The Camp By The Sea team is comprised of school teachers, college students majoring in childhood development, former campers, and preschool educators. Along with giving campers a fun and exciting summer, our goal is to provide kids with positive role models and self-esteem. Our team knows that the invaluable experiences, friendships and skills from summer camp can last a lifetime.
Senior Staff
Candice Steinhauer
Camp Director
609.822.1167 Ext. 113
Candice Steinhauer is thrilled to lead Camp By The Sea this year as our Camp Director. With a background in education and coaching, Candice brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our camp community. Throughout the school year, Candice is a dedicated Health & Physical Education Teacher at Winslow Township High School, where she has been inspiring students for 13 years. In addition to her teaching career, she has an impressive 19-year history as a coach, demonstrating her deep passion for competitive sports and commitment to fostering athletic excellence.
Candice is no stranger to Camp By The Sea, having previously served as a Division Head. This year’s camp theme, the Olympics, is especially exciting for Candice. She loves the spirit of the Olympics and is eager to bring that energy and enthusiasm to our campers. Under her leadership, we anticipate a dynamic and inspiring camp experience filled with fun, learning, and athletic challenges.
Amanda McGowan
Early Childhood Education Center Director and
Director of Camp By The Sea: Shacar Division
609.822.1167 Ext. 130
As a long time South Jersey resident, Amanda grew up in Margate and attended Camp by the Sea as a child. Amanda has a wealth of knowledge in the early childhood field as well as robust experience working with non-profit organizations. Amanda offers her love for children and dedication to providing the best experience to all as our new Early Childhood Education Center Director.
Chanel Troche
Camp Administrator
609.822.1167 Ext. 119
Chanel Troche is a dedicated and enthusiastic Camp Administrator at Camp By The Sea. She has meticulously planned trips during the camp off-season, ensuring that each excursion is memorable and engaging for campers. Additionally, Chanel has been instrumental in securing special guests that bring added excitement to Camp. In her role, Chanel also manages all transportation logistics for camp trips, ensuring smooth and safe travel. Beyond her administrative duties, she fosters a strong sense of community by staying in touch with campers throughout the year, sending personalized birthday wishes and maintaining connections that extend beyond the summer months.
Chanel earned her MBA from Stockton University in 2022. Her journey with Camp By The Sea began with an internship at the JCC in 2021, followed by a position on the JCC’s Membership Team the following year. Now in her second year as Camp Administrator, Chanel continues to deepen her understanding and appreciation of the camp community.
Cheryl Raymond
Assistant Director of Early Childhood
609.822.1167 Ext. 131
Cheryl Raymond brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as Assistant Director of Early Childhood at the JCC. With nearly four years of dedicated service at the JCC, Cheryl has proven herself to be a compassionate and skilled leader in early childhood development. She is particularly focused on ensuring a smooth and enjoyable transition for the Shacar and Shacar Katan campers as they embark on their camp adventures.
In addition to her professional achievements, Cheryl is an active volunteer with the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, demonstrating her commitment to community service. Cheryl looks forward to another wonderful summer, working closely with campers and families to make their time at camp memorable and fulfilling.
Department Staff
Shacar Katan & Shacar
Ages: 2 – 4
Karyn Solari
Shacar Division Support
Karyn Solari is excited to take on a new role supporting the Shacar Division staff at Camp By The Sea. A year-round Brigantine resident, Karyn is also a Teaching Assistant at the JCC’s Early Childhood Education Center. This is her third year working at camp, and she looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Karyn’s enthusiasm and dedication make her an integral part of our camp community.
Suzanne Abbot
Shacar Division Support
Suzanne Abbot is a full-time teacher at the JCC’s Early Childhood Education Center, with experience teaching both preschool and kindergarten. She holds a teaching degree from Radford University and a Masters in Education from Widener University. Suzanne is dedicated to making each child’s camp experience fun and exciting as they embark on new adventures.
Some of Suzanne’s favorite things include spending time with her children, being outdoors, playing soccer, laughing, teaching, candy, coffee, and the color yellow. She is looking forward to seeing all the campers this summer and helping them create wonderful memories at Camp By The Sea.
Gesher
Grades: K – 1
Anne Schoultz
Gesher Division Head
Anne Schoultz brings a great amount of knowledge and a nurturing spirit to her role as Gesher Division Head. During the school year, Anne works as a preschool teacher at Atlantic City’s New York Avenue School, a path she embarked on after her daughter, Paige, went off to college. Anne, a graduate of Marple Newtown High School and Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, previously worked in the press departments of NBC in New York and KYW-TV in Philadelphia before moving to Atlantic City.
