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Monday, May 23
 

9:00am EDT

Breakfast and Broadway Bops
In this session we will: nosh while we listen to quintessential Broadway songs about growth and discover the Torah in each bop.
Educators
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

They/them
Dubbs Weinblatt (they/them) is the Founder and CEO of ‘Thank You For Coming Out’ which strives to inspire authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Coffee and Collaboration
In this session we will: learn more about each other's morning routines through coffee and sharing music, all culminating in a silent disco and morning walk.
Staff
avatar for Jason Scheff

Jason Scheff

FJC Staff, he/him
Jason is an FJC Fellow, working on a portfolio of staff engagement and Jewish education. Jason began his camp journey as a camper at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and then spent eight summers at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Following his last summer as a camper, Jason has since worked... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Hey Will You Make Me A Friendship Bracelet?
In this session we will: creatively express our goals and commitments for Summer 2022 using the classic camp craft of friendship bracelet string.
Educators
avatar for Rachel Dubowe

Rachel Dubowe

She/her/hers
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is an alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, NFTY SOCAL, and HUC-JIR. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Jump Around
In this session we will: start our day on the right foot (get it?) with high-energy Israeli dances to get our blood pumping and take our breath away.
Educators
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and has taught Israeli dancing on four continents (so far). A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Modeh Ani -Waking up with Radical Gratitude and Attitude
In this session we will: review a number of prayers and both reflect on and rewrite how we express gratitude, and share new skills for celebrating our amazing community and world.
Advisors
avatar for Shalom Orzach

Shalom Orzach

Advisor
Shalom Orzach is a senior educator and consultant for the iCenter and serves on faculty for the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Prior to that, he served as the AVI CHAI Project Director for the training of staff returning to summer camps in North America and Director of Education in the... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Morning Meditation Mad Lib
In this session we will: ground ourselves in gratitude, reflect on the space we can co-create, and then collectively complete a Mad Lib (fill-in-the-blank) mediation that we will joyfully use to prepare ourselves for the day.
Educators
avatar for Daniel Shore Ph.D

Daniel Shore Ph.D

He/him/his
Daniel Shore, Ph.D., is a researcher and consultant across the gamut of human interaction, from government cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. He combines his expertise in analytics, teamwork, and strategic engagement to transform data into action. In the camp world (where he... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Moving Mindfulness: Qigong to Start Your Day
In this session we will: begin the day with this wonderful mind-body practice that will center, stretch, energize, and empower you. Utilizing gentle movements, breath work, self-massage, and guided visualization, enjoy this ancient (made modern) health and wellness practice.
Advisors
avatar for Natalie Goldfein

Natalie Goldfein

Advisor, she/her
Natalie Goldfein relishes helping people learn about themselves and others. She believes we create a better world for all by bringing our uniqueness to all we do. As president of YOU Matter Coaching & Consulting, Natalie is a teacher, life coach, and consultant with over 30 years... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Pixar & Cereal
In this session we will: watch entertaining short films, and discuss them over a bowl of cereal.
Educators
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer moved from Israel to Michigan, in 2019, to take on the role of the Director of the NEXTGen Detroit Department in The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Sacred Photography
In this session we will: train our eyes to see the beauty in the world wherever we look and then apply photography techniques for capturing and sharing the beauty.
Educators
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creators and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

SQUIRREL! (Are you paying attention?)
In this session we will: tease and train our attention skills to attend intently to the three E's: environment, element, and equipment and the 4H's: heads, hearts, hands, and heels.
Educators
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a Ph.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he studies how what we believe about others affects what we are willing and able to learn from them. In 15 summers at URJ Greene Family Camp, Josh worked with almost every age group, spending the bulk of his... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Sunrise Movement: Bless your Body, Awaken your Spirit
In this session we will: swap out the prayer book and experience a range of embodied practices that will help us to move, breath, and awaken into our bodies and spirits, following the thematic flow and including select liturgical highlights of a traditional Shacharit morning prayer service.
Educators
avatar for Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein is Founder and Executive Director of Mitsui Collective, which builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and racial equity. Selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future, Yoshi’s work weaves tapestries of embodied... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Tzitzit Making - Learn to Tie Your Own Set: Strings attached
In this session we will: learn how to tie our own set of traditional tzitzit (ritual fringes on four cornered garments).
Educators
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, a Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

9:00am EDT

Writing Our Hopes into Reality: Morning Prayer Pages
In this session we will: harness our imaginations and use writing to launch into the day we hope to have. Time for individual reflection or prayer will be incorporated as well.
Educators
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

She/her/hers
Ariella lives in Toronto, Canada and works as the Senior Director and Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel Ontario serving students at the University of Toronto. She grew up in West Hartford, CT and at Camp Ramah in New England (CRNE), and received her undergraduate degrees in psychology... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA
  Start Your Day

10:00am EDT

Artistic Engagement with Pluralism in Israel
In this session we will: explore Israeli history through interactive art! From Israel's Declaration of Independence to its modern poets, we'll be using interactive art to learn about the old, the new, and the holy.
Educators
avatar for Lauren Cohen Fisher

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her
Lauren Cohen Fisher is a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Department and Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby College and former Director of Israel Education for Hillel International, where she developed Masterclass: Israel, a training fellowship for Hillel professionals across... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Building and Motivating Teams
In this session we will: co-create experiences using proven tools and techniques for 1) building a foundation of trust among team members and 2) sustaining teams using the three pillars of motivation (autonomy, belonging, and competence).
Educators
avatar for Daniel Shore Ph.D

Daniel Shore Ph.D

He/him/his
Daniel Shore, Ph.D., is a researcher and consultant across the gamut of human interaction, from government cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. He combines his expertise in analytics, teamwork, and strategic engagement to transform data into action. In the camp world (where he... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Challenge Course Facilitation for Camp & Beyond
In this session we will: engage in common techniques from the challenge (ropes) course to learn together how best to guide, facilitate, and inspire the growth of the campers, peers, mentors, and leaders we work with towards purposeful change.
Educators
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a Ph.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he studies how what we believe about others affects what we are willing and able to learn from them. In 15 summers at URJ Greene Family Camp, Josh worked with almost every age group, spending the bulk of his... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Cooking & Hospitality
In this session we will: learn how to implement food in three segments creatively: camper programs, staff training, and the global Jewish community
Educators
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer moved from Israel to Michigan, in 2019, to take on the role of the Director of the NEXTGen Detroit Department in The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Disabilities At Camp: Universal Design
In this session we will: engage with disabilities in a camp setting by pushing ourselves to think about camp from a universal design perspective, learn how to appropriately support the many different needs that campers might come to camp with, and apply these learnings to camp ecosystems through new language, tools and pedagogy.
Educators
avatar for Rachel Dubowe

Rachel Dubowe

She/her/hers
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is an alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, NFTY SOCAL, and HUC-JIR. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Forest Judaism: Getting in Touch with Our Roots
In this session we will: explore forests and the benefits we receive from connecting with our natural world while also learning to how to transmit some of the wisdom of the forest to our campers.
Educators
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh's camping career started at Camp Wise in Cleveland, Ohio, as a camper in 1979. Since then, he has earned a master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary and worked at camps around the country, including Camp Ramah Ojai, Pinemere Camp, Camp Alonim, JCA Shalom... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Israeli Dance
In this session we will: learn the what, the why, and the how of Israeli dance, including all the other things you can secretly learn (and teach!) while doing it.
Educators
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and has taught Israeli dancing on four continents (so far). A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Mental Health - Camper Wellness and Cabin Community
In this session we will: discuss and learn about supporting camper wellness and explore ways to create a cabin community that positively promotes social and emotional health.
Educators
avatar for Natalie Rothstein

