The investigators report is a shameful, damning, heart-breaking and miserable study in leadership failure, Dov Ben-Shimon, executive vice president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, NJ, wrote in a letter to his leadership last week. NJY Camps is the umbrella group for five residential . Mazel Tov to all the honorees. (Amy requested that her full name not be used for privacy reasons. NJY is focused on creating a wholesome and inspirational community while simultaneously promoting critical discourse surrounding mental illness and its de-stigmatization. Robinson, 73, served as executive director of NJY Camps, the largest Jewish camp complex in North America, for 25 years, and he was celebrated and received many communal honors. Robinson was forced to resign from his position as executive director last April, a day before NJJNs initial story was published. 1st Session Ends & 2nd Session Begins. Life is good, life is bad, life is surprising, life is challenging. Approximately 40% of NJY Camps families need financial assistance each year. Founded in 1921. His resignation came less than a month after Debbie Findling, a philanthropic adviser in the San Francisco Bay Area, wrote an op-ed in The New York Jewish Week, NJJNs sister publication, detailing how she had been sexually harassed and propositioned for sex by a communal leader she later identified as Robinson. London, United Kingdom. An opportunity for your camper to meet potential bunkmates for future summers! The New York Jewish Week reported Wednesday that Peter . Sincerely,Michael Schlank, Winter Office: 21 Plymouth St. Fairfield, NJ 07004 Ben-Shimon also writes that the investigation clearly points to the fact that many in the senior board and past president leadership knew of [Robinsons] behavior and did nothing to prevent it.. JCC of Central New Jersey | Special Needs Resource Fair. To Our NJY Camps Community, I am excited to share with you that after a nationwide search, the NJY Camps Board of Directors named Michael Schlank to the newly created position of chief executive officer. Advertisement. Aryn has been bringing her high energy and enthusiasm to NJY Camps for 9 years and has been in camping both as a camper and staff member since she was a . Advisory Board; Globalize Your Camp. How do youse guys think we all should say it? He also serves as an Assistant Executive Director of Camp Nesher's parent organization, the New Jersey YM-YWHA (NJY) Camps. While a publicist for NJY Camps said that almost all board members had no knowledge of the former directors actions, and that no board member had knowledge contemporaneous to when an incident happened, the members agreed to step down in the camps best interest. Email: campinfo@njycamps.org, Milford Campus: 570 Sawkill Road, Milford, PA 18337 Sincerely,Stephen SeidenPresident of the NJY Camps Board of Directors, Thank you to the NJY Camps Board of Directors for putting your trust in me. A newlywed? According to the . On Friday, Athletic Director Michael Alford made the first public case for the Seminoles to find a new conference during a General Board Meeting with the FSU Board of Trustees, which included . Rosalyn & Bruce Nussman. At the same time, camp is about having fun and creating lifelong friendships. NJY Camps is the largest Jewish overnight camping organization and serves between 1500 to 2500 children and families every summer. Please feel free to browse our website to see the vast program that we offer and when you are ready to apply for the summer of your life, fill out an application by clicking on the link . Email: nesher@njycamps.org |. Photo by Elan Mizrahi, An independent investigation undertaken by NJY Camps last spring found that at least 11 women accused Len Robinson of sexual harassment or assault, according to an internal memo. Solely coordinated couriers, all backstage . But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community. Please try again or choose an option below. Additionally, he is passionate about building community, and working with youth. If so, please join The Times of Israel Community. For 100 years, our NJY camps have been creating lasting friendships, positive Jewish experiences, and summers of fun, said board president Stephen Seiden in an email to camp families, alumnae, and donors. and Michael Schwartz! Responding to these new allegations, an NJY Camps spokesperson said: Amy was a valued member of the NJY Camps staff for many years. Incorrect password. If passed, this judicial legislation would jeopardise the fundamental rights of all Israelis, not just minorities. Hey, its yeshiva week what are you and your family doing? Later, a nearby camp for girls was added at another leased site. Theketubah(marriage contract) that hangs on our living room wall is a painting of camps waterfront. The New Jersey Federation of Young Mens Hebrew Associations and Young Womens Hebrew Associations (originally named the Felix Fuld Camps, known later as the New Jersey Y Camps, and today as NJY Camps) was founded in 1920 as a residential summer camp for Jewish boys on a leased site at Bear Mountain Park. I attended and then worked at that same camp for 15 years. His background, experience and enthusiasm will make him the excellent fund raiser that NJY Camps needs at this time. Leadership at NJY Camps continues to decline The Jewish Weeks requests to disclose the full report, citing the confidentiality of women who have made allegations, according to an NJY Camps spokesperson. daniel Schofield . 