“Camp is a place where children are given the chance to unplug from the outside world and kids can just be kids. It’s a place where children and counselors make long-lasting friendships and memories while in a safe, loving, environment. Camp is where laughter, excitement, traditions, and loads of fun are all embraced by your peers who truly are your second family. Because of camp, I have been able to come out of my shell and find the place where I feel I truly belong the most. Camp is the one place I can be my true self. I’ve met some of my very best friends at camp during my many years of being a counselor. I met one of my very best friends when we were campers at the J at 9 years old. We met at camp and grew up together returning to the J each year where we were then counselors together and are still very close 12 years later (today). I’ve never felt more welcomed somewhere before, and camp at the J is something I’m ready to go back to the second it’s over.”
Gaelyn Brown has been teaching kids ages 4-14 sports for three years and began teaching drama in 2021. She loves to get to know each student she works with and strives to make each child feel seen, appreciated, and empowered. Teaching and acting are her two greatest passions. She has trained in voice, stage, commercial, and film acting, and has been playing the cello for seven years. Her perfect day would include a nice long thunderstorm, listening to The Lord of the Rings audiobook while doing a jigsaw puzzle, and snuggling up to watch her favorite sitcom with her family and a nice warm plate of chocolate chip cookies!