Natalie Rothstein

Psychotherapist, She/Her/Hers, Natalie Rothstein Psychotherapy
Natalie Rothstein is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Working with adults, adolescents and couples... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Sacred Time: Turning Moments into Memories
In this session we will: unpack the ingredients of sacred time, from Shabbat to birthdays, from milestones to unexpected surprises to create new traditions and re-infuse meaning into the old, in order to take ordinary time and elevate it into moments that will never be forgotten.
Educators
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

She/her/hers
Ariella lives in Toronto, Canada and works as the Senior Director and Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel Ontario serving students at the University of Toronto. She grew up in West Hartford, CT and at Camp Ramah in New England (CRNE), and received her undergraduate degrees in psychology... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Silk Screen and Basic Print Making
In this session we will: create prints using silk screens as a way of exploring create self-expression while also investigating Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's ideas about what it takes to be great teacher. No previous experience or skills in drawing or printing are required to participate fully in this track.
Educators
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
As a camper, Daniel Abramson was always the kid who walked into the dining hall covered in paint or clay: a habit he has largely continued to this day. As a staff member at camp, Daniel learned how the arts can be used as a vehicle for teaching meaningful lessons and for exploring... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

The Power of Sport
In this session we will: develop skills for creating a positive culture of sport at camp. Through redesigning and reimagining our favorite camp sports, we will learn how we can make sports more inclusive and use sports at camp to build community and teach valuable lessons to our campers and co-staff.
Educators
avatar for Mara Berde

Mara Berde

Educator, she/her
Mara Berde has spent 15 summers at Jewish overnight camps working as a counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director, ultimate frisbee specialist, unit head, Jewish program director, and associate director. She credits camp for teaching her everything she knows, including how to be a... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Theater
In this session we will: practice using theater as a tool for leadership, community building, and exploring Jewish values through physical techniques, ensemble exercises, and text.
Educators
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator who offers a unique consultancy based in the arts, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and social emotional learning. She has facilitated in universities, schools, summer camps, detention centers, yeshivas, churches, corporate offices, and long-term... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

WHAT is tefillah and WHY does it matter anyway?
In this session we will: explore tefillah as both a balance of liturgy and prayer (incl. what that means) and an opportunity for spiritual development through programs you can run at camp, plus how finding your 'why' can elevate the tefillah experience for you as a leader or participant, your campers, and your staff.
Educators
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

She/her/hers
Eliana Light envisions a joyful, vibrant, heart-centered Judaism that speaks to the soul and moves the spirit, reminding us that we all are One. She crafts ritual, writes music, trains educators, and consults with communities to bring this vision to life. Eliana has taught at the... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Working with Younger Campers
In this session we will: learn and explore ways to support younger campers to develop and trust their own mind using text, creativity, and play.
Educators
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is an educator, singer, songwriter, and activist based in Philadelphia, PA. Chana's relationship to camp stretches back to her childhood at Camp Northway Lodge in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, where she experienced biodegradable soap (washing in the lake), singing... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

You've Got the Music in You: Song Writing For Everyone!
In this session we will: grow our skills as song writers (from whatever stage we are at) and write and record new songs!
Educators
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creators and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

10:00am EDT

Your Camp-wide "Big" Moments with More Intention, Content, and WOW!
In this session we will: share best practices, and learn ways to make our existing camp-wide experiences enriched with Jewish intention and excitement.
Educators
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, a Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track

2:30pm EDT

Deja vu - Have I Heard This Song Before? Plagiarism and Honoring Our Sources
In this session we will: look at some famous examples of plagiarism in music and discuss the ways in which Jewish texts explore kavod (honor).
Staff
avatar for Jordyn Kaufman

Jordyn Kaufman

Jordyn joined the Foundation for Jewish Camp team in February 2019 and loves using her creativity and social media savviness to support everyone’s favorite form of nostalgia – camp! Jordyn has a degree in music and communications from Yeshiva University and upon her graduation... Read More →
avatar for Teri McGuire

Teri McGuire

FJC Staff, she/her
Teri joined the FJC team in 2016. The granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, Teri was raised to take pride in her Judaism and contribute strongly to the community around her. She strengthened her Jewish identity through her involvement in United Synagogue Youth (USY) where she... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Earth Science: 4 Experiments to Investigate Wonder
In this session we will: learn how simple, fun scientific investigations can be used to infuse time nature with a sense of awe and wonder. We will also explore how engaging experiments can create new entry points into tefillah for kids who are inspired by the natural world.
Educators
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
As a camper, Daniel Abramson was always the kid who walked into the dining hall covered in paint or clay: a habit he has largely continued to this day. As a staff member at camp, Daniel learned how the arts can be used as a vehicle for teaching meaningful lessons and for exploring... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Invisible Baggage: When Loss Breaches the Camp Bubble
In this session we will: explore the different kinds of loss that find their way onto our campgrounds and into our communities, and discuss ways to appropriately respond to grief and loss within the safe, supportive, and sacred space that is camp.
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Arielle Friedtanzer

Arielle Friedtanzer

Arielle Friedtanzer, M.A., has spent the last three years trying to convince people of all ages that talking about death will not make it happen any sooner. Trained as an interfaith chaplain with a background in Judaic Studies, Bioethics, and Social Work, Arielle traveled around the... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Jewish Natural Wisdom: Exploring Nature
In this session we will: explore our connections to the natural world through engaging stories, activities and solo time.
Educators
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh's camping career started at Camp Wise in Cleveland, Ohio, as a camper in 1979. Since then, he has earned a master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary and worked at camps around the country, including Camp Ramah Ojai, Pinemere Camp, Camp Alonim, JCA Shalom... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Mystical Inhalation and Cosmic Inflation for the Jewish Soul
In this session we will: explore Jewish breathwork and embodied practice at the intersection of science, theology, and spiritual attunement in order to access wisdom and practices for greater awareness, presence, and clarity.
Educators
avatar for Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein is Founder and Executive Director of Mitsui Collective, which builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and racial equity. Selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future, Yoshi’s work weaves tapestries of embodied... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Night at the Museum - Bringing Jewish History to Life!
In this session we will: explore the timeline of Jewish History through immersive experiences that will engage your senses and your campers!
Educators
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, a Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Post-It Party Tefillah
In this session we will: examine all of the different ways we engage in prayer, learn from the experiences of others, and get motivated to have these conversations back in your home camp community.
Advisors
avatar for Sara Beth Berman

Sara Beth Berman

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Sara Beth Berman is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller, and has spent her career as an experiential Jewish educator and consultant, working on curriculum development, teen programming, professional development, and programmatic initiatives. Her decades of work in the Jewish nonprofit... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Power of Language and LGBTQ Youth
In this session we will: we will begin to identify different ways of supporting LGBTQ youth by learning affirming language and approaches to conversations all through a Jewish values lens.
Educators
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

They/them
Dubbs Weinblatt (they/them) is the Founder and CEO of ‘Thank You For Coming Out’ which strives to inspire authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Prepare Me To Be a Sanctuary
In this session we will: use creative writing, spoken word poetry, and lessons from the Tabernacle and Mishkan story to amplify and celebrate our strengths as counselors and leaders at camp.
Educators
avatar for Caroline Rothstein

