Yuval Abramovich
My name is Yuval, and I’m from Tel Aviv. I’m 20 years old, and I finished my army service about a month ago as a search and rescue instructor. It’s my first time at the camp and I’m very excited to join as an Israeli culture counselor!
Michal Avish
Hello, my name Michal Avish. It is my first time at camp and I am excited! I live in Meitar, in the southern part of Israel. I was released from the army three month ago. In the army, I was a navigating instructor, and in high school I was a guide for the Israeli scouts, my role at camp is to be an outdoor instructor. I can’t wait to meet the campers!
Drew Balkin
Hey ya’ll my name is Drew Balkin, I’m from New Orleans, LA and I’m the waterfront specialist this summer at HSJ! Jacob’s Camp has been a really important part of my life as I was an eight year camper and this is my fourth year on staff. I am heading into my senior year at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers) as a broadcast journalism major and I work as the Production Director for LSU’s TV Station, TigerTV. Jacobs Camp is one of my favorite places in the world and I’m so excited that I am able to spend another summer at my second home!
Josh Balkin
Hey Y’all! I’m Josh and I come New Orleans. This is my eleventh summer at camp and my second on staff. This summer I am a counselor (something I have been looking forward to for years). This upcoming school year I will be attending the University of Chicago. During high school, I have served as the president of my local youth group (JewCCY), volunteered at the National World War 2 Museum and worked with the Anti-Defamation League on their No Place for Hate campaign. Jacobs is my FAVORITE place on the planet and I am so excited to be there again this summer!
Emma Barron
My name is Emma Barron. I am from New Orleans, LA, but currently go to Boston University. I am in the School of Theater in the College of Fine arts and am majoring in Scenic Design. My role this summer at camp is a general counselor and I am really excited to spend my 11th summer at camp with everyone in the Jacobs community. During the year, I help with around 40 shows a year which are open to the Boston community.
Sarah Bate
I am from Mount Laurel, NJ. I am going into my senior year at Ramapo College of New Jersey. This year I will be the Waterfront Director and it is my 3rd summer at camp.
Irad Benish
Hi everybody! My name’s Irad Benish. I’m a specialist for the brand new robotics program. I’m part of the Israeli Mishlacat, currently I serve in the IDF as a combat medic in the 603rd battalion in the Engineering Corps. This is my first time being part of this camp but I’m very excited to be given this opportunity and being a part of a great experience for the kids of the camp and myself!
Ricky Dew
I am Ricky Dew and I was born and raised in Texas. Finished high school in 2014 in San Antonio texas, after school I worked small jobs, at SAM’s club in the auto and maintenance section I worked there for about one year. Shortly after I went to Israel to volunteer originally for just 6 months, in the end stayed for a year volunteering on a kibbutz. I work here everyday except Saturday’s in the garden/ fixing pipes under the kibbutz. Traveled to Egypt, Jordan and most of Israel, but I still don’t speak Hebrew like I would like but can kind of understand the broad conversation. Met people from all over the world as I volunteered in Israel; I’ve met around 30 different countries from South Africa to Brazil and even South Korea like a small UN gathering everyday but we’re all just volunteers in Israel.
Amanda Brenner
Hi, I’m Amanda! I am attending the University of West Florida, in Pensacola, where I am pursuing a nursing major with a minor in child welfare. This is my third year on staff, and I am beyond excited to be here again!
Remy Brown
My name Is Remy Brown. I am in my second year of University in England studying Film and Television Production. I am joining camp for the first time this year and I am very excited about meeting all the amazing people at camp and learning about life in America. I will be one of the camp photographers and Videographers throughout summer. I have previously volunteered at a girl guiding group in the UK and wish to do more volunteer work in the future.
Paulina Bullard
I am from Olive Branch, MS, and I am currently attending the University of Alabama. I am a Dance major and I am also on the Pre-Occupational Therapy track. This will be my 7th year at HSJ! I will be a counselor as well as a lifeguard. I love being at camp and I can’t wait to officially start the summer!
Benjamin Caplan
I am from Alexandria, LA. I will be attending LSU as a Film and Media Arts major in the fall. I am a cabin counselor this year, and I was a camper for five years. Most of the volunteer work I have done is through camp and NFTY, and it’s an enjoyable experience!
