Even though CSL 2014 is barely one month out, the
hiring process for CSL 2015 already begun. There are many plans already in the
works and it is with tremendous excitement that we now make official one of the
first major pieces of next summer – we are pleased to announce that Neil Pickus
has accepted an offer to become the Senior Associate Program Director for 2015:
“I am so excited to be returning to Programming in 2015. After four summers,
CSL continues to be my home away from home and I can’t wait to go back to
continue with the incredible work we have begun. I am confident that we will
continue to grow and expand the camp program for the better, and I am ecstatic
to be able and continue to be a part of it. Summer 2015 is just nine months
away and I’ve already started counting down the days.”
Entering what will be his fifth summer at camp,
Neil has blossomed in Programming, which has benefitted immensely from his
contributions. He originally came to camp as the photographer, the first
full-time person to play that role at camp, but has added major pieces to his
repertoire with each summer. In 2012, Neil took on daily and macro leadership
of the CSL Hobby Program, which has grown to become one of the most prominent
dimensions of the entire camp. Neil also took leadership and direction of all
CSL media, which have also grown tremendously under his leadership. Neil also
directs the setup and take down of all major programs. With all of these
critical pieces, Neil’s role will continue to evolve in 2015.
The CSL Programming department has also changed
quite a bit over the years as the camp program has become more intricate and
complex. It will undergo significant alterations in 2015 starting with Neil’s
new position. He will continue to direct the Hobby Program but will also begin
steering all Program Area content in much the same way. Neil will become the
first ever full-time curriculum coordinator for CSL as director of all content.
The growth of CSL has allowed for this extremely exciting step toward a more thoughtful
experience for its campers including skill development, meaningful
interactions, but also just plain fun. Anyone who knows Neil Pickus knows that
he is the perfect person to guide the program toward having a successful
balance across all of these important areas. Neil will also continue to be
involved with Media and Field Operations.
Aaron Cantor remarked on this appointment: “There
are many factors that go into creating the perfect staff team. Characteristics
like talent, patience, positivity, creativity, and leadership are some of the
most vital elements we seek. By bringing Neil Pickus back for Summer 2015, we’ve
added someone to our team who checks off every single one of those boxes. He is
the quintessential team-first staff member who goes to virtually any length to
support the rest of the staff. Neil is one of those people who makes everyone
better, and I cannot think of a better person to be our first official hire for
next summer.”
See You Soon,
Ari Baum, Associate Director