Caroline Rothstein

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Caroline Rothstein is an internationally touring writer, poet, performer, and educator. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, The Guardian, BuzzFeed, NYLON, Narratively, The ABA Journal, Williams Magazine, The Forward, Hey Alma, and elsewhere. She tours worldwide performing... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Spiritual Frisbee
In this session we will: have fun learning life lessons while we go over the basic frisbee throws and play spiritual frisbee games.
Educators
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creators and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Sports for All
In this session we will: uncover the barriers to sports at camp and begin to reimagine how sports at camp can be more inclusive to all campers and staff, regardless of age, size, or skill level. (This elective is not intended for Fellows in the Sports specialty track.)
Educators
avatar for Mara Berde

Mara Berde

Educator, she/her
Mara Berde has spent 15 summers at Jewish overnight camps working as a counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director, ultimate frisbee specialist, unit head, Jewish program director, and associate director. She credits camp for teaching her everything she knows, including how to be a... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Strategies for Self Care at Camp
In this session we will: share, experience, and experiment with strategies to care for ourselves during camp this summer.
Staff
avatar for Jill Goldstein Smith

Jill Goldstein Smith

FJC Staff, she/they
Jill Goldstein Smith joined Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2015 following years in television news. As a senior program manager, she focuses on professional development, leadership, Jewish education, and MESSH (mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health). Originally from south... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

The Art and Act of Improv
In this session we will: explore the fundamentals of improvisation, as originated by the "Jewish Mother" of improv, Viola Spolin, to strengthen our abilities to play, empathize, and build community mindedness at camp. *No improv experience is required as we will learn that improv is not about being funny; it is about connecting!
Educators
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator who offers a unique consultancy based in the arts, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and social emotional learning. She has facilitated in universities, schools, summer camps, detention centers, yeshivas, churches, corporate offices, and long-term... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

There's A Crack in Everything, That's How the Light Gets In
In this session we will: transform the act of destruction into art creation as we think about the formation of the world and the seemingly broken state of the world today.
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Asya Gribov

Asya Gribov

Asya Gribov is a museum educator, community organizer, world traveler and art lover. Most of all, Asya enjoys creating unique educational experiences that promote creativity and critical thinking through the Arts. Following her passions, Asya can be found leading school and family... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Uncompromising Teen Development -- Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence
In this session we will: use our minds and bodies to deconstruct the incessant challenges of working with teens through the life of revolutionary psychologist Lev Vygotsky and the story of 'The Turkey Sage'.
Educators
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a Ph.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he studies how what we believe about others affects what we are willing and able to learn from them. In 15 summers at URJ Greene Family Camp, Josh worked with almost every age group, spending the bulk of his... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

We Made A Cabin Brit...Now What?
In this session we will: explore the creation process of a cabin brit, different strategies to ensure that a cabin brit is a living document for campers, and how to empower campers to be their best selves in and out of their cabin.
Educators
avatar for Rachel Dubowe

Rachel Dubowe

She/her/hers
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is an alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, NFTY SOCAL, and HUC-JIR. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1

2:30pm EDT

Get Comfortable Navigating Crisis Energy
In this session we will: learn how to assess, measure, and navigate the numerous types of crisis energy that fill up our days as summer camp supervisors.
Advisors
avatar for Jonah Canner

Jonah Canner

Advisor, he/him
Jonah Canner is an ambassador for the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah's primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education, and working... Read More →
avatar for Becca Sykes

Becca Sykes

Advisor, she/her
Anytime Rebecca strayed from blazing a path as an artist living a Jewish life, a few weeks at camp set things back on fire. Ramah Darom and Ramah Wisconsin feel like home; the kind of home where you build creativity and connection while eating tater tots. Her love of experiential... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1: Supervisors

2:30pm EDT

Living Out Our Values Day By Day
In this session we will: learn how we can approach our decisions through the prism of our core values in ways that help to complicate our thinking, consider perspectives outside our comfort zones, resist complacency and be our best selves.
Educators
avatar for Sarra Alpert

Sarra Alpert

She/Her/Hers
Sarra Alpert is the director of the Avodah Institute for Social Change. There and elsewhere, Sarra helps to build activist communities to support and challenge each other in anti-oppressive, transformative social justice movement-building in Jewish communal spaces and beyond. This... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1: Supervisors

2:30pm EDT

Not Only for Myself: Tools for Leading
In this session we will: learn tools for supervising individuals, teams, and tasks, and dive deep into what makes a perfect meeting.
Educators
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and has taught Israeli dancing on four continents (so far). A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Briana Holtzman

Briana Holtzman

FJC Staff, she/her
Briana is the Senior Director of Organizational Development for Foundation for Jewish Camp. Previously, she was the Director of the Jewish Teen Funders Network in NYC and the founding Assistant Director of URJ Camp Kalsman in Seattle, WA. In her role at the FJC, Briana oversees a... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1: Supervisors

2:30pm EDT

Seeking Clarity: From Intention to Vision
In this session we will: use storytelling techniques to seek clarity in our visions, intentions, and motivations!
Advisors
avatar for Robbie Solway

Robbie Solway

He/They
Robbie Solway is a community educator, peer and project coach, and facilitator of many kinds. He grew up in the Hashomer Hatzair community, studied Societal Entrepreneurship through the International Youth Initiative Program (YIP), and currently studies Diaspora & Transnational Studies... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1: Supervisors

2:30pm EDT

Supervising With
In this session we will: explore a model that will help us reflect on our own supervisory strengths and areas of growth, create an action plan that helps us stay in tune with ourselves, make the best use of our strengths, and address our struggles head on.
Advisors
avatar for Brett Gurwitz

Brett Gurwitz

Advisor, he/him
Brett Gurwitz is a trainer, coach, and consultant with over twenty years of youth development and team building experience. Brett currently works with Ramapo for Children where he supports curriculum development and helps school administration, educators, and youth professionals gain... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1: Supervisors

2:30pm EDT

You Matter: Own Your Gifts
In this session we will: identify our unique gifts, understand why actively using our gifts is so important, and make plans to bring our gifts to our summer camp work as well as eliciting the gifts from our staff.
Advisors
avatar for Natalie Goldfein

Natalie Goldfein

Advisor, she/her
Natalie Goldfein relishes helping people learn about themselves and others. She believes we create a better world for all by bringing our uniqueness to all we do. As president of YOU Matter Coaching & Consulting, Natalie is a teacher, life coach, and consultant with over 30 years... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elective 1: Supervisors

8:00pm EDT

Body Image: A Sacred Space For Acceptance and Healing
In this session we will: use a variety of activities to reflect on, process, and do some healing in our body journeys.
Advisors
avatar for Natalie Goldfein

Natalie Goldfein

Advisor, she/her
Natalie Goldfein relishes helping people learn about themselves and others. She believes we create a better world for all by bringing our uniqueness to all we do. As president of YOU Matter Coaching & Consulting, Natalie is a teacher, life coach, and consultant with over 30 years... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

She/her/hers
Eliana Light envisions a joyful, vibrant, heart-centered Judaism that speaks to the soul and moves the spirit, reminding us that we all are One. She crafts ritual, writes music, trains educators, and consults with communities to bring this vision to life. Eliana has taught at the... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Jordyn Kaufman

Jordyn Kaufman

Jordyn joined the Foundation for Jewish Camp team in February 2019 and loves using her creativity and social media savviness to support everyone’s favorite form of nostalgia – camp! Jordyn has a degree in music and communications from Yeshiva University and upon her graduation... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Collaborate Good Times, C'mon! Grow Your Repertoire of Team-Building Games
In this session we will: experience a range of team-building games using various formats - ranging from quick icebreakers to multi-part challenges that increase communication, creative problem-solving, and collective decision-making!
Advisors
avatar for Brett Gurwitz

