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Cornerstone 2025
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Sunday, May 18
 

4:15pm EDT

Art with a Side of Meaning: More Than Just a Pretty Project
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will learn to use art as a dynamic tool for creating meaningful Jewish learning experiences for our campers. Together we will explore how various art forms (painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, fiber, and more) can be used to bring Jewish values, stories, and traditions to life. By the end, we will have a toolkit of creative ideas and techniques to make Jewish learning both impactful and memorable, inspiring campers to see the beauty of Jewish identity through the lens of artistic expression.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Stepak

Jill Stepak

Educator, she/her
Jill Stepak is an educator, instructional designer, musician, artist, and a proud Camp Interlaken JCC alum. For the past twenty years, Jill has worked to integrate arts, Jewish learning, and educational theories in a variety of settings, from synagogues to camps, schools, and for-profits... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Challenge Course as Life: Facilitating Self and Other through Strife
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will learn how we move, and how our movement moves others. We will play with ropes, koosh toys, hula hoops, traffic cones, and beach balls to explore how to guide and manage meaningful growth between the spaces we are comfortable, and those we are not yet capable in. Learn how to step into discomfort with confidence, and facilitate others doing the same.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a professor of psychology at Hunter College, City University of New York and a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University where he teaches and conducts research on how interpersonal dynamics between students and teachers impact student learning. In 15 summers at... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Cooking and Hospitality
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore the connection between food, culture, and storytelling through hands-on baking of chocolate chip cookies and bourekas.
Speakers
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing, and Theater Education from the Kibbutzim College of Tel Aviv. He is trained as an actor and graduated from Beit Zvi College of Performing Arts of Israel... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

From Tough Talks to TikToks: Israel at Camp
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will we will explore dynamic and inclusive ways to bring the joy, energy, and diverse perspectives of Israel to camp through engaging activities and creative facilitation.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Tatar

Dan Tatar

Educator, he/him
Dan is thrilled to return to FJC Cornerstone for a 2nd year. An overnight camper since age 8, a teen summer experience in Israel changed Dan's life and career path. Since then, he's been crafting meaningful relationships and creative experiences in the professional Jewish world like... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

How We Show Up: Storytelling at Camp
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore the ways that stories and storytellers show up at camp. We'll learn how to use storytelling effectively with campers using collaborative games, writing, drawing, improv, Jewish texts, and our limitless imaginations!
Speakers
avatar for JessAnn Smith

JessAnn Smith

Educator, she/her/any
JessAnn Smith is a queer Jewish educator, producer, and teaching artist based in NYC and has been a Faculty Educator with Foundation for Jewish Camp since 2023. In addition to her current role as program coordinator for the Teen + Young Adult Mental Health Initiative at the Marlene... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Israeli Dance
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will learn the what, the why, and the how of Israeli dance, including all the other things you can secretly learn (and teach!) while doing it.
Speakers
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and a nonprofit Chief Program Officer. A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a Master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner Fellow/Davidson Scholar... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Nature: The Basics
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will build fires and forts, learn nature based games, discuss Jewish philosophies of/towards nature, and have tons of fun learning these skills to help engage with our campers!
Speakers
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh Lake received a Masters Degree in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the founder and principal operator of Outdoor Jewish Adventures, a company whose goal is to explore Creation and the role Jews play as partners in Creation. Josh works with teachers... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Social Justice
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore the roots and nature of Social Justice in Judaism and how it manifests at camp.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator and educator who offers a unique consultancy based in social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, social emotional learning and the arts. She has facilitated for school districts, school boards, universities, theaters, congregations, summer camps... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Sports. At. Camp: It's In The Game
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will tackle the field of sports at camp. From slam-dunks like the best games to play, to much more complex 7-10 split situations, such as how to embrace a culture of winning and losing through playing, text study, and getting our heads in the game. Play Ball!
Speakers
avatar for Joel Swedlove

Joel Swedlove

Educator, he/him
Joel is a product of the Jewish Summer Camp. His parents met at UAHC Camp Swig and he believes deeply in the importance of summer camp to the American Jewish community.Joel has coached Basketball for both boys and girls at the middle and high school levels with multiple appearances... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Tale as Old as Time: Integrating Jewish Texts into our Camp Programming
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore what it means to be interpreters and teachers of Torah at camp and the learn skills and strategies to make Jewish texts engaging and "campy."
Speakers
avatar for Akiko Yonekawa

Akiko Yonekawa

Educator, she/her
Aki Yonekawa is a Jewish educator who lives mostly in Massachusetts, sometimes in California, and all the time in a state of wonder. She grew up going to the Wilshire Blvd. Temple Camps and worked at Camp JCA Shalom and Camp Alonim. Her current camp gig is a program for 20-29 year-olds... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

Weird Science
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
Were you the kid who loved to make slime and oobleck in the kitchen? Was the science fair the best part of the school year? Do you hold a special place in your heart for Bill Nye or Steve Spangler? If so, you've found your track! In this track we will explore fun ways to harness campers' natural curiosity and find wonder and radical amazement all around us. We'll also uncover how science can help us achieve our vision for transformative learning at camp.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
Daniel Abramson is a passionate Jewish experiential educator. Daniel hold a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis on curriculum studies and teacher development. Daniel's educational philosophy is grounded in the idea that curiosity, wonder, and play are key elements of transformative... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

4:15pm EDT

You've Got the Music in You! Songwriting for Everyone.
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore techniques to unlock and reveal the hidden songs inside of us so that we can add new, awesome, and meaningful songs to our camps and beyond.
Speakers
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator, he/him
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creator and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track A