Sam Canales
My name is Sam Canales, I’m 18 years old, and from Memphis, TN. Throughout the year, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing soccer and other sports, partaking in leadership opportunities, doing community service, and staying connected with my Judaism. This summer, is my first year as a counselor at Jacobs Camp and I could not be more excited. I attended Jacobs Camp for two years as a camper and was a Gesher. I love Jacobs Camp and I am committed to doing my part to uphold the high standard of fun, friendship, safety, and Judaic involvement throughout the summer.
Noah Chensasky
I am from Memphis, TN. I will be attending the University of Missouri studying sports management in the fall. I’m a counselor at camp this summer. This is my 9th year at camp and my second year on staff including Gesher. I worked at the local soup kitchen serve food to the homeless and elderly. I have done Dream Street for two years. I have worked in the Memphis Jewish Home working with elderly in many different skills. I am very excited for camp and cannot wait to be a counselor!
Ben Cyzner
My name is Ben Cyzner, and I was originally born in New York, but moved to Charlotte when I was one years old and lived in Charlotte for 17 years now. During the year, I go to school to work hard, but when I’m not at school I am with friends over the weekend, spend time with family, watching football, playing basketball, working for a party planner, and working on non-profit start-up. I have been at camp since Garin 3! I volunteer at Habitat for Humanity every now and then, my mom owns a school for children with special needs and work there frequently, and trying to pursue my own non-profit with a couple friends.
Caroline Danziger
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN but will be moving to Baton Rouge, LA in the fall to attend LSU (geaux tigers!!!) and study sport administration. This summer is my 10th summer at camp and my 3rd on staff as a counselor and lifeguard. I’m so excited to be back at camp this year and can’t wait to meet y’all!
Kara Deutch
I am from the one and only New Orleans, LA! During the year, I am a Physical Education teacher, teaching PreK-8th grade in the uptown New Orleans area. This summer at Jacobs I will represent Maskilim as the Maskilim Unit Head. This will be my 13th summer at camp, 5th year on staff! I took a few years off to develop my professional career as a teacher but I am SO excited to be back at camp, creating Jacobs magic! I am looking forward to the summer of a lifetime and making sure every camper has a summer to remember!
Dana Dobel
Hi! My name is Dana Dobel. I am from Jackson, MS, but attend college at Florida Atlantic University. I am going to be an operations assistant at camp this summer, more specifically, I will be in charge of the dining hall. This will be my 11th summer at camp; 4th summer on staff.
Erin Doherty
I am an artist living and working in New Orleans, LA. My role at camp will be the Creative Arts Department Head. This will be my second summer. Last year I was the Visual Arts Senior Specialist.
Jeff Dreifus
I am the Director of Education at HSJ for Summer 2017. I’m a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. I began my Jacobs experience as an Olim camper in 1996, spending nine years as a camper and two years as a counselor. Some of my favorite camp memories are of playing ping pong in the breezeway, praying at Shabbat services by the lake, and getting messy on bunk night. In my free time, I like to root for the Memphis Tigers and Grizzlies and go hiking and camping with my dog, Abbey Road. I grew up in Memphis, TN as a congregant of Temple Israel.
Nir Erlich
My name is Nir Erlich and I’m from Kibbutz Kfar-Haruv in the Golan Highets. This summer, my job is to be a general counselor. This is my first time in America and in any Jewish camp. During the year, I volunteer as a meatal worker in a business called Nirosta Kitchens.
Jon Evan
I’m from Boston, MA and I grew up in New Haven, CT. I spent most of adult life in Jacksonville, FL. During the year I am a College Soccer Coach. My role at camp is the Sports Department Head. This summer is my first summer at camp. I help at Hebrew School, work in reading programs in local schools, Inner City Soccer Camps & Clinics, and various player development & coaching education programs around the southeast.
Vanessa Evan
I was born in Montreal and grew up in Orlando. During the year, I’m a nursing student. This summer, I am the Hospitality Intern. This is my first summer at camp. I volunteer at Hebrew school, and at my children’s school.
