Rachel Slaton

Director, Marketing & Communications

(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

Rachel has been a part of the URJ West Camps team since 2016, as the Associate Director for 6 Points Sports – CA as well as for Camp Newman. She is excited to now be supporting both West Coast camps: Kalsman and Newman as the Director of Marketing and Communications. Rachel earned Masters in Jewish Non-Profit Management along with a Masters in Public Administration from USC and following graduate school, worked for BJE: Builders of Jewish Education and American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Los Angeles.

Although she never went to Jewish summer camp growing up, she fell in love with Jewish camp in 2003 when she applied to be a counselor at Camp Swig. For the next three summers at Camp Newman, she served as Rosh Eidah (Unit Head) for Hagigah and Hevrah and then as Avodah Director in 2006. Rachel met her husband Rich at Camp Swig in 2003 and in the off-season they live in Austin, TX with their children, Jack and Ash, and their dog, Boone.

All forms necessary for your camper(s) will be listed on your Forms Dashboard within your account. Please note that if you stop in the middle of completing one of the forms, what you have already entered will NOT be saved. It is important that you be prepared in advance to complete the forms.

Once you have submitted a form, you can review the information that you entered but you cannot edit it. You will have to get in touch with us if you want to change the information. For example, if you signed up for a Bus home and you want to cancel it or change to a different bus, please send an email to campnewman@urj.org or call 415-991-0259 for additional instructions.

Rachel Mellman

Marketing Associate

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(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

After a few years away, Rachel is excited to be returning to the world of Jewish summer camps as the URJ West Camp’s Marketing Associate. Rachel began attending Camp Newman in 2007 and continued on through Avodah 2015 and CIT 2016. Owing to the transformative experience she had as a camper, Rachel continued her camp journey as a staff member in 2017-18 and an Avodah advisor in 2019. Rachel is thrilled to be supporting Camp Newman and Camp Kalsman in creating the camp magic they are known for.

In 2021, Rachel graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a BA in Drama and a BS in Astronomy. She is currently living in California’s San Fernando Valley while pursuing a Masters of Music in Vocal Arts from California State University – Northridge.

Casey Gore

Business Manager

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(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

A former camper and counselor at Camp Newman, Casey is thrilled to be joining the West Coast team to support both Camp Newman and Camp Kalsman as the Business Manager. Prior to this role, Casey was a high school counselor and math teacher. She is passionate about building confidence and resilience in young adults – something that so many campers gain from their summer experiences.

Casey is excited to be joining the Business Systems team and supporting camp behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly! In her free time, Casey enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, going on walks outside and cheering on the Texas Longhorns!

Rabbi Ilana Mills
Director

Rabbi Ilana Mills joined the Kalsman team after spending three summers in senior leadership roles at Kalsman. She brings a passion for camp and learning everywhere she goes. Rabbi Ilana is a true product of the Union for Reform Judaism, having worked at four of the URJ summer camps, worked for the Religious Action Center, served as a NFTY regional advisor and was on NFTY North American board a hundred years ago. Rabbi Ilana served as a congregational rabbi in Paradise Valley, AZ after being ordained from HUC-JIR for four years. At her congregation, she spear-headed creating a new high school program and innovative programming for the religious school.

Rabbi Ilana grew up in Sherman Oaks, CA, but moved East for college. She received her B.A. in Religious Studies from Franklin and Marshall College. She received her Masters in Hebrew Letters, Masters in Jewish Education from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Ilana currently lives in Sacramento with her husband and three kids. She loves to hike, ride bikes and cook. Nothing is sweeter to her than leading services in her hiking boots with over 200 campers and staff.

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Lisa Kama

Administrator

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(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

Lisa Kama began her journey with the URJ West Camps at Camp Newman in the summer of 2015, when she first came to camp to volunteer for a few weeks in the Welcome Center. As the years went by, she began spending more and more time at camp, until she joined the year-round team in the fall of 2021 as Administrator. Lisa grew up attending Jewish summer camps and never quite got enough of it, so being back at camp feels like the perfect fit.

Lisa lives in Pleasanton, California with her husband Alon and her two sons, Geffen and Mattan. She is active with Congregation Beth Emek and loves creating Jewish community wherever she goes. Lisa earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Brandeis University and her graduate degree in social work from the University of Haifa. In her free time, Lisa loves jigsaw puzzles, reading, and traveling with her family.

