Summer Job Descriptions

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What do YOU want to do this summer?

Do you LOVE working with kids? Become a counselor! Do you excel in a sport or art activity? Become a specialist! Are you passionate about Jewish education and program creation? A Rosh Eidah (Unit Head) position might be the right fit for you! We have positions available for varying experience levels and skill-sets.

Camp Newman is committed to educating, encouraging and empowering staff to grow both personally and professionally during their time working with us. We believe that the quality of our camper experience is directly linked to the quality of our staff experience, and we are invested in making that staff experience an exceptional one.

Camp Newman is an accredited member of e21, an organization developed by camp people, for camp people. e21 integrates with our camp’s values, priorities and structure, and provides tools that elevate performance, offer opportunity for growth and enhance employee engagement.

Below you will find a sampling of the types of positions we have at camp and the expectations we have of our staff members! If you have questions about a specific position at camp, please contact Aviva Symons, Assistant Director, at asymons@urj.org.

General Counselor

Position Summary:

Arrival date: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Our general counselors live in-cabin with our campers and are the heart of our camp program, ensuring that every camper is happy, healthy, and acclimating to the camp environment. A Camp Newman Counselor and General Staff Member is responsible for the supervision and well-being of campers, and the delivery of a safe, fun and meaningful camp experience. They support and build relationships with campers, identify and meet their needs, facilitate skills building and social development, and assist and lead program activities. In achieving this, we expect our staff to…

…COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Uses effective communication techniques
Reports issues and updates appropriately
Is receptive to (and makes use of) feedback
Listens well & asks questions to clarify
Respects confidentiality & builds trust

…ANTICIPATE & SOLVE PROBLEMS

Demonstrates good judgement
Facilitates and teaches conflict resolution
Recognizes & addresses camper physical needs
Recognizes & addresses camper emotional needs
Is vigilant about safety and anticipates hazards

…WORK WELL WITH WITH OTHERS

Models and encourages team spirit & enthusiasm
Actively participates in group & community
Compromises and adapts when required
Is proactive and generous in helping others
Asks for help and support when needed
Models and teaches inclusion and respect for diversity

…TAKE A CREATIVE APPROACH

Plans and leads fun, meaningful activities/rituals
Can adapt to changing situations & use initiative
Meets challenges with patience & perseverance
Uses creative methods to engage & motivate
Suggests improvements
Seeks out ways to facilitate skills building & social development

…HAVE A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Is on time and keeps campers on schedule
Is responsible for own health, well-being and appearance/attire
Is reliable, consistent and self-motivated
Follows and upholds camp policies and rules
Interacts appropriately with other staff, and expresses dissent or dissatisfaction appropriately
Fulfills admin tasks thoroughly and on time
Prioritizes a quality experience for campers

…INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE OTHERS

Communicates & models camp values
Treats campers equally and develops relationships with each individual
Sets expectations and limits, and manages behavior issues appropriately
Facilitates age-appropriate independence
Manages groups confidently
Teaches respect for camp facilities and personal belongings

Apply Now!

Activity Specialist

Position Summary:

Arrival date: Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

A Camp Newman Specialist is responsible for the development and delivery of safe, fun and engaging experiential activities, and lives in-cabin with campers. Specialists will support and coach campers, provide opportunities for skills building and social development, and create meaningful experiences for every camper regardless of age or ability. Activity specialists are responsible for planning, coordinating and teaching 3-5 daily classes to campers at varying ages and ability levels. Specialists may also be asked to assist in their program specialty area during camper free time and all-camp events. When applicable, specialists should plan to attend proper certification training prior to the summer. A Camp Newman specialists …

…COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY

Uses effective communication techniques
Reports issues and updates appropriately
Is receptive to (and makes use of) feedback
Listens well & asks questions to clarify
Respects confidentiality & builds trust

…ANTICIPATES & SOLVES PROBLEMS

Demonstrates good judgement
Facilitates and teaches conflict resolution
Recognizes & addresses camper physical needs
Recognizes & addresses camper emotional needs
Is vigilant about safety and anticipates hazards

