We look forward to spending the summer outside interacting with the kids and staff. We work ten months to get ready for two. The best part is getting to know the campers on an individual basis.”
Mitchell & Michelle Kessler
Mitchell and Michelle Kessler are the proud owners of Spring Lake Day Camp. Spring Lake has been family owned and operated by the Kessler family since 1989 and is celebrating its 37th year of giving children the summer of their lives.
Mitchell was born into a camp family and this experience gave him the unique ability to transform what was once a swim club in the 1950’s into a camp with a magical feeling of community and spirit. Mitch’s goal has always been to have a camp where kids can try new things, make new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. When Michelle joined the Kessler and SLDC families, she brought with her creativity, organizational skills and amazing ability to remember the name of every camper and parent. Her warmth and love for camp help create the sense of family within our SLDC community.
Mitchell holds a B.A. in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture. Mitchell has put his education to work by designing all of our beautiful structures around camp. Michelle holds a B.A. in Psychology from New York University and an M.A. in Guidance Counseling from Hunter College. Before embarking on the wonderful journey of camp, Michelle was a teacher and then a guidance counselor in Manhattan.
Mitchell and Michell share their passion for camp with their two wonderful boys, Max and Michael.
Our Year-Round Staff
Laurie Ann Weinstein – Director of Special Operations
While Laurie Ann’s true passion is her role as our Girls’ Camp Director (more on that below), it is her role as Director of Special Operations that ensures that our camp dots all of its i’s and crosses all of its t’s. Although Laurie Ann started her career as a lawyer writing legal briefs, “THE LAW” now uses her skills to draft and oversee everything from safety protocols to handbooks for our staff and camp families. Laurie Ann also ensures that SLDC complies with the American Camping Association standards and state and local guidelines, and works on any other “special” projects that arise at camp.
Mindy Pearlman – Staff Director/Tour Coordinator
Mindy’s three boys were already campers at SLDC when she joined our staff in 2005. Mindy has played multiple roles at SLDC including Junior Camp Division Leader, Van Staff Supervisor and Program Coordinator. Her experience in different parts of camp makes her an asset in her current roles – Staff Director and Tour Coordinator. As our Staff Director, Mindy recruits and interviews for more than 400 staff positions, and as our Tour Coordinator, Mindy takes pride in showing prospective families our beautiful camp. Mindy received a B.A. in Advertising from Michigan State University, a J.D. from the University of Miami and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. SLDC is Mindy’s happy place and we cannot imagine camp without her.
Alessa Laraia – Transportation & Program Director
Alessa’s experience working with children began in 1998 as an SLDC counselor while she was in high school. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and her K-8 Elementary Education Certificate from Ramapo College. Alessa taught 5th grade and had her own three children before returning to our Spring Lake family in 2017. Since that time, Alessa has worn many hats at camp, from playing a vital role in camp’s year-round day-to-day operations, to being the Division Leader for the Dolfins, a position that she held until 2023. One of Alessa’s most important roles is as our Transportation Director where she is responsible for routing all of our buses and working with our bus companies to ensure a safe experience for all campers. In 2024, Alessa took on the role of Program Director, making sure that every day at camp is filled with excitement and fun for all of our campers. Alessa’s amazing organizational skills and her love of camp make her an asset both in and outside of the office.
Brooke Mendel – Administrative Assistant
Although Brooke has spent her summers since 1999 in Girls’ Camp (more on that below), in 2021 she joined our year round staff. Brooke’s primary focus is to make sure that all of the needed camper forms are submitted, but in her “spare time” she handles mailings, assists with enrollment and staffing, and assists parents with any questions that they have about camp. Her organizational skills and positive attitude have made her an invaluable part of our office team.
Jane Gaffin – Administrative Assistant
Jane has been part of the SLDC family since 2011 when her children became campers but it wasn’t until 2021 that Jane joined in the SLDC fun. She began working part time in the office helping with everything from filing to mailings to making phone calls to taking amazing photos of all of the fun our campers and staff were having. Her willingness to do anything and everything resulted in Jane working year-round and earned her the name “Jane of All Trades.” Jane has a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from the Bank Street College of Education and taught in the public schools before taking a hiatus to raise her 3 children. She returned to the classroom as a nursery school teacher before finding her permanent home at SLDC.
