At Camp Linwood MacDonald, our mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to experience joy, build meaningful connections, and grow in a place where they feel truly seen, supported, and valued.
Through intentional programming and a nurturing environment, camp fosters essential life skills, including social-emotional development, confidence through play and exploration, a strong sense of belonging, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
We are committed to making these transformative experiences accessible to all, ensuring that every child can enjoy the lasting benefits of summer camp, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Since 1881, the Newark YMCA and Camp Linwood MacDonald have been dedicated to serving the communities of Bayonne, Belleville, East Newark, Harrison, Irvington, Jersey City, Kearny, Newark, and Nutley through a wide range of impactful programs and services.
The story of Camp Linwood MacDonald began in 1959, when the YMCA partnered with Margaret Craig Weaver, whose generous support made it possible to acquire the 220 acre camp property as a retreat for senior citizens. The camp was named “Linwood” in honor of her father’s middle name, reflecting a legacy of family and philanthropy that continues today. Soon after, Robert Rooke funded the construction of the dam that created the camp’s lake—now a central feature of the camp experience.
Just across the Flatbrook River was Camp MacDonald, a separate property later purchased by the Newark YMCA in the 1960s with support from Nester MacDonald. This site served as an environmental education center, and while the two camps often collaborated, they operated independently with their own programs and identities.
In 1990, a new chapter began when the Camp MacDonald property was sold to the State of New Jersey and incorporated into Stokes State Forest. At that time, the camps’ histories were unified, and Camp Linwood was renamed YMCA Camp Linwood MacDonald Environmental Education and Conference Center—bringing together decades of shared purpose under one name.
Today, that legacy lives on as the camp continues to provide meaningful outdoor experiences, education, and community for generations to come.
Working at camp is a chance to gain hands-on experience, take on responsibility, and grow in a supportive, team-focused environment. Staff play an important role in creating safe, engaging, and memorable experiences for children, youth, and adults.
Positions are available in food service, maintenance, and program (activities), with flexible scheduling options. Most roles are seasonal, with opportunities in the summer, spring, fall, or a combination of seasons. Depending on the role, part-time and full-time options are available.
The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity's Camp Linwood MacDonald provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, age, handicap, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, familial status, domestic partnership status, military or veteran status, genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, refusal to submit to genetic testing or provide genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state laws. Upon request, reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on the Y’s business, in accordance with applicable laws.
Description: Camp has 220 acres of green land to trim, mow, and care for. Volunteer and help keep our camp beautiful for campers.
Description: Camp has 3 main buildings and a few smaller buildings that need regular cleaning and maintenance.
If you have other skills or ideas that you would like to contribute to camp please feel free to contact us!
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on a child’s life. At Camp Linwood MacDonald, no camper ever pays the full cost of camp. While the true cost per camper per week is $1,300, our Scholarship Fund ensures that every child can attend, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Last year, 100% of our campers received some form of scholarship, giving them the opportunity to experience the joy, growth, and life-changing memories that only camp can provide.
Our Scholarship Fund is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, the M & T Weiner Foundation, the Victoria Foundation, the Community Foundation: Edward & Edith Parker Fund, Y-USA’s Strategic Initiatives Fund, and the Fresh Air Fund.