…WORKS WELL WITH WITH OTHERS

Models and encourages team spirit/enthusiasm
Actively participates in group & community
Compromises and adapts when required
Is proactive and generous in helping others
Asks for help and support when needed
Models and teaches inclusion and respect for diversity

…TAKES A CREATIVE APPROACH

Plans and leads fun, meaningful activities/rituals
Can adapt to changing situations & use initiative
Meets challenges with patience & perseverance
Uses creative methods to engage & motivate
Suggests improvements
Seeks out ways to facilitate skill building & social development

…HAS A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Is on time and keeps campers on schedule
Is responsible for own health, well-being and appearance/attire
Is reliable, consistent and self-motivated
Follows and upholds camp policies and rules
Interacts appropriately with other staff, and expresses dissent or dissatisfaction appropriately
Fulfills admin tasks thoroughly and on time
Prioritizes a quality experience for campers

…INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES OTHERS

Communicates & models camp values
Treats campers equally and develops relationships with each individual
Sets expectations and limits, and manages behavior issues appropriately
Facilitates age-appropriate independence
Manages groups confidently
Teaches respect for camp facilities and personal belongings

Apply Now!

Teen Leadership Advisor

Position Summary:

Arrival day: Sunday, June 1st, 2025

Please note: Applications for this position are due on December 15th

Camp Newman Avodah and CIT programs are intensive leadership building programs for rising 11th and 12th graders. Living in-bunk and involved most intimately with our teen leaders as individuals, Advisors essentially serve as a mentor, supervisor and guide while they are at camp. In addition to connecting with and advocating for each individual teen, Advisors work with the CIT or Avodah Directors as a team to create and facilitate leadership programing, group bonding activities, camp projects and more. Typically, Advisors must be at least 21 years old or 3rd year staff members. A Camp Newman Advisor will …

…COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Uses effective communication techniques
Reports issues and updates appropriately
Is receptive to (and makes use of) feedback
Listens well & asks questions to clarify
Respects confidentiality & builds trust

…ANTICIPATE & SOLVE PROBLEMS

Demonstrates good judgement
Facilitates and teaches conflict resolution
Recognizes & addresses camper physical needs
Recognizes & addresses camper emotional needs
Is vigilant about safety and anticipates hazards

…WORK WELL WITH WITH OTHERS

Models and encourages team spirit & enthusiasm
Actively participates in group & community
Compromises and adapts when required
Is proactive and generous in helping others
Asks for help and support when needed
Models and teaches inclusion and respect for diversity

…TAKE A CREATIVE APPROACH

Plans and leads fun, meaningful activities/rituals
Can adapt to changing situations & use initiative
Meets challenges with patience & perseverance
Uses creative methods to engage & motivate
Suggests improvements
Seeks out ways to facilitate skills building & social development

…HAVE A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Is on time and keeps campers on schedule
Is responsible for own health, well-being and appearance/attire
Is reliable, consistent and self-motivated
Follows and upholds camp policies and rules
Interacts appropriately with other staff, and expresses dissent or dissatisfaction appropriately
Fulfills admin tasks thoroughly and on time
Prioritizes a quality experience for campers

…INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE OTHERS

Communicates & models camp values
Treats campers equally and develops relationships with each individual
Sets expectations and limits, and manages behavior issues appropriately
Facilitates age-appropriate independence
Manages groups confidently
Teaches respect for camp facilities and personal belongings

Apply Now!

Teen Leadership Director

Position Summary:

Arrival Day: Monday, May 26th, 2025

The Avodah and CIT Directors play a key role on camp’s leadership (Shoresh) Team in overseeing the program creation and implementation each of two teen leadership sessions, including camper applicant interviews, assisting in the hiring of their advisor teams in advance of the summer. These Directors are directly responsible for the education program, camper care and staff supervision within their program.

