Sunrise Day Camp Chicago

Emily Kopp

Director, Sunrise Day Camp Chicago

Emily started her JCC Chicago journey at Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp as a parent in 2007, joined the camp’s staff as Art Director shortly after, and then became the Specialist Director. She’s had many years of camping experience at day camp and overnight camp as a camper and staff in many roles throughout her life.

Camp is Emily’s favorite thing about summer! She loves watching all the campers and staff have fun and connecting. Emily feels camp is a safe place where people can be their true self and let go of pressures, be outside, be creative, and active. She’s very excited to be able to continue her camp journey full time, representing the impactful partnership between JCC Chicago and Sunrise Association and creating an incredible summer experience for the amazing children and staff of Sunrise.

Emily holds a BA in Elementary Education with a specialization in Art from University of Iowa. She has been working as a classroom teacher at Jacob Duman Early Childhood at Lake County JCC for the last 8 years. Her background in art and education led her to appreciate watching children learn about themselves by being curious and working through the process to discover something new. It is so special to watch the ”Ah Ha moment” happen! Emily met her husband in college, and they have two daughters who were campers and now staff at Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp. Emily enjoys taking road trips, baking, watching movies, doing art/home projects, and hanging out with her family and dog, Penny.