Ian Burke – Administrative Assistant
When camp is in session, Ian spends his days overseeing our Adventure Program (more on that below), but in the off season he is an integral part of our office team. He assists with staff recruiting, our corporate picnics and working with our international staff. Most importantly, Ian handles all of our IT needs ensuring that the office runs efficiently. Ian enjoys having the opportunity of seeing how camp works both inside and outside.
Sheryl Feinstein – Bookkeeper
Sheryl joined the SLDC team in 2005 along with her two children. A lifelong day and sleepaway camper, she spent 4 years as a Division Leader for the Eagles before moving to Girls’ Camp as the Emeralds and Rubies Division Leader. Sheryl’s love of SLDC brought her back in 2023 when she became our bookkeeper. Sheryl has a B.S. in MIS/Finance from SUNY Albany and worked as a systems analyst for 14 years. After taking time off to raise her kids she returned to the workforce in 2019 as an Office/Sales Manager. Sheryl’s love of camp combined with her business experience makes her a perfect fit for her role at camp.
Michael Wright – Director of Maintenance
Michael had been spending summers doing custodial work in an elementary school when he learned of the opportunity to work outside as part of the SLDC maintenance crew. He joined the SLDC staff in 1992 when was only 16 years old and soon after, Michael’s dad, Ralph, joined our maintenance team, as well. Years later, Michael’s two daughters joined him at camp, making SLDC a true family affair. When Michael started at SLDC he did general maintenance making sure that our campgrounds were clean and well maintained. He watched and learned and quickly worked his way up to becoming our Facilities Manager, ensuring not only that the camp is clean, but fixing anything that is broken and helping to build many of the improvements that we see each year. Working at SLDC has been Michael’s only job since he was a teenager and he can’t imagine working anywhere else – and we cannot imagine that, either!
Geoff Noonan – Facilities Manager
Geoffrey Noonan joined our SLDC team in 2007 as a certified lifeguard and WSI at the Big Pool. The following summer he took his waterfront skills to our lakefront where he worked as the Assistant Lakefront Supervisor for three summers. Because Geoff is a Certified Pool Operator, he transitioned to overseeing the care and maintenance of our pools and ultimately became involved in every aspect of maintaining our beautiful campus. Geoff has a B.S. in Sports and Recreation from Keystone College and a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was the Coordinator of Aquatics at Lafayette College where he trained lifeguards and instructors and gave swim instruction.
Our Administrative Team
JUNIOR CAMP
Lauren Amoroso – Director of Junior Camp
Lauren became a member of the Spring Lake family in 2013. She joined our staff as the Division Leader for the Pearls and Jewels, and she has been our Director of Junior Camp since 2017. Spring Lake is a family affair for the Amorosos; Lauren’s two daughters started as Junior Campers and continue to enjoy their summers here at camp. Lauren has a dual Master’s Degree in Special Education and General Studies, and she is a resource and collaborative special education teacher in the Franklin Lakes School District. Lauren brings creativity, tremendous spirit and cohesiveness to Junior Camp each and every summer.
Krystle Brown – Dolfins Division Leader
Krystle joined our SLDC team in 2024 as the Division Leader for our youngest campers, the Dolfins. A graduate of Montclair State University, she holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a P-3 Teaching Certificate. Since 2010, Krystle has worked with children in many different capacities, including spending 5 years as a Pre-K teacher and as a first grade teacher since 2018. Krystle believes that children should be encouraged to become self-sufficient, work cooperatively with their peers, and most importantly, to feel competent in their capabilities. Krystle lives with her husband, two young children and her Maltipoo, Cooper. Her experience, along with her warm personality and bright smile, make her the right person to ensure that our youngest campers feel right at home at SLDC.
Samantha Buckley – Owls Division Leader
Sami joined our SLDC administration team as the Owls Division Leader in 2023. A lifelong camper, she received her B.A. from the University of Rhode Island and then continued her education at Montclair State University. She holds a specialized license to teach pre-K through third grade and is currently the Education Site Supervisor for the Hoboken Board of Education preschool. Sami is an avid “DIY everything” and is thrilled that her son will be joining her at camp.
