Shaped by Camp: A Conversation with Deborah Margolis (K ’76)
Tell us about your family’s involvement at Yavneh.
Camp Yavneh has had a lasting impact on who I am today, both personally and professionally. My family’s connection to Yavneh runs deep—my siblings, cousins, and I were all campers in the 1970s and 1980s, and both of my parents were involved in camp during their youth. Over the years, my brothers became counselors, and I took on leadership roles as Rosh Ayda and Sgan Rosh Agam. For many years, Yavneh was a central part of our family life.
How did your time at camp shape who you are today, both personally and professionally?
My time at Yavneh greatly influenced my career as a developmental psychologist. Starting as a camper in Kfirim under Abe Yavnover, and later serving as a counselor during the leadership of Mike Libenson, Avi Teken, and Margie Berkowitz, I learned the importance of guiding and mentoring young people.
Those experiences sparked a passion for working with youth that has shaped my professional path. While my current career is only loosely connected to camp, it’s clear that my Yavneh experiences played a pivotal role in forming my desire to help young people grow and thrive.
Did you make lasting friendships during your time at camp? How have those relationships impacted your life?
The friendships I formed at Yavneh are among the most meaningful in my life. There’s something unique about the bonds created in the immersive environment of camp. Those friendships have endured over the years, and with camp friends, you can always pick up right where you left off. The shared experiences created a lasting sense of community and connection.
Did a camp counselor or staff member have a lasting influence on you? What did you learn from them?
Several mentors had a lasting influence on me during my time at camp. Frieda Lach Dahukey, who was Rosh Agam when I was a camper, Kerem kid, and waterfront counselor, became both a close friend and a guiding presence in my life.
Susie (Ungar) Green, who was my counselor as a camper and later a colleague at the Agam, was also an important mentor. I also learned a great deal from Margie Berkowitz, whose leadership and care for others taught me values I continue to carry into my work today.
What advice would you give to current campers or staff about making the most of their experience?
The lessons from Yavneh go far beyond activities. The power of experiential education—learning by doing—is something I still carry with me today. My advice to campers and staff is to embrace the magic of camp fully, as it offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, and the friendships and lessons you gain will last a lifetime.