a staff of 40 has been the primary program of Mountain Meadow since 1981.

Mountain Meadow is one of only two camps that we know of in the U.S. that offers a safe haven for youth from LGBTQ families. There are miles of safe hiking trails, a lake for canoeing, a swimming pool with certified lifeguards, designated campfire areas, full kitchen with dining facilities, 4-person canvas platform tents, indoor restrooms and shower partitions and plenty of fun activities, including the Art Shack and a day-trip to the NJ beach! New features this year include “Zoo-on-Wheels” provided by the Philadelphia Zoo and SURVIVOR DAY, complete with tiki torches, scavenger hunts and teambuilding exercises. Evening activities include campfires, a dance, a talent show, a carnival, a drum circle, pride dinner and other fun events. And, unlike what you may have heard about camp food, participants eat healthy delicious meals that kids really like! The meal selection includes vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian options. Mountain Meadow is also able to prepare meals to meet special dietary needs that some campers may have.

For more information about becoming a camper or working at camp, call 215-772-1107 or visit MountainMeadow.org.

Image: MountainMeadow.org