We are so excited for 2016 and our growing team!! Join us in welcoming our newest Campbassador and member of the Summer 365 family, Randi! Campbassadors are our version of brand ambassadors – they are our #1 fans, cheer squad, and fellow camp-obsessed former campers who want to spread the summer love! And, most importantly, they are dedicated to joining in our mission of giving the gift of summer camp to children.
We are so excited to introduce you to Randi Jaffe and give you a peek into her camp experience and passion for sleepaway camp.
Where did you go to camp?
I went to Lake of The Woods in Decatur, Michigan for 3 summers for four weeks.
Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois and now live in Highland Park, Il. I love Chicago and the suburbs.
What are you currently doing?
I live a very active lifestyle. I love sports and play tennis and paddle ball. I love to exercise and keep busy. I am involved in my children’s schools and volunteer whenever I can. I Was the PTA president and treasurer in my kids’ elementary school, and served on the Executive board for 7 years.
I am very excited to be a Summer 365 Campbassador. This thrilling new opportunity will allow me to work with an incredible company and use my knowledge and passion of the camp world to help families navigate the complex maze of finding the right camp for their children.
How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?
Camp is a place to reinvent yourself and lose your inhibitions. I loved the time away and living with my camp friends. I think overnight camp influenced my love of the outdoors and active lifestyle.
What are your top three essentials that you packed in your trunk?
This was the 80’s so it wasn’t pretty! I loved my various colors of polo shirts, acid wash purple jeans, and aqua net!
What are three words to describe your camp experience?
Fun, friendship, waterskiing!
Who was someone at camp that you looked up to?
I think my counselor’s name was Libby. She made the best french braids. We used to line up and wait our turn!
Why do you think it is important to go to camp?
Camp is a place where you can relax and play, expectations are minimal and you get a sleepover with your friends everyday!
What is your favorite/most epic camp memory?
I loved waterskiing, but was always scared to fall in the area nicknamed “turtle bay”. Rumor has it there were snapping turtles. Yet nobody was ever bitten. Hmmmm must have been an urban legend!
How has camp affected your adult life? Is there something you learned there that you still do today?
I am not as scared of bugs as I used to be! I also learned more about teamwork. I think overnight camp is an amazing opportunity to learn and experience how to get along and work together. This virtue will stay with you throughout life
Words of wisdom for current and future campers?
Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether its food or rock climbing! No one will judge you, and everyone will cheer for you!
What is your favorite camp tradition?
Peanut butter on apples, sugar on water melon. Drawing mustaches on the younger cabins while they were sleeping!
What was your favorite camp food?
Grilled cheese
What is your favorite camp cheer?
Happiness Runs in a Circular Motion
Favorite canteen candy?
Welch’s grape soda
What was your favorite camp activity?
Waterskiing and gymnastics
Favorite camp memento?
Hugging a tree
What were the biggest trends/must have items when you went to camp or representative of the time you went to camp?
Polos, acid wash, straight hair with bangs ( I had curly hair and couldn’t manage that one)
