Meet Chalutzim Merakez: Matthew Kaplan

Matthew returns for his fourth summer as a Camp Judaea staff member. Former positions at CJ include madrich, drama activity counselor, and Rosh Drama. This year he will take on the roles of MIT Coordinator for first session and Chalutzim Merakez for second session.

He was initially drawn to CJ as a senior in high school after hearing all of his sister’s entertaining camp stories and wanting to experience something new before setting out to college. But during the last three summers, Matthew says Camp Judaea has become the place where he feels the most comfortable, the most empowered, and the most challenged.

“If you had asked me four years ago if I would still be a staff member be at CJ, I probably would’ve said no. If you would’ve asked me four years ago if I would voluntarily lead a group of teenagers on a ten-day excursion in the woods, I would have said no. But here I am. Because of Camp Judaea, I have learned how to push myself to my limit, and this summer I am going to do so even further.”

Matthew is originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, but now lives in Atlanta. He enjoys walking along the beach, reading, spending time with friends, and binge-watching Netflix. He has had the nickname “Ralphie” since he was a freshman in high school when someone pointed out that he resembled a character from “A Christmas Story.” Additionally, Matthew claims to be the biggest Disney fan there ever was!

“I can’t wait to begin yet another adventure at Camp Judaea this summer!”