Our Stories

Bonds Beyond Bunks: Camp Friendships Made Last a Lifetime

By: Lauren Degener, Social Media and Content Manager

Lessans Camp JCC brings together people of all abilities and backgrounds for unforgettable summer experiences. For some camp alumni, these bonds can lead to exciting new careers and even a walk down the wedding aisle.

Anneliese Girson first met her husband Matthew Caramanico, and Matthew’s brother, Michael Caramanico, at Lessans Camp JCC. Their journey began as campers, grew into friendship, and then a lifetime of connection. Today, Anneliese and Michael are married with a young daughter and remain connected to the Lessans Camp JCC and Bender JCC communities.

Anneliese, Matthew, and Michael aren’t the only Lessans Camp JCC alumni whose lifelong relationships began at camp. Similarly, Alexa Edwards and Coby Offer met as counselors six years ago, are now engaged, and cherish their experiences at camp.

Anneliese, Matthew, and Michael

Lessans Camp JCC’s commitment to inclusion exposes campers and counselors to individuals of all abilities and identities. Our camp community celebrates and embraces one another’s differences which allows everyone to be their authentic selves with confidence, and grace. Creating an environment of emotional safety and mutual trust helps deepen existing relationships and lays the groundwork for new friendships that can last a lifetime.

Brothers Michael and Matt Caramanico first joined Lessans Camp JCC at ages six and four, respectively, as our camp program allows campers with and without disabilities to have an incredible summer camp experience together in a single program.

“My older brother Michael has autism,” Matthew said. “When we were in camp, [Michael] was part of our group – he wasn’t just in his special little program – he was actively part of our group, he was included.”

Several years later, Michael and Matthew met Anneliese Girson during her first summer at camp, when the three were placed in the same bunk.

“Before meeting Michael, I had no experience with people with disabilities,” Anneliese said. “I remember asking my mom a lot of questions, like, what is autism?”

Michael and Anneliese’s friendship blossomed during summers at camp and kept the Caramanico and Girson families connected – to each other and to the community – even while camp was out of session.
“During the school year, our parents arranged family activities so we could all see each other and spend time together,” Anneliese said. “It was really nice for Michael to have a good friend,” Matthew added.

Anneliese, Matthew, and Michael’s bond strengthened as the trio moved from high school to college. Anneliese attended the University of Maryland where she changed her major from journalism to special education, inspired by her inclusive experiences at Lessans Camp JCC. Outside of class, Anneliese began working professionally with Michael. Simultaneously, Annelise and Matthew’s relationship took on a new dynamic.

“When I started hanging out with Michael more often, my high-school crush on Matthew resurfaced,” Anneliese said. “To lure Matthew into my snare, I would purposely leave my sunglasses behind [so] I could text him.”

Anneliese and Matthew started dating during their college years. The couple returned to camp together as counselors – Anneliese worked in Inclusion and Matthew in Maccabiah – for a summer that would have a longlasting impact on their relationship and Anneliese’s professional passions.

“Returning to camp as an Inclusion Counselor solidified [the special education career path] for me,” Anneliese said.

After many years of friendship and camp memories, Matthew and Anneliese married in 2022 and welcomed their daughter Quinn in 2024, who they hope to send to Lessans Camp JCC and raise with the inclusive values they experienced at camp.

“Inclusion and community are big values for [our family] and we want those values to be important for Quinn too,” Matthew said.

“It’s important for Quinn to grow up in an inclusive environment, knowing our history, knowing her Uncle Michael,” Anneliese said.

Alexa and Coby

Lessans Camp JCC bridges the gap between neighborhoods and schools, by connecting people with shared passions who otherwise may have never met.

Though they grew up in the same area, Alexa Edwards and her fiancé Coby Offer met for the first time as counselors at Lessans Camp JCC.

“Lessans Camp JCC was my first job and my favorite job in the whole world,” Alexa said. “It combined the fun of summer camp with my love of working with children.”

Alexa’s passion for the job caught the eye of her future husband, when Coby noticed Alexa having fun with her Adom campers. Known for winning multiple Heart of Gold Awards – camp’s most prestigious honor awarded to outstanding counselors who embody kindness, warmth, and joy – Coby soon discovered Alexa truly had a heart of gold.

