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Lessans Camp JCC Orientation 2025
Audience: Specialists clear filter
Monday, June 16
 

2:15pm EDT

Being a Role Model 2.0
Monday June 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
This session is about the legacy you leave at camp—not through big moments, but through consistent care, attitude, and energy. Talin will guide a reflection on how your small choices can create big ripples throughout the summer.
You will:
  • Reflect on the influence you have on campers and co-counselors
  • Explore the daily behaviors that shape camp culture
  • Write a personal intention and add it to our seasonal staff bench
  • Leave grounded in the kind of impact you want to have
Leadership Team
avatar for Talin Tahmasian

Talin Tahmasian

Camp Director, Leadership Team
Monday June 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

2:15pm EDT

Camp Culture Crash Course
Monday June 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Every camp has a vibe—and ours is built on warmth, energy, and intentionality. In this session, you’ll learn the Lessans Camp JCC way: our traditions, language, and how to create an environment where campers feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
You will:
  • Get grounded in our core culture and values
  • Practice camper scenarios with peers
  • Understand how to make the shift from camper to counselor
  • Build a shared understanding of what makes this camp special
Leadership Team
avatar for Lauren Gottfried

Lauren Gottfried

Associate Director, Leadership Team
Monday June 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Gallery Gallery

3:15pm EDT

Being a Role Model
Monday June 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Campers notice everything—from how you handle stress to how you celebrate a win. In this session, we’ll explore the everyday impact you have as a counselor and how your influence goes far beyond the schedule.
You will:
  • Reflect on how your behavior shapes camper experiences
  • Consider the kind of role model you want to be this summer
  • Learn how to translate camp leadership into future opportunities
  • Identify personal values and connect them to your camp role
Leadership Team
avatar for Talin Tahmasian

Talin Tahmasian

Camp Director, Leadership Team
Monday June 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

3:15pm EDT

Level Up Leadership
Monday June 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Already have a summer or two under your belt? This session is designed to stretch returning staff into the next phase of their leadership journey. Explore your style, learn from your past, and prepare to lead your peers and campers with confidence.
You will:
  • Discover your leadership style using the Leadership Compass
  • Practice mentorship strategies for supporting junior staff
  • Reflect on lessons from past summers
  • Build skills for stepping into a more intentional leadership role
Leadership Team
avatar for Lauren Gottfried

Lauren Gottfried

Associate Director, Leadership Team
Monday June 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Gallery Gallery

4:15pm EDT

Specialist 101
Monday June 16, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
As a specialist, you bring camp to life through creativity, structure, and fun. This session will walk you through how to plan meaningful activities, manage your space, and collaborate with counselors and campers to make your area shine.
You will:
  • Clarify your role and expectations as a specialist
  • Learn how to turn ideas into well-planned activities
  • Explore how to manage time, behavior, and camper engagement
  • Set up for success with tools for rainy days, substitutions, and counselor partnerships
Leadership Team
avatar for Lauren Gottfried

Lauren Gottfried

Associate Director, Leadership Team
avatar for Tobi McKirgan

Tobi McKirgan

Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, Leadership Team
Monday June 16, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Art Studio B Art Studio B

5:15pm EDT

6:00pm EDT

Intro to Camp Dances
Monday June 16, 2025 6:00pm - 6:45pm EDT
Led by Marina, our Dance Specialist, this session is your chance to learn the dances that will bring energy and tradition to life all summer long. Marina will break them down step-by-step so you feel confident and ready—before we full send into camp fun.
You will:
  • Learn this summer’s featured camp dances directly from Marina
  • Build confidence to lead and model dances with your campers
  • Understand how movement and music build community and joy
  • Shake off nerves in a fun, no-pressure space that gets you ready for the rhythm of camp
Leadership Team
avatar for Lindsay Goldstein

Lindsay Goldstein

Unit Head, Leadership Team
avatar for Tobi McKirgan

Tobi McKirgan

Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, Leadership Team
Monday June 16, 2025 6:00pm - 6:45pm EDT
Pavillion Pavillion

6:00pm EDT

Room Decorating
Monday June 16, 2025 6:00pm - 7:15pm EDT
This is your time to make your group’s space feel like home. You’ll work with your co-counselors to bring your unit area to life, adding personality, warmth, and a touch of creativity to welcome your campers on Day 1.
You will:
  • Collaborate with your team to decorate your designated room or area
  • Create visual cues and warm touches that help campers feel safe and included
  • Reflect your bunk's identity, theme, or values through your design
  • Start to get your space ready for the first day of camp
Monday June 16, 2025 6:00pm - 7:15pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

7:00pm EDT

Camp Tour
Monday June 16, 2025 7:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
New to Lessans Camp JCC? This tour is designed just for you. We’ll walk through the spaces you’ll be using all summer so you feel confident and comfortable leading campers from day one.
You will:
  • Get familiar with the layout of the building and outdoor areas
  • Visit key locations like the pool, nurse’s office, activity rooms, and camper drop-off spots
  • Learn what to expect in each space—noise levels, transitions, supervision zones
  • Leave with a solid sense of direction and readiness for the first day of camp
Monday June 16, 2025 7:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