Brett Gurwitz

Advisor, he/him
Brett Gurwitz is a trainer, coach, and consultant with over twenty years of youth development and team building experience. Brett currently works with Ramapo for Children where he supports curriculum development and helps school administration, educators, and youth professionals gain... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Daniel Shore Ph.D

Daniel Shore Ph.D

He/him/his
Daniel Shore, Ph.D., is a researcher and consultant across the gamut of human interaction, from government cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. He combines his expertise in analytics, teamwork, and strategic engagement to transform data into action. In the camp world (where he... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Adam Gadiel

Adam Gadiel

Adam Gadiel is a sophomore student at Knox College majoring in secondary education. He has been a camp counselor for 4 years, and an avid summer camp lover for 10. Adam’s long years of experience outside of camp in the world of Jewish leadership include youth groups, internships... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Contented Creators - 60 Seconds of Soul
In this session we will: use social media to create 60-second introspection moments - thinking about how we're meaningful, helpful, and/or spiritual.
Advisors
avatar for Sara Beth Berman

Sara Beth Berman

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Sara Beth Berman is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller, and has spent her career as an experiential Jewish educator and consultant, working on curriculum development, teen programming, professional development, and programmatic initiatives. Her decades of work in the Jewish nonprofit... Read More →
avatar for Becca Sykes

Becca Sykes

Advisor, she/her
Anytime Rebecca strayed from blazing a path as an artist living a Jewish life, a few weeks at camp set things back on fire. Ramah Darom and Ramah Wisconsin feel like home; the kind of home where you build creativity and connection while eating tater tots. Her love of experiential... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creators and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Escaping the Cave
In this session we will: play as a team to solve puzzles, find clues, figure out codes, and explore Jewish wisdom and liberation traditions as we attempt to escape the cave! (This is an escape room experience.)
Advisors
avatar for Jonah Canner

Jonah Canner

Advisor, he/him
Jonah Canner is an ambassador for the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah's primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education, and working... Read More →
avatar for Robbie Solway

Robbie Solway

He/They
Robbie Solway is a community educator, peer and project coach, and facilitator of many kinds. He grew up in the Hashomer Hatzair community, studied Societal Entrepreneurship through the International Youth Initiative Program (YIP), and currently studies Diaspora & Transnational Studies... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a Ph.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he studies how what we believe about others affects what we are willing and able to learn from them. In 15 summers at URJ Greene Family Camp, Josh worked with almost every age group, spending the bulk of his... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

From Cover to Cover: Evening Programs Inspired by Children's Books
In this session we will: begin to build our own camp library of stories, riddles, poems, and more as we have fun with creative programs inspired by some of the best children's books
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Asya Gribov

Asya Gribov

Asya Gribov is a museum educator, community organizer, world traveler and art lover. Most of all, Asya enjoys creating unique educational experiences that promote creativity and critical thinking through the Arts. Following her passions, Asya can be found leading school and family... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Gender Express Yourself
In this session we will: explore our gender complexities through embodied play using the mediums of fashion, makeup, design & curation, catwalking, and music to feel empowered in our gender(s).
Educators
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

They/them
Dubbs Weinblatt (they/them) is the Founder and CEO of ‘Thank You For Coming Out’ which strives to inspire authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator who offers a unique consultancy based in the arts, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and social emotional learning. She has facilitated in universities, schools, summer camps, detention centers, yeshivas, churches, corporate offices, and long-term... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Morgan Morris

Morgan Morris

Morgan Morris (he/him/his), B.S.c, is an international staff member from Scotland who will be one of our Event Interns this year. He has worked at Beber Camp, WI for 3 summers whereas a one-on-one counsellor, vocational hobby specialist and CIT leader. During the summer of 2021, due... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Inside Out Self Care
In this session we will: learn how to address the most common barriers that prevent campers from feeling safe and comfortable outside or in tents, and discover new ways to foster a sense of calm and inspiration during starlit nighttime experiences.
Educators
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
As a camper, Daniel Abramson was always the kid who walked into the dining hall covered in paint or clay: a habit he has largely continued to this day. As a staff member at camp, Daniel learned how the arts can be used as a vehicle for teaching meaningful lessons and for exploring... Read More →
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer moved from Israel to Michigan, in 2019, to take on the role of the Director of the NEXTGen Detroit Department in The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Mazal Mantra: Creating Your Own Constellations & Stories from our Skies
In this session we will: look inward and upward in the Cornerstone Planetarium, exploring stories of astronomy and astrology to inspire us to build constellations of support as we connect to our own stories.
Educators
avatar for Natalie Rothstein

Natalie Rothstein

Psychotherapist, She/Her/Hers, Natalie Rothstein Psychotherapy
Natalie Rothstein is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Working with adults, adolescents and couples... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Alexandra Bennett

Alexandra Bennett

Alexandra (Alex) Bennett is a graduating senior working to achieve her B.A. in Drama with a minor in Jewish Studies from the University of California Irvine. Outside of her studies Alex teaches religious school at a local synagogue and serves as President of her campus's Hillel as... Read More →
avatar for Jill Goldstein Smith

Jill Goldstein Smith

FJC Staff, she/they
Jill Goldstein Smith joined Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2015 following years in television news. As a senior program manager, she focuses on professional development, leadership, Jewish education, and MESSH (mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health). Originally from south... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Painting by the Sounds of Our People: An Evening of Guided Art-Making
In this session we will: get inspired by Jewish art, symbols, and music from across time and space to create our own paintings; no art experience required to join in this auditory and visual journey!
Educators
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

She/her/hers
Ariella lives in Toronto, Canada and works as the Senior Director and Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel Ontario serving students at the University of Toronto. She grew up in West Hartford, CT and at Camp Ramah in New England (CRNE), and received her undergraduate degrees in psychology... Read More →
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is an educator, singer, songwriter, and activist based in Philadelphia, PA. Chana's relationship to camp stretches back to her childhood at Camp Northway Lodge in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, where she experienced biodegradable soap (washing in the lake), singing... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Amanda Leventhal

Amanda Leventhal

Amanda Leventhal graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Psychology in 2018 and has recently decided to utilize her passion for Judaism to pursue a Jewish professional career. She has spent the past 8 summers at the URJ Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas, including... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Run with it: Middot in Motion
In this session we will: jump with joy, connect with courage, race with integrity, and embrace the mind/body connection inherent in middot (Jewish values).
Educators
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and has taught Israeli dancing on four continents (so far). A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Dubowe

Rachel Dubowe

She/her/hers
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is an alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, NFTY SOCAL, and HUC-JIR. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Carly Colen

Carly Colen

Carly Colen is a junior at Emory University, where she majors in political science and minors in ethics. Since age 11 she has spent her summers at Beber Camp where she has taken on the role of a Camper, Counselor, Paddle Specialist, Head Counselor, Cornerstone Fellow, and Senior Cornerstone... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Schmooze & Serve
In this session we will: Join Repair the World to spend time with new and old friends as we package supplies for local community members in need, learning about systemic issues facing Baltimore community residents, experiencing service in action, and schmoozing after a long day of learning.
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Rachel Figurasmith

Rachel Figurasmith

Rachel (she/her) serves as the Northeast Regional Director of Repair the World. Previously serving as the Executive Director of Repair the World NYC, Rachel spearheaded family volunteering engagement initiatives and expansion into new programs since 2018. A born-and-bred New Yorker... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Levine