Ziv Fadida
My name is Ziv Fadida. I live in the north of Israel in Moshav Ram-On. I serve in the Israeli Air Force in an operation room. After graduation, I did a year of service (shnat sherut) in Jaffa with at risk youth through an organization called ‘Kadima’. I love these children with all my heart and I’m still in touch with them and I volunteer there when I can. This year is my first summer at HSJ. I am a general counselor. I hope to bring my personality, the way I see Israel, and my Judaism.
Daniella Flanter
My name is Daniella, and I’ll turn 20 during camp. I live in Herzeliya, Israel, which is close to Tel Aviv. I’ve been serving in the army for a year and a half in a classified unit. I really enjoy my service. I am a professional dancer in a group called Mechola. This is my first summer at Jacobs Camp and im super exited. I have a lot of history working with kids including dance teaching and babysitting.
Emma Figarsky
Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, I am so excited to be returning to camp for my eighth summer at Jacobs Camp as a counselor and a lifeguard! When I’m not at home, I’m most likely playing with my dog, watching Netflix, or babysitting. I also do a lot of volunteer work with various community organizations through school clubs like National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Principals Cabinet. My favorite volunteer opportunity this year was Camp Dream Street! After camp this year, I will be starting a new chapter of my life as a freshman at Rhodes College and I couldn’t be more thrilled!! #RollLynx
Katie Fijman
I am from Jackson, MS, but I attend school in Oxford, MS. I am majoring in Psychology and plan to go to graduate school for Counseling/Clinical Psychology. This summer I am a counselor at camp. I was a camper for 9 years at HSJ and this will be my 4th summer on staff. I volunteer at Camp Dream Street every year in May and I also work with the organization Gallant Hearts in Jackson that provides guide dogs for visually impaired people.
Natalie Gaber
I am from Miami, FL. However, I call Beantown my home from September to May, since I attend Boston University. I am a general counselor, and this is my first summer here at camp. In my free time, I volunteer with non-profit organizations working to fund cancer research, for example Relay for Life and Mystic Force Foundation.
Amit Gershon
Shalom! My name is Amit Gershon. I’m 20 years old from Kfar Saba, Israel – a city in the center of the country. I’m the videographer of camp this year! Since 2014, I have been a soldier serving in the IDF as a screenwriter and director, while mentoring other soldiers in my department. Because all of my grandparents survived the holocaust, I realized how important it is to strengthen the connection between Jews all over the world to Israel. It means a lot to me to work at camp with Jewish youth in America as an Israeli representative. I’m really excited to be contributing my skills both as a videographer and as a role model for the Jewish community. I can’t wait to experience camp for the first time!
Lucy Goldman
I am from Little Rock, AR, and attend the University of Arkansas studying Interior Design, with a minor in Jewish Studies. This is my eighth year at camp, third on staff, and I am very excited to be serving as the Ropes Course Specialist. During the year, I spend most of my time in studio working on projects, but I also enjoy philanthropy events with my sorority, hiking, exploring Fayetteville, and lots more.
Alex Goldstein
Hello I’m Alex Goldstein and I am from Jackson Mississippi. I am a Junior at the Savannah College of Art and Design studying Performing Arts. I am so excited to announce that I am the Performing Arts Senior Specialist for Jacobs Camp 2017! This is my 13th summer with Jacobs camp! This past year I have been working at Walt Disney World on a college internship and I am excited to come back to my home at Jacobs Camp for another great summer!!
Jordan Goldstein
My name is Jordan Goldstein, and I’m going to be the Songleader at camp this summer! I am entering my senior year at Washington and Lee University as a Music Composition and Global Politics double major, and I currently live in Alexandria, VA. This is my first summer at Jacobs Camp, but my 8th at a URJ camp; I was either a camper or staff at Camp Newman, Kutz Camp, and Camp Harlam. Fun fact – I just spent a month in Nepal studying economic inequality in the caste system. I can’t wait to be part of this wonderful camp family!
Lauren Grundfest
Hi! I’m Lauren Grundfest and I am a counselor at Jacobs Camp. I have been at camp for 11 summers now, and this is my fourth on staff. During the year, I study social work at the University of Texas. I am so excited for another amazing summer at Jacobs!
