Our senior camp staff had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Foundation for Jewish Camp Cornerstone Fellowship. This experience challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us of the true power of Jewish camping.

As a supervisor, one of the most meaningful parts of the fellowship was watching our fellows grow as leaders, and role models within our camp community. We learned alongside FJC educators, staff, and advisors, as well as staff from other Jewish camps gaining new ideas, perspectives, and friendships that will continue to shape our work long after the summer ends.

Our fellows especially valued the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different camp backgrounds. Our fellows learned that regardless of each camp’s culture, we are all working toward the same goal: creating meaningful Jewish experiences. These connections helped us realize that we are part of something much greater than our individual programs.

One of the biggest takeaways from the Cornerstone Fellowship is the importance of intentional leadership. We explored how strong leadership is built through communication, trust, creativity, and authenticity. Our staff walked away with practical tools to foster a sense of engagement in our camp community.

As we prepare for the summer ahead, we are excited to bring back fresh ideas, stronger leadership skills, and renewed energy to our camp community. We are grateful to the Foundation for Jewish Camp for investing in camp professionals and creating opportunities like the Cornerstone Fellowship that strengthen Jewish camping as a whole.

Most importantly, we are leaving this experience inspired by the people we met, the lessons we learned, and the impact we know we can make together this summer.

Written by: Jess Weber, Cornerstone Supervisor

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Jesse: Assistant Program Director

Hello! My name is Jesse Sol and I will be Camp George’s Assistant Program Director this summer. I’ve been going to George my whole life but this will be my first time in this role, and I am super excited for it. The programming at camp has always been one of my favourite parts of each summer and I’m looking forward to taking on a position that focuses on it. Beyond the summer months, I study music at the University of Toronto, and I like spending my time the way I spend my free time at camp: playing piano, playing basketball, and hanging with friends.

Naomi: Community Care Assistant

Hi! I’m Naomi and I’m so excited to be this year’s Community Care Assistant! This will be my 12th year at Camp George and I can’t imagine spending my summers anywhere else. Outside of camp, I go to Queens University, where I study psychology and political science. I also love spending time with friends, listening to music, and going to concerts. Can’t wait to see everyone this summer!

Abby: Head of Athletics

Jake: Assistant Head of Waterfront and Assistant CIT Director

Hi Camp George! My name is Jake and I am your Assistant Head of Waterfront and Assistant CIT Director! This will be my 10th summer at camp and I’m so happy to be back on Maple Lake! When I’m not at Camp I’m at Western University doing a degree in Biochemistry, at the gym, in a pool or teaching first aid. My favourite specialty at camp is sail and I can’t wait for the summer!

Chloe: Nitzotzot Assistant Unit Head

Hi!! I’m Chloe, the assistant unithead for Nitzotzot this year! I am so excited to be back for my 4th year as a staff and 4th year working with Nitz. I truly love this unit and cannot wait to make even more of an impact on it this year in my new role. During the year I am at Queen’s University studying BioPsychology, with a passion for genetics. Outside of school I love to read, spend time with my friends, and travel! A fun fact about me is that leading up to this summer I spent 2 weeks travelling all throughout Portugal.

Shayna: Lehavot Assistant Unit Head

Hi everyone! I’m Shayna, and I’m super excited to be back for my 11th summer at camp as Assistant Unit Head of Lehavot!! Camp has always been such a huge part of my life, and I love getting to help create amazing experiences and fun memories for all the campers. Outside of camp, I love spending time with my friends, being outdoors, and just making the most of summer. I can’t wait for another unforgettable summer at camp!

Jordyn: Kochavim Assistant Unit Head

Hi everyone!! My name is Jordyn and I am so excited to be back at camp this summer as Kochavim Assistant Unit Head! This will be my 11th summer at Camp George and it is truly my home away from home! Outside of camp I go to Queen’s University where I study Psychology and Sociology. I also love to watch TV, listen to music, and hang out with my friends. I can’t wait to see everyone this summer!

Max: Barak Assistant Unit Head

My name is Max Hurst, and I am the Barak assistant unit head this summer. I’m very excited to come back to CG for my 13th summer and contribute positively to the camp community.

The post Meet Our 2026 Funhallah Team! appeared first on URJ Camp George.

Jess: Programming Director

Hi everyone! I’m Jess, your 2026 Program Director, and I’m so excited to return to Maple Lake for my 14th summer, and my second year in this role! Camp has always been such a special place to me, and I can’t wait to help create unforgettable memories and experiences that bring the magic of camp to life. In the fall, I’ll be heading back to school to continue studying Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Outside of camp, I am usually dancing or shopping! I’m so excited for another incredible summer!