Melissa Levine

Melissa was born and raised in South Florida and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park. (Go Terps!!) During her time at UMD, she was incredibly involved in Jewish life on campus and participated in multiple Repair Alternative Spring Break trips. She also volunteered... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Shema Yisrael, Please Listen Israel, A Jewish History Sound Museum
In this session we will: embark on a meditative journey through Jewish history that plays with associative memory and experiential learning through listening.
Advisors
avatar for Shalom Orzach

Shalom Orzach

Advisor
Shalom Orzach is a senior educator and consultant for the iCenter and serves on faculty for the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Prior to that, he served as the AVI CHAI Project Director for the training of staff returning to summer camps in North America and Director of Education in the... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Lauren Cohen Fisher

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her
Lauren Cohen Fisher is a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Department and Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby College and former Director of Israel Education for Hillel International, where she developed Masterclass: Israel, a training fellowship for Hillel professionals across... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

Telling your story: Camp in Your Career
In this session we will: dive deep into our camp experiences through the power of storytelling, and begin to understand the professional skills and personal virtues we've learned as camp staff that we can leverage to enhance one's career.
Advisors
avatar for Seth Braunstein

Seth Braunstein

Advisor, he/him
Rabbi Seth Braunstein has a passion for informal Jewish education. He grew up going to Jewish summer camp and has traveled extensively working for many Jewish communities around the world. For the last 17 years he has directed The Szarvas Fellowships program in Hungary, which brings... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Mara Berde

Mara Berde

Educator, she/her
Mara Berde has spent 15 summers at Jewish overnight camps working as a counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director, ultimate frisbee specialist, unit head, Jewish program director, and associate director. She credits camp for teaching her everything she knows, including how to be a... Read More →

Staff
avatar for Jason Scheff

Jason Scheff

FJC Staff, he/him
Jason is an FJC Fellow, working on a portfolio of staff engagement and Jewish education. Jason began his camp journey as a camper at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and then spent eight summers at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Following his last summer as a camper, Jason has since worked... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

The Power of Jewish Fire: Infuse your Fire Making with Intention
In this session we will: build a Bonfire or bondfire. From the power, magic and mystery of fire to learning to harness its secrets to expand your programs, we will explore the inner eish (fire) in each of us. *We will be building an actual fire
Educators
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh's camping career started at Camp Wise in Cleveland, Ohio, as a camper in 1979. Since then, he has earned a master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary and worked at camps around the country, including Camp Ramah Ojai, Pinemere Camp, Camp Alonim, JCA Shalom... Read More →
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, a Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →
avatar for Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein is Founder and Executive Director of Mitsui Collective, which builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and racial equity. Selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future, Yoshi’s work weaves tapestries of embodied... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience

8:00pm EDT

This Session Isn't Life or Death...It's Both
In this session we will: explore and discover ways we want to remember and honor ourselves, our experiences, and our loved ones in this hands-on, interactive celebration of life.
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Arielle Friedtanzer

Arielle Friedtanzer

Arielle Friedtanzer, M.A., has spent the last three years trying to convince people of all ages that talking about death will not make it happen any sooner. Trained as an interfaith chaplain with a background in Judaic Studies, Bioethics, and Social Work, Arielle traveled around the... Read More →

Monday May 23, 2022 8:00pm - 9:15pm EDT
TBA
  Evening Experience
 
Tuesday, May 24
 

10:45am EDT

Elevate: Climate Justice
In this session we will: explore what climate justice looks like at camp using many approaches - art, music, discussion, planning, text study - to get connected and inspired on our climate justice journeys.
Educators
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is an educator, singer, songwriter, and activist based in Philadelphia, PA. Chana's relationship to camp stretches back to her childhood at Camp Northway Lodge in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, where she experienced biodegradable soap (washing in the lake), singing... Read More →
avatar for Sarra Alpert

Sarra Alpert

She/Her/Hers
Sarra Alpert is the director of the Avodah Institute for Social Change. There and elsewhere, Sarra helps to build activist communities to support and challenge each other in anti-oppressive, transformative social justice movement-building in Jewish communal spaces and beyond. This... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

Elevate: Culture of Consent
In this session we will: explore frameworks that effectively shape boundaries and practices of consent at camp; model proactive strategies to identify and analyze sites of power at camp; and make a feasible action plan to support our camp communities in cultivating a culture of consent by planting seeds that will empower us to make informed decisions about policies and practices at camp.
Educators
avatar for Caroline Rothstein

Caroline Rothstein

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Caroline Rothstein is an internationally touring writer, poet, performer, and educator. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, The Guardian, BuzzFeed, NYLON, Narratively, The ABA Journal, Williams Magazine, The Forward, Hey Alma, and elsewhere. She tours worldwide performing... Read More →
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
As a camper, Daniel Abramson was always the kid who walked into the dining hall covered in paint or clay: a habit he has largely continued to this day. As a staff member at camp, Daniel learned how the arts can be used as a vehicle for teaching meaningful lessons and for exploring... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

Elevate: LGBTQ+ Belonging
In this session we will: explore and build a foundation around LGBTQ+ belonging in our camps. We will do a deep dive into camp culture and begin to assess our camps' needs and growth areas, workshopping effective ways to bring about change.
Educators
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

She/her/hers
Ariella lives in Toronto, Canada and works as the Senior Director and Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel Ontario serving students at the University of Toronto. She grew up in West Hartford, CT and at Camp Ramah in New England (CRNE), and received her undergraduate degrees in psychology... Read More →
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

They/them
Dubbs Weinblatt (they/them) is the Founder and CEO of ‘Thank You For Coming Out’ which strives to inspire authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Mara Berde

Mara Berde

Educator, she/her
Mara Berde has spent 15 summers at Jewish overnight camps working as a counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director, ultimate frisbee specialist, unit head, Jewish program director, and associate director. She credits camp for teaching her everything she knows, including how to be a... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

Elevate: Mental Health & Staff
In this session we will: recognize that the pace of camp can be detrimental to self-care, identify ways to integrate wellness strategies within the day-to-day routine, and engage in conversations around community and self-care with peers.
Educators
avatar for Daniel Shore Ph.D

Daniel Shore Ph.D

He/him/his
Daniel Shore, Ph.D., is a researcher and consultant across the gamut of human interaction, from government cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. He combines his expertise in analytics, teamwork, and strategic engagement to transform data into action. In the camp world (where he... Read More →
avatar for Natalie Rothstein

Natalie Rothstein

Psychotherapist, She/Her/Hers, Natalie Rothstein Psychotherapy
Natalie Rothstein is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Working with adults, adolescents and couples... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

Elevate: Mindfulness
In this session we will: use a V'ahavta-inspired framework to model a range of mindfulness tools and practices, learn the science and spirituality of how and why mindfulness is effective, and create space to workshop the application of mindfulness to elevate the summer camp experience with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might.
Educators
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

She/her/hers
Eliana Light envisions a joyful, vibrant, heart-centered Judaism that speaks to the soul and moves the spirit, reminding us that we all are One. She crafts ritual, writes music, trains educators, and consults with communities to bring this vision to life. Eliana has taught at the... Read More →
avatar for Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein is Founder and Executive Director of Mitsui Collective, which builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and racial equity. Selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future, Yoshi’s work weaves tapestries of embodied... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

Elevate: Racial Identity & Inclusion
In this session we will: learn how to notice, address, and disrupt unintentional racial bias at camp.
Educators
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator who offers a unique consultancy based in the arts, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and social emotional learning. She has facilitated in universities, schools, summer camps, detention centers, yeshivas, churches, corporate offices, and long-term... Read More →

Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Kelly Whitehead

Kelly Whitehead

She/They
Kelly Whitehead (she/they) is a 3rd year rabbinical student and Jewish Nonprofit Management MA student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Before starting school, Kelly spent 9 summers at URJ Camp Harlam and first attended Cornerstone as a fellow in 2014. Kelly participated... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

From the Elephant in the Room to Having a Seat at the Table
In this session we will: learn how to engage in challenging conversations about Israel.
Educators
avatar for Lauren Cohen Fisher

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her
Lauren Cohen Fisher is a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Department and Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby College and former Director of Israel Education for Hillel International, where she developed Masterclass: Israel, a training fellowship for Hillel professionals across... Read More →
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer moved from Israel to Michigan, in 2019, to take on the role of the Director of the NEXTGen Detroit Department in The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

10:45am EDT

Volunteering Beyond the Bunk
In this session we will: be inspired to serve our community beyond camp, be prepared to lead a service project, and be equipped to teach/facilitate Jewish service learning.
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Rachel Figurasmith

Rachel Figurasmith

Rachel (she/her) serves as the Northeast Regional Director of Repair the World. Previously serving as the Executive Director of Repair the World NYC, Rachel spearheaded family volunteering engagement initiatives and expansion into new programs since 2018. A born-and-bred New Yorker... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Levine

Melissa Levine

Melissa was born and raised in South Florida and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park. (Go Terps!!) During her time at UMD, she was incredibly involved in Jewish life on campus and participated in multiple Repair Alternative Spring Break trips. She also volunteered... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:45am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA
  Elevate

3:15pm EDT

(Almost) 100 Blessings a Day
In this session we will: enjoy a nature walk where we will explore the power of blessing - that ancient tradition of praising divinity for the positive aspects of life - by saying as many blessings as we can!
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Akiko Yonekawa

Akiko Yonekawa

Aki Yonekawa is the associate dean of Jewish education at Gann Academy, a Jewish high school in the Boston area. She teaches Jewish Studies and plans school-wide Jewish and student life programs in collaboration with student leaders and teams of very dedicated teachers which is basically... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Activated Ashrei
In this session we will: dive deep into the first six words of Ashrei through text study, song, movement, and mindfulness, letting our ancestors speak to us through the siddur in a new way and responding with our full selves in a moment of personal prayer. (We will include kaddish.)
Educators
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

She/her/hers
Eliana Light envisions a joyful, vibrant, heart-centered Judaism that speaks to the soul and moves the spirit, reminding us that we all are One. She crafts ritual, writes music, trains educators, and consults with communities to bring this vision to life. Eliana has taught at the... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Blooming Blessings: Actively Planting our Intentions
In this session we will: engage in reflection, set intentions for the moment and moments ahead this summer, and literally give them roots to bloom (by planting a pipe cleaner flower garden)!
Staff
avatar for Jill Goldstein Smith

Jill Goldstein Smith

FJC Staff, she/they
Jill Goldstein Smith joined Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2015 following years in television news. As a senior program manager, she focuses on professional development, leadership, Jewish education, and MESSH (mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health). Originally from south... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Camp Music Appreciation Society
In this session we will: share and play the songs that make our camp jam (dance moves welcome but not required).
Educators
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, a Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Crafternoon: 5 minute Crafts for your Cabin
In this session we will: learn a few quick, fun, back-pocket projects for building community, keeping kids busy during down time, or just bringing more general adorable craftiness into your summer!
Staff
avatar for Julie Finkelstein

Julie Finkelstein

FJC Staff, she/her
Julie Finkelstein is the Senior Director of Field Services at Foundation for Jewish Camp. Julie works on initiatives that support Jewish camps and their leaders, particularly those aimed at enhancing the counselor experience. Prior to joining FJC in 2014, Julie was the Associate Director... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Fitness and Games to Get Your Blood Pumping
In this session we will: get our bodies moving and our blood pumping, because sometimes we just need to run around in order to re-energize ourselves for the rest of the camp day. Wear your active shoes and come prepared to move around and have fun!
Educators
avatar for Mara Berde

Mara Berde

Educator, she/her
Mara Berde has spent 15 summers at Jewish overnight camps working as a counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director, ultimate frisbee specialist, unit head, Jewish program director, and associate director. She credits camp for teaching her everything she knows, including how to be a... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Games that Get Us Moving
In this session we will: experience a variety of fun games that can be brought back to camp and get campers and fellow staff moving when energy and joy are needed.
Advisors
avatar for Brett Gurwitz

Brett Gurwitz

Advisor, he/him
Brett Gurwitz is a trainer, coach, and consultant with over twenty years of youth development and team building experience. Brett currently works with Ramapo for Children where he supports curriculum development and helps school administration, educators, and youth professionals gain... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Grow, GROW: Yoga That Builds Good Energy
In this session: we will build energy in the body through the physical practice of yoga. Each pose is as varied as each body, everyone is welcome!
Advisors
avatar for Becca Sykes

Becca Sykes

Advisor, she/her
Anytime Rebecca strayed from blazing a path as an artist living a Jewish life, a few weeks at camp set things back on fire. Ramah Darom and Ramah Wisconsin feel like home; the kind of home where you build creativity and connection while eating tater tots. Her love of experiential... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Movement Minyan
In this session we will: take a dive into Jewish movement practice, playful physical activities, energizing partner games, and creative prompts that allow us to explore and experience Jewish wisdom, values, and ideas through a whole new light.
Educators
avatar for Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein is Founder and Executive Director of Mitsui Collective, which builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and racial equity. Selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future, Yoshi’s work weaves tapestries of embodied... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Screaming Meditation
In this session we will: experience the range and power of our voices as we center ourselves and find some quiet by letting all of the noise come out.
Advisors
avatar for Jonah Canner

Jonah Canner

Advisor, he/him
Jonah Canner is an ambassador for the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah's primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education, and working... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Silent Disco
In this session we will: dance to our own tunes, alone together! Come with your favorite playlist and a set of headphones to get your grooves out before you jump into another CornerDay!
Educators
avatar for Lauren Cohen Fisher

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her
Lauren Cohen Fisher is a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Department and Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby College and former Director of Israel Education for Hillel International, where she developed Masterclass: Israel, a training fellowship for Hillel professionals across... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Vocal Improv Rhythm Circle
In this session we will: Energize our bodies and souls with an improvisation of vocal and rhythmic expression.
Educators
avatar for Jon Adam Ross

Jon Adam Ross

JON ADAM ROSS is managing director and founding artist of The In[heir]itance Project, a national arts non-profit that creates space for communities to navigate challenging civic conversations through collaborative theater projects inspired by inherited texts, traditions, cultures... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day

3:15pm EDT

Walk the Labyrinth
In this session we will: center our bodies and mind in the embodied practice of walking a Labyrinth, a technology to remind us that the journey of life and camp is infolding in front of us with each step we take - together we will return to our center and out again in this unique practice for contemplation and rejuvenation
Educators
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator who offers a unique consultancy based in the arts, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and social emotional learning. She has facilitated in universities, schools, summer camps, detention centers, yeshivas, churches, corporate offices, and long-term... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Energize Your Day
 
Wednesday, May 25
 

9:00am EDT

Behind the Curtain: Best of Experiential Education
In this session we will: learn how to use the theories of experiential learning to build great programs.
Educators
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and has taught Israeli dancing on four continents (so far). A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Bringing Out Your Campy & Schticky Self: A guide for Beginners and Others
In this session we will: learn how to create a culture of "goofy camp fun" through games and creative team building activities!
Educators
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, a Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Counselors Plan, Camp Laughs: Practicing Presence & Preparation
In this session we will: share models for making plans at camp, practices for staying present in the midst of camp stresses (foreseen and unforeseen), and strategies for what to do when those well laid plans require on the fly improvisation.
Advisors
avatar for Jonah Canner

