Summer 365 Camper of the Week | Leslie Klein, Summer 365 Campbassador

Meet our newest and completely awesome Campbassador! Basically the coolest job ever… she’s like our specialist counselor! 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.

Leslie grew up going to her 8-week (true 8 weeks!), brother sister camp in Potter Place, New Hampshire for 10 years (where she first met her husband). She grew up in South Orange, NJ, and now lives in Scarsdale, NY. She is a mother of three, and she has given the gift of camp to two of them so far! Leslie will always be a camper at heart and has tons of insight and knowledge. If you are in the Scarsdale or Westchester area, reach out to her and learn a little more about Summer 365, and she will be excited to chat with you about her passion: CAMP! Read more about her amazing camp experience.

What are you currently doing?

I’m so excited to be a Summer 365 Campbassador, a wife to Jordan (Kenwood Evergreen – 10 years) and a mom to three children, James (Androscoggin – 4 years), Molly (Mataponi – 2 years), and Morgan (camper in training).

How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?

I definitely feel that sleepaway camp instills confidence, independence, resilience, and thoughtfulness. These skills have helped me in every aspect of my life from college and career to being a mom and having a family and everyday life.

Why do you think it is important to go to camp?

At camp, you can be yourself and make new lifelong friends. The experience is everlasting. Camp gives you an additional family to always count on. There is an absolute confidence that everyone gains from being away from home.

What are your top three essentials that you packed in your trunk?

address book so that I could write everyone’s info at the end of the summer to keep in touch, posters to decorate the bunk with, my pink boom box was a must with a ton of cassettes

What are three words to describe your camp experience?

Memories, friendships, laughter

What is your favorite/most epic camp memory?

Winning color war along, burning of the numbers, end of summer banquet.

How has camp affected your adult life?

So many ways, but in particular one very important one! I met my husband at camp when I was 9 years old. It was pretty amazing to come across Jordan my husband after college and reconnect in New York City. We had a comfort level and bond immediately even after not seeing each other after our camp days ended for over 8 years. We have been married for 13 years.

Words of wisdom for current and future campers?

Try everything once….make new friends, savior the old ones and always do something nice for another camper daily.

What is your favorite camp tradition?

Color war and Girls camp fires

What was your favorite camp food?

grilled cheese and mint chocolate ice cream

What is your favorite camp cheer?

“Friends, friends, friends… we will always be…”

What did you prefer – pool or lake?

my camp didn’t have a pool … our lake rocked

Favorite canteen candy?

Starburst and hated the Necco Wafers