5:15pm EDT

Creating Community with a Queer Lens
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will investigate frameworks, stories, programs, and specific moments at camp to think of ways we can expand them into spaces of belonging for everyone. This session is open to folks of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Speakers
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

Educator, they/he
Dubbs Weinblatt is the Founder and CEO of Thank You For Coming Out, which inspires authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through DEIB trainings and workshops, their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Disability Inclusion Strengthens Community
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore how to cultivate belonging while simultaneously accommodating campers with all types of disabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Handelman

Lisa Handelman

Educator, she/her
Lisa Handelman is a camp kid first and foremost. She is a coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, youth mental health first aid instructor and is the Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Lisa has over twenty-five years’ experience... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

JEDI Training: Awaken Your JEDI Muscles at Camp
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will dive into Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), exploring powerful strategies to bring these values to life at camp and create a more inclusive, transformative experience for our campers and staff through the lens of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion work.
Speakers
avatar for Tony J. Westbrook, Jr.

Tony J. Westbrook, Jr.

Educator, he/him
Tony J. Westbrook, Jr. is an award-winning Jewish educator, activist, and community leader with an infectious passion for justice and Jewish life. Based in Los Angeles, Tony has spent his career bridging Jewish values with social justice, leading everything from national service-learning... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Leading & Motivating Teams
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will practice strategies and acquire skills for leading and motivating others (and yourself!) in team settings through ownership, connection, and confidence.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Daniel Shore

Dr. Daniel Shore

Educator, he/him
Dr. Daniel Shore has a PhD in Workplace Psychology and has been on the Cornerstone Faculty for 6 summers. He is a researcher, consultant, and trainer across the gamut of human workplace experiences, from cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. In addition to working at camp for... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Mental Health
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore ways to promote well being at camp for us, our cabin, and our camp community!
Speakers
avatar for Zach Snyder

Zach Snyder

Educator, he/him/Zach
Zach, MA LMHC, A resident of Seattle Washington is passionate about positive youth development, whimsy and a good snack. Zach spent his childhood summers in the gaga pits of Camp Solomon Schechter, eventually graduating the pits to become a Counselor, Challenge Course director, unit... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Neurodiversity at Camp
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will learn where neurodiversity fits within a larger social justice framework, identify opportunities for full inclusion of neurodivergent campers at our own camps, and learn strategies we can implement and share to promote neurodiversity inclusive camp environments.
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Figurasmith

Rachel Figurasmith

Educator, she/her
Rachel Figurasmith is a nonprofit executive, disability inclusion advocate and long-time Jewish educator. Rachel's professional time is spent primarily leading organizations through periods of transition as an interim leader. She also trains nonprofit professionals and educators on... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

The BIG Camp-Wide Moments: Programming with More Intention and WOW!
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will learn ways to make our existing camp-wide programs and events enriched with Jewish intention and excitement!
Speakers
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator, he/him
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, at Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

The Quiet Spaces at Camp
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore the rich potential of camp's quieter spaces by listening to nature, practicing mindfulness and reflection, approaching rest creatively, crafting space for deep conversation, cultivating the leadership of our introverts, and so much more.
Speakers
avatar for Sarra Alpert

Sarra Alpert

Educator, she/her
Sarra Alpert is the Chief Institute Officer at Avodah, directing Avodah's Institute for Social Change which supports Jewish communal leaders in the ongoing transformation of making our communal spaces, policies, programs and practices more just, inclusive, and engaged in the world... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

The Summer of Diverse Perspectives
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will use experiential learning and case studies to understand how to hold, connect, and steward our camp communities made up of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences from an asset-based approach, using that diversity as a connecter rather than a divider. You will walk away from our sessions with tangible tools to support your community from a place of care, curiosity, and empathy. Using methods of restorative practices, you will gain pathways for community and trust building, understand how neuroscience can support the amplification of diverse perspectives in moments of tension, and identify 1-3 preventive measures you want to implement before your camp experience starts this summer!
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Carter

Melissa Carter

Educator, she/her
Melissa Carter is the Senior Director for Global Spiritual Life and Head of Mindfulness Education and Programming for the Office of Global Inclusion within University Life at NYU. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Wagner School of Public Service and Adjunct... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Turning Moments into Memories: Building Your Ritual Toolkit
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will use ritual to identify and create meaningful moments and traditions for ourselves, our campers, and our entire camp communities.
Speakers
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

Educator, she/her
Ariella is an educator and rabbi who has dedicated her career to supporting people of all ages (but especially young people) in building personally meaningful Jewish communities and identities. She lives in Northampton, MA, where she serves as rabbi and oversees youth and family experiences... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Working with Teens at Camp
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore key strategies and skills for engaging and supporting teens at camp this summer.
Speakers
avatar for Jodie Goldberg

Jodie Goldberg

Educator, she/her
Jodie Goldberg is the Founder and Principal of Fleurish Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping individuals and organizations design gatherings that cultivate connection and deepen belonging between people. As a seasoned Jewish professional, Jodie's career features roles such... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B

5:15pm EDT

Working with Younger Campers
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
In this track we will explore the world of younger campers — joys, challenges, and approaches to working with the youngest members of our camp communities.
Speakers
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is a singer/songwriter, Jewish and music educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Chana is often commissioned to write the annual Cornerstone song, with recent bops including "Mah Rabu" and "Grow" as well as classics like "Simplify" and "Ayeka." Chana has taught... Read More →
Sunday May 18, 2025 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Specialty Track B
 
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