From Camper to Director: Matt Steinberg on the Power of the Camp Experience

We sat down with Matt Steinberg, JCC Greater Boston’s Camps Director, to hear what makes summers at the JCC so magical. From lifelong friendships to new programming and the power of great role models, Matt shares his insights on why camp is more than just a season—it’s a community, a tradition, and a launchpad for confidence, creativity, and connection.

What makes summer at the JCC so special?

"Community. When campers come to camp at the JCC they make friends for life and have caring role models they will remember for years to come. Camp is an environment where everybody celebrates your accomplishments, whether it be learning to swim or getting up on stage to perform, your friends and counselors are there to cheer you on every step of the way. Camp is all about making memories that matter, and there is no better place to do that than the JCC."

What’s a camp experience that has stayed with you since you were a camper? (If you didn’t go to summer camp I’ll come up with a different question)

"My own camp experience has stayed with me my entire life. Camp is one of the first places I built self-confidence, trying new things and making new friends beyond my friends at school. What sticks with me most is actually a Camp Counselor, Jason, who was a role model for me. He was the coolest guy. As the oldest sibling, this was the first time I had someone like an older brother or cousin I could look up to who wasn’t a parent or teacher. He took the time to get to know me and the rest of the campers in our group, and he made the little moments fun. I still remember stories he told during snack time – he never missed an opportunity to make camp memorable and special. To this day I think about Jason when we prepare staff training for our camp counselors. We emphasize to our counselors the incredible opportunity they have to make an impact on their campers that they will remember their entire lives."

What are your top-line goals for this summer at the JCC?

"Every summer we have a waitlist in several age groups and camps. One of our biggest goals this summer was making camp accessible for more families. We added extended day and bus service for our tennis, swim and sports camps, opened additional spots in our younger age groups and we continue to offer need-based financial aid thanks to the generosity of our donors. We are also investing in core programs, including our Counselors in Training (CIT) leadership development program, which grows future counselors and community leaders, and our inclusion program, which makes camp a supportive environment for all campers. We always continue to hone and improve our camp program, and this summer our schedules are jam packed with more fun than ever before, including specialties like cooking and filmmaking, as well as more pool time for campers across all our camps!"

What in your opinion is the secret sauce that has made Camp Kaleidoscope such a success for 30+ years and counting?

"The Camp Kaleidoscope program is truly outstanding. There’s a reason why several age groups fill the day registration opens and there is consistently a waitlist every summer. Compared to other camps around the country, we have a higher ratio of staff to campers, which creates a very supportive and warm community and a support structure that helps our campers thrive. The quality of our activities and programs is elevated as well. Our theater, music, art, science and other specialist instructors are professionals who develop thoughtful curricula, and our classroom spaces and equipment elevate the experience beyond your typical camp activity. Many of our counselors were campers themselves, have graduated from our CIT program, and very intentionally want to pass on the amazing camp experience they had to the next generation. Kaleidoscope is a special place where every single child feels part of a welcoming and supportive community. Many of our older campers and staff who come back summer after summer express that camp is the one place they can truly be their full selves."

What are you looking forward to the most this summer at the JCC?

"After walking into the JCC in 20 degree weather the past few weeks, what immediately comes to mind is the warm weather! Winter is actually a very exciting time of the year, as we are interviewing a ton of incredibly fun and talented staff for the summer. I think the thing I most look forward to is seeing all the counselors and specialists we’ve been interviewing throughout the winter really shine in how they interact with our campers throughout the summer. We have so many strong, incredible role models for our young campers. Our staff are really what makes the camp environment so special and full of fun. I love when the hallways of the JCC are filled with the energy of camp: smiling faces, cheers and laughter."

What can campers expect from this summer at the JCC across all of our camps?

"Campers can expect a huge variety of really fun, engaging activities. Campers will have chances to try something niche and new, like podcasting and fashion design, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy familiar favorite programs and activities, like swimming, arts and sports. We also have a few fun surprises up our sleeves for our signature camp events, including the Upper Camp Musicals, Israel Carnival and Family Shabbat. The entire camp team cannot wait to share our fun summer plans when camp starts in June!"

For a deeper look at what makes our JCC camps like Kaleidoscope so special, head over to our Camps page!