Ariel Kurland

Director of Development

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(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

Originally from the Bay Area, Ariel is thrilled to be back home and joining the URJ West Prior to this role, she worked a fundraising and marketing consultant for organizations focused on social impact, including non-profits, tech companies, and think tanks. Before that, she spent 5 years at BBYO working in fundraising and community engagement throughout the West Coast. She continue to be inspired by the URJ West Camp community. The impact that Newman and Kalsman have made on everyone who gets to experience our programs is exceedingly clear. She looks forward to working with our campers, our families, our community partners, and our funders in order to ensure a strong future for our West Coast camps!

Kesher (Connections)

12 Days, Two Weeks, or Three Weeks for 8th, 9th and 10th Graders

A program just for our high school campers, Kesher brings together everyone currently in 8th, 9th and 10th grade. We offer 12 day, 2 week, and 3 week sessions for this age group because we know that these campers have many summer commitments. The depth of learning, fun, and community building that happens in Kesher ensures that your Jewish teen will have the time of their life!

Kesher chugim will run independently of our other units, allowing our high school students to build skills appropriate to their age and interests. In addition, Aleph Kesher campers will participate in a one day off camp trip, Bet Kesher campers will participate in a two night off camp trip, and Gimmel Kesher campers will participate in a one day, one night off camp trip.

See Dates + Rates >

Chalutzim (Pioneers)

12 Days for 5th Graders

A special 12 day (11 nights) offering just for current 5th graders is a great option for campers who want to get as much out of camp as they can in less than two weeks! Chalutzim campers will daily experience all of the areas of Camp Kalsman – from waterfront activities to arts, sports to Jewish education, adventure activies ranging from hikes to mountain biking and more! A special half hour of bunk time allows these campers to build lifelong friendships with their cabin mates. Chalutzim campers will also have a chance to spend time climbing the URJ Camp Kalsman Alpine Tower and will experience an overnight excursion on camp – a great chance to further explore Camp Kalsman’s 300 beautiful acres.For 6thgraders looking for independence, Jewish fun, and new friends, Chalutzim is a perfect fit.

See Dates + Rates >

Nitzotzot (Sparks)

Seven or Eleven Days for 3rd and 4th Graders

Nitzotzot campers currently in 3rd and 4th grade have the option of coming to camp for 8 days (7 nights) or 12 days (11 nights). The 12 day session is offered in Aleph only. Nitzotzot campers have daily free swim and two unit programs in addition to daily t’filah (prayer) and shira (song session) with all of camp. All Nitzotzot campers will get to spend time on the Camp Kalsman low ropes course challenging themselves as they build friendships and community. 7 day Nitzotzot campers will experience a cookout and s’mores with their cabin. Nitzotzot campers experience the magic of Jewish camp in everything they do.

12 day Nitzotzot campers will experience an on camp overnight in one of Camp Kalsman’s beautiful campsites.

See Dates + Rates >

Coogarim (Cougars)

Seven or Eleven Days for 1st and 2nd Graders

Coogarim campers currently in 1st and 2nd grade join us at camp for 12 days (11 nights) in Aleph or 8 days (7 nights) in either Bet, or Gimmel sessions. While at camp, Coogarim campers get to experience the best that Kalsman has to offer! Coogarim campers have daily free swim and two unit programs in addition to daily t’filah (prayer) and shira (song session) with all of camp. All Coogarim campers will get to spend time on the Camp Kalsman low ropes course and will be treated to a cookout and s’mores with their cabin. Coogarim campers will pray, learn, and live in a Jewish setting with other campers from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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Jessica Brumer
Assistant Director

Jessica is very excited to be joining the full time Camp Kalsman staff as an Assistant Director. She has attended camp each summer since its inaugural summer of 2007, first as a camper, then as staff member and most recently on the leadership team. Camp has shaped her into the person she is today, and she could not be more excited to be able to show her love and passion for camp all year long. Jessica believes that camp is a place where campers and staff can be their authentic self and feel like they belong. She wants to continue to help camp foster Jewish friendships and relationships. Camp is where she has met many lifetime friends. Jessica was born and raised in Bellevue, WA. She was very active in temple youth group at Temple B’nai Torah (TBT) and in NFTY as a teen. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Educational Studies. She was previously the Director of Youth Engagement and a CLASP (Camp Leaders and Synagogue Professionals) Fellow at TBT and Camp Kalsman before starting this job full time. When she is not at camp, my favorite things are hanging out with my friends, eating good food, relaxing on the couch watching Netflix.

