Meet Specialty Camp Director Samara Chodosh

Summer is a season of transitions. Rainy days turn into backyard barbeques as kids celebrate the end of school, while anxiously awaiting what they've been looking forward to all year - camp!

Jewish Experiences for Teens (JET) Director, Samara Chodosh, will experience a transition this summer, as well. She already has begun planning for her summer roles as Specialty Camp Director and Counselor in Training (CIT) Director.

Starting as a preschooler over twenty years ago, Chodosh is truly a product of the Columbus Jewish Community Center. Her earliest memories are JCC memories, from ballet and swimming lessons to singing "On the Line" at Camp Ora.

"It was during a preschool morning that I first learned I had a new baby brother," Chodosh recalls with a smile.

Over the years she attended every camp the JCC offers, and even had her first job there as a pool gate attendant. She has also been a nesharim counselor and unit head at Camp Hoover and the Judaic specialist at Camp Chaverim

Chodosh graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduating, she taught English in Sendai, Japan. Her students' ages ranged from toddlers through adults. Currently, Chodosh is working on her Master's degree at The Ohio State University in Educational Administration.

"My roles this summer are a natural fit," she said. "My educational background and experiences have prepared me for working with campers of all ages."

Chodosh said she feels that all children should have a chance to attend camp.

"Camp is a special place where children have freedom not necessarily available during the school year," she said. "They are free to explore, discover and experience at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment. I'm excited to be a part of planning what is sure to be a memorable summer!"

In particular, Chodosh shared that daily, Camp Chaverim offers a sprayground for water play, a sport court for all sports imaginable, music for sing-a-longs, art for fine motor skills and more.

"Additionally, special theme days abound," she continued, "Among other opportunities, your child will have so much fun meeting animals from the traveling zoo, exploring Alum Creek, participating in carnival day, and tie dying on Red White and Boom Day. All activities are planned with your camper in mind!"

Also, Chodosh said she feels that "participating in a specialty camp is a great way for children to build their self-esteem while focusing on talents they might not have even known they have!"

The specialty camps offered this year are Circus Camp (July 6-11), Clay and Craft Camp (July 14-18), Campers in the Kitchen (July 21-25) and Magic Camp (July 28-August 1), in addition to a variety of sport camps.

Furthermore, Chodosh said she is very excited to be a part of the CIT program.

"My JET experiences will serve me well as I organize and plan the CIT program. I want to make it a truly meaningful experience as the participants transition from camper to counselor."

The CIT program will run from June 16-July 11, culminating in a CIT-only field trip to a local water park during the eighth week of week. The CITs may choose to volunteer until the end of camp.

For more information on the JCC Summer Camps,
visit the JCC Summer Camp website at www.columbusjcc.org/summercamps, or Chodosh at (614) 559-6255.

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