“I had a big crush on Alexa,” Coby said. “But I was too shy to ask her on a date, so instead I just kept asking to borrow her sunscreen.”

Eventually, Coby worked up the courage to ask Alexa on a date. Before long, their crush turned into a summer romance. Although Coby left camp to pursue medical school, Alexa worked at camp through 2024 until becoming a full-time teacher in Baltimore. Now, five years later, they are headed to their happily ever after at the end of 2025.

Reflecting on their first summers together, Coby shared that camp impacted their lives in many ways.

“I’m currently in medical school and I wrote a large portion of my application about [Lessans] Camp JCC,” Coby said. “[Camp] changed who I am as a person, not only how I interact with children, but also how I interact with children with autism or down syndrome […] it was not only a really fun experience, but a valuable experience as well.”

Alexa is a teacher and remained an Adom counselor until last summer, where she mentored new counselors and helped shape the future of the camp team. Though getting hired at camp introduced Alexa and Coby, their shared love of camp, and experiences as Inclusion counselors continue to connect them. Camp is a place to connect with others through shared values and experiences. Nothing brings people together more than the memories of sunburns, J Games, field trips, and more. Lessans Camp JCC is a place for people to learn, experience, and grow together, even after their time at camp has concluded.

If you have a camp connection story like Anneliese, Matthew, and Michael or Alexa and Coby, we’d love to hear it! Share your story with our community by emailing ldegener@benderjccgw.org.

Past Stories

Lessans Camp JCC Counselor Jaden Gaines Has A “Heart of Gold”

Richard Helgeson, Rita Helgeson, Anne Latwin (grandaughter) and Jaden Gaines (pictured: left to right)

Lessans Camp JCC Counselor Jaden Gaines Has A “Heart of Gold”
By: Noah Berger, Marketing Associate

Every Summer, Lessans Camp JCC acknowledges its outstanding staff members through the R. Andrew Helgeson Heart of Gold Ceremony. Established in 2005 by Richard and Rita Helgeson to honor their son Andrew, a former Lessans Camp JCC counselor who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest, the program honors exceptional counselors who demonstrate outstanding effort and a love for our camp community, the same traits that Andrew exemplified.

This summer, Jaden Gaines earned the 2024 R. Andrew Helgeson Heart of Gold award, which “means a lot” to Jaden and represents his growth not only as a Lessans Camp JCC counselor, but as a member of our Bender JCC community.

“I’ve attended [Lessans] Camp JCC for 15 years, and have always looked up to my counselors,” Jaden said. “Winning the Heart of Gold makes everything come full circle and allows me to look back at my time at [Lessans] Camp JCC and be very proud.”

Lessans Camp JCC Director Talin Tahmasian spoke about how Jaden models the traits of R. Andrew Helgeson specifically, his enthusiasm and his passion for camp: “Jaden is our ‘Energizer-bunny,’ someone who you want to surround yourself with every day. Most, importantly Jaden looks out for the greater good of camp, and his accepting attitude ties into our inclusivity approach that is modeled at camp every single day.”

Working at Lessans Camp JCC has had an immense impact on Jaden personally and professionally.

“Personally, it has allowed me to learn from my mistakes, and learn about a strong working environment and culture,” Jaden said. “It has inspired me to want to build a strong work culture wherever I end up working professionally.

As he enters the workforce, Jaden will bring with him the skills he refined at Lessans Camp JCC: adaptability, teamwork, and strong work ethic. He wants to carry on his strong work ethic, specifically from this past summer when he won The Heart of Gold award.

Kate Falls, Bender JCC’s Director of Inclusion spoke about Jaden’s commitment to inclusion at the Lessans Camp JCC: “. Everyone who talks to Jaden feels recognized and celebrated. From our littlest campers in Adom, to our oldest in Kochavim—everyone matters to Jaden.”

Having an inclusive environment where everyone is valued regardless of who they are is what separates Lessans Camp JCC from other camps. “At Lessans Camp JCC, we know our differences make us stronger, not divided.” Kate said. “Counselors like Jaden act as role models for others so everyone can not only feel included, but also, that they truly belong at the Bender JCC.”