Anne’s journey into teaching was a second act after a fulfilling career in public relations and raising her family. She and her husband Greg, now retired, enjoy their life in Atlantic City’s north end. Anne’s dedication to education and her warm personality make her a perfect fit for Camp By The Sea. She is excited to lead the Gesher Division and create a memorable camp experience for all.
Chaverim
Grades: 2 – 3
Jason Gates
Chaverim Division Head
Jason Gates, a long-time resident of Ventnor, joins us as the Chaverim Division Head with over 15 years of experience as an arts teacher at a local high school. In addition to his teaching career, Jason is also involved in film and photography. His diverse expertise and passion for the arts make him an invaluable asset to our camp.
Throughout his career, Jason has worked with various age groups and art disciplines, fostering creativity and a love for the arts. He enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, fishing, and traveling. Jason looks forward to returning to Camp By The Sea to see familiar faces and welcome new ones, creating a fun and educational environment for all campers.
Noar
Grades: 4 – 6
Giborim
Grades: 7 – 8
Dennis Smith
Noar & Giborim Division Head
Dennis Smith returns to Camp By The Sea for his second summer as the Noar & Giborim Division Head. With a degree in Sociology and Education, Dennis brings over 12 years of experience teaching middle school, where he inspires students with his passion for learning and growth. His extensive background includes 12 summers of working at various summer camps, showcasing his dedication to creating enriching and fun-filled experiences for campers.
Dennis’s love for camp life is evident in his dynamic approach to leadership and his ability to connect with campers of all ages. He is committed to fostering a supportive and energetic environment, ensuring that each camper has an unforgettable summer. Outside of camp, Dennis enjoys hiking, playing sports, and exploring new places. He looks forward to another great summer at Camp By The Sea, filled with exciting adventures and lasting memories.
Dan Ayars
Camp Tikvah Director
Dan Ayars joins Camp By The Sea as the Camp Tikvah Director for 2024. This is his first summer with us, and he brings a deep passion for special education. Dan graduated from Millville High School in 2015 and went on to serve as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army. After completing his military service, he pursued higher education at Rowan University, where he developed a keen interest in special education.
Dan’s commitment to special education is personal and heartfelt, inspired by his brother, who is deaf and autistic. His journey into teaching was unexpected but deeply rewarding, and he is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. At Camp By The Sea, Dan will lead the Tikvah Program, ensuring that all campers are included and valued. We are excited to welcome Dan and look forward to a fantastic summer under his leadership.
Zoe Shub
Camp EMT
609-822-1167 Ext. 157
firstaid@jccatlantic.org
Zoe Shub returns to Camp By The Sea, this time as our Camp EMT. A recent graduate of the University of Delaware, Zoe is taking time off before starting medical school. She has a long history with our camp, having been a camper herself over 15 years ago. As an EMT, Zoe is well-equipped to handle day to day camper health concerns and various medical emergencies, from respiratory and cardiac issues to trauma incidents. Her dedication to the health and safety of our campers is evident, and we are thrilled to have her expertise and caring presence on our team. Zoe is excited to contribute to a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all.
Mike Couter
Aquatics Director
609-822-1167 Ext. 111
mcourter@jccatlantic.org
Michael Courter has been an integral part of Camp By The Sea as our Aquatics Director since January 2022. Bringing a lifelong passion for sports, Michael is dedicated to developing a love for swimming and athletics within our Camp community. He has been the Head Coach of the Margate Sharks swim team, where his leadership and expertise have made a significant impact.
Raised in Ventnor since the age of 2, Michael attended VECC Elementary School, Atlantic City High School and graduated from Monmouth University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. His athleticism is evident from his time as a 4-year varsity swimmer and 3-time team captain at Atlantic City High School, where he was a 4-time All Cape Atlantic League selection in both swimming and baseball. Michael also held the school record in the 100 butterfly from 2015 to 2019 and swam collegiately at Monmouth University, specializing in distance freestyle and butterfly.
In addition to his role as Aquatics Director, Michael is entering his 11th year as a guard on the Ventnor Beach Patrol. His dedication to sports extends beyond the pool, as he is an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams. Michael is passionate about inspiring the younger generation of athletes, utilizing the knowledge and experiences he has garnered over his nearly 20-year career in organized athletics.