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.

Denise Ben Haim is our Associate Director. Denise joined the Camp Laurelwood family in 2009 with a long history and rich background in the Jewish Camping industry. As the Recruitment Officer, Denise actively participates in the present and future of Camp Laurelwood. Along with her three daughters, she looks forward to sharing many more exciting summers at camp!

Barnett Goldman is the Assistant Director of Camp Laurelwood. Barnett brings over 20 years of camp, athletics, and programming experience to Laurelwood. As Assistant Director, he oversees all of the athletic programs, evening programs, daily activities, and special events. He is a Special Education teacher and athletic coach at Carmel Academy in Greenwich, CT. He is has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Special Education, and a Masters in Special Education from Southern CT State University. Barnett is the former Athletic Director of Ezra Academy in Woodbridge, CT and directed the New Haven JCC Chalutzim Camp. Barnett has really enjoyed integrating his growing family with his Laurelwood family over the past 5 summers!

Riva Schanker is the Girl’s Head Counselor and Biking Specialist and has been a staff-member since 2003. Riva Schanker has earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Queens College and an additional BA in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from Ashford University. Riva has been a Jewish educator for the past 28 years. Riva is currently the Director of Judaic Hebrew curriculum for Louisville B’eit Sefer Yachad and the family event corridater for Adath Jeshurun. Riva resides in Louisville, KY with her husband and 3 daughters.

Carrie Singer is our Director of Administration, Super Senior Head Counselor, and Cornerstone Liaison. Carrie is a Brandeis University graduate who has worked for over 18 years in both Formal and Informal Jewish Educational settings. Carrie’s background along with her personal love of all things Camp make her uniquely qualified for her multiple roles. Carrie, along with daughters Michelle & Mia, is very excited to spend another amazing summer at Laurelwood!

Rob Goldfarb is our Development Director. Rob’s passion for camps, relationship building and Jewish identity make him thrilled to be a part of the Camp Laurelwood team. Relationships are the real currency of life. This philosophy has allowed Rob to create a successful culture of generosity all over the globe. “Whether I helped sustain a rural health care clinic in Guatemala, retrain unemployed Eastern Europeans to find work in their new economy to help sustain a teaching farm in Martha’s Vineyard my focus and intent has been to help improve the lives of others. Yet none of this would have happened had it not been for the generous donors who believed in the value and mission of these organizations”. Philanthropy is the wheel that spins social change. With this in mind, Rob hopes we will ensure Camp Laurelwood celebrates another 75 years transforming future generations of Jewish leaders.