Shabbat Shalom & Exciting News!
Dear Kingswood families,
I woke up this morning to frost on the ground here in Boston — a sure sign that the new year has arrived, bringing with it fresh beginnings and an exciting next chapter for Camp Kingswood. As we look ahead to our 113th summer, I’m thrilled to share some wonderful news about the growth of our year-round team!
Welcome back, Robby Etzkin!
I’m delighted to officially welcome Robby Etzkin as Camp Kingswood’s new year-round Director of Program!
Robby (pictured here, back right) is no stranger to Kingswood — this summer will mark his fourth with us. Since first joining our team in 2023, Robby has quickly become a beloved part of the Kingswood community. Whether he’s leading morning flag with his trademark forecast, “Sunny, with a 100% chance of smiles!” or hyping up evening programs, Robby radiates positivity, warmth, and the kind of joyful energy that makes camp, well, camp.
During the summers of 2023 and 2024, Robby served on our Summer Admin team, first supervising our Olim and Tsofim unit heads, and later stepping into the role of Summer Program Director. We joke that Robby was our “cruise director” for his ability to make every day feel like an adventure — from planning epic evening programs to keeping Florida travel running seamlessly last summer.
Robby brings an impressive depth of experience to this new role. A lifelong camp professional and Jewish educator, he’s held leadership positions at JCCs and camps across the country. He was the day camp director at the Richmond and then Austin JCCs, and was brought in to help launch a new day camp in Sarasota. He’s a nationally respected voice in the Jewish camp and youth world, having presented at BBYO’s International Convention, served as a JCC Macabbi games delegation head, consulted for the Jewish Day Camp Network, and served on advisory boards for the JCC Maccabi Games and the University of Florida’s Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences.
Before joining us full-time, Robby served as Executive Director of The Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando and CEO of JAFCO, a Florida-based nonprofit supporting children and teens impacted by abuse, neglect, trauma, and developmental disabilities. He holds a master’s in adolescent development and a bachelor’s in human resources, both from the University of Florida.
In his new year-round role, Robby will be at the heart of all the fun, shaping everything from our electives and all-camp programs to InterCamp competitions, trips, and special events. If it happens at Kingswood, Robby will have a hand in making it awesome!
Robby lives in Fort Lauderdale and is already counting down the days until he’s back in Maine. Please join me in giving him the warmest Kingswood welcome back, and feel free to reach out at Robby@campkingswood.org to say hello!
Here’s to a sweet new year, and an even sweeter Summer 2026!
Peace, love, and camp,
Jodi
P.S. If you’re from the Boston area, I hope I’ll see you this Sunday, from 3-4:30 pm, at JP Licks in Brookline. Don’t be fooled by the cold. It’s still perfect ice cream weather! Respond to this email to RSVP if you haven’t already!
Upcoming Events!
- Temple Emunah Camp Fair Sunday, Oct. 12, 11:00 am.
- Boston Ice Cream Meet-Up Sunday, Oct. 12, 3-4:30 pm, at JP Licks Brookline.
- Epstein Hillel School Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 19, 1:00–3:00 PM. We will be there with our gaga pit, so be ready to play! Location: 6 Community Rd, Marblehead, MA 01945
- Florida Reunion Sunday, Nov. 9, 12-2 pm at Urban Air in Plantation. RSVP here!
- New York Reunion Sunday, Nov. 23, 3-5 pm. RSVP here!
- LA Info Session Sunday, Dec. 7th, 4:00 pm. RSVP to Nicole@campkingswood.org
- Boston Reunion Sunday, Jan. 18, 5:30-7:30 pm. RSVP here!
