Our Staff

Staff Committed to Working with Kids

The spirit and energy you feel at Camp Chi comes from our staff. We personally screen and select our team from hundreds of applicants from across the country and the world. Our staff have diverse backgrounds and interests, but have one thing in common – a never-ending dedication to working with kids.

Our low 1 to 3 staff-to-camper ratio exceeds the recommendation by the American Camp Association (1 to 6) and assures that each camper and cabin group receives individualized attention.

To achieve our goal of providing the highest quality camp experience, we hire two different groups of exceptional staff: specialists with expertise to provide instruction in activities and nurturing counselors who are solely focused on leading cabin groups and providing camper care. Social workers, qualified health staff, professional food service and countless staff behind-the-scenes provide additional support.

Experienced Camp Leadership

Jon Levin, Director

Jon joined the Chi team in 2018. He has been involved in Jewish summer camping for over 40 summers as a camper, counselor, specialist, unit head, Assistant Director, and Director. Jon has worked at 7 Jewish resident camps around the Country. Two summers were at Camp Chi, as Habo Village Leader in the late 80’s and a Seasonal Assistant Director in 2002. Jon, his wife Martha and their 3 dogs reside in Mundelein. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. A graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Jon has spent most of his adult life involved in camping and JCC management and had his own business for several years before returning to camp management and the Camp Chi family.

Kyle Kolling, Associate Director

Kyle has spent many years at Camp Chi as a camper, counselor, and supervisor. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theater Education and English from Illinois State University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Jewish Non-Profit Business. Kyle is very excited to continue his camp career, and hopes to spend many more summers at Chi. Throughout the year, Kyle also runs camps Chi Town Connection youth group for teens.

Natalie Kolling, New Family Outreach & Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager, Natalie works on a lot of the behind the scenes processes of camp. She joined the Chi summer team in 2018 and full-time team in 2019. Natalie spent two summers as the Camp Chi office manager in the summer and was JCC Chicago’s Sports and Recreation Administrator as well. In fact, Natalie is a certified lifeguard instructor and trains the Camp Chi aquatics staff each year. She attended Illinois State University where she received a degree in Theater Education, Acting, and English.

Jared London, Program Coordinator

Jared, more commonly known as J-Lo around camp, has spent many summers at Chi as a camper, SIT of 14, counselor and village leader. As Program Coordinator, J-Lo is responsible for the planning and implementation of camp-wide programs, both in season and offseason, as well as Chi Town Connection, our youth group for teens. J-Lo’s biggest passion is camp and the surrounding culture. He hopes to spend many more years at the greatest place on earth… Camp Chi!

Ely London, Community Care Coordinator

Camp Chi has been Ely London’s home for 12 summers as camper, SIT of 2016, and a staff member. At camp she loves stargazing, song sessions, grilled cheese Sundays and spending her summers with her best friends. As the Community Care Coordinator, she’ll be supervising our younger villages by working closely with the village leaders. She will also be working with the Community Care team to make sure that every member of our community is set up for success before, during and after camp! Ely Graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in dance.

Jessie Lankford, Logistics Manager

Jessie has spent the last 15 years at Camp Chi in a variety of roles including camper, counselor, village leader, and most recently programming director. Jessie manages the programmatic sides and behind the scenes of camp as well as works with the American Camping Association to help maintain our accreditation. She received both a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago and is a fully licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Joelle Kelenson, Keshet Director of Recreation & Camp Chi Inclusion Coordinator

Joelle was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From a young age, she was passionate about giving back and making a difference in the world. Her career has been spent working in the Jewish community starting at the JCC in Northern Virginia as the School Age Services Director. Joelle then spent six years at Camp Chi, most recently as the Associate Director. In this role, she worked alongside Keshet to develop Camp Chi’s approach to camper care. Most recently, Joelle moved to a full-time position with Keshet, as the Director of Recreation. Her role is to help build inclusive programs and ensure campers needs are met in the world of after school, Sunday school and of course summer camp! Joelle holds a Master of Social work from Columbia University and Master of Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.