Eden: Director of Operations

Hi everyone! I’m Eden Ginsberg and I’m the Director of Operations this summer! I’m so excited to be returning for my 13th summer at camp. Over the years, camp has become such a special second home for me, and I love helping create an organized, fun, and welcoming environment where campers and staff can thrive. Whether I’m coordinating behind the scenes or jumping into camp activities, I’m always happiest being part of the camp energy and community. Camp has given me some of my favourite memories, strongest friendships, and experiences that have shaped who I am today. Coming back each summer is something I always look forward to, and it means so much to be part of a community that feels like family. I can’t wait for another incredible summer together!

Maya: Director of Jewish Life

Hi everyone! I’m Maya, and I’m excited to join the Camp George family this summer as the Director of Education. While this is my first summer at Camp George, I’ve spent several summers as a shlicha in URJ camps and have been involved in Jewish education my whole life. I have a Master’s degree in Israel Studies and am a graduate of the iCenter Fellowship program. I was born in Israel and now live in Halifax with my husband and our four children. Outside of camp, I love hiking, camping, and spending time in nature with my family. I’m looking forward to a fun and meaningful summer together!

Amy: Community Care Director, First Session

Amy is excited to join the Camp George community this summer. She has a long-standing connection to camp, having worked as a staff member during Camp George’s inaugural summers. Amy is a Registered Behaviour Analyst with over 20 years of experience working with children. She currently works for the school board, where she supports students, families, and school staff. Amy is truly looking forward to returning to camp and being part of such a special community once again.

Sharlene: Community Care Director, Second Session

Hello everyone, my name is Sharlene, the Community Care Director for Second Session. I am looking forward to my sixth summer on Maple Lake. Supporting campers and staff and helping create a caring, connected camp community. My dog Lily is also excited for her sixth summer and for all the love campers give her!

Nathan: Community Care Coordinator

Hi everyone! I’m Nathan, and I’m so excited to be joining Camp George for my first summer! Although it’s my first summer here, I’ve spent the past 10 summers at camp and can’t wait to bring that experience into this new community. I’ll be part of the Community Care team, supporting campers and helping create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone. Outside of camp, I currently work in a day treatment school and have a diploma in Child and Youth Care. In my free time, I love indoor and outdoor rock climbing, playing sports, being in nature, and spending time with friends. I’m looking forward to an amazing summer getting to know everyone!

Halle: CIT Director

Hi everyone! I’m Halle Burke, the CIT Director, and I’m so excited to be back for my 9th summer at camp! Camp has been such a huge part of my life and I feel so lucky to now be working with the CITs and helping create an amazing summer full of growth, leadership, and fun. I’m currently in Concurrent Education and I love working with kids and helping people build confidence in themselves. I love being on the waterfront and you can almost always catch me on the docks! I can’t wait for the summer ahead and to make so many amazing memories together!

Ashley: Waterfront Director

Hi everyone! I’m Ashley, and I’m so excited to be back for my 13th summer at camp as Head of Waterfront! Camp has been such a big part of my life growing up, and if you’ve spent time around the swim docks over the years, you’ve probably seen me there before. I’m excited to spend another summer by the water helping campers build confidence and have fun on the waterfront. Outside of camp, I’m currently studying concurrent education and love working with kids. I also love Shabbat dinners with my family and watching sunsets while listening to country music. This summer, I’m extra excited to make the waterfront the place to be!!! Can’t wait to have an awesome time on Maple Lake together!

Tal: Head Mishlachat and Head of Communications

Hi everyone! My name is Meg and I’m so excited to be coming back for my 12th summer as the Nitzotzot unit head! I’m currently studying Kinesiology at Queens University with a specialization in athletic therapy. Camp George has always been a second home to me and I can’t wait to help create the memories, friendships, and experiences that make camp so special with the staff and campers this summer!

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Michelle has been a part of the Camp George community for so many years, it’s hard to remember a time without her (and honestly, she might not even remember her first summer either, somewhere around 2014!). From her early days as Mini Mensch Director to her leadership as Community Care Director, Michelle has been a constant, grounding presence, especially during those first sessions that so many of us associate with her warmth, care, and calm.

She has supported countless campers and staff with deep compassion, steady guidance, and an unwavering commitment to making Camp George a place where everyone feels seen, safe, and truly belongs. Michelle has been an integral part of the Community Care team. Her dedication, empathy, and love for this community have left a lasting imprint on all of us. The relationships she built, the lives she touched, and the care she modeled have helped lay a strong foundation that will continue to support and shape our community for years to come.

