Joel Shapiro, Director
Joel has spent more than 50 summers at Blue Rill. Joel devotes his heart and soul to Blue Rill year round, making it an incredible place to spend each summer. Campers know Joel as the man who wears the elephant hat! Joel loves running all of Blue Rill’s special events – and can be found in a zillion different costumes each summer! Joel’s career as a physical education teacher provided an outstanding basis for understanding children’s social, physical and emotional development.

Nancy Rosen, Assistant Director
Also a lifelong Blue Rillian, Nancy spent several years at Blue Rill as a CIT, Junior Counselor and Senior Counselor – she was even a Color War General! After working in the “real world,” Nancy returned to Blue Rill in 1995 as part of the Leadership Team, and has been working at camp year-round since 1998. As Joel’s right hand, she is closely involved with parents, campers, staff and programming, helping to make everyone’s experience at Blue Rill memorable!

Rachel Scheff, Personnel Director
Rachel is thrilled to be at Blue Rill year round helping in all aspects of staffing, camper and parent relations and camp preparation. Rachel is a true camper at heart, having grown up just down the road at (now closed) Knight’s Day Camp and understanding the inherent value of the camp experience. Rachel truly believes in the benefits of camp for children and adults – and loves every minute at the Rill!

David Katz, Program Director
In David’s past 25 years at Blue Rill, his love and devotion to all that Blue Rill offers never wavers. He works all year perfecting the special events and programs that make Blue Rill unique. Fun is always the overriding theme as David wears different costumes, acts as an MC at all of our special events, always keeping Blue Rill values and philosophy intact. David has been an elementary and middle school teacher for more than 10 years, and earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Caren Kern, Trip Director
For more than 10 years, Caren has enjoyed every moment on the road with our Senior Division. Working in the office all year long planning Blue Rill’s Trip Program, Caren assures that our campers have the best itinerary each summer. Her many years of experience at a well-known teen tour group has provided her with the knowledge and expertise needed to take the best and safest care of our campers when they are traveling.

Sam Laitman, Transportation Director
Sam is the ultimate Transportation Director – helping to make the trip to and from camp safe, fun and as quick as possible! Sam works with campers, parents and staff on transportation and camper issues. Sam is an experienced teacher and guidance counselor of 32 years. Starting at Blue Rill over 10 years ago as a Basketball specialist and then a Freshman Division Leader, Sam’s child development and counseling background is a tremendous asset to our Blue Rill families.

Sheryl Kamenetsky, Office Manager
Sheryl works year-round in the office keeping things running smoothly, organizing our registration procedures and our communication with campers, parents and staff. Sheryl began at Blue Rill in 1996 as a specialist, and joined our year round office staff in 2004. Sheryl is always available to help Blue Rill families and staff.

Barbara Garcia, Health Director
Barbara has watched her own children, and now her grandchildren grow up at Blue Rill! Barbara, a now retired hospital nurse, handles booboos and more for our campers and staff, along with a wonderful and experienced group of nurses who take the best care of everyone with lots of TLC.

Karin Sachs, Athletic Director
In her 21 years at Blue Rill, Karin has developed a winning sports program. She is a dedicated physical education teacher and volleyball coach during the school year, and loves to coach our campers with energy and enthusiasm. Karin’s knowledge of developing athletic skills, teaching sportsmanship and encouraging healthy competition in campers of all ages truly makes our sports program great success.