Leadership
Sue Rynar (Director)
began her career at Jeff Lake Day Camp more than 30 years ago and has since worked her way up through the ranks. She was a biking specialist, worked at the pool, and eventually became our Waterfront Director — The number of day camp kids who learned how to swim under Sue's watch is far too many to count! Equipped with a Masters Degree from Boston University, her role as a full-time Director means stepping in and working with the leadership team to create a fun, yet safe environment for campers. This is an easy job for Sue as her whole family has strong ties to Jeff Lake Day Camp — She met her husband here and both of her boys were campers and counselors!
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Britton and Drew Bitterman (Directors)
joined the Jeff Lake family in 2011, bringing with them a wealth of experience in youth development and a passion for summer day camp. Britton was an elementary school teacher and assistant vice principal in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. before returning to camping full time. She spent many summers as a camp counselor and group leader and has tremendous experience working with campers and staff at camps in NJ and all over the Northeast. A Jeff Lake alum, Drew has worked full time in camping since 2002 and is proud to bring his experience in operations and programming to his day camp alma mater! Previously, Britton and Drew (who coincidentally both grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey) were the Associate Directors of Lake Bryn Mawr Camp. They have an adorable son, Shane, who will be a Jeff Lake camper in 2014!
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Justin Efros (Director)
is a Jeff Lake Day Camp "lifer," having spent the better part of his life here — nearly three decades in total as a camper, counselor and member of the senior staff! He has been working for Jeff Lake full-time for the past seven years, overseeing transportation, maintenance, and capital projects, and ensuring that the "behind the scenes" aspects of camp life function smoothly. His lifelong relationship with Jeff Lake has provided him with important insight into the value day camp holds for campers and staff alike. He and his wife Diana live in Livingston, NJ , and are the parents of a sweet boy, Joshua, who will be ready for camp in 2014!
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Jill Arzonico (Director of Administration)
has been a beloved member of the JLC year round office staff since 1985. There is nothing that Jill does not know about camp! During the year, Jill is in charge of all the administrative aspects that go into getting ready for the summer. During the summer, she is in charge of programming. Her job is to make sure that your child's day is full of fun and excitement.
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Audrey Fendell (Director of Administration)
is involved in all facets of camp administration. She is often the first contact new families have with Jeff Lake, as she oversees summer tours, enrollment of new campers and Fantasy Days. Audrey has a long time affiliation with Jeff Lake, as her two children were campers. She resides in Short Hills and works year round.
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Adam Baranker (C.I.T. Director)
started at Jeff Lake in 1992 at the age of 4 and has been a part of the Jeff Lake Family ever since. His mother was a Jeff Lake camper and counselor in the 70's, so it was natural when he followed suit. During his 21 years at Jeff Lake, Adam has been a camper, CIT, AIDE, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Color War Captain and now Assistant Director. Aside from always leading cheers and camp spirit, Adam is the CIT/AIDE Director, manages the camp's Social Media, and leads our T.A.R.G.E.T. team-building program.
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Jane and Dan Kagan (Owners)
live and breathe summer camp! As the daughter of Jeff Lake Day Camp founder Ira Fish, Jane spent 25 summers at Jeff Lake as a camper, counselor and assistant director gaining the values and training that provided the foundation for her career in day camp. With her husband Dan, Jane returned to Jeff Lake in 2011, and together they are involved in all aspects of the day camp business. Jane and Dan are committed to carrying on the proud New Jersey day camp legacy established by "Uncle Ira."
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Ira Fish (Director Emeritus)
"Uncle Ira" founded Jeff Lake Camp in 1958. For 54 years, he has lived ten months for two! Jeff Lake has been his lifelong passion and a labor of love. He has provided thousands of children with incredible camping experiences, lifelong friendships, and special memories. His legacy will live on as all of the wonderful traditions that he brought to Jeff Lake continue for generations to come.
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Day Camp Team
Jeff Lake is lucky to have a wonderful team of men and women who are responsible for the day-to-day well-being of our campers. Cumulatively, our Division Heads have been at camp for over 100 years! They are educators, guidance counselors, school administrators, parents, and former Jeff Lake campers. Our Division Heads are Gail Weinworth (Pre K), Jen Mandery (K), Margie Richman (1st grade), Meryl Heller (2nd Grade), Cindy Weiner (3rd - 8 grade girls), Ryan Shaffer (3rd - 8th grade boys). Special Events Director, Craig Rynar; Tour Director, Greer Gelman; and Freshman Campus Group Leaders Diana Efros and Randi Lee round out your summer leadership team.
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