7:30pm EDT

Snack and Yachad
Monday June 16, 2025 7:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
At the end of each camp day, groups come together for a shared snack and guided reflection. This session models how to create meaningful moments that help campers slow down, connect, and recognize the joy and growth in their day.
You will:
  • Participate in a modeled Snack and Yachad session as a staff group
  • Learn how to lead daily reflection using prompts and flexible structures
  • Explore how to build camper connection, gratitude, and group bonding
  • Leave prepared to lead this meaningful closing ritual with intention
Monday June 16, 2025 7:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms
 
Tuesday, June 17
 

1:30pm EDT

Opening
Tuesday June 17, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Tuesday June 17, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Pavillion Pavillion

2:15pm EDT

Setting Routines and Expectations
Tuesday June 17, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Leadership Team
avatar for Lauren Gottfried

Lauren Gottfried

Associate Director, Leadership Team
Tuesday June 17, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Art Studio B Art Studio B

3:15pm EDT

Nurse's Corner
Tuesday June 17, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
"-Understand camper health and medication processes.
-Review injury reporting and emergency protocol.
-Learn how to administer EpiPens and respond to allergy emergencies.
-Review fanny pack protocols for carrying camper medications.
Leadership Team
avatar for Talin Tahmasian

Talin Tahmasian

Camp Director, Leadership Team
AS

Apolinario Sison

Nurse, Leadership Team
Tuesday June 17, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

5:00pm EDT

5:45pm EDT

Bridging the Gap
Tuesday June 17, 2025 5:45pm - 6:30pm EDT
"Discuss how this tier sits between two ends of the spectrum—those deeply immersed in Jewish tradition and those just starting to explore it—and why this middle space is vital to our community.
-Use a symbolic activity: each participant writes two ends of a spectrum on a single popsicle stick (e.g., “I don’t know what Shabbat is” to “I’m Shomer Shabbat”).
-Combine all sticks to form a literal bridge on the floor, symbolizing how Tier 2 staff connect and support both ends.
-Reflect together on how being in the middle allows us to include, translate, and elevate everyone’s experience."
Tuesday June 17, 2025 5:45pm - 6:30pm EDT
Teen Center Teen Center

5:45pm EDT

Jewish 101 Escape Room
Tuesday June 17, 2025 5:45pm - 6:30pm EDT
"-Solve fun, interactive challenges related to Shabbat, keeping kosher, middot, tikkun olam, and basic knowledge of Israel’s geography and culture.
-Increase comfort and confidence in supporting Jewish traditions at camp
End with a supportive Q&A session to address lingering questions and build confidence moving forward."
Tuesday June 17, 2025 5:45pm - 6:30pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

5:45pm EDT

Jewish Leadership Toolkit
Tuesday June 17, 2025 5:45pm - 6:30pm EDT
"-Explore how Jewish staff can model traditions like blessings, intentions, and value-driven moments.
-Use symbolic tools (e.g., saw for teamwork, flashlight for insight) to represent leadership strategies- adaptability, support, vision, collaboration—and helps counselors visualize their role
-Create a physical “toolkit” as a lasting reminder throughout the summer."
Tuesday June 17, 2025 5:45pm - 6:30pm EDT
Gallery Gallery

6:45pm EDT

Staff Electives
Tuesday June 17, 2025 6:45pm - 7:30pm EDT
Tuesday June 17, 2025 6:45pm - 7:30pm EDT
TBA

7:30pm EDT

Snack and Yachad
Tuesday June 17, 2025 7:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
"-Come together at the end of the day for a group snack and intentional unit reflection.
-Model what Snack and Yachad will look like during the summer.
-Use structured prompts to discuss what you learned, what challenged you, and what made you smile.
-Emphasize the power of shared moments, group bonding, and building a culture of daily reflection."
Tuesday June 17, 2025 7:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms
 
Wednesday, June 18
 

8:30am EDT

Opening
Wednesday June 18, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Wednesday June 18, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Pavillion Pavillion

9:15am EDT

Inclusion at Camp
Wednesday June 18, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
"-Presented by Heather and Eva, this session shares the origin and evolution of our Inclusion and Kochavim programs.
-Discuss the core values, intentionality, and long-term vision that guide inclusion at Lessans Camp JCC.
-Help staff understand the broader impact of inclusive practices and how they contribute to a welcoming community.Share language, approaches, and inclusive mindsets."
Leadership Team
avatar for Eva Cowen

Eva Cowen

Unit Head, Leadership Team
Inclusion!!
avatar for Heather Strauss

Heather Strauss

Leadership Team, Inclusion
Wednesday June 18, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Theater Theater

10:15am EDT

Staff Electives
Wednesday June 18, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
Wednesday June 18, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
TBA

