Voyage Chicago: Meet Bradley Finkel of JCC Camp Chi in Lake Delton
Thanks for sharing your story with us Bradley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started as a camper at Camp Chi when I was 9 years old. Through that experience, I made lifelong friends and memories. I continued attending camp as a camper all the way through the program to being in the Staff-In-Training program. I remember counting down the days until I could go to camp again and reunite with my friends and see my favorite staff members. Camp’s impact on me as a child led to my wanting to go back as a counselor. I worked part-time as a counselor and a supervisor during my college years. During the summer before my senior year in college, the camp director pulled me aside one night and told me he wanted to bring me on full time. That magical moment was a dream come true. I was honored to be asked to join this special and unique place and work full time for the organization. I accepted, no suit or tie, and have been doing what I love ever since. Now, 19 years later, I couldn’t be happier. During my tenure, I was the Teen Director, Program Director, Assistant Director and Associate Director. This past March, I was promoted to the role of Camp Director. My family is part of camp today and I couldn’t be prouder to serve in this role. I’m looking forward to my 32nd summer at camp this year.