Jonah Canner

Advisor, he/him
Jonah Canner is an ambassador for the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah's primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education, and working... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Don't Flip Your Lid: Restorative Strategies for De-Escalating Conflict
In this session we will: learn what happens in our body during conflict and practice strategies that will help us work through conflict with campers and peers with intention.
Advisors
avatar for Brett Gurwitz

Brett Gurwitz

Advisor, he/him
Brett Gurwitz is a trainer, coach, and consultant with over twenty years of youth development and team building experience. Brett currently works with Ramapo for Children where he supports curriculum development and helps school administration, educators, and youth professionals gain... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Flexible, Fresh, & Focused: Ways to be Self-Reflective at Camp
In this session we will: learn and try different methods and approaches of self-reflection with a focus on using these skills at camp - and beyond!
Educators
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is an educator, singer, songwriter, and activist based in Philadelphia, PA. Chana's relationship to camp stretches back to her childhood at Camp Northway Lodge in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, where she experienced biodegradable soap (washing in the lake), singing... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

How to Lead a Discussion - Where Campers Actually Participate
In this session we will: experience a variety of creative techniques for leading meaningful educational discussions with campers, while keeping them moving, playing, thinking, and most importantly - talking!
Staff
avatar for Julie Finkelstein

Julie Finkelstein

FJC Staff, she/her
Julie Finkelstein is the Senior Director of Field Services at Foundation for Jewish Camp. Julie works on initiatives that support Jewish camps and their leaders, particularly those aimed at enhancing the counselor experience. Prior to joining FJC in 2014, Julie was the Associate Director... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Let's Spend Some Time Alone... Together
In this session we will: explore how to offer opportunities for collective alone time during the summer and discuss the importance of balancing different social needs of campers and staff at camp.
Educators
avatar for Natalie Rothstein

Natalie Rothstein

Psychotherapist, She/Her/Hers, Natalie Rothstein Psychotherapy
Natalie Rothstein is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Working with adults, adolescents and couples... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Non-Verbal Facilitation Skills
In this session we will: learn how to use our body language to work the room and lead a group.
Educators
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer moved from Israel to Michigan, in 2019, to take on the role of the Director of the NEXTGen Detroit Department in The Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Programming for Different Energy Levels
In this session we will: explore when to turn up the energy or dial it back, whether for different personality types, the natural ebb and flow of the camp season, or the arc of the day, all without sacrificing the magical ingredients that make camp, camp.
Educators
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

She/her/hers
Ariella lives in Toronto, Canada and works as the Senior Director and Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel Ontario serving students at the University of Toronto. She grew up in West Hartford, CT and at Camp Ramah in New England (CRNE), and received her undergraduate degrees in psychology... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Programming for You AND Your Campers
In this session we will: explore how to create programming that is personal to you while also engaging all of your campers by incorporating different modalities and experiential techniques.
Staff
avatar for Teri McGuire

Teri McGuire

FJC Staff, she/her
Teri joined the FJC team in 2016. The granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, Teri was raised to take pride in her Judaism and contribute strongly to the community around her. She strengthened her Jewish identity through her involvement in United Synagogue Youth (USY) where she... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Putting the YOU in Unique: Using Your Uniqueness to Your Advantage
In this session we will: use different artistic modalities and texts to explore our "facilitator voices" and hone in on the methods that give us the most confidence when leading a group.
Educators
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

They/them
Dubbs Weinblatt (they/them) is the Founder and CEO of ‘Thank You For Coming Out’ which strives to inspire authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Recognizing Your Self Pivoting Skills - Before, During and After
In this session we will: delve into facilitation skills, and how to foster and encourage your best self as a leader before your program, during your program and after your program.
Educators
avatar for Rachel Dubowe

Rachel Dubowe

She/her/hers
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is an alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, NFTY SOCAL, and HUC-JIR. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Start Strong, Finish Strong
In this session we will: explore the importance of strong opening and closing moments and how they impact the experience of participants, focusing on transitions, setting vibes, use of body language and tone, grounding, gratitude, and applying these tools to a variety of program types.
Educators
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

She/her/hers
Eliana Light envisions a joyful, vibrant, heart-centered Judaism that speaks to the soul and moves the spirit, reminding us that we all are One. She crafts ritual, writes music, trains educators, and consults with communities to bring this vision to life. Eliana has taught at the... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Study Leads to Action: Crafting Activities Inspired by Jewish Texts
In this session we will: explore a process and protocol for approaching biblical texts with an orientation toward discovering the underlying values, big questions, and big ideas that can become the foundation for the next great camp activity!
Adjunct Faculty
avatar for Akiko Yonekawa

Akiko Yonekawa

Aki Yonekawa is the associate dean of Jewish education at Gann Academy, a Jewish high school in the Boston area. She teaches Jewish Studies and plans school-wide Jewish and student life programs in collaboration with student leaders and teams of very dedicated teachers which is basically... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Teachers, Mentors, Guides, and Friends: The Give and Get of Support
In this session we will: practice ways to get and give support at camp; our community grows when we all share gifts, knowledge, and support.
Advisors
avatar for Becca Sykes

Becca Sykes

Advisor, she/her
Anytime Rebecca strayed from blazing a path as an artist living a Jewish life, a few weeks at camp set things back on fire. Ramah Darom and Ramah Wisconsin feel like home; the kind of home where you build creativity and connection while eating tater tots. Her love of experiential... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2

9:00am EDT

Forest Judaism
In this session we will: explore our environment and our Jewish roots through games, discussions and activities.
Educators
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh's camping career started at Camp Wise in Cleveland, Ohio, as a camper in 1979. Since then, he has earned a master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary and worked at camps around the country, including Camp Ramah Ojai, Pinemere Camp, Camp Alonim, JCA Shalom... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2: Supervisors

9:00am EDT

How to Create Artistic Community Agreements
In this session we will: learn how to facilitate the creation an illustrated Brit Kehilla (Community Agreement) to make expectations and commitments clear and to foster a sense of accountability in any group, team, or cabin.
Educators
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
As a camper, Daniel Abramson was always the kid who walked into the dining hall covered in paint or clay: a habit he has largely continued to this day. As a staff member at camp, Daniel learned how the arts can be used as a vehicle for teaching meaningful lessons and for exploring... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2: Supervisors

9:00am EDT

Innovation Lab: Same Old Audience, New Programs
In this session we will: apply the concepts of innovation and human-centered design to craft programs that make your staff feel appreciated at camp and keep your campers engaged!
Advisors
avatar for Sara Beth Berman

Sara Beth Berman

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Sara Beth Berman is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller, and has spent her career as an experiential Jewish educator and consultant, working on curriculum development, teen programming, professional development, and programmatic initiatives. Her decades of work in the Jewish nonprofit... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Daniel Shore Ph.D

Daniel Shore Ph.D

He/him/his
Daniel Shore, Ph.D., is a researcher and consultant across the gamut of human interaction, from government cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. He combines his expertise in analytics, teamwork, and strategic engagement to transform data into action. In the camp world (where he... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2: Supervisors

9:00am EDT

Prayer & Spirituality in a Camp Setting
In this session we will: explore the essential components of creating meaningful prayer and spiritual experiences in a camp setting and have the opportunity to reflect on what our own camp does and think about how we can enhance those moments.
Advisors
avatar for Seth Braunstein