One of Jaden’s “proudest” moments from the summer was being named J-Games Captain. “I had never been a captain prior to this summer, and I was able to captain the orange team to their first ever victory,” Jaden said. “I’m especially thankful for my fellow co-captains for helping me out. My experience would not be possible without their support.”

Most importantly, Jaden felt inspired this summer, particularly by his fellow co counselors and the work culture in Kochavim. “It is important to uplift others in Kochavim. None of my achievements this summer would have been possible without them. “

“Jaden Gaines is a shining example of how to “truly embrace our value of inclusion,” Kate said. A huge congratulations to him on his well-deserved win of the 2024 R. Andrew Helgeson Heart of Gold Award!”

Camp Is Coming: Another Remarkable Summer with Lessans Camp JCC

CAMP IS COMING: Another Remarkable Summer with Lessans Camp JCC

Rockville, MD, May 20, 2024 – Every Bender JCC member contributes to our mission of being an inclusive community where thousands of individuals of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds can fully participate year-round. You may only come to use a lap lane, work out in our Weinberg Health and Fitness Center, or participate in a group exercise class. Still, when you commit your dollars to the Bender JCC, you share in our community’s defining values: “Welcoming and Inclusive (Hachnassat Orchim),” “Respect (Kavod),” “Community (Kehilla),” and “Working Together (B’Yachad).”

These values come into clear focus for seven weeks every summer when our Lessans Camp JCC campers, counselors, and staff fill nearly every square inch of our building and outdoor spaces with non-stop fun! While Lessans Camp’s arrival and presence may impact our members’ daily routines at the Bender JCC, we’re all reminded that there are hundreds of children and young adults with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to enjoy the summer camp experience they deserve if not for Lessans Camp JCC and our members’ commitment to our community’s value of inclusion.

What does it mean for our community to be inclusive? Our Director of Inclusion, Kate Falls, often reminds us that inclusion goes beyond programs or platitudes and is bigger than any individual. Inclusion is belonging, the feeling of being welcomed, valued and needed by our community. Regardless of ability, each of us should feel that our community accepts us “as we are” and for “who we are.” All members — including people with disabilities — deserve to feel equally at home at the Bender JCC.

While our hallways do get busier and louder over the summer, Lessans Camp JCC is a daily reminder that every individual can bring their whole self to the Bender JCC as our members understand that a person’s differences and unique gifts make our community stronger; indeed, the work of inclusion belongs to all of us.

We are deeply grateful for your membership contribution year-round. During these polarizing and complicated times, the Bender JCC continues to open our doors to the diversity of Greater Washington. Our ability to build bridges in and for our community is possible because of your commitment. We’re planning a series of member appreciation experiences this summer to show how much we value your essential role in our incredible community – keep an eye out for more information on these gatherings.

I hope you have a safe and rejuvenating summer! In friendship,

Josh

Keeping an Eye to the Future

Dr. Richard Reff (Ricky) and his family recently established the Shirley Robinowitz Kullen & Reff Family Endowment for Senior Programs to providing funding to support Bender JCC senior adult programs.

Shirley Kullen, seated, and her family recently celebrated her 101st birthday at the Bender JCC’s Wellness Wednesdays program. Jeri Reff is behind Shirley. Back row, from left: Ethan, Jodi, Ricky and Bobby Reff.

Rockville, MD, November 2, 2023 – The Bender JCC’s programming for senior adults is highly valued by those we serve. With a purpose to prevent isolation, improve nutrition and build community, we help enable participants to age in place with connections to support services.

Ricky’s mother, Shirley Robinowitz Kullen (Sugar), is a participant at Wellness Wednesdays, part of the Selma Sweetbaum Senior Nutrition Program. Sugar recently celebrated her 101^st birthday with her friends at Wellness Wednesdays.

In creating the fund, Ricky stresses the importance of investing in this vulnerable population.

“Seniors are an isolated group. Too frequently, they’re left behind. Many of them are not tech savvy and don’t have the ability to connect with the methodologies that we typically use today, like Zoom and other computer-based programming, so it becomes really important to have this resource.”

A past-president of the Bender JCC, Ricky remembers when the Bender JCC held a program on Fridays during which preschoolers and older adults would gather to welcome Shabbat.

