We are excited to welcome Elizabeth Kaplan, JCamp 180’s new Program Coordinator! Read on to learn more about Elizabeth and how she'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 supporting JCamp 180 as a whole and the team of JCamp 180 Consultants, who work on a wide variety of projects, programs, and services. I will support the Professional Development Programs (including LEAP, Camp GPS, and the Enrollment Series) and assist with logistics for our annual JCamp 180 Conference gathering, in addition to general administration for JCamp 180.
What brought you to JCamp 180?
I found Jewish summer camp in 2012 as a young adult on seasonal staff at URJ Camp Kalsman. What I thought would be a one-off summer evolved into a career as a Jewish professional and a deep love of Jewish camping. Since that summer, I have worked as a Program Director at JCC Greater Boston and as the Community Care Director at Camp Laurelwood. I developed new programs that worked across departments, engaged families in community, built partnerships with local organizations, and created systems that worked practically and efficiently. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I have gained over the last decade to help support the wider field of Jewish camp.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
I am excited to be part of such a dynamic, professional, and driven group of individuals on the JCamp 180 team. I look forward to bringing my experience as a Jewish Camp Professional in the field to the administration of JCamp 180.
Tell us about a favorite camp memory.
In 2019, I had the opportunity to return to seasonal staff at Kalsman for the summer as the Teva Supervisor. I planned and implemented a two-night camping trip for our 9-11
th grade campers, many of whom would have admitted that camping is not their favorite activity. 😊 As part of the experience, I facilitated a 30-minute silent walk with blessing cards and prompts for the teens to engage in as they walked the trail. They were so appreciative of the opportunity to be at peace in nature and with their closest friends – particularly for teens who are accustomed to the constant engagement with technology; I loved that camp could teach them the value of these still moments. Though we got soaked in the Washington rain, the campers returned to camp with smiles on their faces, having built even deeper bonds.
Looking Forward to Connecting With You!
I look forward to working with the staff and lay leadership of camps across the field and to seeing you at the
JCamp 180 Conference in Springfield in October! I'm reachable at
ekaplan@hgf.org.
**
Who we are: JCamp 180 is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). JCamp 180 invests in the long-term organizational effectiveness of nonprofit Jewish camps to ensure our community’s future and connection to Judaism. We partner with professional staff, lay leadership, movements, and allied organizations to inspire a culture that promotes philanthropic support by focusing on strategic planning, governance, and fundraising, and providing matching grants, consulting services, professional development, and research. Find more at www.jcamp180.org