A Camp Newman Geza or Shoresh Member (Department Head, Unit Head, Program Director and/or Shoresh Member) is responsible for the organization and management of the staff, campers and schedules within a group to deliver a safe, fun and meaningful camp experience. Supervisors support, mentor and guide staff, identify and meet camper needs, facilitate skills building and social development, and maintain communication between departments and with camp families. A CIT or Avodah Director …

…COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY

Uses effective communication techniques
Reports issues and updates appropriately
Is receptive to (and makes use of) feedback
Listens well & asks questions to clarify
Respects confidentiality & builds trust
Effectively relays information between leadership and staff
Provides candid, constructive feedback to staff

…ANTICIPATES & SOLVES PROBLEMS

Demonstrates good judgement
Facilitates and teaches conflict resolution
Recognizes & addresses staff and/or camper physical needs
Recognizes & addresses staff and/or camper emotional needs
Is vigilant about safety and anticipates hazards
Demonstrates effective planning

…WORKS WELL WITH WITH OTHERS

Models and encourages team spirit & enthusiasm
Actively participates in group & community
Compromises and adapts when required
Is proactive and generous in helping others
Asks for help and support when needed
Models & teaches inclusion / respect for diversity

…TAKES A CREATIVE APPROACH

Plans and leads fun, meaningful activities/rituals
Can adapt to changing situations & use initiative
Meets challenges with patience & perseverance
Uses creative methods to engage & motivate
Seeks out ways to facilitate skill building for staff
Suggests improvements

…HAS A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Is on time and organized
Is responsible for own health, well-being and appearance/attire
Is reliable, consistent and self-motivated
Follows and upholds camp policies and rules
Interacts appropriately with other staff, & expresses dissent/dissatisfaction appropriately
Fulfills admin tasks thoroughly and on time
Prioritizes a quality experience for campers
Prioritizes growth and development for staff

…INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES OTHERS

Communicates & models camp values
Treats staff and campers equally
Develops a relationship with each staff member
Sets clear expectations and limits
Manages behavior/performance issues appropriately
Unifies and manages groups confidently
Teaches respect for camp facilities and personal belongings
Uses resources and delegates effectively

Positions have been filled for 2025.

Rosh Eidah (Unit Head)

Position Summary:

Arrival day: Friday, May 3oth, 2025 (AM start)

Rosh Eidah, or Unit Head, is a member of the camp leadership team which we refer to as Geza (hebrew for the trunk of a tree) and is directly responsible for the educational program, camper care and staff supervision within their assigned eidah (unit) at camp.

…COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY

Uses effective communication techniques
Reports issues and updates appropriately
Is receptive to (and makes use of) feedback
Listens well & asks questions to clarify
Respects confidentiality & builds trust
Effectively relays information between leadership and staff
Provides candid, constructive feedback to staff

…ANTICIPATES & SOLVES PROBLEMS

Demonstrates good judgement
Facilitates and teaches conflict resolution
Recognizes & addresses staff and/or camper physical needs
Recognizes & addresses staff and/or camper emotional needs
Is vigilant about safety and anticipates hazards
Demonstrates effective planning

…WORKS WELL WITH WITH OTHERS

Models and encourages team spirit & enthusiasm
Actively participates in group & community
Compromises and adapts when required
Is proactive and generous in helping others
Asks for help and support when needed
Models & teaches inclusion / respect for diversity

…TAKES A CREATIVE APPROACH

Plans and leads fun, meaningful activities/rituals
Can adapt to changing situations & use initiative
Meets challenges with patience & perseverance
Uses creative methods to engage & motivate
Seeks out ways to facilitate skill building for staff
Suggests improvements

…HAS A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Is on time and organized
Is responsible for own health, well-being and appearance/attire
Is reliable, consistent and self-motivated
Follows and upholds camp policies and rules
Interacts appropriately with other staff, & expresses dissent/dissatisfaction appropriately
Fulfills admin tasks thoroughly and on time
Prioritizes a quality experience for campers
Prioritizes growth and development for staff

…INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES OTHERS

Communicates & models camp values
Treats staff and campers equally
Develops a relationship with each staff member
Sets clear expectations and limits
Manages behavior/performance issues appropriately
Unifies and manages groups confidently
Teaches respect for camp facilities and personal belongings
Uses resources and delegates effectively

Apply Now!