“I remember one time when my children attended the preschool and a 100-year-old resident of the Hebrew Home came to spend time with them. The Bender JCC is unique in being able to offer such multi-generational and memorable experiences.”

Ricky hopes that in the near future, this critical program that is a lifeline for so many in our community can be held more often than once a week.

“My motivation to create the endowment was seeing the meaningful way in which senior programming at the Bender JCC benefits my mother. Others might not have that first-hand experience, but it’s important to keep an eye to the future. Having such an inclusive and welcoming and warm community is what we would like to have available to our parents and us. We’re not around just to punch the clock.”

The "Ima" of the JCC Maccabi Games | Oct. 5, 2023

Community member Renee Brodsky goes above and beyond in service of youths participating in the JCC Maccabi Games.

Rockville, MD, October 5, 2023 – Support for the Bender JCC can come in various forms. One of the ways in which Renee Brodsky (pictured right) supports the Center is through her involvement with the JCC Maccabi Games, an annual Olympic-style event for athletes age 13-16 created to promote community service and sportsmanship, and to build Jewish identity.

Renee’s three children — Kevin, Kyle and Lauren — all participated in the JCC Maccabi Games over the years. Their journey began 25 years ago when Kevin, then 16, played on the soccer team.

“We traveled to watch the games and loved the experience,” Renee reflects.

The uniforms lacked a little luster so the next year, Renee helped to get nicer soccer uniforms. From there, she graduated to obtaining uniforms for all the teams that comprised the Greater Washington delegation. Now 25 years later, Renee’s role has expanded exponentially as delegation head.

Leading up to the Games, Renee orders the uniforms, jackets and bags, has them customized, then packs and distributes them.

During the week of the Games, Renee keeps coaches and athletes informed of all they need to know. She attends games and helps out in any she can, such as having a cooling towel ready for athletes during time outs, making sure enough water and sports drinks are on hand, and shuttling injured players for medical treatment. She checks in with athletes, connects with parents, and takes photos. She is the point of contact for any issues with coaches, athletes or parents.

When the games are over, Renee collects feedback from the athletes for improvements that can be made the next year, and she helps make sure all the vendors have been paid.

Getting to meet Jewish people from all over the world is one of the best parts of the Games, Renee says. “Some of our athletes don’t come from religious families and don’t belong to a synagogue, so they may not know many Jewish people. It’s always amazing when they get to the Games and see so many Jewish teens all in one place, and playing the sports that they love, too!”

A favorite memory for Renee is when the Bender JCC hosted the Games in 2004. She was a co-chair of our delegation and her family hosted teens at their house. Another highlight was when her two sons played on the same soccer team. “When my younger son, Kyle, scored a goal, his older brother, Kevin, and a bunch of the other athletes ran to him and hoisted him in the air. It was the first goal scored against the undefeated LA team!” She adds that this year, getting to go to Israel for three weeks for the Games was amazing.

For parents of athletes participating in the JCC Maccabi Games, Renee recommends traveling to the Games and staying at the parents’ hotel. “It’s like going back to summer camp!” During the day, she says, parents watch and cheer on the teams; at night, they go out with parents of athletes from other delegations while the teens spend time with their host families.

Renee says that the Games and the Greater Washington delegation have meant so much to her family that she’s wanted to give back as much as she could.

“Originally, it was to make sure we had uniforms the kids liked. Now I volunteer my time to make sure everyone who participates has a wonderful experience and that the Greater Washington delegation continues to participate in the Games, in hopes that my grandchildren will one day get the opportunity to be a part of our delegation!”

Renee says that she loves her Maccabi family, which consists of athletes, coaches, delegation heads and the JCC staff.

“I enjoy seeing them every summer and getting to know the teens. I have also gotten to travel to cities that I haven’t been to before.”

Renee is thankful to the Bender JCC for allowing her to participate year after year and enabling her family to create all the memories they have from the Games.

“My kids are still friends with some of the other Jewish teens they met through the JCC Maccabi Games, and I have my Maccabi family!”

The Bender JCC is deeply grateful to Renee for the immeasurable amount of time, energy and commitment she has devoted to ensuring that the Maccabi experience is wonderful for teens, parents and coaches.