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Camp Haverim Staff

Camp Haverim knows that the success of any camp rests squarely on the shoulders of its staff, counselors, and supervisors. That is why we go to great lengths to get the very best!

Ashley Belinfante, Camp Director

Ashley Belinfante is an alumna of UCSB and Camp Alonim where she was also a counselor and lifeguard for several years. She has also worked at Jewish preschools in Los Angeles and internationally. She is excited to learn the ways of Camp Haverim's traditions and immerse herself in its vibrant community. With her background in counseling, lifeguarding, and teaching, she is enthusiastic to contribute to Haverim's mission of fostering life-long friendships, community building, and Jewish values among its campers. 

Samantha Silverman, Executive Director

Samantha Silverman first came to Camp Haverim as a camp counselor and immediately fell in love with the sweetest little Jewish day camp with the biggest heart and soul. One of her favorite parts about Camp Haverim is seeing l'dor v'dor in action, witnessing the campers grow up and return each year to become junior counselors, then senior counselors, and beyond. 

Samantha has worked as a Jewish educator for over a decade and is passionate about creating programming that inspires and connects Jewish people of all ages. She is deeply committed to creating a camp culture that fosters social-emotional development and enduring community connections through Jewish values, practices, and culture. She has a BA in Jewish Studies from UCLA and an MA in Jewish Studies from Yale University.

Mike Witt, Camp Director

Michael Witt is a long time Jewish Federation staff member, and is thrilled to be a major part of the camp team. The position comes naturally to him as his daughter Lendel has attended camp for the past two summers and son David plans to attend as soon as he is old enough. Mike’s wife Kelsey has been capturing professional photos of camp for several sessions. He is excited and proud to work with all age groups of campers as well as have a leadership role overseeing the counselors in an effort to make Camp Haverim the most wonderful Jewish summer day camp there is. Mike is an experienced song leader and program developer with the Santa Barbara JCC and has known many of Santa Barbara's local Jewish families through his many years of building community and lasting relationships.

Rabbi Zachary Zysman, Community Rabbi

Rabbi Zach is a seasoned rabbi with a rich background in academic and spiritual leadership, bringing a unique perspective shaped by eight transformative years at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where he proudly served as Campus Rabbi/Director of Jewish Life. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated and committed to creating relationships and experiences that ignite souls and build vibrant, compassionate communities. Rabbi Zach has proudly served communities including Congregation Beth Jacob in El Centro, CA, UCLA Santa Monica Hospital Oncology and ICU units, Congregation Or Ami, in Calabasas, CA, and Kehillat Israel, in Pacific Palisades, CA, to name a few. He brings his vision to Camp Haverim of growing together in Jewish learning, celebration, and acts of loving kindness that make a difference in our community and beyond.

Senior Counselors

Our senior counselors are predominantly college students. Many of our staff are themselves former campers. They care about our campers, and it shows. All our senior staff are required to pass a criminal background check and complete training in CPR, First Aid, and AED.