Professional Staff
Sharon Waimberg, Executive Director
Sharon is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Camp Galil. Before joining Galil, Sharon worked for the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education as the Director of the Philadelphia Passport to Israel program.
Her love of Israel began with a high school trip there with two friends -- who happened to go to Camp Galil! -- and then intensified at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem where she studied for her junior year of college. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Sharon worked and lived in Jerusalem.
Sharon's first personal contact with Camp Galil was as a parent. She transitioned to a year-round Galil professional in June 2000. From September through June of each year, she keeps Galil moving forward. In the summer Sharon's duties expand to include support for the educational staff and management of the technical staff.
Sharon is a graduate of ELI (Executive Leadership Institute) a 15-month program sponsored by the Foundation for Jewish Camp for professional staff development.
"As a Galil parent I have seen first-hand the personal growth, close friendships and pure fun that a Galil summer brings to campers. As a Galil staff member, I have experienced the high-level of dedication, leadership, and education that Galil counselors bring to their campers each summer. I'm so privileged to work with these bright, caring, and energetic young adults each year."
Bart Davis, Associate Director
Bart has been working at Camp Galil since 1995. He retired in 2004 from the Philadelphia School System after a 36 year teaching career. As our Parent Liaison, Bart is the connection between parents, camp staff, and campers. In this role he works with the parents and counselors to ensure a successful camp experience.
Another of Bart's roles is to work with the Rosh Machaneh (Camp Director) to ensure a safe and healthy environment each summer. He consults with staff in areas of child development and conflict resolution and is also available to them for guidance in situations that may arise in or out of camp.
"I had never heard about Galil before the fall of 1994. I was asked by a former Camp Business Manager (a colleague at work) to consider the job of Associate Director. I told her that I don't do camp. She was a good salesperson and I started at Galil in the summer of 1995. I have been here ever since! It's hard to explain how amazing it really is to watch young people grow up, learn, accept responsibility, and eventually become leaders in this camp. For me, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience."
Jeff Smyth, Facilities Manager
Jeff is the newest member of the Galil staff. He is a full-time employee and lives on the property. Although new to the Galil family, Jeff brings with him twenty five years of camp experience. He was previously the Property Manager of a premiere day camp located in Lower Bucks County for twelve years then spent the past thirteen years as the Executive Director of that same camp. Along with participating in numerous American Camp Association training programs, Jeff is a Certified Pool Manager, Certified Pesticide Applicator and Certified Food Safety Handler. A Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader for twelve years, Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball certified coach for eight years, Jeff has worked with children and young adults for much of his adult life.
Ilana Goldfus, Assistant Director
Ilana began this position in 2011, but her experience with Galil runs much deeper. She began as a camper when she was in Chotrim (going into 6th grade) and spent the next seven wonderful summers at Galil, followed by four years as a staff member and environmental educator. She also participated in Habonim Dror's year long program in Israel where she lived in Akko and taught English in a nearby Arab village.
Ilana is thrilled to be able to give back to the community that gave so much to her!
"When I began at Galil I was only eleven and just looking for something fun to do for a few weeks. I never would have guessed that Galil would come to mean so much more to me. I made some of my best friends there and learned what it means to love myself, love my friends, and love Israel. Galil taught me how to be a leader and I still use those skills I acquired at camp every day."
Oded Marck, Israel Emissary
Oded was born in Israel, and
grew up in Hod HaSharon (a small city in the Tel Aviv area). He has been an active member of Hanoar Haoved v'Halomed (Habonim Dror's sister movement in Israel) since he was 10 years old. At the age of 18 he was sent by the movement to
do a year of service in Haifa, and was responsible for all movement activities
there.
Oded joined the army in the Nahal
brigade (a combat unit), and was a staff sergeant.
After the army, he continued
working in the movement, and became a regional coordinator in the Tel Aviv area.
After three years in various
positions in the movement he went on a three month mission to Haiti, establishing
and operating a local community center after the big earthquake.
Oded has a lot of experience in
informal education in Israel and looks forward to sharing that experience with
the Galil community!
"In my first day at Galil, I heard kids
singing in Hebrew songs that I know from home. It
was so exciting! I realized that Jewish
education and creating a connection with Israel is possible everywhere, if you
create the right atmosphere. I
believe that Habonim Dror and Camp Galil create this atmosphere".