Email Jessica >>

Jena Whitesman
Assistant Director

Jena is no stranger to URJ camps having grown up at URJ Camp Coleman in Georgia each summer since she was eight years old! After many years as a camper and staff member, she is thrilled to join the Kalsman team in the Pacific Northwest to help the next generation of campers have the time of their lives just like she did. She believes camp is a wonderful place to grow, connect to nature, discover passions, and be a part of a supportive and welcoming community.

Jena grew up in Fort Myers, Florida as a member of the congregation Temple Beth El. She attended Florida State University where she received a degree in International Affairs & Social Entrepreneurship with a minor in Theatre. Jena enjoys hiking, cooking, board game nights, and attending local performances of all types!

Email Jena >>

As you are aware, the URJ Camp Kalsman is a not-for-profit organization. We strive each season to provide an excellent camp program. The tuition at camp increases each year due to rising operating costs, ongoing improvements, and upgrades to our program. One of the highest costs we incur is credit card processing fees.

In order to continue developing our excellent programming and maintaining our campus, we are forced like many other not-for-profits, academic institutions, and government agencies to update our payment policy. Families that choose to pay by credit card will incur a non-refundable 2.75% credit card transaction surcharge.

We are committed to offering ways for our families to avoid this charge. Families can pay with e-check or debit card to avoid the surcharge. E-Check will allow tuition to be deducted directly from either your checking or savings account and can also be used with payment plan options.

Tzofim (Scouts)

Eleven Days, Two Weeks or Three Weeks for 6th and 7th Graders

Current 6th and 7th graders can join us for Tzofim!

Spending three full weeks together means these campers will try out even more activities and experience even more community building and fun during their time at camp. Daily unit programs give campers the chance to explore their favorite activity areas on camp. All Tzofim three week campers will have the opportunity to try out the Giant Swing and take a day trip off camp during their 3 weeks. Daily Jewish experiences help build Jewish identity and lifelong community.

See Dates + Rates >

Heidi Love
Business Manager

Heidi has lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years and has been with the URJ since 2005, starting as the registrar for Camp Atid, Camp Kalsman’s predecessor.

She has many years of experience in camp and workshop registration, database management, bookkeeping, development assistance and volunteer coordination. Heidi has worked for non-profit groups such as Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, dragon-boating, gardening, reading, learning, hiking, bicycling, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Email Heidi >>

Female-Identifying Cabin Counselor

Qualifications:

Strong background and experience in camping and/or related fields.
Desire and ability to work with children and adults in Camp setting.
Skill and ability in working with children. Ability to communicate with, relate to, and serve as an example.
Ability to serve as an adult role model — surrogate parent — for all chanichim.
Willingness and ability to take full responsibility for the lives of chanichim. Common sense, safety-consciousness, and high moral character required.
Ability to accept guidance and support. Willingness and ability to ask for help.
Ability to assist in teaching activities.
Counselors must be high school graduates.

Essential Functions:

Ability to work long hours with minimal time off throughout the day
Ability to lift at least 25 lbs without assistance
Ability to maintain calm and composure in times of stress
Ability to walk moderate distances

Responsibilities:

Directly responsible for all chanichim living in one’s assigned cabin: day-to-day involvement with chanichim as individuals, imparting of camp rules, policies and traditions. Help everychanichim make friends, become acclimated to life at Camp, grow towards his or her potential, and become part of the community.
Responsible for the health, safety, and happiness of ALL chanichim at ALL times.
Act as “early-warning system” for chanichim with problems. Refer to other staff when appropriate. Communicate with chanichim’s parents when necessary.
Ensure chanichim exercise good hygiene and health practices. Notify Nurse of problems.
Help chanichim keep track of belongings.
Directly responsible for cleanliness and good repair of the cabin.
Participate regularly and enthusiastically in all Camp programs.
Teach or assist in teaching electives and specialties. Plan and lead cabin activities. Take an active role in unit and evening programs and integrating Jewish education into programming.
Attend in-camp training sessions and staff meetings as required.
Be familiar with all camp emergency procedures and first aid.
Whether as a leader, a role model, a mentor, a participant, or perhaps all four at once; play a role in all aspects of camp life, actively seeking to bring Judaism to life.

Designated Supervisor: Unit Head

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