Although he grew up in a small Jewish community in Benton Harbor, Michigan, CYJ Midwest was Dan’s way of connecting to the idea of Judaism being something much larger. Although he attended some of the other “big camps” before his first year as a camper, nothing else ever felt like the home he found on Stratton Lake. Dan enjoyed 5 summers at CYJ Midwest, then moved on to Camp Tel Yehudah, Young Judaea’s teen Israel summer program, and Young Judaea Year Course. It was after that year of learning and volunteering across Israel that Dan decided to make Aliyah and soon after enlisted into the Israel Defense Forces.

After his service as a field commander of an Iron Dome unit, Dan received a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Sociology and Anthropology, focusing on informal educational theories of learning at American Jewish summer camps. With his heart set on giving back, Dan has spent the better part of the last decade dedicating himself to cultivating partnerships with Jewish communities across the US and Israel, creating tried and tested staff training protocols, and directing day-camps and afterschool programs. Dan is supported by his wife, Shirlee Greenwald, who is excited to join the CYJ Midwest family.

 

Andrew Doemel

Maintenance Director

Email: andrew@cyjmid.org

Andrew has been with camp since April of 2023. Andrew has breadth and depth of experience in maintenance and repairs in several settings, including most recently a florist shop and nature preserve. He lives near camp and is an integral part of keeping camp in tip top shape and ready for campers each summer.

 

Ben Davis

Registrar

Email: ben@cyjmid.org

We’re pleased to welcome Ben Davis as our new Registrar. Ben brings with him a strong background in camp administration, having served in various leadership roles, including Camp Director at Camp Livingston near Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Director of the Jewish Federation of St Joseph Valley. While he’s held front-facing positions, Ben thrives in behind-the-scenes operations, where his keen attention to detail truly shines. He loves to help families navigate pre-camp logistics and paperwork. Ben has extensive experience with annual audits and has a passion for financial clarity and accountability. In addition to his role with us, Ben serves as a consultant for nonprofit organizations, helping them strengthen internal systems and achieve long-term sustainability. We’re excited to have Ben’s expertise and dedication on our team.