Volunteers Restore 50-Year-Old Summer Camp for Jersey Kids

A half-century of summer memories got a fresh start at Liberty State Park this week.

Camp Liberty, Jersey City's hidden gem since 1974, welcomed dozens of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to prepare the beloved day camp for its 51st summer season. The cleanup couldn't come at a better time for the hundreds of local kids who've been counting down to camp.

Employees from BNP Paribas transformed the weathered facility in a single day. They pulled weeds that had crept across pathways, applied fresh coats of paint to faded surfaces, and repaired picnic tables worn smooth by decades of campers.

The timing matters. School lets out soon, and Camp Liberty needed to shine for the next generation of Jersey City children who'll spend their summer days there.

At over 50 years old, the camp shows its age. But that history represents something powerful: generations of neighborhood kids who filled their summers with activities and friendships instead of staying home alone.

The Ripple Effect

This cleanup represents more than cosmetic touch-ups. When volunteers invest time in spaces like Camp Liberty, they're protecting access to summer programs that working families depend on.

The camp has survived five decades because communities keep showing up. Corporate volunteers joined a long tradition of people who believe Jersey City's children deserve safe, engaging places to spend their summer breaks.

Now the refreshed camp stands ready. Fresh paint will gleam in the morning sun, sturdy picnic tables will hold countless lunches, and cleared pathways will echo with the sound of running feet and laughter.

Soon Liberty State Park will buzz with the energy of children discovering Camp Liberty for the first time or returning for another unforgettable summer.