Specialty Department Head

Position Summary:

Arrival day: Friday, May 3oth, 2025 (AM start)

Department Heads are responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of high-quality specialty program areas throughout camp, managing and supervising area specialists. Department Heads bring to camp a strong background and experience in teaching/coaching/lesson planning for areas of Songleading, Performing and Visual Arts, Sports, Challenge Course/Ropes Course, Pool or Outdoor/Overnight/Teva (nature).

…COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY

Uses effective communication techniques
Reports issues and updates appropriately
Is receptive to (and makes use of) feedback
Listens well & asks questions to clarify
Respects confidentiality & builds trust
Effectively relays information between leadership and staff
Provides candid, constructive feedback to staff

…ANTICIPATES & SOLVES PROBLEMS

Demonstrates good judgement
Facilitates and teaches conflict resolution
Recognizes & addresses staff and/or camper physical needs
Recognizes & addresses staff and/or camper emotional needs
Is vigilant about safety and anticipates hazards
Demonstrates effective planning

…WORKS WELL WITH WITH OTHERS

Models and encourages team spirit & enthusiasm
Actively participates in group & community
Compromises and adapts when required
Is proactive and generous in helping others
Asks for help and support when needed
Models & teaches inclusion / respect for diversity

…TAKES A CREATIVE APPROACH

Plans and leads fun, meaningful activities/rituals
Can adapt to changing situations & use initiative
Meets challenges with patience & perseverance
Uses creative methods to engage & motivate
Seeks out ways to facilitate skill building for staff
Suggests improvements

…HAS A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE

Is on time and organized
Is responsible for own health, well-being and appearance/attire
Is reliable, consistent and self-motivated
Follows and upholds camp policies and rules
Interacts appropriately with other staff, & expresses dissent/dissatisfaction appropriately
Fulfills admin tasks thoroughly and on time
Prioritizes a quality experience for campers
Prioritizes growth and development for staff

…INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES OTHERS

Communicates & models camp values
Treats staff and campers equally
Develops a relationship with each staff member
Sets clear expectations and limits
Manages behavior/performance issues appropriately
Unifies and manages groups confidently
Teaches respect for camp facilities and personal belongings
Uses resources and delegates effectively

Apply Now!

Camp Medical Team

Each summer, we have a team of medical professionals on site to help ensure the health and safety of our community. Many of our medical staff are volunteers including Camp Nurses and Camp Doctors, but we also have a certain number of paid positions including Medical Assistants and some Nursing Positions. If you are interested in learning more about available medical positions for Summer 2024, please contact Rabbi Allie Fischman at afischman@urj.org. You should also submit a staff application here.

Camp Operations Team

Each summer, we need operations staff to ensure camp runs smoothly including positions like:

Logistics Staff
On and Off-Site Drivers
Kitchen Staff
Office Staff

If you are interested in learning more about available operations positions for Summer 2024, please contact Aviva Symons at asymons@urj.org. You should also submit a staff application here.

Ready to change the world?

All interested applicants must submit a completed application along with 3 non-familial references in order to move on to the interview process. You will be contact via email to confirm receipt of your applicaiton and outlining next steps.