Sophie Guirard
I am from Baton Rouge, LA, and I attend Tulane University where I am studying Psychology, Early Childhood Education, and French! During the year, I volunteer as a swim instructor and tutor, and am involved in Greek life and Tulane Jewish Leaders, among other clubs on campus. This is my 13th summer at camp and my fourth on staff. This summer is my third year as a counselor and I can’t wait!
Hannah Guimbellot
I’m Hannah. Although, I am from Jackson, MS, I was born in Baton Rouge, LA and I’m happy to say I’ll be returning there for college at LSU with my best friend Nina. This summer I am an Olim counselor. I have gone to camp for 8 summers and went on the Israel program with camp. I was a Gesher last summer. During the year, I work for many school organizations like St. Jude fundraising and Mustard Seed fundraising. I’ve also been involved in Dream Street and NFTY.
Ophir Haimovich
Hi! My name is Ophir Haimovich, I live in Zichron Yaakov, a small picturesque town near Haifa. Currently I am serving in the IDF as a Mashakit Tash (equivalent to a social worker), an amazing and humbling job. I am so excited to have my first summer at Jacobs Camp, my role at camp is general counselor and I cannot wait to see everybody and begin!
Mackenzie Haun
I’m from Overland Park, KS. I’m going into my senior year at the University of Kansas, studying Jewish Studies. I’m the education specialist at camp this summer, and I can’t wait to teach all of the amazing campers. This is my second summer at Camp Jacobs. I do a lot of volunteering with my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau. I can’t wait to be back at camp to experience the Jacobs magic!
Tamir Hazut
My name is Tamir Hazut and I’m 21.5 years old. I live in Ashqelon, Israel, which is a small city next to the Sea. I love the sea and surfing. At home, I have a small dog name Tilon and a parrot.
Allie Hirsch
I’m from Baton Rouge, LA, and I’m about to start my senior year at the College of Charleston. I’m studying sociology, psychology, and Jewish studies while also serving as president of my school’s chapter of Sigma Delta Tau. Throughout the past year, to prepare to have a career in social work, I have spent time volunteering at Respite Care Charleston. This summer is my fifth year on staff and I am so excited to be an Olim counselor!
Sam Hirsberg
My name is Sam Hirsberg and I’m from Birmingham, AL. I am a student at the University of Alabama and over the summer I work as a counselor. I was a camper for 8 years and this summer is my third year on staff. Throughout the year, I volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club. I also do volunteer work at the West Alabama Food Bank.
Benji Honan
I’m Benji Honan from Birmingham, AL. I’m going into my sophomore year at the University of Alabama, where I study chemical engineering. This past year, I participated in a group called Freshman Forum, and I volunteered at a thrift store and outreach center in Tuscaloosa. I am excited to return as a counselor and lifeguard for my ninth summer at HSJ!
Nina Jalenak
I am from Baton Rouge, LA and will be attending LSU next fall. (GEAUX TIGERS!) I love creating t-shirts for the different clubs I participate in at school. I am so excited to say that I am a counselor at Jacobs Camp this summer! I have been going to HSJ for 9 years and participated in the Gesher program last Summer. I am CPR and Lifeguard certified. As a member of National Charity League, I volunteer regularly for non-profits in my city. I have also loved being a counselor at Camp Dream Street the past two summers.
Leslie Kahn
I am from Memphis, TN and I have been attending camp since 2nd grade. During the year, I am a member of NFTY and BBYO. I have held most positions in Kriger BBG and I am past sweetheart of Lester Sherman Okeon AZA. MY role at camp as a camper has been life changing and I hope to cultivate the same experiences with my campers as a counselor. I am the Vice President of the Down Syndrome Club at my school and I also volunteered for Night to Shine, which is a prom for kids with mental disabilities.
Dani Kaiser
I grew up in Little Rock, AR and later moved to Houston, TX where I went to high school. I’m a rising sophomore studying Economics at the University of Texas at Austin (hook ’em horns!!) This will be my 10th summer at HSJ and my second year as a counselor. During the year, I’m active with my sorority and UT Hillel, and I started my summer once again at Camp Dream Street!
