Ari Polsky is JCamp 180's new Program Manager, Client Services. Read on to learn more about Ari and how he'll be supporting the work of JCamp 180 and the field!
What will you be doing at JCamp 180?
My primary responsibilities will be focused on our retooled consulting model. I am working to streamline our process of consulting requests, making sure the consultant with the right skills is paired with the right project. I am also working with Mentor Jill Paul to expand our Knowledge Center topics and content, and with many of our affiliated day camps as an interim Relationship Manager. I am also excited to be a part of the 2022 Day Camp Matching grant process.
What brought you to JCamp 180?
For the last decade, I have greatly enjoyed being a “front lines” camp professional, working to create and support the camp experience for thousands. A few years ago, I started teaching a session for the JCamp 180 enrollment cohort on data retention, and a session at FJC Leaders on marketing and communications with Erin Robbins. These opportunities to share my learnings and skills with other camp professionals brought me a new challenge and excitement. Seeking a way to do more of that, I started working privately with camps. Now I am glad to be a part of this team to continue working with camps, sharing wisdom, and working with the JCamp 180 team to impact the entire field of #jewishcamp.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
I am excited to both learn with and from the incredible team at JCamp 180, as well as all the camp professionals in this field. It is my hope that the new systems we are creating will make our consulting more effective and useful to everyone in this industry, and that we can use the data gathered to continually improve our offerings.
Tell us about a favorite camp memory.
Back when I was a counselor for the oldest age group in camp, I worked on a team with best counselors, and the best Rosh Edah (Unit Head). On the last night of our five-day glamping trip, and at a new campsite, we found ourselves beleaguered by hornets. We made a last minute decision not to spend the night and next day at that site and walked back to camp that evening. Nobody had expected this, and we enjoyed the element of surprise as we stormed the dining hall at dinner covered head to toe in mud, as is tradition, but at a time nobody expected.
How can camps get in touch with you if they have a question about JCamp 180’s consulting practice?
Please reach out to me! My email is
apolsky@hgf.org. Or you can
click here to see my availability and book a time! Of course, you can always speak with your Relationship Manager too to learn about all our offerings.
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Who we are: JCamp 180 is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). Our goal is to strengthen the long-term effectiveness and financial sustainability of nonprofit Jewish camps in North America. To meet this goal, we provide affiliated Jewish camps with consulting services, an annual conference, tools and resources, professional development, and matching grant opportunities. Find more at www.jcamp180.org