11:00am EDT

Lunch
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
On Campus

11:00am EDT

Unit Time and Lunch
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

11:30am EDT

UDL for Specialists
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
"-Introduce the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
-Discuss how specialists can make their areas accessible to a wide range of learners.
-Brainstorm adaptations for activities using the UDL framework (representation, engagement, expression).
-Practice modifying a real activity from your area to better include all campers."
Leadership Team
avatar for Lauren Gottfried

Lauren Gottfried

Associate Director, Leadership Team
avatar for Tobi McKirgan

Tobi McKirgan

Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, Leadership Team
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Teen Center Teen Center

12:15pm EDT

Center for Hope – Abuse Prevention
Wednesday June 18, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
"-Identify boundaries and red flags.
-Understand mandatory reporting.
-Learn how to protect campers and create safe spaces."
Leadership Team
avatar for Talin Tahmasian

Talin Tahmasian

Camp Director, Leadership Team
Special Guests
A

Alison

Center For Hope
Wednesday June 18, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

3:00pm EDT

I Spy: A Successful Lesson
Wednesday June 18, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
"-Participate in a modeled activity led by a facilitator that demonstrates best practices in lesson delivery.
-Observe how strategies such as engagement, pacing, differentiation, and camper voice are used in real time.
-Take structured notes on ideas to try in your own area.
-Debrief as a group to share insights and build a list of replicable techniques.
Wednesday June 18, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Art Studio B Art Studio B

4:15pm EDT

Behavior Support
Wednesday June 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Wednesday June 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Gallery Gallery

4:15pm EDT

Weeks 1-3 Planning Time
Wednesday June 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Wednesday June 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Teen Center Teen Center

5:30pm EDT

Snack and Yachad
Wednesday June 18, 2025 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
"-Come together at the end of the day for a group snack and intentional unit reflection.
-Model what Snack and Yachad will look like during the summer.
-Use structured prompts to discuss what you learned, what challenged you, and what made you smile.
-Emphasize the power of shared moments, group bonding, and building a culture of daily reflection."
Wednesday June 18, 2025 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms
 
Friday, June 20
 

11:45am EDT

Get to Know Your Campers
Friday June 20, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
"-Review camper forms, rosters, and support materials.
-Highlight camper needs, strengths, and helpful strategies.
-Collaborate with Unit Head and inclusion staff to prepare for individualized support.
-Begin thinking about relationships and success plans for the first few days of camp."
Friday June 20, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

11:45am EDT

Staff Handbook Overview
Friday June 20, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
"-Staff break into groups and each take a section of the handbook.
-Create a poster with the most important info and present it to peers.
-Share why they chose those points and how they apply to camp.
-End with a Blooket quiz; staff must pass to complete the session."
Friday June 20, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

12:15pm EDT

The Perfect Day in the eyes of a camper
Friday June 20, 2025 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT
-Reflect on your best possible day as a camper in your unit.
-Identify key moments and themes that made that day meaningful.
-Share and compare in small groups to find common threads.
-Collaboratively create a group “perfect day” poster.
-Flip the perspective to rewrite the day from the counselor’s view: what would they do to make it happen?
Friday June 20, 2025 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT
Gallery Gallery

1:45pm EDT

Get to Know Your Campers
Friday June 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
"-Review camper forms, rosters, and support materials.
-Highlight camper needs, strengths, and helpful strategies.
-Collaborate with Unit Head and inclusion staff to prepare for individualized support.
-Begin thinking about relationships and success plans for the first few days of camp."
Friday June 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

1:45pm EDT

Staff Handbook Overview
Friday June 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
"-Staff break into groups and each take a section of the handbook.
-Create a poster with the most important info and present it to peers.
-Share why they chose those points and how they apply to camp.
-End with a Blooket quiz; staff must pass to complete the session."
Friday June 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

2:15pm EDT

The Perfect Day in the eyes of a camper
Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
-Reflect on your best possible day as a camper in your unit.
-Identify key moments and themes that made that day meaningful.
-Share and compare in small groups to find common threads.
-Collaboratively create a group “perfect day” poster.
-Flip the perspective to rewrite the day from the counselor’s view: what would they do to make it happen?
Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Gallery Gallery

3:00pm EDT

Unit Time
Friday June 20, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Friday June 20, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

3:00pm EDT

Individual Planning and Meetings with Lauren and Tobi
Friday June 20, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Friday June 20, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Teen Center Teen Center

4:15pm EDT

Unit Time
Friday June 20, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Friday June 20, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

5:15pm EDT

Shabbat at Camp
Friday June 20, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
"-Participate in a modeled Shabbat experience.
-Learn songs, blessings, and Friday routines.
-Discuss how Shabbat brings the camp community together.
-Reflect on the role of middot and the spiritual rhythm of camp."
Friday June 20, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
Pavillion Pavillion
 
Sunday, June 22
 

8:30am EDT

Unit Time
Sunday June 22, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Sunday June 22, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

9:30am EDT

Open House
Sunday June 22, 2025 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Sunday June 22, 2025 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

12:00pm EDT

Unit Time
Sunday June 22, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Sunday June 22, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms
 
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