Jake Kalik
Hey y’all! My name is Jake Kalik and I’m so excited to be spending my summer here at Jacobs Camp! I hail from Charlotte, NC. Throughout the year, I work lots of odd jobs among the local Jewish community. I work at my temple’s religious school as a Hebrew tutor, and my JCC’s after school program as a counselor. This summer, I’ll be serving as Program Coordinator AND it’s also my first summer, so I’m super excited to be diving into such an amazing adventure with all of you! I can’t wait to experience a summer full of new opportunities, chevrutah, kehillah, and personal growth.
Jacob Kohlman
My name is Jacob Kohlman and I’ll be attending the Berklee College of Music in the fall. I’m 18 years old and I’ve been coming to HSJ since I was an olimer. I love to participate in sports at camp and I am really excited create so many amazing experiences with my campers!
Maddie Levingston
I am an incoming freshman at the University of Mississippi and from Clarksdale, MS! I hope to help the campers have the best summer yet here at Jacobs. This will be my third summer at camp. During the year, I am in Crown Club where I volunteer for the Junior Auxiliary, which includes helping with children with special needs in a Special Olympics, and throwing a Christmas party for them. I am in Key Club as well where I do community service around Clarksdale, including volunteering at our local food bank. I cannot wait to spend the summer at Jacobs!
Max Levy
My name is Max Levy. I’m originally from Baton Rouge, LA, but am currently living in New Orleans, while attending Tulane University. This summer, I am a counselor and archery specialist. This will be my second summer on staff, and I spent many years as a camper at HSJ. During the year, I do lots of volunteer work with, and designing non-profit organizations through Tulane’s outreach services.
Ross Levy
I am an incoming second year Rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and I’m excited to be the Unit Head for Chalutzim this summer! This is my first year at Jacobs Camp and I’m looking forward to experiencing the Jacobs magic firsthand. My hobbies include reading, playing sports with friends, and listening to all kinds of music.
Jared Mackey
My name is Jared Mackey, and I am from Little Rock, AR. I attend Murray State University doing a Pre-Vet program. My role at camp is to be the best counselor I can be for the campers to have an amazing summer. I have been at camp for 9 or 10 years and one on staff. During the year, I volunteer at local animal shelters, and Camp Dream Street.
Nicole Mackey
My name is Nicole Mackey. I am from Little Rock, AR, but I currently live in Biloxi, MS. I have been working at an environmental consulting firm, but I will be going back to school in the fall to get my Masters in Biology. This summer I will be the Olim Unit head! This will be my fifth summer and I am very excited to get my five year jacket! I participated in dreamstreet this year helping the participants in Great Expectations climb the tower.
Yale Manis
My name is Yale Manis and this is my 11th year at Jacobs camp, third on staff. I am a sophomore at the University of Maryland, where I am studying political science and criminal justice. I love playing sports, especially soccer, and I can’t wait to experience this with my campers!
Emma Mansberg
My name is Emma Mansberg and I am from Memphis, TN. This is my 11th summer at Jacobs, and it has shaped so many aspects of my life outside of camp. HSJ is the reason I chose to serve on NFTY Southern/SoFTY Regional Board as Membership Vice President and President, and it is the reason I am so passionate about social justice. I am constantly seeking out ways to serve the Memphis community by volunteering at food banks, helping local schools with their literacy programs, serving as a counselor at Camp Dream Street, and working at other non-profits throughout the Mid-South. So much of the reason I do all of this is because of the lessons that Jacobs camp taught me. I am incredibly excited to be a counselor this year at HSJ and give back to the camp that has given me so much.
Benny Meltzer
What’s up Jacobs, I’m Benny Meltzer and I’m from Baton Rouge, LA, but I now live in Austin, TX. From the months of August to May, I attend the University of Texas where I study physics. During the summers, I go on a yearly fishing trip with my dad, volunteer at Camp Dream Street, and work as a general counselor at Jacobs Camp. This will be my eleventh summer at Jacobs and second on staff.
Marlee Michaels
My name is Marlee, and I’m from New Orleans, LA. I just finished my freshman year at Tulane University and can’t wait to go back in the fall. I’m studying Psychology and Biology with hopes to go to medical school. During the year, I volunteer at St. Rita school and help with tutoring the students in math and reading. This is my second year at camp and I can’t wait to be back for a great summer!