In the spirit of Camp George and the values we hold so close, community (kehillah), kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), and gratitude (hakarat hatov), Michelle didn’t just teach these ideals; she lived them every single day. She reminded us to slow down and truly see one another, to lead with empathy, and to express gratitude not just in words, but in action. So much of what makes this community special is rooted in the care and intention she brought to every interaction, every conversation, and every moment of support.

As Michelle retires from Camp George, we celebrate not only her incredible contributions, but the legacy of care, connection, and deep gratitude she leaves behind. A legacy that will continue to guide us as we carry these values forward into the future.

Michelle, we are so incredibly grateful for everything you’ve given to this community. Thank you for showing up summer after summer with your whole heart, for modeling what it means to lead with compassion, and for helping build the care, connection, and sense of belonging that define Camp George. Your impact will continue to ripple through this community in ways both seen and unseen.

Wishing you nothing but continued meaning, connection, and joy in this next chapter. May you carry with you the deep appreciation of a community that has been forever changed by your presence. And no matter where life takes you, you will always have a place here, with a seat waiting in the chadar, a swim dock to return to, and a home on Maple Lake.

Yasher Koach, may you have strength!

The Camp George Team

Message from Michelle:

My journey at Camp George began with my own children as campers, and watching them find their place within this very special community. I never imagined those early summers would lead to me working at Camp George, but in my initial role as the Mini Mensch Director and then later as the Community Care Director it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In the unique world of an overnight camp, you don’t just work together; you live together and become family. It is difficult to put into words the connection I feel with the hundreds of staff and campers that I’ve been lucky enough to share my summers with. Camp George is a place where you are greeted with open arms. It’s a community where everyone is embraced for who they are and each day is filled with adventure, fun and a sense of belonging to something magical.

I carry so many incredible memories with me and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such fabulous people and to have supported a community that I love dearly.Thank you, Camp George, for everything you have given me. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Stay tuned to meet our First Session Community Care Director, Amy!

The post A Meaningful Transition in Community Care: Thank You Michelle! appeared first on URJ Camp George.

Camp George is an enormous part of our family’s life.  For many years our three children, Alex, Leah, and Aerin have enjoyed spending their summers on beautiful Maple Lake. They love the activities (swimming, crafts, and especially water-skiing), and have developed friendships that will last their entire lives.  Every June, as soon as they finish school, we say goodbye, and….several weeks later…they return as happier, more mature, and well rounded people. Most importantly to us, as parents, Camp George helps solidify their Jewish identities. Living in Burlington, the public schools are predominantly non-Jewish.  Our kids are frequently the only Jewish people in their class. Luckily we have the privilege of being part of an incredible congregation at Shaarei Beth El.  With this, as well as with the summers at Camp George, we know that our children have a solid base that will allow them to become successful Jewish adults.

As it has played such a pivotal role in our children’s lives, it came as no surprise that our daughter Leah was keen on giving back to her Camp George community.

In her recent Bat Mitzvah Dvar Torah she wrote “…for my mitzvah project I have decided to spend time making decorative bracelets as a thank you gift for those who will help me raise money to donate to an important charity – the Camp George Scholarship Campaign. I have been lucky enough to spend the last 5 summers at Camp George. Camp George is an amazing place with so much to do and learn.  I have met so many wonderful people at camp. Some of my best friends are from camp. I have learned so much from Camp George including how fantastic it is to be a part of a Jewish Community. Unfortunately not everyone is able to afford to come to this amazing place. I hope that my mitzvah project will help so that everyone is able to share my amazing experiences.”

Leah put in the time and effort and was able to raise significantly more than she ever expected.   It is heartwarming for us to know that she will be making a difference, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the fun, the education and the spiritual growth that Camp George fosters.

Morry Black and Alisa Belshaw

The post Leah’s Mitzvah Project: Bringing the Joy of Camp George to Everyone appeared first on URJ Camp George.

Dear Camp George Community,

Today marks one year since the fire that destroyed our Chadar Ochel on January 2nd. It was a moment none of us will ever forget—one that shook us deeply, and also revealed the extraordinary strength, heart, and resilience of our Camp George family.

Standing here a year later, I am filled with immense gratitude. Guided by our shared values and commitment to one another, we created a temporary space that allowed camp to thrive this past summer and beyond. 

More importantly, we rediscovered who we are when we come together: a kehillah rooted in care, courage, and Jewish purpose. In the face of loss, we chose connection. In uncertainty, we chose hope. And in challenge, we chose to show up for one another.

Camp has always been a place of transformation. For so many of us, stepping onto our beautiful space on Maple Lake for the first time was a defining moment—an experience that shaped our sense of self, our Jewish identity, and our understanding of community. This past year has been its own kind of transformative journey. Much like a summer at camp, it pushed us out of our comfort zones, asked us to trust one another, and reminded us that growth often comes through uncertainty.

