by Rachel Slaton | Jul 10, 2025 | For the Blog
by Smoody, Associate Director Friday, July 11, 2025 On Monday, I took my dog on a hike I’ve never done on camp before. As we walked into the woods, the sights and sounds of camp disappeared almost instantly. It was as if I’d been transported to woods far away from the...**Camp Kalsman’s CIT (Counselor in Training) program for 11th graders **
Campers currently in 11th grade can spend the summer as a Counselor in Training (CIT). During the first two weeks of this program, Machonikim will spend their mornings learning leadership, communication, collaboration, and programming skills. Their afternoons will be spent enjoying all the great fun programming Camp Kalsman has to offer! In the last three weeks of the Machon program, our counselors in training move into cabins with younger cabins to gain hands on experience as leaders at camp, while still experiencing the afternoon activities as campers. Machon campers take a trip off camp between sessions Aleph and Bet. Learn more about the Machon program and application process.
12 days, 2 or 3 Weeks for 6th and 7th Graders
Spending 12 days, 2 weeks or 3 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 the High Ropes Course during their time at Kalsman. Daily Jewish experiences help build Jewish identity and lifelong community.
12 days, 2- or 3 Weeks for 4th and 5th Graders
2 weeks not enough? Current 4th and 5th graders can join us for Kochavim for 12 days, 2 weeks or a 3 week program that allows campers to experience even more of what camp has to offer. During daily unit programming, Kochavim campers will also have the opportunity to spend time at the URJ Camp Kalsman Alpine Climbing Tower, farm, art room, and so much more. A special half hour of bunk time allows these campers to build lifelong friendships with their cabin mates. Daily t’filah (prayer) and shira (song session) help Kochavim campers build their Jewish identity and learn about what it means to be part of a Jewish community. Kochavim campers will experience an on camp overnight in one of Camp Kalsman’s beautiful campsites. Time at camp will allow your Kochavim camper to develop strong bonds with their cabin, unit, and camp. They’ll leave camp with a bigger Jewish community than ever before!
2 Weeks for 4th and 5th graders
A 2 week option for current 4th and 5th grade campers, Nemerim campers will have the opportunity to dive more deeply into activities that they love. During the daily unit program block, Nemerim campers spend time at the Alpine Climbing Tower, farm, art room, and so much more. Daily t’filah (prayer) and shira (song session) help Nemerim campers build their Jewish identity and learn about what it means to be part of a Jewish community. A special half hour of bunk time allows these campers to build lifelong friendships with their cabin mates. Nemerim campers will experience an on camp overnight in one of Camp Kalsman’s beautiful campsites. At the end of the 2 weeks, Nemerim campers will come home saying, “I LOVE BEING JEWISH!”
1-Week 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) in Bet. Nitzotzot campers have two electives, daily free swim and unit programming in addition to daily t’filah (prayer) and shira (song session) with all of camp. All Nitzotzot campers will experience a cookout and s’mores with their cabin. Nitzotzot campers experience the magic of Jewish camp in everything they do.
1-Week for 1st and 2nd Graders
Coogarim campers currently in 1st and 2nd grade join us at camp for 8 days (7 nights) in Bet sessions. While at camp, Coogarim campers get to experience the best that Kalsman has to offer! Coogarim campers have two electives, daily free swim and unit programming in addition to daily t’filah (prayer) and shira (song session) with all of camp. All Coogarim campers will get 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.
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.
Camper Information Form: Must be completed for each individual child attending. This is information that will be very helpful for the camper’s counselors to have. It will contribute to the best summer possible. Please note: there is one section for your CAMPER to complete.
Camper Photo: Upload a current photo of your camper and click “Submit Form”.
Must be completed for each individual child attending. The Health Forms are a combination of online forms:
As well as forms you will need to download, print, complete and upload back to your account. Please note that each camper’s forms have a unique bar code – print each form individually for each camper, do not copy!:
Must be completed for each individual child attending. You will need to download, print, complete and upload back to your account. Please note that each camper’s forms have a unique bar code – print each form individually for each camper, do not copy!:
Business Manager
(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
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 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.
Administrator
(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.
Director of Development
(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!