Jeremy Mix
I am from Marietta, GA and just graduated from Walton High School. During the year, I play basketball, run cross country, umpire baseball, and am active in BBYO and NFTY SO. This summer I will be a first-year counselor. I have attended camp for 6 summers as a camper and 1 as a Gesher. I volunteer at MedShare, an organization that redistributes surplus medical supplies to countries in need. During the summer, I volunteer at Camp Dream Street and will be a third year counselor this summer.
Rachel Moline
My name is Rachel Moline and I am SO excited to be back at HSJ this year! I am originally from Bentonville, AR, and am a sophomore at the University of Arkansas. During the year, I love being a member of my Sorority at the UofA and spend most of my time working with political/non-profit organizations and running. I love volunteering at voter registration events and at the Peace at Home Family Shelter in Fayetteville. This is my 2nd year as a counselor and lifeguard at HSJ and I am so happy to be back!!
Shir Ofek
I am Shir Ofek and I am 21 years old. I live in Ra’anana, Israel. I’m studying Labor studies and Geography and the Human Environment at the Tel Aviv University. At camp, I am the Gymnastics specialist. It’s my first time at camp and I’m extremely excited!
Jack Pake
Hello! My name is Jack Pake, and I’m from Birmingham, AL. This year I have the pleasure to serve as a counselor. This is my 8th summer at camp! Every year keeps getting better and better. During the year, I spend my time babysitting, doing school work, and hanging with my friends.
Taylor Poslosky
I’m from Overland Park, KS, but love Mizzou basketball! MIZ-ZOU! I am in my first year of rabbinical school at HUC. This year I lived in Jerusalem and spent time volunteering at a congregation outside of Tel Aviv. I worked with Israeli kids in their pre-k classroom and helped lead Friday night services. I am so psyched to spend my first summer at Jacobs Camp as a Unit Head!
Aaron Posner
I’m Aaron Posner and I’m from Baton Rouge, LA. I go to Elon University, where I am currently studying psychology. I was a lifelong camper at HSJ and have a strong connection to camp. I hope to make every campers’ experiences just as amazing, if not even better, than mine.
Fran Reid
I’m home grown in San Diego, but now transplanted in New Orleans working offshore as a commercial diver most of the year. This will be my first summer at Jacob’s Camp and I’m beyond thrilled to get to be a part of such an amazing experience. Summer camp was such a big part of my childhood, so it means so much to me that I can help give that back to a younger generation of kids. As the sports specialist I will be guiding the kids through energetic sports, games and fun of all levels. I’m looking forward to building new friendships and making exciting memories.
Molly Rogers
Hi, my name is Molly Rogers, and I am from Memphis, Tennessee. The past four years I have been involved in various leadership positions in student council at White Station High School, MeFTY, and NFTY Southern. I love running and being outdoors. In the fall, I will begin school at the University of Maryland (go terps!) majoring in Kinesiology. This is my eighth year at camp, and I cannot wait to make even more amazing memories with so many amazing people!
Jacob Rotter
My name is Jacob Rotter, and I’m from Memphis, TN. I will be attending the University of Richmond in the fall. This summer, I am working at camp for the first time as a counselor. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity, since growing up I attended camp from Garin all the way to Chalutzim. I am eager to give back a great experience as my counselors did for me. During the year, I tutor underprivileged youth through my high school while also driving for Meals on Wheels and serving at Camp Dream Street in the summer. My interests include but are not restricted to sports, outdoors activities, and aquatics. I look forward to a great summer at HSJ!
Aaron Salomon
My name is Aaron and I will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall. This summer is my second year on staff, and I was a camper for six. Last year, I was a participant in the Gesher program, and this year, I will be a counselor and visual arts specialist. I can’t wait for an amazing summer! Roll Tide!
David Scharff
I’m from New Orleans (Metairie), LA, and I will be attending the University of Alabama next year. In high school, I played lacrosse and football and I participated in Science Olympiad. I am a counselor this year, and I was a camper for 9 years and a Gesher. During the year, I participated in the JCRS Hanukkah Gift Wrap and participated and helped put together a baby shower at NFTY spring conclave.