Monica DeVita – Bears Division Leader
After spending five years gaining experience as a Girls’ Camp counselor, Monica moved to Junior Camp in 2019 where she has been a Division Leader for both the Owls and the Bears. Monica has a B.A. in English and Early Childhood Education with an endorsement and certification as a teacher of students with disabilities from Monmouth University. She also has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from William Paterson University and is a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant. She teaches kindergarten and first grade students with disabilities in Clifton. Monica’s calm and patient personality puts everyone around her – from the campers to the staff – at ease, and her enthusiasm for all things camp is contagious.
Arielle Cacioppo – Pearls & Jewels Division Leader
Arielle has literally grown up at Spring Lake and has spent almost every summer of her life here. She was a camper for eight years (starting in the Dinos!), spent three years as a lifeguard, five years as a counselor and has been a Junior Camp Division Leader since 2017. Arielle is a first grade teacher in Fair Lawn, has completed her Reading Specialist Certification and has a Master’s Degree in Reading. As an SLDC “lifer,” Arielle brings an enormous love of camp to Junior Camp each and every day.
GIRLS’ CAMP
Laurie Ann Weinstein – Director of Girls’ Camp
Laurie Ann’s two sons were already campers when she joined our SLDC team in 1998. After spending one summer as a Junior Camp counselor, Laurie Ann joined Girls’ Camp, first as the Division Leader for the Emeralds and Rubies, and in 2005, as its Director (aka “The Queen’). Laurie Ann has a B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Binghamton and her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. Laurie Ann cannot imagine spending her summers anywhere other than at SLDC where she gets to wear a crown and a tutu and is forever “young and beautiful.”
Brooke Mendel – Emeralds & Rubies Division Leader
Brooke joined the SLDC family in 1999 while she was still in high school. After six years as a counselor in Girls’ Camp, Brooke became the Division Leader for the Emeralds and Rubies. Brooke has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford and taught elementary school for five years. In addition to working at camp during the off season, Brooke is a home instructor for the Franklin Lakes school district. Her three children grew up at Spring Lake where Brooke has found her forever home in Girls’ Camp.
Jamie Schechter – Diamonds & Opals Division Leader
Jamie has been a proud member of the Girls’ Camp team since 2012 where she is the Division Leader for the Diamonds and Opals. Jamie has a B.S. in Social Work from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education, as well as a Reading Specialist Certification & Supervisor Certification from William Paterson University. In the off season, Jamie teaches, tutors and counts down the days until she is back at her summer home. Jamie brings her fresh and energetic spirit to Girls’ Camp each summer. There’s no place she’d rather be!
Bridget Sullivan – Corals, Jades & Stars Division Leader
Bridget joined our SLDC family as a Girls’ Camp counselor in 2011 and has been with us every summer since. She has B.A. degrees in both Elementary Education and Psychology, a certification in Early Childhood Education, and an M.A. in STEM Education. Bridget has taught middle school science since 2017. Since becoming a Division Leader in 2016, Bridget has been a wonderful role model for our oldest Girls’ Camp campers and her creativity and organizational skills have elevated the program for this age level.
BOYS’ CAMP
Mike Levy – Director of Boys’ Camp
Mike joined our Spring Lake team in 2011. His time at SLDC began on the lower fields where he was a baseball specialist for two years. He then spent six years as the Division Leader for the Eagles before becoming the Director of Boys’ Camp in 2018. Mike has a B.A. in History from the University of Maryland and a Master of Education in Social Studies from Rutgers University. Mike teaches high school Social Studies in the Wayne school district but is most at home on and off the SLDC fields joining his campers in games and activities.
Saul Gondelman – Eagles Division Leader
Saul landed in our SLDC Eagle’s nest in 2024 ready to take on the role of the Division Leader for our youngest Boys’ Camp campers. Saul has a degree in Criminal Justice from William Paterson University and a degree in Elementary Education from Ramapo College. When he isn’t in the classroom teaching middle school science in Oakland, Saul can be found on the field coaching varsity lacrosse at Indian Hills High School, on the court coaching 6th grade travel basketball, and coaching a variety of rec sports for his town. Saul is the father of three daughters and his experience, energy and friendly personality make him a perfect fit for our SLDC team.
Pat Kelly – Broncos Division Leader
Pat became the Division Leader for the Broncos in 2024, but he is no stranger to SLDC. He has worked as a Boys’ Camp counselor since 2018 and loves returning each summer to see his old campers growing up, while meeting new campers, as well. Pat graduated from Ramapo College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and will have earned his Master’s Degree in Special Education by the start of camp in 2024. He has worked with children of all ages from first through sixth, but loves 3rd grade the best. Pat has an easygoing and patient personality and has always been a role model for our campers and our staff.