Assistant Camp Director, Staff Engagement
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
asymons@urj.org
Since 2003, Aviva dreamt of living “summertime forever” — and now that dream has come true! A Pittsburgh-er at heart, Aviva found her love of Judaism in the Pocono Mountains at URJ Camp Harlam. This passion grew at Muhlenberg College, where she majored in Jewish Studies and received her Prekindergarten – Fourth Grade Teaching Certification.
Aviva stretched her mid-western roots to the West Coast in 2018 to pursue a Dual Masters Degree at HUC’s Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management and USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She began her career as the Director of Member Engagement at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, Kansas. (Go Chiefs!)
When not eating s’mores or Israeli Dancing at Porter Creek, Aviva can be found biking to local farmers’ markets, watching competitive cooking shows, and frequenting The Container Store.
Director of Development
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
akurland@urj.org
Originally from the Bay Area, Ariel is thrilled to be back home and joining the URJ West team. Prior to this role, she worked as 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 continues 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!
Development Manager
Carly Zenker joined the team in October of 2018 as our Development Associate, after graduating from Loyola Marymount University. As a former URJ camper, NFTYite, and past Newman staff member, Carly knows how much of an impact camp can have on the lives of Jewish young people everywhere. She credits her Jewish camping experience in her youth for helping her to develop her passions for community, Judaism, leadership, and nature. She loves working for camp and getting involved in the diverse Bay Area Jewish community. As someone who moved around a lot as a child, Carly also knows the importance of having a place like camp to call home, and she is grateful to be part of Camp Newman’s story. When she’s not hard at work at her desk thanking camp’s supporters, applying for grants, diving into Salesforce, and working behind the scenes, she spends her time creating Judaism-inspired artwork, playing with her puppy Bandit and his favorite toys, enjoying time in nature and cooking delicious food.
Director, Marketing & Communications
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
rslaton@urj.org
Rachel has been a part of the URJ West Camps team since 2016, as the Associate Director for 6 Points Sports – CA from 2016-2020 as well as for Camp Newman until 2022. She is excited to now be supporting both West Coast camps, Newman and Kalsman, 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.
She loves being back – giving back – where it all began in 2003 when she applied to be a counselor at Camp Swig having never attended a Jewish summer camp before. 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.
Assistant Retreat Center Director
A.C. joined the team in August of 2021 as Assistant Camp Director. Prior to his time with us, he gained significant experience in informal Jewish education having spent many summers as a Sports Director, Logistics Manager, and Assistant Director for Camp Newman, 6 Points Sports Academy-CA, and Kutz Camp, respectively. He grew up in the Reform movement from his early summers at Camp Newman to serving as President on NFTY SOCAL Regional Board. Upon graduating High School, he served as a youth group advisor and program directors for congregations and JCCs throughout California, Colorado and New York.
A.C. received his B.S. in Sports & Recreation Management from Concordia University. He has a deep love of sports, tv/movies, and anything related to zoos and aquariums.
A.C. is pumped to bring his energy and creativity back to the place that has played such a big part in his life. He is also lucky enough to be able to call camp home 365 days a year as he lives on site in Santa Rosa, California.
Retreat Center Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
mfischman@urj.org
Martee has been working on the full-time team for Camp Newman since 2017. As the Retreat Center Director, she oversees the year-round business at our Porter Creek home, combining her passion for hospitality and camping to create unique and exceptional experiences for all who visit our site.
Before joining the full-time team, she began working for Camp Newman in the summers starting In 2015. Her roles included Dining Hall Manager, Development Associate, Logistics Director and full-time as the Logistics and Development Associate until recently. Martee played a critical role in managing the logistics of our summers at Newman By the Bay.
