Professional Staff

David Weiss
Executive Director

David joined Camp Galil in the Fall of 2014. Prior to that, he served as the Associate Director of Camp Judaea in North Carolina, and was previously a madrich, Rosh Sport, and the Program Director.

While new to Habonim Dror, David did grow up in Young Judaea, a Zionist youth movement, where he discovered his love and passion for Israel. David earned his graduate degree and undergraduate degrees at Florida State University. While at Florida State, David was the Director of the Jewish Student Union and Vice President
of the Hillel.

David is a graduate of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s JCamp180 GIFT program. He has served as a Liaison with the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Launchpad and Cornerstone Fellowships. David also volunteers with the American Camp Association as a Visitor for the camp accreditation process.

Galit Carmely
Galit Carmely
Director of Family Engagement/Registar

In 2016, Galit made her first connection to Camp Galil when her daughter attended camp for the first time. Born in Haifa, Galit grew up in HaNaor HaOved, Habonim Dror’s sister movement, served in the IDF, and attended Haifa University. Having met her partner, Ofer, in the Army, they moved to the United States in 2002. Once here, Galit completed her Masters in Jewish Education at Gratz College. She worked at the Jewish Community High School as Director of the Hebrew Department and as a branch director. She, then, opened a clothing boutique in Old City. Galit’s daughter is attending Boston College and her son is a student at Barrack  Hebrew Academy. Galit lives in Jenkintown with her family.

For questions about camper recruitment, family engagement and getting
everyone excited for camp, email galit@campgalil.org and at 215-832-0677

Guy Brenkel
Shaliach (Israel Fellow)

Coming to us from Israel’s mixed city of Akko, Guy Brenkel is with Camp Galil as a Shaliach, an Israeli emissary working with the Jewish Agency for Israel and Habonim Dror Olami. Most recently,Guy’s role in Habonim Dror’s partner movement, Dror Yisrael, was to run the mechinah, a convocational gap year program for Israelis looking to learn a new skill or trade before joining the army. Prior to that,Guy’s history as an educator brings a really exciting perspective to Galil. His past roles included helping fast food workers in Israel organize for labor rights, teaching reproductive health to 7-12th graders, and navigating the deeply complex needs of Israel’s incredibly diverse population.

In recognizing the important role that a youth movement has in shaping the identity and future of its chanichimot, as well as the Jewish future, Guy hopes to bring his expertise to the Habonim Dror Camp Galil community and to highlight the unique opportunities and experiences it provides to Jewish American youth today.

Guy will be working with the Galil Eizor, and the kenim in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. He is looking forward to his first summer at machaneh (camp). With questions about our year round program or bringing some Camp Galil magic to your Jewish organization, Guy can be reached at shaliach@campgalil.org and at 267-254-0768.

Bella Dougherty
Assistant Director for Camp Care

Bella is new to the Camp Galil family and comes from a background in social work practice. Bella has 5 years of hands-on experience in public child welfare demonstrating a strong commitment to serving disadvantaged populations. Most recently, Bella was a caseworker for the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families.  

Bella hopes to bring her experience as a child advocate to Camp Galil by providing support to all campers and staff to ensure the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of the entire community.

Bella grew up in Bucks County and is returning to the area after working in Pittsburgh for several years. Bella earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and her graduate degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. 

For questions about camper care and camper support, email bella@campgalil.org.

Jeff Smyth
Facilities Manager

Jeff 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