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Director, Marketing & Communications
(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Rachel joined the Newman team in 2020 as the Associate Camp Director and is now excited to be in this expanded role, supporting both West Coast camps: Newman and Camp Kalsman. 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. In 2015, she was tapped to help open URJ 6 Points Sports Academy – CA where she served as one of the founding directors from 2016-2020.
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 son, Jack, and dog, Boone.
Marketing Associate
(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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Please consider which age group you would like to work with. Please note that four unit heads will be hired for the entire summer (9 weeks) and one unit head will be hired for Aleph and Bet Sessions only (7 weeks):
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Designated Supervisor: Program Director/Art Supervisor
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Designated Supervisor: Area Supervisor of Specialty Field
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Designated Supervisor: Waterfront/Sports Supervisor
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Designated Supervisor: Head Songleader
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Designated Supervisor: Ropes Supervisor
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Designated Supervisor: Art Supervisor
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Designated Supervisor: Machon Director
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Designated Supervisor: Camper Care Director
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This position is out of cabin.
Designated Supervisor: Communications/Development Associate
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Designated Supervisor: Assistant Director
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This position is out of cabin. This staff member is not required to live on camp.
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.
**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 three weeks of this five week 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 two weeks of the Machon program, our counselors in training move into cabins with younger cabins to gain hands on experience as leaders at camp. Machon campers take a trip off camp between sessions Aleph and Bet. Learn more about the Machon 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.
Three Weeks for 4th and 5th Graders
2 weeks not enough? Current 4th and 5th graders can join us for Kochavim, a 3 week program that allows campers to experience even more of what camp has to offer. During two daily unit program blocks, 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. Three weeks 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!
Two Weeks for 4th and 5th graders
A 2 week option for current 4th and 5th grade campers, Nemerim campers will dive in to Camp Kalsman programs. Nemerim campers will have the opportunity to dive more deeply into activities that they love. During two daily unit program blocks, Nemerim campers will also have the opportunity to spend time at the URJ Camp Kalsman 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!”
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.