Growing up in the Chicago Suburbs, Martee was active in USY and attended Tamarack Camps in Michigan. She is a HUGE Chicago Bears fan. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois and In 2015, she received her Master’s in Hospitality Administration as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Senior Assistant Director, Community Engagement
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
rdubowe@urj.org
Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is a proud alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, and NFTY SOCAL. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish identity to her summers spent at URJ camps‒where she spent significant time both as a participant and senior staff member, specifically in the realm of camper care and inclusion. Rachel holds a B.S. in Human Development from UC Davis (Go Aggies!) and was very active at her campus Hillel. After participating in a MASA Israel program and working in a variety of Jewish educational programs in the greater LA area, Rachel earned a Master’s in Jewish Education at the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at Hebrew Union College. Upon graduation, Rachel continued her flourishing career in Jewish educational spaces, including Builders of Jewish Education, NFTY SOCAL, Temple Israel of Hollywood and, most recently, as the Senior Assistant Director of 6 Points West Specialty camp. She currently serves as a part-time educator for Moishe House and Foundation for Jewish Camp. Rachel looks forward to bringing her passion for Jewish teachable moments, accessibility, and experiential education to the Camp Newman community!
Camp Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
afischman@urj.org
Rabbi Allie oversees all of Camp Newman’s year-round and summer operations, and directly supports Camp Newman’s Associate and Senior Assistant Directors. She brings over 18 years of experience as a Jewish professional to this position. She believes in the power of Jewish camp to inspire a love of Judaism, allow campers and staff alike to believe in themselves, and to become their best selves.
Rabbi Allie joined the Camp Newman community in 2012 as a Rosh Eidah (Unit Head) and has since filled the roles of CIT Director, Staff Week Coordinator and from 2014-2018, Associate Director. She has been a songleader and teacher in the Chicago suburbs and the Los Angeles Reform Jewish communities since 2000. In 2012, Allie was earned a Masters in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and was ordained as Rabbi by HUC-JIR in May 2015. She lives in the East Bay with her husband, Lane, their children, Jude the Dude and Baby JoJo, and their pup, Maggie.
Executive Director, CA Youth & Camping
Pronouns: He/Him/His
avared@urj.org
Ari Vared – a former Camp Swig and Newman camper, NFTY participant, staff member and camp director – is the Executive Director of California Camps and Youth. In this leadership role, Ari will help grow the impact and elevate the enriching experiences we provide to thousands of children and teens.
In Ari’s words, “To say I am beyond excited to rejoin the URJ family and work with the incredible teams at Camp Newman and 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy West is an understatement. One of the many blessings of camp and NFTY is that we are steeped in legacy and tradition and yet start anew each year. There is so much goodness to be created and I am hopeful for the future we will build together.”
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Designated Supervisor: Assistant to the Directors/Assistant Director
Thank you for your interest in working at URJ Camp Kalsman!
Please keep in mind the following as you complete the staff application:
We require the following pieces of information which you should have on hand:
You will be asked to complete a few short essay questions. Once we have received your completed application, we will be in touch with you in the near future to schedule an interview, if applicable. If you have any questions about the application or staff positions, please contact our office.
Thank you! We look forward to receiving your application!
**Camp Kalsman’s social justice experience for 9th – 12th graders **
Teens currently in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade can expand their comfort zones and make a difference! Mitzvah Corps participants will have the chance to work with the International Rescue Committee to create and run a summer camp for children of refugees living in the greater Seattle area. Be a change-maker through Mitzvah Corps’ unique hands-on experiences! Learn more about the Mitzvah Corps program and application process.
10 Days or Two Weeks for 6th and 7th Graders
Current 6th and 7th graders can join us for Dubim, a 10 day or 2 week session full of fun and excitement! Daily unit programs give campers the chance to explore their favorite activity areas on camp and spend time building relationships with the other campers in their unit. All Dubim campers will have the opportunity to try out the Giant Swing and will spend take a day trip off camp with their unit during their 2 weeks. Daily Jewish experiences help build Jewish identity and lifelong community.
Two Weeks for 2nd and 3rd Graders
Goorim campers currently in 2nd and 3rd grade have two weeks to make friends, develop a stronger Jewish identity, and try out some of our best programming on camp. Campers will explore many of Camp Kalsman’s activitites – playing sports, climbing on our 50 ft. tower, creating art, praying during t’fillah in our outdoor sanctuary, and so much more!
Goorim campers will experience an on camp overnight in one of Camp Kalsman’s beautiful campsites. Goorim campers will be true Camp Kalsman veterans after their 2 weeks of Jewish fun.