Abby Mintz

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Who says summer camp is only for kids? Certainly not Abby Mintz. She's been a camper, counselor, day damp director -- she even got married at camp. Currently, she's the year-round Assistant Director of Camper and Staff Life at Beber Camp where she created a program to help reshape and remodel the camp's Jewish values. This summer, she's implementing a progressive staff training program and collecting data to share with camps around the country.

Abby's commitment to the camping movement extends beyond summer and work hours; she was recently nominated to the board of directors of the American Camping Association, Illinois and participated in the Foundation for Jewish Camp's Yitro Leadership Program to expand her leadership skills and bring new perspectives back to Beber.

Furthermore, Abby is a parent volunteer at Moadon Kol Chadash, where she served on the 30th Anniversary Gala committee.

AGE:
33

PRIMARY GIG:
Assistant Director of Camper and Staff Life, Beber Camp

ON THE SIDE:
Adjunct Professor in the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Married

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
As a Jewish professional and a parent at a Jewish preschool, much of how I “Jew” is through my career and social life. I am also the third generation of my family to live in the Chicagoland area so much of how I Jew is also tied up in family history and tradition. Growing up, there was a period of time that I attended a Conservative day school, Orthodox synagogue, and Reform summer camp – the beauty of that is I’ve connected with Jews from various denominations around the Chicagoland area.

CHICAGO'S JEWISH COMMUNITY IN 10 YEARS:
I anticipate that in 10 years, Chicago’s Jewish community is going to be more active and vibrant than ever. I wholeheartedly believe this because I know my generation: We are emerging professionals who value experiences over dollars and tight-knit relationships with our children and parents. This combination of characteristics primes our Jewish community for its next generation of leaders to be especially invested in and committed to our local, Jewish community.