By Greg Kellner, with assistance from Bing Co-Pilot
This weekend I returned to 6 Points Sci-Tech for our annual in-person Camp Council meeting. Council members flew in from both coasts, eager to be at camp, see robots, and experience Shabbat. Most of all, being able to plan the next three years alongside the Camp Council energized me for what lies ahead.
With the guidance of Michele and Sam, we launched the design of a strategic plan—the camp’s roadmap. We discussed keeping the pipeline of new and returning campers, fundraising for equipment and scholarship, as well as increasing alumni involvement.
As the founder of Sci-Tech in 2014, I couldn’t be prouder to see former campers thriving as counselors and integral members of our leadership team. Special shout-outs to directors Jayme and Rabbi Dan for guiding the Sci-Tech Space Shuttle with vision and heart. I shep so much nachas (Yiddish for being overwhelmed with pride) when I learn alumni are making strides in medicine, teaching, filmmaking, research, and the list goes on.
Over twelve Summers, we’ve cultivated rich traditions, and every summer sparks brand-new ones. Sci-Tech remains the only camp where Jewish Identity and STEM seamlessly intertwine. Campers pick a workshop—Robotics, Game Design, Digital Art, and more—while chatting about the formula for the perimeter of a circle on the way to an activity and receiving mini-lightsabers to use as Yads at their B’ Mitzvah.
In a single day, children can launch rockets, 3D print keychains, build robots, and challenge friends to chess. Our Council, a dedicated group of volunteers, champions these experiences and ensures campers can explore with microscopes, savor delicious Shabbat meals, and sing their hearts out at song sessions for generations to come.
I’ve always said that being Sci-Tech’s inaugural director has been the career honor of a lifetime. L’chaim—here’s to many more (light)years of Jewish innovation! If anything I wrote piques your interest, visit 6pointsscitech.org to learn more.
Greg Kellner is the founding Director of URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy. Before 6 Points Greg was an Assistant Director with URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. Greg holds a BA in Public Communications and Voice from American University and an MPA in Non-Profit Management from CUNY-Baruch College. Greg grew up on Long Island and now lives in Briarcliff, NY with his wife and daughter.