Meet Our Directors
Directors Jared Gelb, Phil Rainone, & Matt Kaufman
Phil Rainone
Director
In 1996, Phil joined Ramaquois as a counselor and has filled several administrative roles since. Outside of camp he volunteers as a Standards Visitor for the American Camp Association. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College with a degree in Recreation and Leisure and holds a Masters in Health and Physical Education from Hofstra University. Phil and his wife, Melissa, have two daughters who both attend Ramaquois.
Jared Gelb
Director
Jared started as group counselor at Ramaquois in 1986 and subsequently became a division leader, Boys’ Side Director and finally Ramaquois’ Director. Jared spent over 20 years teaching high school social studies. He earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University, holds a masters in teaching from Boston University, and another in educational leadership from the College of New Rochelle. Jared and his wife, Staci, have three children.
Matthew Kaufman
Director
Matt has spent his summers at Ramaquois since 1984 — as a camper, counselor, division leader, and various administrative positions. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University. At camp, Matt’s passions include program development, staff training and camper engagement. He has served as the program chair of the Tri-State Camp Conference and authored a book about summer camp staff training. Outside of camp, he enjoys hiking, reading, web site development, and spending time with his wife, daughter, nieces, and nephew.
Arthur & Natalie Kessler
Executive Directors
Arthur and Natalie Kessler have spent their entire professional lives in camping. They have owned and directed both resident and day camps, developed unique day camp programs, spearheaded the formation of professional camping organizations, and worked hard to enhance the public’s view of camping and the camping profession. Their significant impact on camping, and the standards of excellence that they have set merited them the prestigious recognition of “Legends of Camping” by the American Camp Association in 2005.
Both my children had wonderful experiences there and we will never forget you. Ramaquois is the warmest, best run, caring, loving, up-to-date, organized of them all. Each summer I was more impressed than the last. You think of everything (and I am a tough customer)! I am proud and grateful to have been a part of the family. Thank you for everything.
Bonnie • Parent
Jackie Port
Assistant Director
Jackie joined Ramaquois in 2012 as the Junior Camp Director, made the switch to Girls’ Side Director in 2019, and is currently a Program Director with responsibilities throughout camp. She received an undergraduate degree from Penn State University and worked for 10 years in investment banking before earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and making a subsequent career change to camping! Jackie works year-round at Ramaquois and focuses on camper recruitment and engagement in the off-season and most enjoys creating and maintaining relationships with our camp families. Jackie and her husband Warren have two children, both former Ramaquois staff members.
Susan Sahn
Assistant Director
In the Summer of 1995, Susan joined the Ramaquois Community as the head of our tennis program, and has held numerous leadership positions since; first as a Division Leader of our seven year old girls, then Girls’ Side Director and is currently Director of Parent Communications. Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education and then Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities, both at Brooklyn College. Susan and her husband Adam, have three sons, Andrew, Max & Jordan, who were campers and counselors at Ramaquois!
We're proud to be considered
one of the best day camps in New York!