JCC Chicago Apachi Rogers Park Day Camp is excited to welcome Matt Steinberg as the new Director of Apachi Rogers Park. For years the Bernard Horwich JCC in Rogers Park has been home to an exceptional day camp, providing meaningful summers for campers in a torah-rich environment, filled with fun activities, exciting field trips, great role models, and a warm community.
Matt brings years of experience and passion for JCC camps, children and family programs. “I really appreciate the role that the JCC plays in the community. I started as a Camp Counselor during the first summer at the, then brand-new, Mayerson JCC in Cincinnati, and right away, I was hooked! I loved seeing campers learn to swim, develop new skills, and make meaningful friendships over the course of the summer. I started studying education and childhood development in college while working at camp during the summers, serving as Sports Specialist, Counselors In Training (CIT) Coordinator and Assistant Camp Director before ultimately taking over as Camp Director”, says Matt.
Matt’s first focus at camp has always been on campers and their families. “My motto, ‘Making Memories that Matter,’ really speaks to my goal at camp of providing meaningful experiences campers and their families will remember for the rest of their lives,” says Matt. “But I know a memorable experience for campers starts with great camp counselors. Counselors are role models, so I focus on building a culture at camp that is fun and supportive and encourages them to make camp fun, meaningful and inclusive for their campers. When I see counselors and campers coming back summer after summer, I know we are doing it right!”
He joins a truly exceptional, seasoned team including Shuli Medow, Rachel Tanzer and many experienced counselors. Shuli, Director of Camp Operations and Early Childhood Program Coordinator, joined colleagues in New York for the Chai Lifeline Annual Gala: An Evening for the Kids to accept an award of appreciation on behalf of Apachi Rogers Park. The honor recognizes Shuli and her work with the campers in raising critical funds for the children of Chai Lifeline each summer. She said, “I was honored to represent our camp in accepting this award demonstrating our decades-long partnership with Chai Lifeline. We appreciate the opportunity Chai Lifeline provides to teach such a valuable lesson of kindness and compassion to our campers! This is just one example of the many amazing things that campers experience in a summer at Apachi Rogers Park.”
Administrative Coordinator Rachel Tanzer joined the team last summer and is the backbone of the Apachi Rogers Park Day Camp, working with Shuli and Matt, to design and coordinate the entire day camp experience. “Apachi Rogers Park is a home base for our community. Everyone is a part of the fun here! Our team leads campers in making everyone feel welcome and a part of the action. Most of our counselors are former campers who choose to share their love of play, learning, sunshine, and fun,” says Rachel.
Matt said, “I know I am coming into a great camp and community, and I am lucky to have a great team as a foundation here at Apachi Rogers Park. Many counselors and families care deeply about our camp, and I am very much looking forward to learning favorite traditions and more from our team, our families and our counselors, while bringing some fresh ideas to make camp even better!”
The first opportunity to meet Matt is at the third annual Chanukah Bash on Sunday, December 22 from 2 – 3:30pm at Bernard Horwich JCC. The event features glow in the dark inflatables and games, music by DJ Ariel, a donut bar, and even a make-your-own olive oil station led by Rabbi Yehuda Fensterheim from YU Torah Mitzion Kollel. Register in advance at jccchicago.org/chanukahbash for early bird pricing!
Matt will also be at the exciting Halfway to Summer event on January 5 from 2-4:00 pm at Bernard Horwich JCC. Halfway to Summer is a free program featuring giveaways, open swim, sports with Hot Shots, gymnastics, snacks, and more! Even though it is cold outside, stay warm with your favorite camp activities with JCC Chicago. Register in advance to save your spot at jccchicago.org/halfwaytosummer
The Apachi Rogers Park Day Camp office is located at Bernard Horwich JCC, and the camp team welcomes all counselors and camp families to swing by and say hello! “I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone in the community and doing my part to create a camp where campers and counselors alike make memories that matter every summer,” adds Matt.
The camp team is busy planning a fantastic summer, so sign up before the Winter Pricing discount ends on February 29 to ensure your spot at special pricing! Visit the Apachi website to learn more and register.
