At Camp Avoda, our mission is clear: to provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment where boys can grow into responsible, well-rounded Jewish men. This journey is guided by an extraordinary team of leaders who share a commitment to shaping campers’ lives with purpose and care. From nurturing independence to fostering resilience, our leadership team combines decades of experience with a deep, personal dedication to Avoda’s community.
Creating a Community of Trust, Support, and Growth
One of Avoda’s greatest strengths is its leadership team, who collectively cultivate a community rooted in trust and care. Director Ken Shifman has made Avoda his home for nearly three decades, bringing his deep understanding of camp life to every aspect of Avoda. His commitment is seen in the inclusive, supportive environment he’s fostered, where campers feel at ease forming friendships, exploring new skills, and developing lifelong values. For Ken, seeing boys grow in confidence and camaraderie is what makes Avoda so special.
Supporting Ken’s vision, Ronni Saltzman Guttin brings her own expertise in camper care, with over 30 years in camp management. Known for her hands-on approach, Ronni leads Avoda’s mental health and community-building initiatives, ensuring every camper feels a sense of belonging. Her experience helps campers learn independence and resilience, with counselors and CITs receiving valuable training in behavior management and inclusivity. The result? A camp environment where each boy can feel valued, supported, and inspired.
An Environment That Fosters Leadership and Mentorship
Avoda’s emphasis on mentorship runs through every aspect of camp life, led by a team who understand the importance of modeling positive values. Leon, an engineering teacher and long-time member of the Avoda community, heads our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program and leads camp events that bring out the best in each camper. His focus on responsibility, teamwork, and creativity equips boys with life skills they’ll carry far beyond camp.
Gary, a seasoned coach, teacher, and former Avoda camper, brings his experience to the programming, scheduling, and daily rhythm of Avoda. Through his work with the hockey program and special events, he gives campers opportunities to grow in both athletic and personal confidence, guiding them toward self-discipline and achievement. Gary’s background in coaching and guiding student-athletes adds an essential layer to Avoda’s culture of growth and goal-setting.
A High Counselor-to-Camper Ratio and Cultural Enrichment
What truly distinguishes Camp Avoda is our exceptional staff, many of whom grew up at Avoda themselves, advancing through the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program and returning to serve new generations of campers. With a counselor-to-camper ratio of 4:1, every camper is assured the personalized guidance they need to make the most of their summer. Our counselors, along with dedicated Israeli staff members, bring a unique cultural perspective, creating a Jewish community that is both warm and enriching.
Conclusion:
When you send your son to Camp Avoda, you’re entrusting him to a team of seasoned leaders who are fully committed to his safety, growth, and enjoyment. From Ken’s community-building, to Ronni’s compassionate care, to Leon and Gary’s leadership training and skill-building, our team ensures that each camper leaves Avoda more confident, connected, and equipped for the future. The Avoda experience is one of fun, friendship, and formative life lessons, guided by a leadership team whose dedication makes all the difference.
To learn more about what we do, and our mission to make Jewish Summer Camp accessible for every child, explore our website or book a tour today!