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NEW! For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members. I know how heartbroken our community is not being able to be together. Summer camp is truly embedded in my DNA and an integral part of my own family history. Many thanks to CEO Michael Schlank, & the leadership & staff of NJY Camps for their yeoman efforts to create a wonderful experience for our campers and their families during Summer 2021 and all year round! NJJN managing editor Shira Vickar-Fox contributed reporting. Leonard Robinson, a veteran and much-admired administrator in the Jewish camping field, resigned under pressure April 12 from his post as executive director of NJY Camps after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced recently, NJJN has learned. Last year, Robinson was forced to resign from his position as executive director last April, a day before The Jewish Weeks initial story was published. Hannah Dreyfus is a staff writer at The New York Jewish Week, NJJNs sister publication. Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. Phone: (570) 296-8596 It is clear that Robinson was allowed to operate for far too long without any real oversight, creating an environment in which his abuse of others was allowed to go unchecked., Horowitz said he intends to resign no later than February, and that it would be in the best interest of NJY Camps for the rest of the board to also resign within that time.. In that role, Schlank will lead the professional staff and oversee all of NJY Camps, Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories, The New Jersey Jewish Film Festival returns to the JCC MetroWest, Kosher-chef-whiz-kid Eitan Bernath turns to social action as he works to feed the hungry, Local production,as in New York, takeson the Leo Frank story. The vision of NJY is to unite individuals in a globally supportive community. Do you rely on The Times of Israel for accurate and insightful news on Israel and the Jewish world? In a Dec. 19 statement sent to NJJN, Horowitz qualified that many members of the NJY board had no knowledge of Robinsons wrongdoing. Still, he wrote, although these people would be strong members to lead us toward the future they are part of a current reality that makes the present boards continued viability untenable, and not in the best interest of the campers and staff we serve.. The investigators' report "is a shameful, damning, heart-breaking and miserable study in leadership failure . A long-time member of our staff as the chief operating officer, she stepped up to lead the organization through our 2018 and 2019 seasons with great success. It takes just a few seconds. Round Lake. Round Lake Camp is a special needs inclusion program serving children and adolescents with mild autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and social skill disorders. ours after NJJN published a report in which New Jersey federation executives called for the entire board of NJY Camps to resign for not taking action after learning of allegations of predatory behavior by its former executive director (After damning probe, NJ fed exec urges board purge at NJY Camps, Dec. 20), the president of the NJY board announced his intention to resign, and advised the rest of the board to follow suit. How do youse guys think we all should say it? 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She discusses what the experience may tell us about Jewish obligation, history and dignity. Mazel Tov, Michael! What happens to the notes placed in the Kotel? Unlike other news outlets, we havent put up a paywall. Suzanne Albin Tucker. Loving memory of David Lenusky. The alleged assaults continued during the fall of 1994, when Robinson continued to call and visit Joannas home to solicit sex, according to police records. He is on the board of Hofstra Hillel, president of Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, N.Y., and a member of AIPAC Long Island Council. Phone: (570) 798-2373 | Ellen Goldner, a former employee of NJY Camps and the former president of the MetroWest Federation, told The Jewish Week she warned the then-board president, Bruce Tucker, about Robinsons behavior; Tucker dismissed the information, according to Goldner. Our Lake Como campus hosts Camp Nesher, a co-ed camp for Orthodox boys and girls in grades 3 through 10 and the Kislak Adult Program. A grandparent? Acouple of years ago, I wrote a column called Parenting at 10,000 Feet. It was about a family that Husband #1 and I had the pleasure of sitting next to on an airplane. The New York Jewish Week reported in December that Peter Horowitz, the then-president of NJY Camps, urged all 60 members of his board to join him in resigning for allowing the former executive director, Leonard Robinson, to operate for far too long without any real oversight, creating an environment in which his abuse of others was allowed to go unchecked.. Hours after NJJN published a report in which New Jersey federation executives called for the entire board of NJY Camps to resign for not taking action after learning of allegations of predatory behavior by its former executive director (After damning probe, NJ fed exec urges board purge at NJY Camps, Dec. 20), the president of the NJY board announced his intention to resign, and advised the rest of the board to follow suit. Senior Accounting Manager Location: Fairfield, NJ About NJY Camps: NJY Camps (NJY) is one of North America s premier Jewish summer camp organizations. Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories An NJY Camps spokesperson said the camp has not been contacted by the Essex County Prosecutors Office, but we will cooperate fully if contacted. Amy said she did not have the financial means to leave her job and felt she had no recourse to report the incident, as Robinson was the organizations executive director. For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members. Tucker has declined repeated requests for comment. A passionate believer in camping, Michaels background gives us confidence that he will lead us through the challenges ahead. A grandparent? THE NJY CAMPS board of directors has named Michael Schlank to the newly created position of chief executive officer. $180 for a full weekend of fun at Camp Nah Jee Wah! Full-time. Horowitz, the president of the NJY Camps board, said he intends to resign no later than February, The Jewish Week reported. An independent investigation into the allegations was completed in September, The Jewish Week reports, but its conclusions only became public when the head of a large New Jersey Jewish federation read the report and called on the entire 60-member board of NJY Camps to resign. 