meet our
camp team
We are excited to introduce our Summer Camp Team who are working tirelessly to create a spectacular 2024 summer experience. Return to Summer Camps Homepage
Ben Savin
Senior Director of Youth, Teens, and Camping
Ben Savin will lead our camp teams, bringing tremendous experience to the JCC, including nine years as a JCC professional. During this time, Ben served in various leadership roles in Youth and Teen Programs, Early Childhood and as the Camp Butwin Director. Ben worked diligently to foster a sense of community for children and families and was extremely instrumental in expanding the J’s impact at Camp Butwin and Capp Early Childhood Center. Prior to returning to the J, Ben served as the Director of Admissions, Minneapolis Community and Technical College where he was responsible for leading a professional team to ensure that prospective and new students receive a high-quality experience. Ben is a recognized professional with achievements in youth development, family engagement and Jewish communal work.
Andrea Golden
Director of Youth and Camping – Camp Olami
We are thrilled that Andrea will continue her leadership role as the Camp Olami Director this summer, allowing her to build upon her experience to create an excellent summer experience for both our campers and their families. Prior to joining the JCC in 2021, Andrea worked with children, teens, and adults of all ages, with overnight and day camps, synagogue youth departments, regional youth positions and Hillel at the University of Minnesota. Andrea’s commitment to our youth and families, and her passion for camp, is evident in all that she does.
Alyssa Engelson
Camp Olami Program Director/ Director of Teen Programming
Alyssa grew up involved in Jewish Youth groups – both BBYO and USY. She spent summers at Herzl Camp as a camper and staff, building connections with Jewish youth and teens. She graduated from KU where she was heavily involved with sports through her sports medicine studies. She and her husband moved to the Twin Cities, and was previously connecting with pre-schoolers as a teacher, but when she learned about this position – which not only includes BBYO and Camp Olami, but also JCC Maccabi and teen basketball – she knew that she could bring her passions together in one place.
Lexi Dockman
Director of Youth and Camping – Camp Butwin
Lexi comes to us with a variety of experiences in Jewish programming for youth and young adults, including serving in significant leadership roles at JCC Camp Chai and as a Program Director for Towson University Hillel. Lexi also had the opportunity to work with Foundation for Jewish Camps. Lexi brings a strong foundation in camper engagement, supervision and understands the impact that high quality JCC programming has on the well-being of youth. Lexi is an alumni of both the JCC Early Childhood Program and Camp Butwin, and served as a member of the Club J team. She has a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services and has varied experiences in working to improve the health and well-being of others.
Noah Kline
Camp Butwin Program Director/Capp Center Director, Youth and Camping
Noah is a Minnesota transplant with deep ties to Jewish youth development. He grew up in Northern Virginia at Temple Rodef Shalom, a congregation with an incredible summer camp and youth group. By high school, Noah was involved in many forms of Jewish youth leadership as a camp counselor, NFTY leader, and social justice facilitator with the Operation Understanding DC dialogue group.
In the last two years, Noah has been growing new roots in the Twin Cities, finding communities that channel his passions for Judaism, music, youth development, and social justice. Noah’s career at the Minnesota JCC began as a Camper Advocate in the Camp Butwin Inclusion program during Summer 2022. During Summer 2023, he served as the Assistant Director, and he is excited to bring his passions and insights to year-round programming.
Melissa Hudson
Director of Inclusion
Melissa comes to us with a variety of experience in Special Education, Disability Services and the Nonprofit sector. Having served as the Camp Director for Adventure Camp with ARC of Dallas (camp for children with disabilities), and as a Director of Residential Programs and Director of Community Engagement, Melissa has a keen insight into program needs, community input, and staff/community development. She brings an enthusiasm for inclusive services and programming that extend from her time as a teacher, Behavior Specialist, and Crisis Prevention Intervention trainer in Texas schools.
