Lessans Camp JCC Orientation 2025: Full Schedule

5:15pm EDT

Unit Time and Dinner

Monday June 16, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT

Baserooms

Monday June 16, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Kochavim Counselors, Senior Counselor, Specialists, Swim Staff
Unit Adom, Aquatics, Gesher, Kachol, Kesef, Kochavim, Lavan, OMAHA, Specialists, Zahav

7:30pm EDT

Snack and Yachad

Monday June 16, 2025 7:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

Baserooms

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

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Kochavim Counselors, Senior Counselor, Specialists, Swim Staff
Unit Adom, Aquatics, Gesher, Kachol, Kesef, Lavan, Kochavim, OMAHA, Specialists, Zahav

4:15pm EDT

Swim Training with Caroline

Tuesday June 17, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Pool

Leadership Team

Caroline Cardullo

Aquatics Director, Leadership Team

Dan Goldsamt

Assistant Aquatics Director, Aquatics

Tuesday June 17, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Pool Pool

By Unit

Position Swim Staff
Unit Aquatics

7:30pm EDT

Snack and Yachad

Tuesday June 17, 2025 7:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

Baserooms

"-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

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Kochavim Counselors, Senior Counselor, Specialists, Swim Staff
Unit Adom, Aquatics, Gesher, Kachol, Kesef, Kochavim, Lavan, OMAHA, Specialists, Zahav

9:00am EDT

Caps Training Session

Wednesday June 18, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Leadership Team

Emily Ponce

Unit Head, Leadership Team

Evan Cantor

Head Counselor, Leadership Team

Special Guests

Washington Capitals

Maccabiah Guest Coach

Wednesday June 18, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Specialists
Unit Maccabiah

11:00am EDT

Unit Time and Lunch

Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Baserooms

Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Kochavim Counselors, Senior Counselor, Specialists, Swim Staff
Unit Adom, Aquatics, Gesher, Kachol, Kesef, Kochavim, Lavan, OMAHA, Specialists, Zahav

11:30am EDT

UDL for Specialists

Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Teen Center

"-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

Lauren Gottfried

Associate Director, Leadership Team

Tobi McKirgan

Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, Leadership Team

Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Teen Center Teen Center

By Unit

Position Specialists
Unit Specialists

5:30pm EDT

Snack and Yachad

Wednesday June 18, 2025 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

Baserooms

Wednesday June 18, 2025 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Kochavim Counselors, Senior Counselor, Specialists, Swim Staff
Unit Adom, Aquatics, Gesher, Kachol, Kesef, Kochavim, Lavan, Zahav, OMAHA, Specialists

10:30am EDT

Rockwall Training

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Rockwall

"-Learn safety and belay procedures.
-Practice climbing protocols and supervision skills.
-Build confidence managing camper experiences."

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Rockwall Pavillion

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Specialists
Unit Kachol, Kesef, Aquatics

10:30am EDT

Full Cups & Open Eyes

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Teen Center

When campers or co-counselors are struggling, you’re often the first to notice—and your response matters. In this session, led by the Yoatzot, you’ll gain tools for supporting emotional health while keeping yourself grounded and well.

You will:

Recognize signs of emotional distress in campers and peers

Practice self-check strategies like HALT and Notice–Name–Notify

Learn when and how to seek support from leadership or the Yoatzot

Build confidence navigating difficult situations with empathy and care

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Teen Center Teen Center

By Unit

Position Junior Counselor, Inclusion Counselors, Senior Counselor
Unit Adom, Lavan
Years at Camp New Staff, Returning Staff

10:30am EDT

Get to Know Your Campers

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Baserooms

"-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 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Baserooms Baserooms

By Unit

Position Inclusion Counselors, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Specialists
Unit OMAHA

10:30am EDT

Staff Handbook Overview

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Social Hall

"-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 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Social Hall Social Hall

By Unit

Position Kochavim Counselors, Senior Counselor, Specialists
Unit Gesher, Zahav, Kochavim

11:00am EDT

The Perfect Day in the eyes of a camper

Friday June 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Gallery

-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 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Gallery

By Unit