5 things to know about Camp BB-Riback’s new Executive Director Cecil Horwitz

By Jana Zalmanowitz, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(AJNews) – Camp BB Riback has a new Executive Director preparing to guide staff and campers into a memorable 71st summer on Pine Lake. On March 20, the Board of Directors announced Cecil Horwitz will step into the role, succeeding outgoing director Stacy Shaiken.

For Alberta’s only Jewish overnight camp, each leadership transition brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Horwitz hopes to ease the transition with his deep community roots, clear vision for the future, and an understanding of what Camp BB means to the community.

Deep roots in Alberta’s Jewish community

Horwitz grew up in Calgary and his connection to Jewish life was nurtured by his family and upbringing. His grandfather was a founding member of the Beth Tzedec Synagogue, his father chaired the Camp BB board for years, and his sisters have also held community leadership roles.

Horwitz’s own formative years were spent immersed in Jewish education, BBYO, and summers at Camp BB. He later worked as Edmonton’s BBYO city supervisor in the 1990s. Now based in Edmonton, he has watched that camp experience shape the next generation as his son prepares for his eighth summer on Pine Lake.

“Most of my friends are people I went to camp and BBYO with,” he says. “Those were really formative years of my life that kept me connected to Judaism.”

Participation in Jewish life is so ingrained that it’s no surprise that after Camp BB announced their search for a new director, the opportunity started seeping into his subconscious. “I was literally waking up at three a.m. dreaming about camp all the time,” he says, foreshadowing his commitment to camp.

Building leaders, community and culture

 Horwitz comes to the position with a background in building businesses, a skill set that supports the operational side of running a nonprofit organization. He’s quick to point out that financial and logistical aspects are only part of the job.

“There’s the business of operating and trying to make the dollars so that we have money to create the best experience,” he says. “To me, that stuff is the easy part.”

What really motivates him is less tangible. Horwitz plans to continue Camp BB’s legacy of a meaningful camp experience. “One of my strong suits throughout my career is helping to mentor and develop leaders, and build culture,” he explains.

Horwitz takes a hands-on approach, looking forward to spending time as part of day-to-day life at camp. You’ll find him connecting directly with campers and staff, building and strengthening that culture in real time.

A collaborative leadership approach

Horwitz is clear about both his strengths and the importance of a strong team. He brings experience and a parental perspective that many families will value, while also recognizing the importance of staying connected to younger generations.

Supporting him is a team that includes newly hired associate director Adar Latak, along with returning assistant directors who provide continuity from previous summers. Together, they bring a range of perspectives and an understanding of what resonates with today’s campers.

It’s a balance Horwitz sees as essential. He also notes that the combination of an executive and associate director is common amongst other summer camps so he feels it’s a practiced recipe that sets them up for success.

Prioritizing Jewish identity and allyship

In a time of rising antisemitism, Horwitz sees the role camp plays in helping young people develop strong, proud Jewish identities. Camp BB, he says, will deliver a richness in Jewish programming with values of kindness, gratitude, zionism and tikkun olam “woven into the fabric of camp.”

It will also encourage curiosity and connection with the broader world, fostering Jewish allyship.

That experience is possible through the organization’s partnership with Camp Canada, which facilitates hiring of international students to work at Canadian camps.

“We get all of these people that are interested in learning about Judaism and coming to a Jewish camp,” Horwitz explains. The result is a diverse staff of local Jewish leaders, Israelis and other international team members, creating an environment where Jewish identity is both shared and celebrated.

“There’s never been a more important time to have a safe place for Jewish youth to go that will help them identify and educate them about their own culture,” he says. “We need our community to stick together.”

Creating the magic of camp

 While Jewish identity is a central theme of Camp BB, Horwitz recognizes there is something about a summer camp experience that becomes a defining childhood experience. As a former camper, Horwitz knows how that magic is created.

“Camp is a place where kids get to try things they might never try anywhere else,” he says, reminiscing about his own experience. “That might be getting on stage, stepping into leadership, or simply becoming a more confident version of themselves.”

Horwitz remembers camp as his first taste of independence. It was a chance to enjoy the simplicity of being surrounded by nature. He recalls strong friendships formed by campfire, shared inside jokes, and a deep sense of belonging.

While his professional background gives him the tools to run camp, he also knows that “camp feeling” firsthand and can’t wait to create it for others. That’s what campers will remember most.

For more information on spending summer at Camp BB Riback, visit campbb.com.