Seth Braunstein

Advisor, he/him
Rabbi Seth Braunstein has a passion for informal Jewish education. He grew up going to Jewish summer camp and has traveled extensively working for many Jewish communities around the world. For the last 17 years he has directed The Szarvas Fellowships program in Hungary, which brings... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2: Supervisors

9:00am EDT

Torah Tidbits: Mental Health
In this session we will: be introduced to short Jewish texts and stories to provide comfort and support in addressing mental health for ourselves and others throughout common summer scenarios. 
Staff
avatar for Avi Orlow

Avi Orlow

FJC Staff, he/him
Before joining Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2008, Avi was the Campus Rabbi and Assistant Director of the St. Louis Hillel at Washington University and has held numerous positions as rabbi, educator, and youth leader. He spent 17 years as a camper and then educator at Ramah Camps... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2: Supervisors

9:00am EDT

What Israel Can (and Has) Taught us About Community Accountability
In this session we will: think about what it means to put accountability guided by Jewish wisdom into practice using Israeli case studies such as Sabra/Shatila and the Assassination of Yitzhak Rabi
Advisors
avatar for Shalom Orzach

Shalom Orzach

Advisor
Shalom Orzach is a senior educator and consultant for the iCenter and serves on faculty for the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Prior to that, he served as the AVI CHAI Project Director for the training of staff returning to summer camps in North America and Director of Education in the... Read More →

Educators
avatar for Lauren Cohen Fisher

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her
Lauren Cohen Fisher is a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Department and Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby College and former Director of Israel Education for Hillel International, where she developed Masterclass: Israel, a training fellowship for Hillel professionals across... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Elective 2: Supervisors

7:45pm EDT

Angel Walk Ceremony
In this session we will: learn and experience the Angel Walk ceremony which is a group activity involving music, love energy, closeness and a car wash for the soul.
Educators
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creators and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Breathe and Chill: Techniques to Mellow Out
In this session we will: learn and experience a variety of breath and body techniques to relax and calm down that can be use any time during the day.
Advisors
avatar for Natalie Goldfein

Natalie Goldfein

Advisor, she/her
Natalie Goldfein relishes helping people learn about themselves and others. She believes we create a better world for all by bringing our uniqueness to all we do. As president of YOU Matter Coaching & Consulting, Natalie is a teacher, life coach, and consultant with over 30 years... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Campfire Stories for the Cure
In this session we will: re-appraise our day in healthy and adaptive ways by sharing it with others through story-telling.
Educators
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a Ph.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he studies how what we believe about others affects what we are willing and able to learn from them. In 15 summers at URJ Greene Family Camp, Josh worked with almost every age group, spending the bulk of his... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Circle Share
In this session we will: be inspired by the Restorative Justice practice of a talking circle, by spending the end of our day deeply listening and sharing our reflections to prompts designed to process our joy, learning moments, fill our cup for the day to come, and learn how to bring this wholistic practice back to our bunks!
Educators
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator who offers a unique consultancy based in the arts, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and social emotional learning. She has facilitated in universities, schools, summer camps, detention centers, yeshivas, churches, corporate offices, and long-term... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Midnight Metabolics: Movement for the Sake of Stillness
In this session we will: explore embodied Jewish practices for slowing down, relaxing, and reflecting on the day that move us into the rest and restoration of nighttime stillness and quiet, including breathwork, light movement, and meditative stillness practices.
Educators
avatar for Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein

Yoshi Silverstein is Founder and Executive Director of Mitsui Collective, which builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and racial equity. Selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future, Yoshi’s work weaves tapestries of embodied... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Outdoor Breathing
In this session we will: learn to use our breath to calm ourselves and connect with the the larger One to relax, reconnect, and calm ourselves for a peaceful and rejuvenating rest.
Educators
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh's camping career started at Camp Wise in Cleveland, Ohio, as a camper in 1979. Since then, he has earned a master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary and worked at camps around the country, including Camp Ramah Ojai, Pinemere Camp, Camp Alonim, JCA Shalom... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Cohen Fisher

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her
Lauren Cohen Fisher is a lecturer in the Jewish Studies Department and Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby College and former Director of Israel Education for Hillel International, where she developed Masterclass: Israel, a training fellowship for Hillel professionals across... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Outdoor Breathing
In this session we will: detox our day using our breath and relax
Educators
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh's camping career started at Camp Wise in Cleveland, Ohio, as a camper in 1979. Since then, he has earned a master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary and worked at camps around the country, including Camp Ramah Ojai, Pinemere Camp, Camp Alonim, JCA Shalom... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Prayer for the Artistic & Musical Soul
In this session we will: experience creative Jewish prayer using song, art, movement, and mindfulness.
Educators
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is an educator, singer, songwriter, and activist based in Philadelphia, PA. Chana's relationship to camp stretches back to her childhood at Camp Northway Lodge in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, where she experienced biodegradable soap (washing in the lake), singing... Read More →
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
As a camper, Daniel Abramson was always the kid who walked into the dining hall covered in paint or clay: a habit he has largely continued to this day. As a staff member at camp, Daniel learned how the arts can be used as a vehicle for teaching meaningful lessons and for exploring... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Prayer for the Beloved
In this session we will: explore being vulnerable, the nature of love, and an openness to prayer and even God.
Staff
avatar for Avi Orlow

Avi Orlow

FJC Staff, he/him
Before joining Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2008, Avi was the Campus Rabbi and Assistant Director of the St. Louis Hillel at Washington University and has held numerous positions as rabbi, educator, and youth leader. He spent 17 years as a camper and then educator at Ramah Camps... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Songs, Stories, and Sacredness
In this session we will: connect through the music and writing that inspires us.
Educators
avatar for Sarra Alpert

Sarra Alpert

She/Her/Hers
Sarra Alpert is the director of the Avodah Institute for Social Change. There and elsewhere, Sarra helps to build activist communities to support and challenge each other in anti-oppressive, transformative social justice movement-building in Jewish communal spaces and beyond. This... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Stretching and Kvetching
In this session we will: spend time decompressing by stretching and unwinding our bodies while reflecting about our days.
Educators
avatar for Natalie Rothstein

Natalie Rothstein

Psychotherapist, She/Her/Hers, Natalie Rothstein Psychotherapy
Natalie Rothstein is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Working with adults, adolescents and couples... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Venting Our Gratitude
In this session we will: find gratitude in the face of that which seems to be most challenging us, supporting each other to approach our most burning problems, challenges, and frustrations with an attitude of care, love, and openness.
Advisors
avatar for Robbie Solway

Robbie Solway

He/They
Robbie Solway is a community educator, peer and project coach, and facilitator of many kinds. He grew up in the Hashomer Hatzair community, studied Societal Entrepreneurship through the International Youth Initiative Program (YIP), and currently studies Diaspora & Transnational Studies... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Was Brene Brown A Camp Kid?
In this session we will: be inspired by the wisdom and words of Brene Brown as we think about our identities at camp and our intentions for Summer 2022.
Educators
avatar for Rachel Dubowe

Rachel Dubowe

She/her/hers
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is an alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, NFTY SOCAL, and HUC-JIR. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day

7:45pm EDT

Watercolor Wind Down
In this session we will: get creative and use watercolors to reflect on the day. No art experience required!
Staff
avatar for Briana Holtzman

Briana Holtzman

FJC Staff, she/her
Briana is the Senior Director of Organizational Development for Foundation for Jewish Camp. Previously, she was the Director of the Jewish Teen Funders Network in NYC and the founding Assistant Director of URJ Camp Kalsman in Seattle, WA. In her role at the FJC, Briana oversees a... Read More →

Wednesday May 25, 2022 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
  Wind Down Your Day
 
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