Justin Swisher – Patriots and Vikings Division Leader
Justin “zipped” onto the Spring Lake scene in 2017 as a member of our Adventure Challenge staff, only to “land” in Boys’ Camp the following summer as the Division Leader for the Broncos. After Summer 2020, when Justin worked as part of “The Club at SLDC” team, he took some time away from camp to explore the opportunity to work in school administration. He ultimately realized that his true passion was working directly with young people and he decided to go back to the classroom where he has over a decade of experience teaching history. He rejoined our Administration team in 2023, this time as the Patriots and Vikings Division Leader. He is a graduate of nearby Ramapo College and carries over a decade of experience in both public education and summer camps. While he loves teaching and coaching cross country, camp is easily Justin’s favorite part of the year. He looks forward to making each day meaningful and memorable for campers and counselors alike.
Aaron Kalman – Bucs, Raiders & Giants Division Leader
Aaron joined the SLDC team in 2020 and has been loving every minute of it. He graduated from the University of Mary Washington, where he played club basketball while earning a B.A. in Math and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. During the school year, Aaron is a high school math teacher at Ramapo High School. Aaron brings teamwork, sportsmanship and a great sense of humor to our oldest Boys’ Side campers. He cannot wait until his two young children are old enough to join him in all of the fun at camp.
Our Summer Administrative Team
Elyse Schrier – Aquatics Director
Elyse has been spending her summers at camp since she was 14 years old, both as a counselor and as a lifeguard. In 2021 she joined our SLDC staff as our Aquatics Assistant and will be “diving” into her new role as Aquatics Director in 2023. Elyse has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from The University of Cincinnati and is currently working on her Master’s of Education in STEAM Education at William Paterson University. She is a science teacher in the Paramus school district. When she is not at the pool or in class, Elyse loves spending time at the beach and practicing yoga.
Jaime Openden – Junior Camp Aquatics Supervisor
Jamie “dove” right into our Aquatics Program in 2023 as our Jr. Camp Aquatics Supervisor. She is a lifelong day and sleepaway camper who has attended camp since age 5. Jaime began working at camp as a lifeguard and swim instructor when she was 16, ultimately serving as the Head of Aquatics at a day camp. Jaime has a BA in Speech and Language Development from the University of Maryland and an MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has over 17 years experience as a speech-language pathologist in public and private schools as well as in her own private practice. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Aquatics at Yeshiva University.
Josh Schaeffer – Lakefront Supervisor
Josh joined the SLDC family in 2017 as a lifeguard at the big pool. He soon found his home out on our lake and in the plake, making sure that all of our campers are having fun and staying safe while enjoying the boats, slides, and Wibit. Josh is a graduate of Ramapo College with a degree in Business Administration. He also worked at the college in the Operations and Facilities Department of Athletics where he oversaw a student-worker staff that worked the college’s home games. Josh is pursuing a career playing soccer professionally and currently plays in the National Premier Soccer League for Club FC Motown.
Jessica Gordon – Leadership Training Program Supervisor
After seeing what a great time her oldest child had in Junior Camp, in 2022 Jessica (along with her middle child) decided to join in the SLDC fun. Jessica has a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University, and an M.S. in School Psychology and Doctorate of Psychology from St. John’s University. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work with children of all ages, from Early Intervention through high school and has been the behaviorist in the Waldwick School District since 2012. Jessica’s passion has always been camp (she has attended and worked at both day and sleepaway camps), and now that her youngest child is a camper, Jessica is thrilled to share her passion with all of her children at SLDC.
Shari Peykar – Junior Training Program Supervisor
Shari joined our SLDC family in Summer 2023 as the Supervisor of our JTP program. She has a B.S. in Psychology from Hofstra University and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Shari currently works with kindergarten through 8th graders as a school social worker in the Haworth Public Schools where she does counseling, runs groups and conducts classroom lessons. Shari also brings a wealth of camp experience to her new role, having previously worked as a CIT, counselor and lifeguard. She is excited to share her love of camp not only with the JTPs but with her children who are both campers.
