Meet Our Camp Koolanu Director: Mr. Aharon Levi

Summer is right around the corner and Camp Koolanu is preparing for the best summer ever with our new Camp Director, Mr. Aharon Levi. Mr. Levi has been involved in Chinuch for over twenty years in Baltimore and is a mainstay of Mechinas Ner Israel where he is a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and teacher mentor. His warm, engaging, respected rapport with the talmidim, parents, and staff along with his professional experience make him a great asset to the Camp Koolanu team.

Q: Why is camp so important to you?
A: As a teacher I can’t help answering a question with something from a literary source. E.B. White, the celebrated author of the children’s classics Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, once described his summer experiences as follows: “Summertime, oh summertime, pattern of life indelible, the fade proof lake, the woods unshatterable, the pasture with the sweet fern and the juniper forever and ever, summer without end.” Summer camp holds a special place in my memory; it is a place untouched by the passage of years, existing in its original, pristine form, forever providing me with a sense of joy and calm. It represents for me the ability to just live in the moment, to experience life, with all its ups and downs without the worry of academics, assignments, and chores. To be involved in giving that experience and feeling to the next generation is a real privilege.

Q: What do you hope kids will gain from this summer?
A: By the end of camp, I hope each child will have a new set of joyous memories of trying new activities, gaining new friends, and learning new things. I hope each child will have new experiences, grow in their self-esteem, and build their inner strength. Camp gives children a safe environment that is less structured and demanding than school, to grow and develop at their own pace, to find their own voice, become a leader and learn how to work with others. Whether it is in learning, davening, swimming, arts and crafts, or just plain fun, I hope our campers will take these new experiences with them into the new school year and beyond.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about taking over this position as Director of Camp Koolanu?
A: Camp Koolanu is one of a kind, with state-of-the-art facilities and a fun enriching atmosphere. As Camp Director I have the unique privilege of working with our staff and campers to help create memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with our counselors and junior counselors to bring excitement and fresh and creative ideas to enhance our campers’ summer experience.

Q: What is your plan for field trips?
A: Field trips provide children with an adventure, adding a level of excitement as campers engage with and explore the world around them. Our campers will get the fun, thrill, and entertainment of some off-site field trips and the joy of special “trip activities” being brought on-site as well.

To reach Mr. Aharon levi, please email koolanudirector@jcc.org.

For questions, to apply for a staff position, or register a camper, visit JCampsBaltimore.org or contact the Camp Koolanu office at 410.500.5948 or campkoolanu@jcc.org.