OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Centre Camp is proud to be a fully accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association, which monitors our commitment to high standards of quality in camping.
During our last OCA standards visits, Centre Camp impressed the OCA representatives:
“I was immediately impressed with the friendliness, warmth and hospitality displayed by both the leaders and the campers at Centre Camp; there was a wonderful feeling – a spirit – that seemed to exist at all of the activities. Keep up the good work!” (Jay Haddad, OCA)
We have a very experienced and dedicated team whose goal it is to ensure your child(ren) have the same impactful and memorable camp experiences that we once did. Read our biographies below to find out a little more about our leadership team.
PHIL FAIBISH, Camp Director
Phil Faibish is the Director of Centre Camp and has been affiliated with the camp for 20+ years as a camper, C.I.T. and staff. (Andrew Levy, Prosserman JCC Executive Director was actually his counsellor back in 1994!) Phil brings a contagious positive attitude and a wealth of knowledge, experience and skill to Centre Camp and the camping industry.
Prior to joining Centre Camp on a full-time basis, Phil received his BA from York University in Mathematics. He speaks both French and English fluently and recently brushed up on his Hebrew while leading a Birthright trip to Israel through Canadian Israel Experience (CIE). Phil was on his way to teacher’s college before accepting the full-time position at Centre Camp – an offer he couldn’t resist. Phil is dedicated to providing campers and staff with top-rated programming infused with a unique Jewish flare. He is also working on a number of new initiatives, including an online social media component that provides parents with real-time updates on camp happenings throughout the summer. He is a widely recognized ‘celebrity’ at camp, having served seven summers as the Centre Field unit-head, one summer as the Program Director, and more importantly, three time acclaimed winner of CC Survivor!
His love for camp comes out every minute of every day. He is thrilled to be on the management team and working hard to ensure that every child at Centre Camp has an unforgettable camping experience – much like his own.
LAUREN COHN, Assistant Director
Lauren Cohn, hailing from Milwaukee, WI, is the Centre Camp Assistant Director! Lauren’s informal Jewish education began with her camping experiences in the Midwest United States and at B’nai Brith Camps in Pennsylvania and Baltimore. She was extremely active in BBYO throughout her high school career, which eventually led her to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jewish and Family Studies at the University of Indiana. Lauren brings with her a tremendous track record in growing and developing a highly successful Youth, Teen and Family programs. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude caught our attention during the interview process and we are excited to welcome her to the Prosserman JCC staff team.
With her strong passion for Jewish Youth and Informal Jewish Education, Lauren has been amazed at all of the opportunities the Toronto Jewish Community has to offer. Her previous position as Youth and Young Families Program Director of Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue was a great building block and she is now ready for a long and successful journey at Centre Camp and the Prosserman JCC.
“I look forward to being welcomed into the Centre Camp family and “INSPIRING FUN!” for all those involved.”
SAMMY FEILCHENFELD, Office Manager
Sammy Feilchenfeld is the Centre Camp Office Manager. Sammy’s Centre Camp journey began more than 5 years ago, holding a mix of titles from Swim Instructor/Lifeguard and Mini-Golf Specialist to Head of Specialties and Program Director. Sammy has completed a Bachelor of Education degree from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from Trent University. After moving around southern Ontario, Sammy is back in Toronto to focus on camp full time and connect with his Jewish identity. Sammy has worked with various groups around the GTA, including the Morris Winchevsky Centre and Rachael’s Centre for Torah, Mussar, and Ethics. Sammy is also involved with the arts and culture community; he has a passionate appreciation of theatre and its benefits and hopes to always bring energy and enthusiasm through his passion for drama. Sammy always gives everything he can to the work he does, and is thrilled to be joining the Centre Camp family year-round, bringing administrative assistance and seasonal programming expertise to everyone at Centre Camp! Campers will know Sammy by his integral role this past summer as the host of Centre Camp Survivor!