Apply Now

When	What	Description
3:00-5:00	Welcome & Registration	Arrive anytime in this window. If you can, leave yourself enough time to get settled in your room and enjoy some optional activities until the official program starts.
5:00	Kids meet counselors	Drop the kids off with their counselors to play get-to-know-you games
5:15	Adult orientation & mixer w/ refreshments	Get all the info you need to feel at home and meet other adults. Don't worry if you have to miss orientation-it will all be in writing!
6:00	Dinner	Together with grandkids and other families!
6:45	Shabbat song session/t'fillah	You don't need to know the words! Just clap along!
	Siyum (closing circle)	Nightly closing circle. Take a deep breath to appreciate the day we had. Peel off at any time if your grandchild's bedtime is earlier.
	Israeli dance	It isn't a camp Shabbat without some Israeli dancing!
8:00	Shmira begins	Counselors outside the cabin area to supervise so you can join the activities. See Program Guide for details.
9:00	Adult schmooze
11:00	Shmira ends

When	What	Why/how
7:00	Early Risers unstaffed activities, coffee & cold snacks	Wake up early? We'll have some games, coffee and snacks. Grandparents should accompany the kids during this time.
7:30-8:30	Morning Options	Wake up early and ready for activities? Star Hike (self guided), Yoga Class
7:30-9:00	Breakfast	Rolling breakfast: come when you want, stay as long as you like.
9:00-11:00	Camp Fun!	Camp options-tie dye challah covers, challah braiding, self-guided Gratitude Nature Walk
11:00-12:00	Self Portrait Discovery	In the style of Israeli artist, Hanoch Piven, make a self-portrait from found objects to tell your family about yourself
12:00	Lunch
12:45	Menucha-quiet rest/play time	story time in staff lounge, quiet play time together with grandkids.
1:45	Its its--Newman's beloved tradition: ice cream sandwiches
2:00-4:00	Grown-Up Optional Activities	Free swim or climb the tower. Send your grandkids with their counselors while you take a break or join them (sign up at lunch to tell us your plans)
4:15-5:00	Personal Nikayon (shower time)	gkids w/gparents
5:15	Happy Hour/snacky hour	Kids with counselors & Grandparents with each other!
6:00	Dinner
7:00	S'mores
7:30	Havdallah & Siyum	Short ritual that separates Shabbat from the week, followed by closing circle together as a community
8:00	Shmirah begins
	Talent Show/Camp songs
9:00	"Keep your mouth shut" & other issues	Facilitated Conversation for Grandparents
11:00	Shmirah ends

When	What	Why/how
7:00	Early Risers unstaffed activities, coffee & cold snacks	Wake up early? We'll have some games, coffee and snacks for grandparents and grandkids together.
8:00-9:00	Breakfast
9:00	Bringing Camp Home With You	Closing program: story, tree planting, family tree together in family groups.
10:00	Closing Circle
10:15	Packing time	Optional: Counselors on duty on the mirpeset while adults are packing.
11:00	L'hitraot (see you next time!)

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.

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”.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
jflores@urj.org

Jordanna has been an Experiential Jewish Educator for 20 years. She earned Masters Degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Nonprofit Management from HUC-JIR in Los Angeles and has worked in museum education, family camping, adult education and summer camping. Jordanna has served as the Director of Camp Alonim, the Director of the LA Area Melton School, the Assistant Director of the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at HUC-JIR LA and the Director of URJ 6 Points West, formerly known as URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech West. She lives in LA with her husband, Aaron and teen twins, Reuben and Shira. She loves puzzles, upcycling t-shirts, reality TV and has a special talent for identifying Jelly Belly flavors.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
jshamout@urj.org

Jessie has been working in the field of youth and camping for over 15 years and attributes some of her most transformative experiences to Jewish camp. As a Southern California native, she spent her summers at Camp JCA Shalom in Malibu, then ventured across the country to attend URJ Kutz Camp. While new in this role, she’s excited to return to Porter Creek where she served as faculty for several summers while she was the educator at University Synagogue in Los Angeles. She comes to Newman most recently from Steve & Kate’s Camp, a secular day camp with locations all over the country. She has a BA in Jewish Studies from the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) and a Masters in Education from USC (Fight On!) and looks forward to March Madness every year. When she’s not at camp you can usually catch her at the dance studio or hanging with her family at Disneyland.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
rmellman@urj.org

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.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
cgore@urj.org

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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!