Special Needs Camps
Easterseals New Jersey - Camp Merry Heart
Approximate Start Date
Start: 31 May 2025
Approximate End Date
End: 25 Aug 2025
Camp Type
Special Needs
Location
21 O'Brien Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Staff
Total: 70 (65 international staff) aged 18+
Campers
Total: 70 (co-ed camp)
Camp Overview
Camp Merry Heart - a program of Easterseals New Jersey - provides a wide variety of camping, recreation and activities to people of all ages and with all types of disabilities and special needs. Well over 30,000 individuals have been served since its doors opened in 1954.
Camp Merry Heart is located on a 123 acre facility in Hackettstown, NJ, and offers year-round programs in a beautiful and safe setting.
Camp provides opportunities for self-determination, group participation, and much needed physical exercise. In addition, Camp Merry Heart offers fun recreational trips and excursions, and weekend getaways that supply much-needed respite for campers as well as families and caregivers.
Camp Merry Heart offers a 1:3 ratio (one staff to three participants) and supports individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as campers with visual and sensory deficiencies.
We also provide specific programs for individuals in foster care and kids with muscular dystrophy.
Daily activities and programs include swimming, boating & fishing, nature & science, dance & drama, arts & crafts, sports & games, challenge / ropes course (high & low) and so much more!
Summer sessions vary in length from 6 to 12 days.
Camp Merry Heart is accredited by the American Camp Association and the NJ State Health Department.
Do you have the skills they're looking for?
We asked the camp what positions they are looking to fill at the recruitment fair. Look out for the big thumbs up!
Are you looking to hire Waterfront staff and Lifeguards at the fair?
Are you looking to hire Special Needs counselors at the fair?
Are you looking to hire counsellors with Creative & Performing Arts skills at the fair?
Are you looking to hire counsellors with Outdoor Adventure & Nature Skills at the fair?
Counsellor Roles:
Here's a list of all the positions this camp commonly hires for!
Acting/Drama
All disabilities and ages
Arts & Crafts
Cooking
Dance
Ecology
Emotional Disabilities
Gardening
Learning Difficulties
Mental Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
Campower Roles:
Here's a list of all the positions this camp commonly hires for!
Dining Hall Service
Dishwashing/Kitchen Cleaning
General Maintenance
Groundskeeping
Housekeeping
Laundry
Hmm... What's your role?
Staff Time Off
Main staff's time off occurs between camp sessions although daily time off is available.
Staff Qualities
Camp Merry Heart is seeking individuals who are passionate about working with adults and youth with disabilities and special needs. Full training is provided.