Ian Burke – Adventure Challenge Supervisor
Since Ian joined Spring Lake in 2012 he has spent his days “up in the trees” as a member of our Adventure Challenge team. In 2017 he became the Supervisor making sure that all of our ziplines, rope elements and climbing areas are staffed and running safely. Ian has been working with ropes since his days as a young Boy Scout where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Ian is currently attending Ramapo University where he is pursuing a degree in Information Technology and Computer Science.
Michelle Romm – Arts Director
When Michelle moved to New Jersey from California she enrolled her two daughters in SLDC and she came along with them! She has been our Arts Supervisor since 2015 and her creativity and enthusiasm has elevated our Art Department to a whole new level. Michelle has a B.A. from San Diego State University and spent over twenty years working in Hollywood designing costumes for television and films. Her Hollywood career prepared her well for camp where she handles the chaos of tie dye week and the deadlines for camp’s crazy costumes with a big smile and a sense of humor.
Steven Mimms – Athletics Co-Director
Steven became our Athletics Director in 2024 but his connection to SLDC goes back to 2001-2002 when he was a counselor in Boys’ Camp. In 2023, he was looking for a camp for his son and brought him to see SLDC. It was quickly clear that Steven still loved camp and that his personality and experience would make him a perfect fit to lead our Athletics Department. Steven has a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Bridgeport and a Masters in Exercise Science from Queens College. After playing college baseball, Steven was invited to several MLB workouts and then played semi-pro baseball. He has been a Physical and Health Education teacher since 2010 and has coached several sports including serving as the Head Coach for Bergen Community College’s baseball team. He was also the Youth Sports Director for 3 years at a YMCA, the Director of Northern Valley Sports Academy’s summer camp and is currently the Athletics Coordinator where he teaches. SLDC hit a home run when Steven joined our team.
Kaitlyn Heun – Athletics Co-Director
Kaitlyn joined our Spring Lake family in 2022 and has found her summer home as the Co-Director of our Athletics Department. Kaitlyn has always participated in sports, both as a player and as a coach. From softball to volleyball, and from archery to soccer, Kaitlyn has played them all. She came to us with extensive camp experience as well, having spent 11 years at another camp as a counselor and, for four years, running their sports program. A 2016 graduate of Montclair State, Kaitlyn is a Physical Education teacher and soccer coach in the Verona school system. She loves working with our campers and staff on the fields and on the courts.
Julie Calabro – Camp Mom
Julie’s bright smile and warmth have been a fundamental part of SLDC since 2000. Julie was our cooking specialist from 2000-2006 and after a brief hiatus, she returned to camp in 2009 as our Camp Mom. Julie can usually be found on the pavilion overseeing the dietary needs of our campers during lunch as well as the rest of the day, and her attention to detail in reading each and every food label ensures that our campers and staff stay safe. Julie received her B.A. in Radio, TV, Film & Advertising from the University of Maryland and is currently working in the Kinnelon School District. She has always been a strong link in our camp family and her ability to create a special connection with both campers and staff is such a significant component of our camp’s success.
Jen Amoroso – Van Staff Supervisor
Jen, along with her two children, joined our SLDC family in 2021. With a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island and an Orton-Gillingham certification from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Jen began her teaching career in Oradell. She is currently a reading specialist in Hillsdale and is also a certified OG teacher of the dyslexic. Jen is a lifelong camper and brings her love of children, learning and fun to SLDC.
Rachel Weiss – Head Nurse
Rachel joined our Health Care Office in 2020 and became our Head Nurse in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Maryland and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University. She also has a Masters of Science with a Specialization in School Nursing from New Jersey City University. Rachel has spent over 17 years specializing in women and children’s care working as a nurse in Labor and Delivery in Washington, DC and in Mother-Baby at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She has had experience as a school nurse working with children from preschool to high school and currently works at Northern Highlands High School. Her extensive nursing experience and her calm demeanor make all of our campers feel safe and cared for.
Rosemarie Budde
Forever In
Our Hearts
(12/25/53-4/26/23)
Bob Rosenberg
Forever In
Our Hearts
(8/29/44 – 3/3/14)
Arlene Liebman
Thank You For 27 Years Of Hard Work And Dedication
Happy Retirement!
Myron Simon
Thank You For 24 Years Of Hard Work And Dedication
Happy Retirement!
Linda Petro
Thank You For 32 Years Of Hard Work And Dedication
Happy Retirement!
Buddy Budde
Happy Retirement!
For use of the camp facility for private events, visit