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Her claims were corroborated by her college roommate, who recalled Robinson picking up Joanna from her dorm room in college. . click the link in that email to complete your registration. In an email statement, Horowitz wrote that NJY Camps was first approached in July of 2018 by the legal counsel of one of the victims of Robinsons abuse seeking a financial settlement.. Working at camp is not just a job, it's an adventure filled with new friendships, amazing experiences and unforgettable memories. Camp Fire envisions a community in which every child has equitable access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Neither Krakow, who took up his post as president and CEO of JCCA in 2017, nor his immediate predecessor, Stephen Arnoff, said they received any complaints about Robinson. Does life have any meaning ifit all ends in death? NJY s mission focuses on supporting the growth and development of every individual member of its community so that they can learn new skills . By submitting the above I agree to the privacy policy and terms of use of JTA.org. We are an incubator, HaZamir chapters rehearsing for 30th anniversary gala performance at Lincoln Center, The Belarusian-born educator from Morristown and Randolph was 92, Hearing the Gettysburg Address in Hebrew again. In the summer of 1995, I met a young college junior named Ilene at camp and nearly four years later we married. A new parent? The NJY Camps is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes JCC representatives, regional leaders, former campers and other friends. where she most recently worked as the Assistant Director of NJY Teen Camp. Robinson, 77, declined The Jewish Weeks request for comment. Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories While most of us were blindsided by the allegations against Len Robinson, we quickly came together to take decisive action and ensure no one else would be subjected to sexual harassment or assault at NJY Camps, said board president Peter Horowitz, who announced his resignation in December, the day after The Jewish Weeks exclusive, Virtual Walking Tour: From Paupers to Prime Ministers in Jewish Whitechapel, The Museum of Jewish Heritage A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, Di Shvester A Celebration of Women in Jewish Music, March comes in with a roar of new Yiddish music, A Rube Goldberg machine comes to life literally in a new dance piece, Purim parties in NYC: Heres where to celebrate this joyous Jewish holiday, These almost-too-cute-to-eat hamantaschen are baked for a good cause, Why American Eagle now has a mezuzah at its Times Square flagship, Feds arrest Michigan man who plotted to kill Jewish elected officials in the state, American citizen killed in latest West Bank shooting amid escalating violence. Hannah Dreyfus is a staff writer for The New York Jewish Week, NJJNs sister publication. The ideal candidate will be a highly self-motivated problem solver, flexible . How do youse guys think we all should say it? NJY Camps (NJY) is one of North America's premier Jewish summer camp networks. 2 Day Intro to Overnight Camp. Robinson, 77, served as executive director of NJY Camps, the largest Jewish camp complex in North America, for 25 years, and he was celebrated and received many communal honors. Its up to thee! Its a community, A local rabbi reflects on his experiences in Washington last week, A look at why no one has tried to stop the war Putin started last year, Rabbi Jonathan Porath looks back, on Zoom, at 175 trips to Russia, over 50 years, The deeper meanings of giving and getting. Last day of Camp. Ten months after the executive director of the largest camping organization in North America was forced to resign due to allegations of sexual harassment that stretched back years, the organizations entire board has voted to disband. Welcome on board Arun Mylavarapu and Simon Sketchley! Schlank will assume his new role Sept. 1. Though the detective bureau began investigating the matter at the time, the criminal statute of limitations had expired and Joanna did not wish to pursue the matter, according to the report. Well, I am old, and my kids are old, so yeshiva week is just a reminder that I am too old to have kids who are still in yeshiva. 2023 The Times of Israel , All Rights Reserved, NJY Camps runs a network of Jewish camps serving the New York metropolitan areas. Comprised of five overnight summer camps, NJY serves children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. A new parent? Normally, our camps are buzzing with activity; however, with much regret, the realities of the pandemic prevented us from opening our camps this summer. What is life? His letter was obtained by The Jewish Week. Once registered, youll receive our Daily Edition email for free. Does life have any meaning ifit all ends in death? Courtesy photo. Email: campinfo@njycamps.org, Milford Campus: 570 Sawkill Road, Milford, PA 18337 There was a whole movement on the importance of taking care of yourself before addressing the needs of others. President of NJY Camps board resigns, calls for rest of the board to follow suit, Following a report that the NJY Camps board was aware of allegations against its former director for years but took no action, board president Peter Horowitz announced that he will resign in February. Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. Specifically, I mean the demographic. and Robert Tucker. He stomped on my soul, and I was left to pick up the pieces.. She was able to quickly transition our teams focus to navigating the unique and unexpected challenges created by the pandemic, with great concern for what a summer without camp would mean for campers, staff, and our organization. Have A Question? Jan 2012 - Jun 20208 years 6 months. We want to learn more and then choose. . Call Jeff, the Director of First Step, at 973-575-3333 ext.170 or email him at jeffhorowitz@njycamps.org. According to the camps most recent tax filings, his 2016 salary was just short of $500,000. Actually, come to think Read The Latest Issue of The New Jersey Jewish News, Pennsylvania governor bested by Jewish media mogul, The Lonely Child headed to Carnegie Hall, An IRS Twitter post you might have missed, Shul sues for being buffeted by Margaritaville, Joseph Tenenbaum celebrates his 98th birthday, YUs Holocaust in Lithuania speaker series begins this week on Zoom, Arden Courts grants resident her Hearts Desire, Israeli tour guide talks about Israeli food on Zoom, JCC MetroWest exhibit marks Tree of Life tragedy, 25th annual Holocausteducation conference, Union County shuls to markJewish Disability Awareness Month, Community development block grant program for JFS and JVS, JESPY House celebrates 45 years of service to adults with disabilities, Local Jewish agencies win Essex County community awards. We are seeking an energetic and dynamic Summer Camp Co-Director. Apr 2018 - Sep 20213 years 6 months. (JTA) The president of a Jewish camps association in New Jersey has urged its entire board to resign, in the . Ellen Goldner, a former employee of NJY Camps and former president of the Greater MetroWest federation, told NJJN she warned the then-board president, Bruce Tucker, about Robinsons behavior; Tucker dismissed the information, according to Goldner. NJY Camps attorneys entered into good faith conversations with that individuals counsel and ultimately reached a settlement to address her allegations, Horowitz wrote. $6,000 a month. Life is waking up every morning and being grateful that you can get out of bed and walk to the bathroom unassisted. Mazel Tov to our honorees. click the link in that email to complete your registration. Free Sign Up. "For 100 years, our NJY camps have been creating lasting friendships, positive Jewish experiences, and summers of fun," said . Fairfield, PA, USA, Milford, PA, USA. JCC Association is honored to have been asked to assist NJY Camps through what has been a difficult period., Added Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, We look forward to working with JCC Association to help assemble a transitional board which will put NJY Camps on a strong footing for generations to come. Family Camps. MILFORD, Pa. -- An 11-year-old Bergen County boy who died earlier this week while away at a Pennsylvania sleep-away camp has tested positive for a bacteria that is a precursor to meningitis . By Hannah Dreyfus April 13, 2018, 12:00 am. However, Robinson was forced to resign in April after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. In December, the chief executive of a New Jersey Jewish federation called for the resignation of the entire 60-member board of NJY Camps after viewing the report, according to a Jewish Week story. NJY Camps Board of Directors. A person Wiesenthal Centers program puts students in government offices, Rabbi Moshe Josef Rubin talks about his family history and looks forward, We are more than a choir. Sinai fights stigma with patience and love. Police, security agencies advise Jews to be on alert ahead of planned National Day of Hate on Shabbat. I had to make sure this couldnt happen to another camper, she said. Amy, whose story was included in the investigative report commissioned by NJY Camps last year, is further alleging that she was subjected to retaliation by NJY Camps for participating in the investigation and disclosing that she had been sexually assaulted by Robinson, according to her attorney, Richard Swartz. We are grateful to Janet for guiding NJY Camps through troubled waters these past few years and always putting the needs of the camp community first. The NJ Y Camps is one of the nation's premier Jewish camping organizations, with seven camps clustered at two locations serving children, families and seniors. Free Sign Up, In his letter, Seiden cited the cancellation of in-person camps for the 2020 season due to the realities of the pandemic. Looking to the future, he called Schlank a passionate believer in camping and said his background gives us confidence that he will lead us through the challenges ahead.. Len has been Executive Director at the NJY Camps since 1993. . He also served for eight years on the Board of Education at . Board of Directors data for 2023 *with the ability to download the data for 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 Download it now for $125. A person Wiesenthal Centers program puts students in government offices, Rabbi Moshe Josef Rubin talks about his family history and looks forward, We are more than a choir. Family Vacation Weekends. Nurturing and caring counselors that assist your child throughout their entire stay! Fairfield, New Jersey, United States. Phone: (973) 575-3333 The womans attorney, Richard S. Swartz of the New Jersey law firm Swartz Swidler, LLC, declined to comment about the settlement. Intensive Sports Program with Top Level Coaching! Summer camp in the middle of a pandemic has been a tech-free, joyous balm for some. NJY Camps has been a leader on that front and I am excited about the opportunity to build on that success.