Ben Fisher Announcement

One word your sons often hear at Kawaga is “family” – that’s how we feel about our campers, our staff, alumni, and of course about you, our boys’ families. It’s also what guides our interactions with each other.

For this reason, and many more, I’m thrilled that Ben Fisher has made the decision to devote his professional time to Kawaga on a full-time basis as president of Camp Kawaga, Inc. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because the Fisher Family has owned Kawaga for the past 36 years; Ben’s first year on the Shores was as a Chip in 1992. He was on staff for six years. As a CIT, he was awarded Best All-Around Camper. Most importantly, he’s gained friends and lessons for life.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Ben entered the business world, where he has enjoyed a successful career and held leadership positions in marketing, sales, and finance. But, Ben’s true passion has always been Kawaga. He cares greatly about our mission, our people, and our time-honored values. He’s passionate about being my partner in leading Kawaga into the future.

Reflecting Ben’s commitment to Kawaga’s ideals, Ben is an active member of his community, spending a great deal of time volunteering in both Jewish communal and non-denominational organizations. He serves on the Executive Committee of Solomon Schechter Day School and recently was made a Board member of SCOPE Midwest, which provides summer-camp opportunities to children who otherwise may not be able to attend camp.

Ben wants to grow Kawaga in ways that are consistent with our values, while providing new and greater opportunities for your sons. Through his leadership, we’re looking at how to support our campers not just for two months but for 12 – through offseason education and community-service programs. You’ll be hearing more about this over the next many months.

And Ben will certainly make his mark on our summer program as well. Based on our continuing and extensive capital investments, Kawaga’s grounds and facilities are second to none. Led by Ben, we’re now reinvesting in human capital as well as innovative programming. Look no farther than our recent hiring of Jeff and Bridget Kaplan as our Associate Director of Camper and Staff Life and Director of Health and Wellness. You’ll be hearing about more exciting additions to our staff in the weeks and months ahead.

Lauren and I, along with the support of the Fisher and Daube families, understand that the needs of our campers, staff, and families are more complex than ever before. We believe that Kawaga, as a community and a platform, is uniquely able to play an increasing and meaningful role in our campers’ and counselors’ social-emotional wellbeing.

I’m honored to have called Ben Fisher my friend for more than 25 years; we know each other well and share not only a vision for Kawaga’s future, but also a direction for how best to serve the Kawaga family now.

Ben and his wonderful family will be spending a significant amount of time with us on the Shores this summer. During the “offseason,” Ben and his wife Amy live in Deerfield, Illinois with their three children: Julia, age 9; Ava. age 7; and Noah, age 5.

Ben’s always happy to talk camp and more with parents. Please reach out to him at Ben@Kawaga.com.

Be Excited. Be Kawaga.

– Ty and Lauren