Karli Niehaus, husband Josh and their family at Camp Solomon Schechter. (photo from Camp Solomon Schechter)
Camp Solomon Schechter alum Karli Niehaus is returning home – as camp director. She brings extensive experience in childhood education, community leadership and Jewish engagement, and she’s ready to bring her energy, creativity and love for camp to this new role.
“I’m so excited to join the team as the new camp director of Camp Solomon Schechter!” said Niehaus. “Schechter has always been such a meaningful part of my life. I spent years as a camper (including my Oded summer in 2010), then returned as a counselor and art director. I also came back during grad school to support the camper care team, focusing on the social and emotional well-being of campers and staff.
“I met my husband at camp (Josh Niehaus, longtime CSS music director, assistant director and director of innovation), and now our two kids – our eldest, Jaylan, and his younger brother, Shaya – both share our love for Schechter, asking almost every time we get in the car, ‘Are we going to Camp Solomon Schechter?’ They’ve been crawling around the hill, splashing in the lake and singing around the campfire with their dad on guitar since they were babies. Jaylan even attended his first family camp at just three weeks old.
“I also come from a proud multigenerational Schechter family,” Niehaus added. “My dad and uncles were campers long before me, and served on the board during my years as a camper. Our family was honoured last year at Schechter Spark in Seattle.”
Niehaus has more than a decade of experience in education and community leadership, along with a master’s in education and a board certification in applied behaviour analysis.
“My work has always centred on creating spaces where kids feel safe, seen and celebrated as they grow into confident, compassionate leaders,” she said. “In recent years, I’ve become especially passionate about ensuring the future pipeline of Jewish leadership, something that feels more important than ever. I truly believe Jewish camp plays a critical role in that. Camp gave me a place to explore who I am, to build Jewish pride and belonging, and to find my voice as a leader.
“I’m honoured to help carry that legacy forward, to make sure every camper and staff member feels the same magic, joy and connection that shaped me, and to help build the next generation of strong, proud Jewish leaders.”
“Please join us in wishing Karli a baruch haba – welcome!” said Zach Duitch, executive director of Camp Solomon Schechter. “We also express our deepest gratitude for outgoing camp director Manda Graizel. We wish her nothing but success in all her future endeavours.”
For more information about the camp, its leadership team and summer sessions, go to campschechter.org.
– Courtesy Camp Solomon Schechter