As we move forward, we want to share an update on where things stand. We continue to work closely through the insurance process, which remains an important part of the rebuilding journey. We are deep into the design phase of our new Chadar Ochel, thoughtfully imagining a space that will once again serve as the heart of camp life. We can’t wait to share our plans with you! We look forward to sharing more details with our community as plans continue to take shape in the months ahead.

We are guided by a mission that calls us to nurture Jewish identity, knowledge, and values through joyful, immersive experiences—and to build community that extends far beyond our gates. That mission has never felt more alive than it does now. It is present in the way we care for one another, in the spaces we envision, and in our commitment to ensuring that Camp George continues to be a place where lives are shaped, relationships are formed, and belonging is felt deeply.

With your partnership and trust, this next chapter will be transformative, rooted in who we are and inspired by the future.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and best wishes for 2026!

Jeff Rose
Director, URJ Camp George

The post Celebrating Strength, Community, and the Path Ahead appeared first on URJ Camp George.

From my first summer at Camp George with my Lehavot cabin mates. I’m in the yellow hat, and my twin sister is behind me in the pink t-shirt.

My name is Beth Caplan, though most people know me as B.Cap. My journey in Jewish overnight camping began at nine years old, stepping off the bus at URJ Camp George with my twin sister, Lauren (L-Mat), as a Lehavot camper. I remember that first summer, nervous and homesick, unsure of what awaited me. Dani Copeland, my first-ever Counselor-in-Training (CIT), truly saw me. Through her care, encouragement, and warmth, I felt safe, valued, and loved in a way I had never experienced before. That summer could have been overwhelming, yet her presence transformed it into a place where I belonged. Even today, Dani remains a mentor and older sister in my life, shaping how I show up for others and inspiring me to lead with the same unwavering care.

For the next 11 summers, I eagerly counted the days until I could return. I came back first as a camper, then as a CIT, and eventually as a staff member. Each role stretched me, taught me to lead with compassion and creativity, and showed me that responsibility is not something to fear but an opportunity to grow and inspire others. URJ Camp George taught me that community is built moment by moment, choice by choice, and that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact.

I have spent the past 15 years at Camp Mountain Chai (CMC), a journey that began because someone saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. Rachel Saslove, my CIT Director at URJ Camp George, had become the Assistant Director at CMC and invited me into a world that would challenge and shape me as a leader in ways I could not yet imagine. I didn’t know it then, but that moment would become the foundation for much of the leader I am today. I joined as a senior counselor in 2011 and held positions such as Social Media Coordinator, Head of Arts, Program Director, and, for the past three years, the Assistant Director.

CMC is where I truly grew into myself as a leader building on the foundation of what URJ Camp George gave me. It’s the place that encouraged me to discover what I was capable of, often in moments I hadn’t expected. I learned to step out of my comfort zone, always with the support of those around me. Embracing the Jewish value of anavah (humility) as real strength, I discovered that the best leaders listen, lift others up, and aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers. The challenges I’ve faced became opportunities to grow, think creatively, and help guide our organization toward its North Star.

This past summer brought a full-circle moment for me. As a first-time camper at URJ Camp George, I remember being captivated by the acoustic guitar during our daily services. I left that summer determined to learn guitar, playing every song in the Shireinu Chordster (songbook) to bring a piece of camp home with me. Fifteen years later, I lived out that childhood dream for the first time, playing guitar during this past summer’s Friday Shabbat service at CMC led by our leadership team: connecting the joy, music, and spirit of my earliest camp experiences with my role as a leader today.

Along the way, I’ve sought opportunities to deepen my understanding of leadership and community. I’ve participated in transformative programs offered by the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), including the Cornerstone Fellowship, Shalom Bayit, Character at Camp Grant, and DEI training cohort for Southern California camping professionals. Cornerstone opened my eyes to Jewish education and how we can create innovative, accessible, immersive experiences. It inspired me to bring Choose Your Own Tefillah to CMC with my fellows. Participating in Shalom Bayit allowed me to reflect on how we can continue to provide care and hospitality to guests while upholding our camp’s values and culture of care so that we can create a community of belonging. Character at Camp Grant reinforced that overnight summer camp teaches valuable skills—how to be kind, and grow as a person and community member. The DEI training cohort deepened my understanding of the importance of representation in the workplace, in staff training, and at camp, helping to create a truly inclusive community.

