Camp Laurelwood counselors are carefully recruited and screened. Many are Laurelwood alumni, or referred by friends. Staff must have experience working with children, specialty certifications, and a passion for Jewish overnight camping. The Jewish Agency for Israel provides Hebrew and English speaking counselors and cultural experts who add a unique Judaic flavor. Camp Laurelwood could be your next dream job. Call the office to find out more summer opportunities or see below for a Staff Employment Application.

Ruth Ann Ornstein has been Executive Director of Camp Laurelwood since 2002, following a 12 year career in Youth, Family and Camp Director positions at the New Haven and Bridgeport Jewish Community Centers. She holds a BS in Human Services, with a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Hartford and earned her MSW from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, New York. Ruth Ann is active in the Bethany Connecticut PTO, served on their Board of Education and is co-manager of Amity Girls Travel Team. A mother of two, she was graduated from the Executive Leadership Institute of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

As Assistant Director of Camp Laurelwood, Barnett Goldman brings the heart of a coach and the passion of a sports fan to our playing fields and ball courts. He is Athletics Director at Ezra Academy, Woodbridge, CT where he also teaches, coaches the girls soccer and boys basketball teams. Barnett directed the New Haven JCC Chalutzim Camp and was basketball coach. Barnett honed his sports instruction skills at the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack New York for fourteen years where he taught pre-school athletics, coached teams and directed their sports camp staff. He holds a teaching degree in Elementary and Special Education.

A Native Californian, Riva Schanker returns for her 6th year at Camp Laurelwood as the Girls Head Counselor. During her tenure at Camp Laurelwood, Riva has been involved in many roles including Hebrew tutoring, tennis and biking. With over 24 years work experience in Jewish education teaching Hebrew and Preschool in Florida, Connecticut, New York and Kentucky, Riva’s educational background is a BA in psychology with a minor in early childhood education. Recently relocated to Louisville, Riva and her husband have three daughters who also attend Camp Laurelwood.

Juliane Wolfberg is the year-round Assistant Director. She hails from Coral Springs, FL and holds a B.A. in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. Juliane’s love for Jewish overnight camping began at the age of 6 and continues to grow. She has held camping positions including Counselor, Unit Head, and Program Director. Prior to joining the Camp Laurelwood family, Jules was a Youth Director and Hebrew School teacher in South Florida. Juliane resides in West Hartford, CT with her husband Jay and daughter Noa and is expecting another baby girl in December 2008.