Sarah Schulman
Hello, hello! I am Sarah Schulman and I am from Chicago but currently live in Tuscaloosa Alabama! Roll Tide!!!! I am excited to be a counselor again this summer and to work with the Chalutzimers. This will be my 11th summer at camp and 4th on staff. I do a good amount of volunteer work during the year for my social work class and I have worked at an agency called Arts n’ Autism and I loved it!
Yael Soloman
My name is Yael Solomon , I’m from Kiryat Motzkin (it’s near Haifa) , Israel During the year I’m industrial engineering student My role at camp is Science Specialist When I started my degree I guided in science center called Havayeda – it means in hebrew experience and knowledge – this is the cheer of curiosity that I bring with me and I want to pay it forward This is my first summer at Jacobs camp and I’m excited to meet the campers this summer.
CJ Thompson
This is my 8th summer at camp, 5 as a camper, and this will be my 3rd on staff. I am finishing up my flagship year at the University of Alabama. I am a counselor this year at camp and I could not be more excited to spend the summer at such an incredible place!
Sarah Tucker
I am from Pensacola, FL. I just graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Sports Management. This summer I will be the Talmidim Unit Head and NFTY-SO advisor. This will be my 9th summer at camp and 5th on staff. I am very excited to spend this summer with my brother as a second year counselor and my sister as a first time camper.
Justin Waldrip
My name is Justin Waldrip, and I am thrilled to be back at Jacobs Camp this summer as the Adventure Department Head! This past year, I have been fortunate enough to travel around the region to see our campers and help spread the Jacobs Magic. Back home, I am an active member of the Temple Israel Community in Memphis, TN, as a Religious and Hebrew school teacher, and I also serve as Scoutmaster of Temple’s Boy Scout Troop. I’m excited to help our campers be their best selves.
Eric Weintraub
My name is Eric Weintraub and I am from Birmingham, AL. During the year, I am a student at the University of Alabama, majoring in Accounting. This is my 11th summer at camp, 3rd on staff, and second as a counselor. I am so excited to be back at my summer home giving campers the best summers of their lives!
Josh Weintraub
I am from Atlanta and attending University of Georgia in the fall to study computer science. I was the captain of my school’s debate team, where I also helped tutor inner city schools, which I plan to continue in college. I was a camper for 8 years but this is my first on staff. years I am very excited to be back in the place that gave me so many amazing memories as a kid. I look forward to reuniting with friends I haven’t seen in a long time and giving kids the great memories that we had.
Alyssa Winkler
I am from Baton Rouge, LA! During this past year, I have fulfilled my last year in high school! During the fall, I played volleyball and loved it, and the spring semester, I really focused on school work. My role at camp is to be a counselor and eventually a role model or someone my campers can look up to. I was a 9-year camper and this will be my third year on staff! Over the last few years, I volunteered at the habitat for humanity a few times and at the St. Vincent de Paul cafeteria for those who are hungry. I also did Dream Street last summer and it was a great experience; more recently I helped with a volleyball clinic my coach hosted.
Courtney Winston
My name is Courtney Winston, and I am from Birmingham, AL. I will be a senior at the University of Alabama during the 2017-2018 school year. I am studying Biology on a Pre-Medical track in hopes of becoming an Oncologist. My role at camp this summer is the Infirmary Administrator, and I’m extremely excited to get a hands-on experience of my future as a doctor. This summer will be my 5th summer on staff and 9th summer total. Throughout the year, I am active in my campus’ Hillel, where I was just elected the Director of Israel Enrichment for the 2017-2018 year. I am beyond excited for this summer!
Anna Ziko
My name is Anna Ziko. This is my first summer at Jacobs Camp, as I am from the UK. This summer I am a counselor and I can’t wait to see where this summer takes me. I’m so excited to be here, in MS, for the summer!
Hannah Zimmern
My name is Hannah Zimmern and this is my 8th summer at Jacobs Camp, 4th on staff! This summer, I am the marketing intern and I am so excited! I currently study public relations at LSU, where I am going into my third year; although, I am originally from Pensacola, Florida. I teach first grade at the Religious School at Congregation B’nai Israel in Baton Rouge during the school year. I’m so happy to be back at my home this summer!
