Taste of Camp

3 Days for K & 1st Graders

Taste of Camp is a 3-night, 4-day mini camp experience for campers currently in Kinder and 1st grades. Perfect for the first time away from home, this taste of camp session is stuffed with as much camp fun as possible and guided by our most experienced, nurturing camp counselors! Taste of Camp campers will participate in all-camp experiences, connecting with the rest of our warm and welcoming camp community and experience some special moments just for our youngest campers.

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Machon (Training)

**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.

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Tzofim (Scouts)

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.

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Kochavim (Stars)

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!

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Nemerim (Tigers)

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!”

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Nitzotzot (Sparks)

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.

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Coogarim (Cougars)

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.

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Rachel Slaton

Director, Marketing & Communications

Email Rachel

(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 & Photo

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”.

Transportation Form

We are in the process of assessing transportation options to camp and will have more information in early 2023!

Health and Medical forms

Must be completed for each individual child attending. The Health Forms are a combination of online forms:

Camper Health History
Vaccine Policy

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!:

Medical Exam Form – must be completed & signed by physician
Immunization History Form – must be completed & signed by physician
Insurance Cards & Authorization – Be sure to have your insurance information available to complete the form.

Scholarships

The Camp Newman Scholarship application is closed for summer 2023. Please visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.

Other Forms

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!:

Camper Code of Conduct – to be signed by camper and parent

Anti-Bullying Pledge – to be signed by camper

B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring Form – Please complete this form with your rabbi or cantor only if you would like your child to practice at camp to maintain what he/she has already learned in preparation for becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

How to upload forms to Camp In Touch

Casey Gore

Business Manager

Email Casey

(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.

Email Rabbi Ilana

Lisa Kama

Administrator

Email Lisa

(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

Email Ariel

(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!

Aviva Symons

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.

Ariel Kurland

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!

Carly Zenker

Development Manager

czenker@urj.org

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.

Rachel K. Slaton

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.

Andy (A.C.) Swedlove

Assistant Retreat Center Director

Pronouns: He/Him/His
acswedlove@urj.org

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.

Martee Fischman

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.

Rachel Dubowe

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!

Rabbi Allie Fischman

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.

Ari Vared

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.”

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Sessions + Programs

Kalsman offers programs for children currently in grades 1 through 11.

Kalsman Yallah! Israel