Meet the Directors! 2021 Edition

Our long-awaited 2021 season officially begins in just six days when the campers arrive – down those country roads, to the place they belong – Camp Tawonga! 

After a year filled with sheltering in place, social distancing and way too much Zoom, we can’t wait to see Tawonga’s mission of building self esteem and connecting to Jewish community and nature come to life (all while maintaining a safe environment and following health protocols to keep COVID out of Camp).

This week, our dedicated (and fully vaccinated!) summer staff is busy preparing for the campers at “In-Service” staff training. Behind it all, leading with intention and wisdom, is our highly experienced at-Camp Director team. Get to know this fantastic group of professionals below:

Ashley Costello

Role
Program Director

Number of Tawonga Summers
24 (18 staff, 6 camper) 

Tip for new campers
If you’re nervous before coming to Camp, know that it’s very common. Within one day, you’ll make your first friend and will soon be having too much fun to be nervous!

Favorite Camp Meal
Burrito bar

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
The stage! I love seeing campers stretch beyond their comfort zones in talent shows.

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
I am so excited for campers to get to have the bunk experience again. After this year of isolation, I can’t wait for the campers to be with friends!

Kiyomi Gelber

Role
Assistant Director   

Number of Tawonga Summers
12 on staff

Tip for new campers
Be open to trying new things and making new friends! Camp will be lots more fun if you bring an open mind and positive attitude.

Favorite Camp Meal
The first night teriyaki chicken!

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
Any of the river spots – we are so lucky to be right on the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne!

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
I am excited for campers to be in community and to think about and work towards making Camp a positive place for everyone.

Brady Gill

Role
Summertime Assistant Director and Head of Arts and Crafts

Number of Tawonga Summers
19 (12 staff, 7 camper)

Tip for new campers
Be yourself! Camp is the best place to be yourself and be celebrated for it. We can’t wait to meet you! 

Favorite Camp Meal
Shabbat BBQ 

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
Arts and Crafts. I love getting creative and seeing what other people are making. 

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
Being around a lot of human beings again!

Josh “Frisco” Goldstein

Role
Kitchen Manager

Number of Tawonga Summers
21 (13 staff, 8 camper) 

Tip for new campers
Taste everything!

Favorite Camp Meal
Anything pasta or that can be eaten in a bowl

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
Lower Pipeline (a river spot)

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
A warm, loving, inviting, social community!!

Sean Keelan

Role
Assistant Director of Teen Programs

Number of Tawonga Summers
This is Sean’s second summer working at Tawonga.

Tip for new campers
Remember to reapply your sunscreen!

Favorite Camp Meal
My favorite meal at camp is Shabbat dinner, especially the challah! 

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
One spot at camp that makes me happy is the willow grove. 

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
I am most excited for campers to experience the loving Tawonga community.

Aaron Mandel

Role
Associate Director   

Number of Tawonga Summers
27 (20 staff, 7 camper) 

Tip for new campers
Label your belongings, and know that trying new things can feel scary but is worth it!

Favorite Camp Meal
Shabbat dinner: chicken, rice, veggies, challah, yum!

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
Stone Couch at dusk

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
In-person community with no computers or phones.

Myla Marks

Role
Associate Director

Number of Tawonga Summers
16 (13 staff, 3 camper)

Tip for new campers
Listen to Tawonga’s album, Home, to get ready for song sessions at Camp.

Favorite Camp Meal
Goat cheese made during a garden activity block from our camp goat, XBox, with crackers, jam and garden greens.

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
Makom Shalom, Tawonga’s Place of Peace, where we come together in gratitude, among the trees, with the whisperings of the middle fork of the Tuolumne River flowing in the background.

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
The many fun and strength-building adventures of Tawonga’s Quests, throughout California and beyond!

Becca Meyer

Role
Camp Director

Number of Tawonga Summers
15 on staff

Tip for new campers
Bring an activity for rest hour that you would enjoy doing with bunkmates, like a deck of cards, Mad Libs, or Apples to Apples. 

Favorite Camp Meal
BBQ

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
The Dining Hall porch overlooking the lake

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
Feeling filled with joy! Not having to social distance from their bunkmates and getting to live together in community. 

Jamie Simon  

Role
Chief Executive Officer

Number of Tawonga Summers
27 (21 staff, 6 camper) 

Tip for new campers
Your counselors are there to help and support you, so be sure to let them know if there’s anything you need.

Favorite Camp Meal
Banquet! Turkey, mashed potatoes and all the fixins

Spot at Tawonga that makes you happy
The Challenge Course. It’s exciting to see campers push themselves!

What are you most excited for campers to experience this summer?
Everything! I am excited for campers to be with other kids in nature while having so much fun together!

P.S. Get to know this group more (and other members of our year-round team) here. Later this week, you can check out highlights and photos from In-Service staff training on the blog! If you aren’t yet subscribed, do so here.