What is your name?
Adam Braverman
How many years have you been at Kingswood / what was your first year at Kingswood?
This will be my 14th summer. My first year at Kingswood was 2004.
What do you do in the camp “off season?”
I’m a high school math teacher at Gilman School in Baltimore, MD
How would you describe your role at Kingswood?
Currently, I serve as one of the Directors of the CIT Program. I get an opportunity to help many long-time campers start to think about what their future at Kingswood might look like. In addition to my current role, I have resided in the Guides Lodge as well as the younger cabins. I was also a camper for 5 years. When I am not working with the CITs, you can find me on the athletic fields playing pretty much anything without a frisbee (besides Crossebee). Or you might find me giving commands at either of the ranges. And if I get some free time while the waterfront is open, you can probably find me spotting on a speed boat.
What is your favorite camp memory?
One of my favorite memories is about the only time I have ever made the annual collage (to my knowledge). It is either in the 2011 or 2012 collage. But Adam Kelmenson and I were two of the counselors helping run an “old school” cookout back when each camper was given a sacred, sugary soda. So as we were walking around collecting the cans for recycling, we noticed Mr. Wiff taking pictures nearby so we decided to pose. At no point did Wiff notice us, but we held our ground. Eventually, campers and counselors alike asked us what we were doing and we told them, “getting a picture, join us.” We eventually gathered a large enough crowd that Mr. Wiff couldn’t ignore us any longer. That picture now lives on forever just under the numbers of the 2011 or 2012 collage, and always brings a smile to my face when I see it.
What makes Kingswood special to you?
Everything. I’ll start by saying Kingswood is one of the main reasons I have begun my current journey in education. Most of my favorite counselors and eventual role models on staff were teachers. I have now been working in schools since I graduated college in 2015.
Besides Kingswood inspiring my career choices so far, I have always made it a goal to return to Kingswood. My first summer, I was supposed to be there with my older brother. He had been there the previous summer but needed shoulder surgery right before camp started. So I went my first summer alone. As soon as I got there, I was treated like family because everyone knew my brother. (Also, Klaus was my first ever counselor). As more summers past, I built my own camp family and have built relationships that will last forever.
One thing I will forever be grateful for is the Wipfler’s taking a chance on me as a counselor. I chose to miss my JC year (Junior Counselor – the precursor to the CITs) and my age groups first year as counselors so that I could play club lacrosse in the summer. I decided to inquire if I could come back after taking off two very important years for a young staff member. Due to my experience as a camper and my brother’s time as a counselor, they allowed me to return fully on staff. From then on, I have been so thankful for the Wipfler’s giving me opportunity to experience the greatest job in the world. There are probably many more things I could say but finding my passion and life-long are the two big ones coming to mind right now.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Main Lodge porch during a big storm. Or floating on a boat in the middle of the lake.
What is your favorite A-block offering?
Gator Ball or Football Tournament
If you were a camper, how would you spend your B-Block?
Finding shade on Pines Field or taking a kayak out on the lake
What is your favorite Kingswood hike / trip?
I mean I’m a Braverman so Moose Scoops (or Fat Bob’s)
What is your favorite Kingswood special event (could be an annual event or a truly special,
we only did it once, event)?
The 1st session football tournament will always hold a special place in my heart.