This year, I am honored to be part of FJC’s Yitro Leadership Fellowship, Cohort VI, with Shoshi Rothschild, a Camp George alumna, serving as my advisor. This opportunity has begun to expand my understanding of resonant leadership and the ways I can continue to grow as a leader.

Looking back, I see a journey shaped by belonging, courage, and intention. URJ Camp George gave me my foundation: the joy of Jewish life, the power of community, and the impact of being truly seen. CMC gave me the confidence and tools to step into my voice as a leader, embrace growth, and carry forward lessons that shape how I guide others. I carry these teachings every day. They inform how I mentor staff, design programs, and create spaces where campers and colleagues feel safe, inspired, and valued. The sense of care and belonging I discovered at the age of nine continues to shape how I show up as a leader today. If my story encourages others to lead with compassion, build with intention, and believe in the difference they can make, then I know I am honoring the people and places that helped raise me.

The post From Maple Lake to the Mountains: My Path in Jewish Camps and Leadership – Beth Caplan appeared first on URJ Camp George.

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I have been in Toronto for 3 months now, with the prospect of remaining here as a permanent resident in the future. But my journey started nearly 10 years ago.  

I was invited to apply for Camp George through my UK organization, RSY Netzer. I remember having the option to lead in Israel, the USA, or Canada. I couldn’t help but follow my intuition and make the trip to Camp George, Ontario (of course, with the advice and blessing of my mother).  

I was asked to provide a short entry to explore why I moved to Canada and what prompted this visceral reaction to follow my dream all those years ago. I’ve spent some time pondering the question: How did Camp George impact me, and what prompted the move here? Having considerable time thinking of this question and defining it for me, I am always drawn back to one word: Kehillah – Community.  

Regressing to my past and those first few weeks prior to flying to Canada, if I knew Camp George wasn’t for me, I go back to the age old saying: nothing ventured; nothing gained.  
I decided to return the following year.  

Ever since I stepped into Camp George, the warmth and compassion were apparent in everyone. Families car-pooling to the buses and waving their children off. To the worked at Camp George who were the cogs in the machine, making sure everything ran smoothly and everyone, young and old, enjoyed their time at Camp George.  

This community aspect, Kehillah was the reason I kept in contact with all my friend’s these years.  I know without the support network and my friend’s I made along the way, I would be back in the UK. Instead, I am able to fulfill my dream of living in Toronto and being surrounded by the people I love and paving the way for the life I want to lead.  

Without kehillah, Camp George wouldn’t forever be in my heart and mind

I will leave this final sentiment. Camp George and Toronto have the aesthetic of N. America: the amazing summer camps, packed with activities for everyone. Yet the people of Europe: compassionate, caring, considerate, selfless. The list goes on.  
Without Camp George, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. For that I will forever be grateful

Written by: Josh D’Arcy

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For fourteen unforgettable summers, URJ Camp George has been more than a place I go each year; it’s been the heartbeat of my personal growth, my Jewish identity, and my connection to a worldwide community. When I think about who I was as an 8-year-old stepping off the bus from Michigan and who I am now as a unit head, the difference is astonishing in the best way possible.

I started at Camp George as a kid who just wanted to swim, make friends, and stay up too late. I had no idea that those early summers would set the foundation for the person I’d eventually become. Every cabin conversation, every energetic song session, every challenge, and every leadership moment nudged me forward. As I moved from camper to staff member and eventually to unit head, I found my voice, my confidence, and my leadership style. The responsibility of guiding campers, supporting staff, and helping create a safe and joyful community taught me more about empathy, collaboration, and communication than any classroom ever could. Camp didn’t just help me grow up; it grew with me.

Being a Michigander heading to a camp in Canada gave every summer a sense of adventure. It’s not every day you cross an international border just to get to your home-away-from-home! And that distance became symbolic of something deeper.

At Camp George, I’ve met people from across North America, Israel, Europe, and beyond. Each summer brought new perspectives, new traditions, new stories, and new friendships that stretched far outside my own experience. I learned early on that community doesn’t have to come from one place,  it can be built across time zones, accents, and continents.

Camp George is where I’ve discovered my strengths, built some of my closest friendships, and learned how powerful a supportive community can be. It’s where I realized that leadership is about compassion, where being silly is just as important as being responsible, and where I saw firsthand how diverse voices create the strongest bonds.

I may live in Michigan, but part of my heart will always sit by Maple Lake, surrounded by people who have shaped my life in ways I’m endlessly grateful for. And as a unit head, getting the chance to give campers the same sense of belonging and joy that I felt at their age is truly the greatest full-circle moment I could ask for.

The post From Michigan to Maple Lake: How Camp George Shaped My Life appeared first on URJ Camp George.