Founder & Director​

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Some people just love camp and others need time to warm up to it...or just need to be in the right camp. As a kid, summer was Rabbi Merrill's least favorite time of the year. Now, he lives and breathes camp. Rabbi Merrill founded Camp Al Haderech in the summer of 2003.

He wanted a camp that would have lots of trips and get him to see places he never saw before. At the time, #1 on the list was Niagara Falls. He has since been there 5 times (at least). Over time, added to the list were rafting, alpine slides, and the world's tallest filing cabinet (only 3x so far). Before making aliyah in 2021, Rabbi Merrill spent 20 years in Jewish Education including 18 years at HANC where he taught, was the Director of Student Activities, and the Assistant Principal. 

While, he is no longer in the classroom his passion is still to teach and he does teach Navi online as well as teaching the campers of Al Haderech.

His greatest joy in the summer is seeing campers grow by taking chances at new activities. He has watched this thousands of times and gets the greatest satisfaction when some of those campers eventually become staff and help other campers overcome their fears!​​​

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Assistant Director NY & Boys NY Head Counselor

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Eli Cohen entered Al Haderech the summer after fourth grade. He started as a camper in the travel camp, and continued until he graduated 8th grade. In 9th grade Eli joined the staff as a CIT. Although he was sometimes confused with his campers, that was only in size. In stature he clearly was a leader at a young age. Eli continued to grow as a staff member and would finish as one of the best counselors of all time. He went off to Shaalvim for 2 years of learning and then rejoined our head staff. As a head counselor he distinguished himself with his ability to stay calm no matter what. Eli's patience is most apparent when dealing with some of the more difficult campers. He listens carefully and is able to help get them back on track. He entertains campers on the buses with his tree trivia and random food facts. Eli is also Assistant Director, where he focuses on the behind the scenes logistics and staff training. When Eli is not busy working at Al Haderech he is learning at Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns.​​​

Head Counselor Boys Travel & Ultimate

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Yitzie Milworn is a West Hempstead native with a passion for creative programming. Yitzie joins us at Al Haderech this year after three summers as Director of staff at Moshava Ba'ir. As a Rebbe and Director of Student Activities at Rambam Mesivta, Yitzie is a natural problem solver who thrives on the "puzzle" of making a camp and an amazing experience. Yitzie lived in Israel for ten years and spent his time learning, including seven years at Yeshiva Birkat Moshe in Maale Adumim and served in the IDF's Nahal Brigade. When he's not in class or planning a tournament in school, he likes to read, keep up with hockey highlights, catch a shiur, or listen to some podcasts. With dedication and a "can-do" attitude, he can’t wait to get started on a summer filled with great times and even greater memories!

Assistant Head Counselor Girls Max

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Shira Ginsberg was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, and is a proud Maayanot alumna. She is currently studying in Israel at Midreshet Moriah, an experience she finds both meaningful and inspiring. Shira grew up attending Al Haderech Travel and loved it so much that she returned as a counselor on Al Haderech Max in 2023 and later served as Day Camp Head Morah in 2024. For the past two summers, she has also spent the second half of the season working for Yachad, making camp life feel like a second home. Shira loves working with kids, bringing positive energy, and making sure everyone around her is having the best time possible. Known for her upbeat spirit, she’s always ready for spontaneous singing, random dance parties, and keeping the vibes high—especially on a bus full of campers ready for an unforgettable summer.

Director

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Malkie was born into a true camp family. Her father lived and breathed camp—so much so that he owned and directed his own camp for seven summers. When her parents eventually stepped away from the camp world, Malkie realized just how much she missed it. Free to explore other camps, she gained a wealth of experience, learning what makes a camp run smoothly—and even met her future husband along the way.

After getting married, Malkie took one summer off, but her father soon encouraged her to start a camp of her own. With a bit of persuasion, she got Rabbi Merrill on board, and Al Haderech was born.

In the early years, Malkie worked behind the scenes—serving as both the director and the first summer’s cook! As the camp grew, so did her role. Today, she’s a steady source of support for all the head staff on the road, constantly contributing creative programming ideas and enriching the camp’s day-to-day life. She also accompanies the girls all week long on the Max program.

Before making aliyah in 2021, Malkie taught at Bais Yaakov of Queens for 20 years, where she was known as a beloved Morah whose patience and care left a lasting impression on her students.

Head Counselor Girls Max & NJ Travel​

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Aviv is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Stern College for Women and was previously in Migdal Oz and Central. She is passionate about fostering connections, bringing fun to every situation, and learning new things. She loves all things camp and was a Morah in Camp Funshine of North Woodmere for eight summers. All of her brothers had the zechut of being a part of Al HaDerech and she is excited to join them as part of the Al HaDerech community.

Aviv's first summer was a blast, she realized how happy she was to join her brothers' camp. More importantly, Al Haderech realized how lucky they were to have found her. Her creativity and patience have truly made her an integral part of the Head Staff.

For this coming summer Aviv will be even more involved in the running of Max Girls while also adding the role of Girls NJ Head Counselor.​​​​

Logistics & Social Media

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Ariella has been part of the Al Haderech family since its first summer. She has served as both a camper and a staff member in multiple divisions, and as head counselor of Al Haderech Travel and Al Haderech Max’s Girls Division. After getting married, Ariella still wanted to be a part of the Al Haderech team, so she transitioned into a logistics and social media management role. She loves Camp Al Haderech, and is so grateful to still be able to be a part of it.

Ariella currently lives in Israel, and is the founder of Ready.Set.Sem., which helps seminary girls make the most of their year in Israel. 

Assistant Head Counselor Girls Max

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Shani Lauer was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, and is a proud Maayanot alumna. She is currently studying in Israel at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim and will, IYH, be attending Stern College this fall. Shani was an All-Star counselor at Al Haderech Max in 2023 and spent this past summer as a Day Camp Head Morah , both of which were incredibly meaningful experiences for her. She loves having deep and fun conversations about just about anything and truly values building strong connections with the people around her.

Shani is so excited to be part of this program and can’t wait to have an amazing and impactful summer together.