Meet Samantha Eichert, Our New Senior Director of Camps

We are so excited to welcome Samantha Eichert as our new Senior Director of Camps at JCC Abrams Camps!

Sam joins our community with a deep love of Jewish camping, a passion for hands-on learning, and a strong belief in the power of camp to help children grow into confident, curious, and connected individuals. As we look ahead to summer, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her stepping into this role.

A Camp Leader Through and Through

Samantha comes to JCC Abrams Camps from URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, where she most recently served as Senior Assistant Director. She brings years of experience in overnight Jewish camping, along with leadership roles throughout New Jersey’s Jewish community.

Her academic background reflects her deep commitment to education and Jewish life. Samantha earned a BA in Judaic Studies and Sociology, with a minor in History, from the University of Hartford. She also holds a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and is a graduate of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Youth Professional 101 Program.

Why Camp Matters to Sam

At the heart of Samantha’s work is a belief in experiential, hands-on learning. She sees camp as a place where young people can explore who they are, try new things, build meaningful friendships, and develop a strong sense of belonging. To her, camp is not just a summer experience. It is a foundation for lifelong confidence and connection.

A Little More About Sam

When she’s not talking about camp, which is often, Samantha is a proud Philadelphia native and devoted Philly sports fan. She lives in Lumberton, New Jersey with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, Woody and Ariel. A self-proclaimed Disney super fan, she brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a whole lot of camp spirit wherever she goes.

What’s Next

Samantha will officially be joining us in mid-February and is already looking ahead to a summer filled with fun, friendship, and meaningful experiences for our campers. We’ll be sharing opportunities soon for families to meet her in person, and we hope you’ll join us at our upcoming S’mores & Tours Open House on February 22 to say hello and get excited for the summer ahead.

We’re thrilled to welcome Samantha to the JCC Abrams Camps family and can’t wait for all that’s to come.

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Get to Know Sam: Camp Q&A

What was your favorite camp activity growing up?

Arts and crafts, especially ceramics, and soccer. I would alternate between the two whenever I could!

If you could design your perfect camp day, what would it include?

We’d start the day with singing and dancing, maybe Zumba. My day would definitely include arts and crafts, soccer, and the pool, even better if I got a double swim period. Gaga is a MUST. Is it even camp without Gaga? Lunch would be pizza, snack would be chocolate chip cookies or Rita’s water ice, and my water bottle would have friendship bracelet string tied on it so I could make bracelets with friends.

Ice cream or popsicles?

I’m a Philly girl, so Rita’s water ice, specifically gelati. But if I have to choose, mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Pool day or Gaga day?

Half and half. The pool is great for cooling off, and Gaga is my favorite way to hang out with friends and get a little competitive.

Boker Tov or End of Day?

Boker Tov. Let’s start our day in community!

What song instantly puts you in “camp mode”?

Any Israeli dancing song or line dancing song. Cotton Eyed Joe, Cha Cha Slide, Macarena. I love when we can be silly together.

What’s one camp tradition you hope never disappears?

Color War. I haven’t been part of a Color War in about 10 years and I am SO excited to be back at a camp where we get to have friendly competition with friends and dress in team colors.

If you had to lead a camp cheer, what would it be about?

My love for camp, of course!

When is Color War?

Sometime this summer 😉

What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise our camp families?

My favorite animal is a ring-tailed lemur. I also love a good golf cart ride and taking campers and staff on “Carts & Conversations with Sam.”

What’s your favorite way to recharge after a busy day?

If the weather is nice, sitting by the beach or pool with a good audiobook. And snuggling with my dogs, always.

What’s one hobby or interest you love outside of camp?

I’m a crafter. Painting with diamonds projects are everywhere in my home. And I’m very passionate about the Flyers. I love you, Gritty!

Why JCC Abrams Camps?

What drew you to JCC Abrams Camps?

I was a day-camp kid all the way. Day-camp campers and families are my people. Getting to be part of a Jewish day camp is really special. I believe camp is a place for identity building and connection, and Abrams Camps already has an incredible foundation for that.

What excites you most about joining our camp community?

The people. I’ve loved meeting folks already and can’t wait to spend more time getting to know everyone.

What do you hope campers feel when they walk through our gates each morning?

Joy and a sense of belonging. Camp should be a place where everyone feels most like themselves and loved for exactly who they are.

What’s one skill camp teaches better than anywhere else?

Relationship building. Camp is where kids learn to navigate friendships, compromise, and resilience. Silly answer: how to make all kinds of friendship bracelets.

What’s something every child deserves from their camp experience?

To feel loved and held by their community. Camp should be a safe place to try new things, to fail and try again, and to know there are people who support you no matter what.

Which of our values is your favorite?

Belonging. That’s what camp is all about to me. Finding a place where you’re part of something special and bigger than yourself. Camp becomes better because you’re here.