Leadership & Staff

We are devoted to creating a safe, enriching and caring community. Our team of experienced camp and education professionals supports over 100 activity specialists and counselors.

Downtown Day Camps Director & Manhattan Youth Associate Executive Director
Russ Schulman, PhD
In addition to being at the Downtown Day Camps since the beginning in 1992, Russ has over two decades of experience ranging from elementary school teacher to teacher educator. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Education from New York University. Famous for his pleasant manner, people skills and sense of humor, Russ is responsible for the positive, professional and collaborative atmosphere at our camps.

Registration and Outreach Coordinator
Melissa Sheppard
As our returning Registration and Outreach Coordinator, Melissa brings valuable knowledge and energy to our team. She works closely with our camp families and schools year-round to provide a close 'camp connection.' With a degree in Art Education and over 10 years of camp experience, Melissa truly understands what it takes for each child to enjoy their summer.

Team Leaders
Each group in camp is assigned to one of our Team Leaders/Division Supervisors, most of whom have worked with us for over 10 years! Our Team Leaders have a wealth of experience working in schools and camps as teachers and administrators. This added level of supervision ensures that our counselors are coached to meet the highest professional standards. It is typical for 100% of our team leaders to return each season.

Activity Specialists and Counselors
We have experienced teachers and counselors working with the children at our camps. More than 80% of our activity specialists and counselors return each season. When other camps hear about our staff return rates, they're simply speechless. Building the type of community that both campers and staff want to return to each summer is vitally important to us.

Supervision Ratio
We believe the most important thing at camp is proper supervision, and lots of it. We are proud of the fact that our overall camper to staff ratio is 3 to 1 at the Downtown Day Camps.