JCC ABRAMS camps
Our Mission
The mission of JCC Abrams Camps has always been, since 1960, to create a nurturing, inclusive environment that inspires children to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build friendships. We blend Jewish values, enriching activities, and the spirit of adventure to create unforgettable experiences, ensuring campers grow in confidence, character, and community.
our CAMPERSHIP values
Our values reflect the heart of JCC Abrams Camps: belonging, creativity, and adventure. Rooted in Jewish traditions and values, we embrace diversity and celebrate each camper's unique potential. We strive to create a space where all families feel welcome and children are encouraged to learn, grow, and make lifelong memories. (Yes, it spells ABRAMS!)
Adventure
Exploring our curiosities, taking chances, and trying new experiences.
Accountability
Taking ownership and responsibility for our actions.
Belonging
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Creating a welcoming environment for all.
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Mitzvot
Creating opportunities to do good and perform acts of kindness .
Tikkun Olam.
Respect
Treating others, ourselves, and our world with care and kindness.
Spirit
Bringing a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
OUR STRUCTURE
At JCC Abrams Camps, we’re committed to providing a personalized and enriching experience for every camper. Our unit and bunk structure ensures that children are grouped in a way that promotes growth, friendship, and fun, while maintaining a camper-to-staff ratio that exceeds state requirements for optimal care and support.
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OUR STAFFING MODEL
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Each unit is led by a dedicated Unit Director, who ensures the smooth operation of the unit and provides support to both campers and staff. In addition to the Unit Director, each group is staffed with a Senior Counselor and a Junior Counselor. This team ensures that each camper receives personalized attention, guidance, and care throughout the camp day.
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We take pride in maintaining a camper-to-staff ratio that exceeds state requirements, ensuring that every child has the attention they need to thrive in a safe and supportive environment. Our group sizes are based on the number of campers in each grade, allowing us to provide an engaging, tailored experience for all.
Unit Breakdown:
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Garinim: Our youngest, pre-school campers.
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Shorashim: Early elementary-age campers.
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Anafim: Middle elementary-age campers.
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Gozalim Travel: Tweens embracing adventure.
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Teen Travel: Energetic teens in their prime.
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Madrichim: 10th-grade camp leaders in training.
Learn more about our programs by age and our units here.​​​​​​​​​
OUR leadership TEAM
The People Who Bring Camp to Life
Our leadership team brings together years of camp experience, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine love for working with children. Their dedication helps create the safe, joyful, and welcoming environment that makes JCC Abrams Camps so special.
Kim Sussman
Program Director
Kim has been part of JCC Abrams Camps since 2023 and believes camp is the perfect place to lean into adventure, silliness, and friendship.
A lifelong camper and current middle school teacher, she is passionate about creating joyful, meaningful experiences where every camper can try new things, make friends, and feel like they belong.
At camp, you’ll often find Kim running from place to place, checking in on activities, making jokes, singing on stage, jumping into muddy puddles on rainy days, or celebrating Shabbat with lots of ruach.
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Favorite Camp Activity: Gaga, Swim, Shabbat, and Boker Tov
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Fun Fact: Kim is the Punny Joke Master...try to out-cheese her and she’ll leave you feeling blue… she’s just too gouda. 🧀
Debra Radin
Director of Camper & Staff Wellness
Debra has been part of the JCC PMB community since 1998, first as a teacher at the JCC Ring Nursery School and joining camp that same summer with her children, Jared and Erica. Over the years, she has served in many camp leadership roles and remains a trusted, caring presence for campers, staff, and families.
With decades of experience in early childhood development, bullying prevention, and peer mediation, Deb helps foster a camp culture rooted in kindness and emotional safety. Around camp, you’ll often find her greeting campers as they step off the bus or checking in to make sure everyone feels supported.
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Favorite Camp Activity: Making pink cotton candy for 300 campers and staff!
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Fun Fact: Deb has a special talent for helping picky petunias try new foods and nervous swimmers find their confidence in the pool.
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Matt Strober
Teen Travel Director
Matt has been part of JCC Abrams Camps for more than 12 summers. What started as a love of working with kids quickly grew into a passion for helping teens build confidence, independence, and lasting friendships through camp.
He oversees the planning of daily trips and overnight adventures, coordinating logistics and working closely with staff to make sure every experience is safe, exciting, and memorable.
From amusement parks and beaches to hotel overnights, Matt loves creating experiences that campers talk about long after summer ends.
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Favorite Camp Activity: Color War and Teen Travel overnights
Fun Fact: Matt is a Rangers, Giants, and Mets superfan and loves traveling to visit new stadiums, ballparks, and arenas.
Robin Smolarz
Early Childhood Director
Robin’s connection to JCC Abrams Camps began in 1981 when she begged her parents to let her join her six older siblings at camp. She grew up through every stage of the program, from camper to counselor to unit director, and later returned with her own children when they were old enough to attend.
With a background in psychology and early childhood education, Robin brings decades of experience working with young children.
She loves helping our youngest campers adjust to their first outdoor camp experience and can often be found singing, dancing, playing, and sharing hugs and high fives throughout the day.
Favorite Camp Activity: Shabbat
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Fun Fact: Robin loves hugs, pretzels, warm cookies, and mensches!
staff roles & RESPONSIBILITIES
Joy. Commitment. Compassion.
At JCC Abrams Camps, we are proud to have a dedicated and dynamic team that works together to create a safe, fun, and enriching environment for our campers. From experienced leadership to passionate counselors, our team is committed to ensuring each child’s growth and success.
Leadership
Our leadership team is responsible for guiding camp operations, supporting staff, and shaping the overall camp experience. They work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and that our values are upheld.
Unit Directors
Unit Directors are experienced camp staff with a background in education. They oversee the daily camp experience within their units, working closely with counselors to create a fun and enriching environment.
Senior Staff
Our senior staff plays a key role in overseeing specific areas of camper care and safety.
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Medical Health Director: Ensuring the health and safety of our campers and staff.
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Behavioral Health Director: Supporting campers' emotional well-being and addressing any behavioral needs.
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Aquatics Director: Managing all water-related activities and ensuring safety in aquatic environments.
Specialists
Specialists are experts in specific fields, such as arts, sports, or outdoor activities. They lead specialized programs and work closely with counselors to ensure a well-rounded and engaging experience for all campers.
Counselors
The heart of our camp, our counselors provide daily guidance and support to campers, leading activities, encouraging friendships, and creating a positive camp environment. They are passionate, caring, and dedicated to helping each camper have a memorable summer.
Support
Staff
Our support staff ensures the smooth running of camp operations, handling everything from food service to maintenance, and providing essential behind-the-scenes support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
our ROOTS
Founded in 1960, JCC Abrams Camps has been a cornerstone of the Greater Delaware Valley for over six decades. Our camp has always been dedicated to enriching the lives of children through Jewish values and community. Throughout our history we’ve touched hundreds of thousands of lives, shaping campers who forge lifelong connections, embrace their heritage, and carry the spirit of our camp with them beyond the summer, from generation to generation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
While deeply rooted in tradition, we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of each new generation. Our ultimate goal is growth starting with the individual and extending to the wider community; ensuring that each camper leaves with the tools to thrive both personally and collectively.​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​At JCC Abrams Camps, we’re proud of our rich history and the lasting impact we’ve had on generations of families. But the story doesn’t stop here—each new family adds a unique chapter to our camp's legacy. Whether you’re familiar with us or just discovering the magic of our community, we invite you to join us this summer and create your own unforgettable memories. ​​​​​​​​​​​
Be a part of something truly special.