Hello Gilboa Community!
It is with great honor and pride that I get to share with you that I am Camp Gilboa’s new Assistant Director of Programs and Operations!
My favorite quote to describe camp is, “from the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. From the inside looking out, it’s impossible to explain.” When I hear the word camp, I don’t just get flooded with memories of being a camper, counselor, or leadership staff. I get hit with the overwhelming feeling that my experiences at camps enabled me to become the person that I am today. Camp has a way of helping you grow both as an individual and as a community while teaching you how to make a positive difference in this world.
Camp has always been part of my life starting from when I was only 4 years old, and I’m so grateful that my camp journey has never ended. I am an example of the impact that the camp experience can have on a child, and I've been lucky enough to be a staff member to help bring that magic to life for others. As the Director of Logistics for Island Lake Camp in the summer of 2022 I was able to take my first look at camp from a new perspective - behind the scenes. I learned very quickly that although I love being out and about with the kids, I love getting to put the pieces in place to keep camp running even more.
This past year I served as the Assistant Director for URJ’s 6 Points Sports Academy. I had the opportunity to learn all of the ins and outs of full time camp administration and fell even more in love with the summer camp experience. But, after moving across the country (New Jersey to Arizona) - it was time for my next adventure.
When I saw this job posting, I was immediately drawn in by Camp Gilboa’s program structure. The youth-led programming reminded me of my time in the USY (United Synagogue Youth) - getting to serve on committees and chapter boards, planning events and retreats. What an incredibly unique opportunity for these young adults to learn and grow! Camp Gilboa promotes values that I truly believe in and stand behind whole-heartedly, such as working together and taking personal responsibility for our summer home and the importance of creating a community where every camper feels welcome, seen, heard, and supported I’m looking forward to being there to support this community and help our young people become strong leaders ready to change the world and make their impact. And even though I’ll be working from my home in Phoenix throughout the year, I plan to travel to California often for eizor events and can’t wait to spend my summers living at Camp Gilboa’s beautiful site in Big Bear!
In a nutshell, camp has always been my home away from home, and I’m so excited that Camp Gilboa is my new home.
Looking forward to meeting you all soon,
Sydney
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