Hi Camp George!

My name is Danielle and I am so excited to be returning to camp as the summer 2019 Nitzotzot Unit Head! This coming summer will be my 9th at camp and my 5th summer as a staff. I spent my first three staff summers as a Nitzotzot counselor for both boys and girls, and last summer I was lucky enough to work as the Assistant Unit Head of Nitzotzot, a role that I absolutely adored.

My camp adventure started in August 2011, when I got on the bus as an anxious Kochavim camper that had never been to sleepover camp before. Little did I know that the next 8 summers would be filled with some of the best experiences of my life, ones that have undoubtedly shaped me into the person and leader that I am today.

Before I knew it, my C.I.T. summer was over and I was preparing to become a Camp George staff; something I had always dreamt of! I knew from the beginning that I wanted to work with the Nitzotzot age group (campers entering grades 3-4.) I loved their energy, creativity, and love for fun and I thought there was something so magical about being part of a child’s first camp experience. Within my first week as a Nitzotzot staff, I knew that being with this age group was something I never wanted to give up. I told myself at that moment that one day I would be the Nitzotzot Unit Head, and here I am preparing for my first summer in the role!

It’s crazy to think about where I am now, because I often still feel like that scared first year staff who took a chance and fell in love with the job. There are so many people at camp that have significantly influenced my growth as a staff, leader, and mentor. One of the things that I love most about this job is that not only do I get to be a role model for the campers, but I also have the chance to greatly impact the experiences of my staff. I am so thankful for all of the people who helped me fall in love with being a staff, and fostered a nurturing environment for me to learn and grow in. My greatest wish is that I can pay it back and do the same for the amazing staff I will have the opportunity to work with this summer!

Outside of camp, I am a 3rd year psychology student studying at Queen’s University. The past few months have been especially exciting for me because this semester I am studying abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I have met so many amazing people and had such unique experiences while here in Belfast, and I hope to bring some of that magic back with me to share with the campers this summer! See you on Maple Lake!