2023 Staff

About Ty

Hometown: Highland Park, IL

School: Arizona State

Years at camp: 19

CK Camper? Yes

Favorite food: Carne Asada Burrito

Fictional character: Ferris Bueller

What are you looking forward to this summer?
Being a glowing light of positive energy for all a part of the Kawaga experience this summer.

About Lauren

Hometown: Highland Park, IL

School: Michigan State

Years at camp: 7

CK Camper? No

Favorite food: Chicken Parm

Fictional character: Hermione Granger

What are you looking forward to this summer?
Building relationships

About Ben

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CK Camper? Yes

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What are you looking forward to this summer?
Ben Fisher is the President and part of our ownership group. After spending several years in an executive role across a variety of sectors including Marketing, Industrial Cleaning, and Financial Services, Ben officially joined the Kawaga leadership team in 2021 and manages and oversees all of our camp operations and strategic initiatives. Reflecting Ben's commitment to Kawaga’s ideals, Ben is an active member of the community, spending a great deal of time volunteering in both Jewish communal and non-denominational organizations. He serves as President of The 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 and his wife Amy, along with their three children live in Deerfield, IL.

About Jeff

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CK Camper? Yes

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What are you looking forward to this summer?
A long-time camper and dedicated counselor with over twenty years of camping experience, Jeff is our Associate Director of Camper and Staff Life, bringing tremendous experience to this role. Jeff leads our skill-development programs and is a constant presence in all areas of camp life. Jeff holds a Masters in Educational Curriculum and Instruction and has spent five years as a classroom teacher. He currently serves as an Instructional Coach at a Chicagoland Elementary School where he supports the entire faculty in their professional-development efforts by setting and achieving student-centered goals.

About Bridget

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CK Camper? No

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What are you looking forward to this summer?
As Director of Health and Wellness, Bridget returns to Kawaga after serving as Camp Nurse from 2008-2010, where she developed her love of camping and pediatric nursing. Bridget leads all of our healthcare efforts and provides additional experience in the areas of camper and staff wellness, mental and emotional wellbeing, first aid/CPR, and safety. She holds a Masters Degree in Nursing Family Practice and is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. During the non-camp season, Bridget works as a School Nurse at a Chicagoland K-8 school.

About Brandon

Hometown: Arlington Heights

School: Nicolet

Years at camp: 3

CK Camper? No

Favorite food: Pasta

Fictional character: Batman

What are you looking forward to this summer?
Brandon joined our staff in 2017 as our caretaker and grounds chief. He immediately made his mark by working tirelessly, intelligently, and creatively to improve Kawaga’s facilities and aesthetics. Now, as our Director of Facilities, Brandon has come to mean much more to camp and to all of us. As a year-round Minocqua resident, Brandon is a strong advocate for Kawaga in our greater community. He has elevated our standing and reputation not only in the surrounding area, but also in the broader camping industry.

About Bri

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CK Camper? Yes

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About Jenny

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CK Camper? No

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About Steph

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CK Camper? No

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About Taylor

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CK Camper? No

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About Tucker

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CK Camper? No

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About Sean

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CK Camper? No

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