NJY Camps

I had the opportunity to sit down with Jake Aronskind and Matthew Schkolnick, founders of Pepper and Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees, to talk about their journey, from camp bunkmates to entrepreneurs building a platform with over a million users.   As their former camp director, I’ve had the privilege of watching their journey unfold, and it’s been wildly inspiring. But what’s even more meaningful is hearing how much they credit their formative years at NJY Camps - where they met, where they learned to take risks, gain independence, and navigate challenges; skills that have shaped them as entrepreneurs and leaders.   Check out this piece from the American Camp Association's Camping Magazine, highlighting how the camp experience prepares young people for leadership in ways we don’t always recognize at the time.

Last week, NJY Camps had the privilege of hosting Nadav Eyal, one of Israel’s most prominent journalists, for an evening of meaningful conversation with our board members, past presidents, and key stakeholders. Together, we explored the Israel-Diaspora relationship, the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish world today, and how NJY Camps can continue to strengthen connections between our campers, staff, and Israel. A huge thank you to Nadav Eyal for sharing his insights, to JCamp 180, JCC Association of North America and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs משרד התפוצות for helping to make this evening possible, and to everyone who joined us. These conversations are essential as we continue our work shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders. Sam Aboudara Michael Schlank Anne Tursky Debra Daitchman Will Eastman

Welcome home Liri. Your courage, strength, and incredible heart have inspired the world over ❤️

Earlier today, Hamas released footage of Liri Albag, one of the hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The video is gut-wrenching. Her hands and leg tremble visibly, as though they've not stopped shaking since that horrific day. Out of respect for her family's wishes, I won’t share it here, but the footage is out there. Instead, I’ll share a moment from Liri’s time at NJY Camps, where she was full of life, joy, and energy, a mere few summers ago. This is the Liri we remember. This is the Liri we fight for. It’s been over 450 days. Every one of these hostages: children, parents, grandparents, deserves to come home. We must keep their stories alive. We must refuse to let them fade into silence. Please share Liri’s story. Please amplify their voices. Until they are all brought home.

A big year at NJY Camps. More to come in 2025!

"This table — where the most unexpected conversations and connections happen — must remain set for all who come to sit at it. Because if we are to build a world of understanding and care, it begins here, at camp, around a shared table, one conversation at a time." - Words by NJY's Sam Aboudara in today's EJP.

AMSkier is proud to salute Anne Tursky!👏 The Skier Family presents Anne with a commemoration of honor and respect for over thirty-six years as a dedicated member of the NJY Staff inspiring campers and young adults to become leaders of the Jewish Community. #CampLeader #Congratulations #JewishCommunity

WE ARE HIRING If you have ever thought about camp as a full time career, we are looking for the next great assistant director of Cedar Lake Camp! This is a unique chance to help shape the future of camp, working closely with staff, campers, and alumni to carry on the traditions and values that make Cedar Lake Camp a home away from home for so many. For a full job description, benefits package, and how to apply, please click on the link below. https://lnkd.in/gfhdgyvh Michael Schlank Sam Aboudara Jason Hosiassohn